Recommended Tires

I'm trying to replace my old tires on my 1986 Honda VFR 700 but after calling around to my local shops am not too thrilled with the options I have been given. For example, the Bridgestone Battlax was recommended but that tire is too "middle of the road" for me. I have a 130/80 - 18 on the back and a 120/80-16 on the front (although I believe the stock front was a 110). Anybody have any success with specific tires and/or different sizes which may expand my search?

 

See what size combos are available. Stock or otherwise. You're limited by those odd rim sizes. I was running Dunlop gt501's on my 86 before they were discontinued.

http://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tub...ptor-700-vfr700f-motorcycle-tires/t11?m=14867

 

Might take a look at Avon AM26
140/70V18
120/80V16

 

Or Pirelli Sport Demon
110/70 - 16 M/C 52P TL
110/90 - 16 M/C 59V TL
120/70 - 16 M/C 57P TL
120/80 V 16 M/C (60V) TL

130/70 - 18 M/C 63H TL
130/80 - 18 M/C 66V TL
140/70 - 18 M/C 67V TL

 

Thanks, I was running the GT501's too. I'll check out those other models.

 

Have you used these sized Avons yourself? I'm concerned I could have some clearance issues.

 

Have you used these sized avons yourself? I'm concerned I may have clearance issues.

 

I currently have a set of BT45s on one of my 86 VFRs, 120/80-16 and 140/70-17. No clearance issues (even the chainguard). The two brands appear to be very similar in actual sizes. I have a set of Avons ready to go on a VF1000F. The fronts appear to be very similar in actual size and the rear (a 150/70-17) looks to be in line with what I was expecting. I know some tires can be very different in reality vs what size is on the sidewall.

So, no, not those exact tires on a VFR, but I wouldn't expect any clearance issues. A 140/80-18 would be safer, but it is not available in the Avon.

 

Here is what got recently for my '83, I have had Metzelers on the bike since '83, love them:

 

Lasertec is always a good option, and I used Metzeler exclusively for years (decades). The Pirelli is essentially the same tire with a different tread pattern. Installed a set on one of the VF1000Rs and liked them as well.

I just decided I wanted to start trying the other options. I actually like the BT45s on the VFR750F. I found them predictable in the dry and wet. Quite good grip in the dry. I'm anxious to see how the 1000F gets along with the Avons.

Have a friend with Michelin Pilot Activ on his VTR250 and likes them a lot.

 

Just put on a rear PR3 a few months back and front PR3 yesterday. When I had my 900SS Metzelers was all I ever used and loved the hell out of them. Sure technology has even made them better now, so just might jump the Michelin wagon next time around. Got over 14,000 on my front PR4 that I got for $106.....just started to notice cupping so tossed it.

 

Thanks all. Good to hear the BT45's are better than I thought but I think I'm leaning toward the Metzelers.

 

Not too many choices when it comes to the 16" front.

 

They might not be aggressive enough for you but I've put Michelin Pilot Roads (I think the current ones are 4s) on my VFR the last few times. I don't push it that hard but they perform up to my needs and they wear great.

 

You're preaching to the choir about the PR4. Now, seeing that you're new here, why don't you make your way to the introductions thread and say hello. Give us a background and maybe a good story, with pics of course. :wink:

 

Ok....so I am still new here and my bike only has 1000 miles on it but I already know I absolutely hate the Dunlop D-222's that came on them. They are hard, have poor grip, and have poor feel in a corner. Granted I'm aggressive but I've already slid the rear a few times especially if it's cooler. I've ridden my S1000RR in many of the same conditions and my Michellin Evo super sports grip so much better.

I have an option of putting Michellin power 3's on my 2014 VFR deluxe. They were used by a track coach for a season so they have lots of life left yet, especially in the middle third where most road riding is and plenty on the edges for weekend rides.

Thoughts?

 

I run the Pilot Power 3's on my 5 Gen and love them. I also run a Pilot Power 3 on the front of my 6 Gen that is mated to a Pilot Road 4 and love the turn in and longevity I get out of both. As far as the PP3's on the 5 Gen, I typically get between 5-6K miles out of a set. This is 80% sport riding miles too.

 

Great thanks! The way I see it is with the cost of the used tires and with his affordable installation fee I can get a "new" set of supersport tires on my VFR every year for the price of ONE tire lol. For now, however, since I do not take anybody on the back of my bike I just dropped a bit of pressure at the rear to get the tires to heat up a bit faster and see if the Dunlops will give me some better performance. I'll try that for 1000 miles and if I still don't like them I'll swap them out then.