RC24 Rear tire width 18inch - 160, 150 or (stock) 130?

I have a 1986 vfr750, and just went to dealer to remove the old for a new rear tire.. I have a battleaxe BT54 on there now, 150, and the stock calls for a 130 - so ive been doing some reading, on bridgestones site, they rate the RECOMMENDED stock tire (130) up to 500cc.. so now without losing hairpins on the matter - what to do?

http://www.bridgestone.co.uk/moto/ranges/battlax/bt-45/

The bt54 (150) seemed to drive perfect on my bike.. couldnt fault the thing - even worn down I still have a nice round shape - what difference would I see from going to a 130?

And I have to decide between stock and bridgestones recommendations?

 

You are doing the right thing in getting a recommendation from a tyre manufacturer. The RC24 has a 3.5 inch rear rim that is not designed to take a modern wide radial back tyre, so sticking closer to the 130/80 size would be the better bet. I used to use 140/17 Bridgestones, don't know if they are still making that size. Back in the day I put a 160/60 on and it was not a good idea as that tyre is intended for at least a 4.5 inch rim, so the middle was flat and the edges pulled in, giving a weird profile. Using the narrower tyre will give the bike more neutral handling characteristics, but it will have a slightly smaller footprint when leaned hard over, so might have a little less edge grip.

 

IMO best tires for that bike are no longer made, Metzler ME33 Comp K 110 front/ME55 Comp K 140 rear.

 

I agree entirely with that, Squirrel.


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Well, Cad, do you have any opinions about the best tires for '86/'87 VFRs now ??

 

Haven't owned one of those since 1995 so I haven't been looking for tyres. I did see recently that Metzeler have just released a tyre based on the ME33 and ME1 using latest compounds on crossply construction called Sportec Klassik, might be pretty good


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I don't remember the ME55 being available in Comp K. Are thinking of the ME1? That was the Comp K rear bias model.

But, yeah, I loved my Comp Ks!


And I think 140/70 is the sweet spot (looks and profile) for the rear 18". It is also available in a 140/80, which is right smack on as far as recommended rim width. On some of my 1000s, I run a 150, but the aspect ratio on the 17"s seems to keep the profile reasonable for the 3.5 inch wheel.

 

You nailed it, Cap. It's been so long ago that i furgot. ME1 it is ! Thanks 4 the correction. :eek-new:

 

Love the look of the ME1s!... BUT... no 16" front in the new Klassik? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot?!

 

whiskey tango whaaa??

um - so not sure I have the wide gamut of choices here in south africa.. since bridgestone rates the "suggested" tire at >= 500cc, what would you choose from this link?

http://trac-mac.com/store/74-tyres-sport-touring

scroll down for the 18s...

Interesting - if i enter my bike info Bridgestone actually has a recommendation list! whoohoo - funny thing is though - they have the BT-45 (130) at the bottom of the list - isnt that odd?

http://www.bridgestone.co.uk/moto/search-results-bike/?model=VFR 750 F RC 24

 

and on this chart - http://kawtriple.com/mraxl/tire_rim.htm#BT45chart

My 3.5" rim is ok for the 140/80/18 too -

 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (What The Fuck)

Don't worry too much about the engine size limitations. They are applying current displacement/power/tire relationships to avoid a tire that's not designed for higher horsepower going on the wrong bike. I use these tires on my 1000s, but they are from the 80s and not making enough power to compromise a modern tire in the right size. And I wouldn't be too concerned about weight either as long as you are running correct tire pressure. We simply don't have many tire choices.

Don't forget about Avon Roadrider too. The appropriate sizes in a nice looking tire and compound designed for our era motorcycles. I will be installing a set on my VF1000F soon.

 

If I was only able to pick from those choices in the link for my 86 VFR, I would have to go with:
BT45

100/90-16
130/80-18

It will have good, light handling and work well.

 

ok gr8 - already bought the 130 - someone in the shop also said its a bit small for the viffer 750... was really happy with the BT-54 tho - guess ill have to enjoy the better handling of the 130 -

 

Bike stolen last week..

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I am very sorry for your loss my friend. This is terrible news.

 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot!!!! That sucks, so sorry.

 

Awwww man that sucks shit, hope it turns up for you

 

Avon Roadriders AM26 are hard to beat for a vintage application.

 

Hi everyone - Sooo.. im back! and the cops recovered my bike last week!!!! SUPER chuffed - cos the thief fitted original honda front fairings that i could NEVER find!

anyway - back on topic.. picking up an avon AM23 today i think.. the 130 is nice.. but dies feel like it "wobbles" a bit.. but maybe thats cos ive been riding on low tread for some time lol - anyway - can get 60% tread am23 for $15 a piece! very chuffed..

Also need front tire.. mine is shot! any recommendations?