Tire Questions

So I was just at the Cleveland International Motorcycle show this past weekend, and ran into the guys that run the "Moto Series" that I've been thinking about getting into. We talked for a good while and told the guy that me and my buddy were intersted in getting into the racing school they offer, so we could get our competition lisence. We signed up for the April school which got me thinking... oh shit, what am I going to do about a ride?

I think I'm pretty sure I'm not going to race the baby Viff, just based on how old she is. People keep telling me that bikes like that get raced in the vintage series all the time, and that they do just fine. The problem is I dont have the cash to just up and buy a track bike. So I figure I will use the viff to do the track school and make a decision from there on what im going to do. Hopefully I can save up a little cash by then and can jump on a nice race prepped sv or something. The problem with the viff is tires. It will definitely need new tires before the riding season starts anyway. So I might as well begin to plan what I would like to put on it for spring/track school. Sport Rider ran a section about tires in the June issue and gave a listing of tires that will fit. What do you think is the best option???

-The BT45s
-Avon Roadrider - V-rated (149 mph) The Avons are also available in slightly wider versions for both front and rear
-Continental TKV Ultra
-Pirelli Sport Demon

*EDIT* - and if a wider tire is available that would fit like the Avon thing says, what is a better tire size for a track day???? Tire size noob here. lol

 

Yes sir unfortunately tires are tough to find for these bikes.

I had BT45s and they performed...average.

Since then I'm now on Dunlop GT501s and I like them better, but not sure if they come in your size.

I'm still curious myself about the sport demons but I've heard bad things.

Hope this helps!

 

Yea, from what im seeing online I'm fairly certain I'm staying away from the Bridgestones and Continentals. The Pirelli's look very nice, but im leaning toward the Avons because of the V rating. I might never reach that speed on this little bike, but it would be nice to have the extra safety spec in the bag.

As far as finding my tires, it must be a common size because they are all over Google shopping. The hardest one to find are the conti's.

 

I got a set of the Avon RoadRiders on my VF700F and since I don't run on the track this might not mean anything to you, but they're great tires for both dry and wet conditions driving around country roads where I live. I would imagine they would be pretty good on track but they're a pretty hard compound compared to actual track tires I've seen. If you're going to use them on the road as well they'd be perfect.

 

Stay with the stock profile tires, they were put on those bikes in that configuration for a reason.
Going wider can cause problems with handling.

 

Yea they will be mainly for the street. Most likely just one track day until I can pick up a track bike. The fact that they are a harder compound might not be good for the track. The pirellis on the other hand sound pretty soft, all the reviewers love them but complain about poor tire life....

 

If I had to guess I would say the compound of the tire is a "performance street". It's right between the oem and a track tire. I just got them because I needed replacements and they had good reviews for $150 shipped for the set.

I'd love to go to some of those events up in the Cleveland area. This season once my bike is all ready I'll have to take the almost 4 hour journey up north some time.

 

I've had 2 sets of the BT45's and both wore badly. (on 2 different bikes)

I had the Demon Sports on my old VF500 and I liked them.

IC had a magazine article that tested Bias-ply tires and the Avon Roadriders came out on top.
I'm planning on getting them for my VFR this year.

 

IC?

Someone shot me this link with the size already put in. Lots more choice than I thought. I'm not sure about the Avons, but I like the looks of the CONTI GO's. The picture looks a little big to be my tires though. I might head up to Iron Pony to see what they have in stock... 110/90-18 - American Motorcycle Tire

 

I am running a set of the BT45V right now I have a little over 3000 miles on them...they are wearing perfect. I like the grip they have. they tell me when its time to stand the bike up. BTW I have an 86vfr700. I ride everyday and do some twisty stuff on the days I go to school in the afternoon...

 

To the OP:

Remember also that you run lower tires pressures on the track. 30psi COLD front and back to start with and adjust from there. In addition, cruse the WERA or CCS boards and look to see if anyone talks tires pressures for vintage bikes, make sure you search the board really well for the answer as the worst questions to ask on a racing board are: "What oil do you use"? "What tires do you use"? and "Waht tires pressures do you use"? Somebody has already discussed this and for whatever reason racers hate these questions and will not suffer fools.

Make sure you post up pics of your racing exploits too

BZ

 

Here ya go:









And a bit more info here:

http://vfrworld.com/forums/1st-2nd-generation-1983-1989/30852-vf500f-cbr600f-wheel-conversion.html

 

On a bike where crossplies are still used- usually those with a 140 section rear tyre or smaller - owners are probably best off staying on them.

 

Had Pirelli Sport Demons on my 84 Nighthawk. Put them on after a friend of mine had been running a set of them on his Ninja. I liked them better than the Metz Lazers I had on the bike previously (yes both sets of tires were brand new, wore out a set of Metz and then decided to try the Pirelli's). They gripped great and provided excellent traction hot cold wet or dry.

 

Great article IC. Makes me wonder about the Pirellis with the iffy review. Seems like they like the BT45s, but I've had multiple people tell me they dont have the grip the others do. Might just go ahead and get the Avons.

As far as the CBR F wheel conversion.... I dont really want to invest that kind of time or money into something like that unless I am absolutely sure that I want to race the bike full time. If I only plan on doing race school on it, and then relegate it to street duty again there probably is no point.

 

If you do decide to attend a track school I would recommend upgrading the stock mono-shock as these were not the best even when they were new.

Also, valve float is an issue with the VF500F. There are several threads on this topic and are worth a read.

Please keep us posted on what you decide and good luck with your project!

 

Will do. I've been browsing the WERA boards the past week. There are some really good deals on there. There is an 02 F4i for $1500, like an hour from me. It was cheap because it only has a bill of sale and no title.... but i'd track it anyway, and keep the baby for the street.

 

I'm running the BT45's on my VF500, and my Ninja 250. I'm very happy with how they perform, but I've worn out the rear on both bikes pretty fast. I'm going to guess around 5,000 miles. They are BOTH due for a new rear right now, FML.

Keep a watch over on Ohio Riders for a track bike, they pop up on their cheap quite often.

 

Great article, looks like I'll be going with the Avon's!

 

The guys at my tire shop love the Avons on the track and swear by them.