Noob question

Hey guys/gals.

I'm looking for some experience oppinions on this. I own a 1990 Honda VFR 750. The previous owner has a 180/55 ZR 17 on the back, The stock specs have it at a 170/60. I'm not sure what benefits this provides other than visual? Can someone or multiple people please post their experience, and whether you would recommend ordering a new set of tires in the stock specs, or sticking with the 180-55. I'm ordering a new pair of tires in the next couple of days, so quick responses appreciated.

 

Can you also confirm that, a 170-60 is indead the stock size?

 

Stick with the 180. 170 was stock for '90 - '93 only, but it is a 5.5" wide wheel, same width as '98-'10 bikes that run a 180 stock. I have that same 8 spoke on my '99 and '93, like a thousand other owners, and the 180 is the choice. Better selection of tires too.

Oh, and nice looking bike!

 

I appreciate the response, Thank you a great deal.

Next, Can you, or anyone else recommend a proper tire for the bike, there seems to be a lot of disparity between owners for a solid tire for the bike. I'm limited on funds atm, so I don't expect to get a top of the line tire, something under 225 would suit me nicely for the time being.

For what it's worth it's mostly going to be for commuting, casual cruise/ backroading.

 

I've liked Michelins for quite a few years now, I run the Pilot Road series on the rear. The PR2 is still available, it's a good long lasting, sort of sticky tire that can be had a little cheaper than the PR 3 or 4.

If you're short on funds I'd get the PR2:
https://www.jakewilson.com/p/1742/2...T-Radial-Rear-Motorcycle-Tire?term=pilot road

The Pilot Power 2 makes a good front match to that rear.
https://www.jakewilson.com/p/1742/20816/Michelin-Pilot-Power-2-CT-Front-Motorcycle-Tire


Asking for tire opinions is like asking for the best oil or polish, someone will be along shortly to tell me I'm full of shit.

 

In my numerous hours of forum searching, the PP2/PR2 Combo has IMO been the most popular combination of tires. Again, Thank you for your help. The beauty of opinions, is one can take it, or leave it. So who cares what anyone says about it, I'm a big boy, I can do research and decide whether I value an opinion or not

 

I have run through three sets of PR2's and a set of PR3's. Prefer the 2 to the 3 only because of the price difference. Right now I have the PR4's which are supposed to have a different dual compound that the previous. I "think" they may perform slightly better than the 2's, but the next set I get, if the 2's are still around and cheaper, I will go back to them. Whatever brand you get, look them up first on the net and see what the specs are. From what you say your riding is goinf to be, you definately want a dual compound tire, soft on the sides and harder in the middle for long lasting touring type of riding.

 

I've got two VFR's, one has a 180 and one has a 170 - I can't tell the difference, some people say it's affects turn in, but is it discernible? Not really.

Tyre recommendation, why opt for anything less than a Michelin Pilot Road 4? I've had that tyre on multiple bikes along with a plethora of other types and the PR4 always wins out, perfect year round tyre, warms up quick and you'll never break grip in sensible situations with it, oh and they last AGES.

 

If you are on a budget your tire choice should be made based on the type of riding that you do. If you use the bike mainly for commuting and don't do much riding in the rain or on curvy roads you can easily get away with a cheaper single compound tire like the Metzler M3 , Continental Motion, Pirelli Diablo. I always chuckle each time I see someone with the most expensive, top of the line dual compound tires and they are balding and have flat spots down the middle of the tire and look brand new on the edges.

Rollin

 

Thanks everyone again for your input.

I'm on a budget, as I'm in between jobs right now, so putting out almost 400 USD is something I really can't do. I've decided to go with http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BJBBOPE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3I0DYIBPCYOI5. I don't expect them to be amazing, but if they get me through this current season, long enough to get back in the job world, before I order a set of new high end tires, then the 160 USD was well worth it.

 

I think the Continental Motion I mentioned in my previous post is a better tire that is made by a more reputable manufacturer and you can get a set for $146 shipped

http://www.amazon.com/CONTINENTAL-M...bs_auto_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0PCMCD85YAF8J3NF0728

 

Hate you guys with your cheap tyres :smile-new:

 

I looked at that, the consensus seemed to be it wasn't a very solid tire, and that Nankang had better performance for the price

 

In my years here, I have never seen/heard of Nankang. For me, no way I'd be putting them on my bike.

I understand they get OK reviews on Amazon, but that's Amazon, not a motorcycle forum. And for what its worth, Amazon has 50 reviews on the Continental, and its 5 stars. The Nankang have 6 reviews.

 

http://www.tyretest.com/motorcycle-tyre-reviews/nankang/roadiac/index.html

http://www.ctaaustralia.com.au/node/13

The review that sold me was from a GP Pro racer, who reviewed it and said "I mounted them on my 1,000, and perhaps the best review I can give it, is I see no reason to take them off"

Chris Moss's Review is good enough for me. For a tire under 170 USD.

