Just joined VFR World today. I own a 1983 Interceptor 750. I discovered the site while I was looking for information on replacing the tires. I would like to replace both the front and rear tires. If anyone has suggestions as to the tires I should be looking at as replacements or where they could be found I would appreciate it. Thanks, Rich
Hey Rich...welcome to the forum! I might post a copy of this over on the 1st gen column. First & Second Generation 1983-1989 - VFRworld
There are several brands that still make tires for the stock wheels. I don't use the stock wheels on any of my VF's anymore, but if you let us know what type of riding you do and your expected price range we should be able to steer you in the right direction.
Dunlop arrowmax (GT501) has both sizes. I payed $120 for the rear, and $95 for the front at Cycle Gear. Mine were lopsided for the first week... they look cool, but are kinda crappy. Avon also makes a matched set. They are called "roadrider", but I don't remember the number for them. They run about $200 a set. The Avons are a lottle stickier than the Dunlops, but they wear out fast. Metzeler makes a tire that fits on the front, but the size is a little different. it's a 130/70-16 instead of a 120/80-16. It clears everything just fine, but it may throw off the speedometer a bit. This one grabs the road like nothing else. It's called a "sportec M3". it's a Z rated tire (61W), and priced accordingly... It cost me over $150 at dealer cost. There are many other tires that will fit it, even some dual sport tires (bridgestone trailhawk), but the best combination I've found is the avon on the back, with the metzeler on the front. If you want a matched set, go for the avons. Other than the Dunlops, there are no other matched sets I know of. BTW... the Avons are bias, the metzeler is a radial. Many people say mixing bias ply and radial tires is a big no no. I haven't had any problems, and I ride this thing hard. Do this if you want, but just keep it in mind. It may be something left over from when radial tires were fairly new, and no longer applies... either way, everyone that ever told me this, can't remember how they know.