Tire SIZE Question

I have an '84 vf500 that I bought used and am doing a complete rebuild on. I need to replace both tires and I would like to get some thoughts on what sizes to go with. I want a combination that will give me good steering response and good grip. I do not feel the need to squeeze the largest size possible on the rear however. I will be running the factory wheels.

I was also thinking about going one down on the front sprocket OR two up on the rear. This would give me a little more pull off the bottom. Again, I'm not worried about ultimate top speed.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

 

Run the factory size. I found that BS had the best thing going check out this
http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL TIRES/Bridgestone/Bridgestone MC/bridgestone_battlax_bt45v.htm good folks, good deals.

 

what are your stockers, 100 front, 110 rear?

you could go 110 front, 120 rear, but that's probably about the practical limit on the standard width rims.

have a look at the gt501s, http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=8

 

Thanks for the info. Can you tell me what the factory sizes are. My bike currently has a 100 on the front and a 130 on the rear.

 

depending on what shape the bike is in, and I can't remember how long ago they started this, but now a days, there is a sticker, usually on the left side of the swingarm, that lists the stock size, and even the OEM rubber options (which very well may no longer be availible)
your owner's manual, if you have one, should also list the stock size

 

ooh, that 130 rear is going to be terrible on your narrow rear rim.

too pinched in.

here are the stock tire sizes:

Front tyre dimensions: 100/90-16
Rear tyre dimensions: 110/90-18

you could probably use a 110/90-16 front and a 120/90-18 rear without any difficulty

dunlop, bridgestone, pirelli, michelin and metzeler are all possibilities in these sizes.

 

as for the gearing, the little VF spins pretty fast at highway speeds, stock.

if you gear it down you'll probably be searching for 7th gear on the open roads!

i'd stay with the standard sprockets.

 

Thanks again for all the replies. They have been helpful. You're right about the 130 on the rear. It does look too big for the rim. I think I'll go with the 120 rear and 110 front. Probably Batlax BT45's.

As for the gearing, I guess I'll go back stock with that. I've never ridden a vf500, so I didn't know what to expect in that area.

 

FWIW at least stay with the 100 on the front, that's a pretty Critical area to mess with.

Ha! Reg, go for it. would love to hear/read the stories behind this...