I also think it's important to note that the Chris Moss review was done ON A Viffer.

 

I know this isn't going to be a popular opinion on here, but if you're on a budget and want a good tire, check out the Shinko brand. I've gone through 4 sets of Shinko's and they all have done a great job for road tires. The 009 Ravens are flatter and get about 10k miles out of the rear. I'm currently running the 005 Podiums and they've been great for some serious twisties. I've got about 3000 miles on them and they've kind of flat spotted, but still have a few thousand miles left on them. If you shop around, you can get a set of 009's or 005's for about $180 shipped.

There also seem to be good reviews on their 010's and 011's, but I have yet to try them. They can be had for around $225.

Story is they took over Yokohama's (I believe?) motorcycle tire division, so they have none of the R&D costs, thus lower prices.

 

From another forum, and user with 5,000 posts

Evening,

I have now done over 200 miles on them - some of those on dry roads !

The biggest compliment i can give them is that i don't ride any differently than on the BT023's.

They are stable at nigh on 3 figure speeds, dont wobble when crossing white lines/cats eyes in the wet or dry. Braking, cornering and grip appear fine in the wet. They hold a reasonable lean angle, although as still new nothing mad.

My commute is 12 miles down the A2 and then say 4/5 miles through London. I run 32 psi front and 36 psi rear, i have dropped the forks 10mm through the yolks (only way I could get the headlight aim to pass the MOT), run standard for springs, and a hagon rear shock. I weigh a bit more than Dani Pedrosa......

Now i either ride like Miss Daisy, or the tyres are actually quite good.............. I do ride quickly and they are fine on what is essentially an upright commute, as i dont use the bike for pleasure i can't comment on "a knees down every bend sunday ride".

I will report back after a few thousand miles to see what their lifespan is like, but if I get 5000 plus from the rear I would be most impressed especially as the pair cost less than one BT023 rear

 

Update

I just wanted everyone to know. I received these. They are on the bike, I've done about 300 miles on them, and so far they are golden. The difference between these and my Corsa II's which were well worn is significant. They've improved my confidence in corners drastically, and seem to have great tread/traction. Had it up to 125 mph for a cpl miles the other day, and it was easy peazy. I'll be buying another set of these no question.

 

Hey, allow me to throw this into the mix. I'm a fan of the PR3 tires. I have run three different sets. Since I ride sorta hard in the canyons, I thought I would ask Michelin what lean angles the PR4 can handle. This is their reply:

Thank you for your email. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.



In regards to the email you sent stating:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a long time customer riding your PR3 tires. I am now considering the PR 4 tires for my 2005 Honda VFR 800. My question is one that I can't find an answer to online. How many degrees of lean angle are the PR 4 tires engineered for? 45 degrees, 55 degrees? I am comparing them to a couple of other tires and I would like to have an idea of how far I can lean.



Please let me know. By the way, I had my rear tire last about 10k miles of highway, hard canyons and interstate travel. My front just recently wore out at around 12K+ miles, and I never once had a moment where I doubted the tires. That's why I have worn out 3 sets!!!Thanks again.13. Vehicle Year = 2005
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Randy, we apologize for the delay. Here is the response to your question:



The short answer is that MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 tires will exceed 47 degrees of lean angle. However, comparing lean angles is not necessarily the best criteria for selecting a street tire as normal riders seldom come close to that limit on surface roads.


Michelin tires are designed to provide controlled, progressive cornering under a multitude of riding conditions. As such they have profiles which will accommodate lean angles that exceed the available tire traction under just about any conceivable riding condition for which the tire was designed.



Although we do not recommend using Pilot Road 4 tires on a track, they are nevertheless designed, as a front/rear set, to exceed 47 degrees lean angle. Please recognize that this represents lateral acceleration levels that are well in excess of what is normally achieved during even the most aggressive street riding - it is usually only seen on the track at lateral acceleration exceeding 1 g. Riders who can use all of the available lean angle will almost certainly be those who are experienced track day riders. These riders will be very well versed in adherence, traction ellipses (combined cornering and braking as well as combined cornering and acceleration), body position, suspension tuning, chassis control, etc. If you intend to ride this aggressively, for your safety we strongly recommend that you consider tires which we advertise are suitable for track day use, and that you only ride this aggressively on those closed courses that accommodate motorcycle track days or motorcycle racing.

Thank you for your interest in Michelin tires. I hope that you decide to try our products and if you do, they meet all of your performance expectations.



Please enjoy riding safely and keep your tires correctly inflated!



It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-866-866-6605 (toll free) between 8:00AM and 8:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday or between 8:30AM and 4:30PM Eastern Time on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Colesta C.
Consumer Care Department
Certified Michelin Product Expert

 

For a visual representation this picture shows 60 degrees. The red line is 45 degrees. So, they'll go over pretty far.