Tyre Choices for 1986/87 VFR 750

As we all know our choice of tyres is limited these days, especially if like myself you wish to keep the bike as close to standard trim as possible.
On my bike (FG 1986) I have installed Cartridge Emulators to the front forks, kept the standard springs, fitted a new Wilbers shock (made to the exact length as per original shock) & kept the original wheels (fitted with Avon Roadriders at stock sizes). Now with this package the bike still looks standard & at the same time handles very well for a 22 year old bike, however I feel that the tyres are its downfall.
These tyres have now done approx 4000 miles and still grip very well, but ever since from new they are “nervous” wriggley, especially on rough surfaces, white lines & “tram lines” in other words deepish ruts carved into our roads by HGV’s.
I have tried various pressures in the tyres but alas it makes no difference to the nervousness on rough roads. (they are fine on smooth roads which are few & far between in our glorious country)
As I have not tried any other manufacturers tyres yet (theres still plenty of life in the Avons) just wondering what you chaps are running on your bike & what feedback you get from them.

 

if Dunlop GT 501s are available over there you might like them.....very good in the English wet.

 

I'm using the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires on my 750. I also run them on my 500. On the rear, I'm running 1 over on the width and I think the tires work as well as they can for the stock rims.

 

I'm also running the bridgestones. They seem to be very good. I'm about to put a fresh set on, and I will go with the same.

 

Stock suspension

I just put a Dunlop GT501 on the front yesterday and then it rained so I have not had a chance to experience it. My bike is totally stock and I kept the same 110/90 configuration. I do like the looks of the tire. Well report after a few miles.

 

Thank you all so far, for replying.
Bernieswanson would be grateful if you could give me your feedback on the Dunlops.
Cheers all

 

Hi, improved grip with Pirelli Diablo. Rear, improved width (140). Try to adjust anti-dive on the left fork.
Lamps to all VFR owners !.

 

I've always run Dunlop and raced on them. I put a GT501 set on and went on a trip. IMO the front 501 is junk. Yes it sticks in the dry/wet. But the way the grooves are the bike wanted to fall in to a turn vaguely the first 10 degrees or so. After a few thousand miles it's better. The big problem I had was in the rain at 90mph and I hit longitudinal tar strips in the road. The front end went nuts with head shake. It was sliding. Dropped to 70mph and it still did it, but not as bad. My old Dunlop 591 NEVER did anything like that. I'll never buy another one. Avons look like the next for me. Check them out.

 

you're right about the old Dunlop 591s. i loved them and used them on all my bikes.

 

What I used, great tire IMO :wink:

 

I've been running dunlop GT501's almost since they first came out, and ive always been happy with how they hook up and handle. the tire tooic on these 1st gen VFR's is always as hot a debate as oil or oil filters, and really, everybody rides differently. its really best to get as many people's experience as you can and really just check out different tires for yourself and decide whats best for you via trial and error.

 

Follow up on the Dunlop GT501

This replaced a very worn out front tire. In my riding past on 2 other early gen VFR's, all I ever ran on were Metzlers and a Lazertec on the front. My riding style is more utilitatirian now. I commute on this in nice weather about 30 miles a day. The new 501 is a good looking tire and resembles some of the newer radial designs. I have found it to be very neutral in tracking on pavement with cracks, grooves and seams. The tire has not been pushed yet, but I feel safe and confident on edge. My opinion is that you will like this tire. It is currently mated with a Metzler ME88 but I plan on replacing that one with the matching 501. My experience has been that Dunlop tires provide a longer life than previous Bridgestones I have owned. But, I felt the Bridgestones provided a better feel and handling. That seems to be true of many tires I have owned. Two reasons I bought the Dunlop 501 this time was that it was not backordered like the Metzler Lasertec was, it was a newer design. If you want more miles and good handling and looks get the Dunlop. If handling is more important, the Avons, Bridgstones and maybe the Pirellis might be your choice. Availability may come in to play. If you ever get on this side of the pond, near the home of Microsoft, I'd be happy to let you pilot my VRF for a test ride.

 

ill admit, ive been really impressed with both the GT501's performance AND its longevity. i sometimes ride fairly aggressively (ok, what can i say, i love to lean my bike), and every time i feel like im pushing my limits, i can feel that the tires have more balls than i do (which is something i kinda like).

yesterday, i found my way into shifting wrong, and when i let go of the clutch (which i did WAY too fast), the drivetrain grabbed suddenly and before i knew it, id realized that the bike was still moving significantly faster than the back wheel was.....it threw me straight into a fishtail, which after only a toss to one side, then the other, the back tire grabbed with a vengence, and tracked me straight again.

i cant say that any tire would've hooked that well, but i definitely have more faith in those dunlops now...

 

Battlax on front and rear.

 

I have a BT45 front now and a Pirelli SportDemon rear, in stock size on stock wheels.
The Pirelli works werry well, and behave well thro you will have to have a good trotle hand accerlating out of corners. The BT45 front grips well and hold a line well but I dont like how it wants to get the bike straight while braking in corners. A Pirelli dont do that! I had a BT45 140/70 rear before on this rim, but the profile suffers and I could not use full tread like on the Pirelli now.