1986 VF 500 Interceptor tires

I just bought a 1986 vf 500 interceptor. It needs a new rear tire. I have read that it can handle a 120, even tho 110 is stock. Is this better? If money is no object, what is the best tire? I use the bike to commute (city) and riding in the canyons outside Salt Lake. Should I order it myself, or let the shop order it and mount it? I'm just getting back into biking again. Many things have changed. Especially the bikes.

 

well........ I personally stick with the stock tire sizes..... this is what the bike was designed for.....Unless you are a tire guy,let your shop mount them if you order from the shop you may get a break on the mounting costs... little tip take your wheels into them off the bike when you get ready to have tires put on.. it cuts the price down(or so I have been told)...

Good luck and welcome to the world.......... one more thing...

 

Thanks. Stock sizes, that's what I've been reading. So what is the best rear tire?

 

Here is a very good article on modern bias-ply tires.

 

Thank you for posting the article. That really helped. I knew joining a forum would be beneficial.

 

Quite welcome, glad this is of help.

I have Avon Roadriders on my '84 VF500F (17" wheel conversion using CBR600F rims). I can attest to these being a quality tire.

 

I like Bridgestone Battleaxe tires and i put a 130 on my stock 500 rim. I never enountered any probs with that wide of a tire on there. There isn't much of a selection for the back tire because of the 18" rim and bridgestone's are right in the midle price wise. I think my back tire was $125

 

I've got the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires on all of my '86 Interceptors. On the 500, I went with a 120 on the rear with no problems at all. Crusty gave you some good advice that I have found to be true as well. The shop that I use mounts your tires for free if you buy the tires through them. Overall, it ends up being a whole cheaper. Also, do take the wheels off yourself and take them in. That will also save you a fair amount of money.

 

I just checked (the bike is new to me), and it has a 120 conti on it now. The next problem will be finding a matching front...