vf500 sticky tires/oversize

who makes the absolute most sticky tires for this bike i would prefer tires that mach front to rear also but not necessary to. also is there any oversize that you can go? here is what i know so far..
stock:
100/90-16--
110/90/18---
my bike curently:
100/90-16 chen shin
120/90-18 dunlop
fitments i have heard of...
110/90-16-front
120/90-18 rear
will they fit? (i know the rear does but it rubbs slightly on the inner fender.)
i need brands of tires, specifics please. personal opinions are good too!

 

You need to talk with Jaymz!

He had a post wondering what size tires to go to!

I suggested call all the tire companies. Check their websites, etc. I like Metzler tires and spoke with one of their reps at length on the phone. He was very helpful. Be honest and let them know what you are looking for and tell them what you are looking for, type of riding you do, etc. They'll generally be honest. I know they are trying to sell you a product, but after some time they drop the facade and just talk.

I live in Southern Delaware where we have 2 good corners and I don't live near them LOL! It's not that bad, but it's not like were I lived in Maryland. So I was looking for a tire that grabbed the road, but I could get some milage out of since the corners are not that aggressive in the area I live. I settled on the Metzler Z6's and I like them. I have only slid a couple times (I pushed the front) and it was because I had not let the tires warm before I took an exit ramp aggressivley.

So far the Z6's have behaved exactly as the rep had said.

Hopefully Jaymz and you can get some good info.!

BZ

 

after some research looks like two best options are in the current size thats on the bike in these two brands any experience with them?
avon supervenom
this brand and style specifies for older 80's sport bikes and states softer compund for better grip. but the sizes are 2 different tread patterns but not that big of a deal to me.
pirelli sport demon
specifies a new style tire for older bikes. with better dry grip w/o comprimising mileage. plus i like the look (more like a modern sport tire)
honestly i dont care about mileage as i dont plan on having this bike for long, i want the most stability and grip i can get. what is the better choice anyone running these

 

I have Bridgestone Battlax tires on my 500. I believe the front tire profile is one size down and I went 1 size wider on the rear and have experienced no problems. If you want, I can double check the sizes.

 

A double check on your sizes would be cool. I like to know what others are riding on. I was thinking of going with the Battlax or sport demons

 

Pretty much anything for the stock wheels is going to be like riding around on rocks. You are hosed, nobody makes anything really good for the old VF wheels. The best I've found are the Dunlops. Believe it or not the Kendas are actually pretty sticky but I don't know how far I would push them.

If you want good tires you are going to need to change wheels. If interested you can check out my site for info on doing this.

 

I uncovered the bike today and I've got a 130/80/18 on the back. I thought it was a 120/90 like the parts bike but I thought wrong.

 

I've got Battlax's and they work pretty well as far as I can tell.
And the ride quality is just fine!

 

Bridgestone Battlax BT45

Front: 100/90-16
Rear: 120/80-18

 

The Battlax's are ok, but I've found them to wear out way too fast (less than 5000 miles in some cases). Dunlops are by far the best performing tires I've found for the stock wheel sizes. The nice thing is their mileage is ok too. You pay a premium for it though.

 

I have about 4500 miles on my Battlax tires and they certainly are showing wear. I hope to be able to get another 2000 more miles out of them.

 

new avons

For what it`s worth,I just bought a set of avon road rider tires, I`m waiting on some other mods to finish, before i can try them, they look hot.. on size`s I went with the stock 100/90 front, but on the rear I went with 120/80 instead of the 110/90,rim widths of 2.75 is fine with the 120/80, and the 80 profile doesnt change the ride height.. buster