Tires

has anyone tried both a pair of BT 45's and then a pair of  Michelin Pilot Activ's on the same bike, or vice versa? If so, which did you like better?

also, tubes or tubeless?

I am thinking of trying the Michelin's for my present 82 1200 TS build, they are WAY cheaper here than the BT 45's, don't know why. But, cheap and good, or just cheap? If they are not as good, I will suck it up and buy yet another set of BT 45's, there are presently already four bikes in the garage fitted with BT 45's, need to break out of the rut maybe...

Paul LeClair
 
Haven't had the BT45s but do have the Michis on now and Levo made them tubeless. They seem to leak less air now than when they were tubed. Only a pound per week rather than 3 or 4. They feel great although haven't ridden them in the wet yet as it hasn't rained for quite a while.

 
speaking of inexpesive tires, Shinko 712, front 100/90 18, rear 120/90 18, on J & P Cycles web site, under $100 total for the pair, and they look OK in the photos. Lots of folks with monster built Zx 14's run Shinko's in appropriate sizing for the Zx 14 as drag tires, not a big expense if you burn a back tire to the cords.

anyway, I wonder what the real difference, if any, there is between the Shinko 712's at less than $50 a tire vs the BT 45's at $150 per tire, are the BT 45's really three times better for ordinary street use?

Paul LeClair
 
Paul, you do surprise me.
You have how many bikes in the garage, how many projects on the go at any one time?
And you want to buy cheap tyres?
Tyres are one thing I don't skimp on.
 
I m trying to find a Bridgestone Bt45 rear 150/70-18 to match the front,I can get this size on my existing Conti which I m happy to stay with but what equivalent nearest Bridgestone would suit ?
 
Paul LeClair said:
has anyone tried both a pair of BT 45's and then a pair of  Michelin Pilot Activ's on the same bike, or vice versa? If so, which did you like better?

I am thinking of trying the Michelin's for my present 82 1200 TS build, they are WAY cheaper here than the BT 45's

Paul LeClair
Click to expand...

Paul, I recently changed to Michelin Pilot Activ's front and rear on Keith Nairns advice, standard rear end now - 120 instead of 130.

All I can say is that they are really confidence inspiring and work in the wet. The change to 120 from 130 has been a revellation with the bike much more nimble and 'chuckable' with great grip.

If you think about it the wider the tyres the more the grip area moves away from the centre line of the bike when leaning over, this means you are lifting the bike up as you lean.

So harder to lean over but more ground clearance?
 
Yep, these bikes running 190 rears are so hard to pull over on their side...  :-*
 
Yes Grant, but their profile may be different, I did ask the question.

I can only relate to my personal experience in this situation which confirms this to me at least.
 
A 130 is too wide when used in conjunction with a 100/90 front, and both on standard rim sizes.
If wider wheels are used , and the tyres fitted as a matching pair then that should ease the situation.
 
Thanks Rob,

The front was awful until I put the BT45 on it,magic now,no issues with the rear so I"ll stick with Conti,just wanted to try and match them.
 
Still confused
I took my tires and wheels to the tire shop today. The tires on the bike are the original K81?s (410/18 front, 425/18 rear). A 100/90/18 is way too small compared to the 410 front. The height of the 100/90 is about 35mm less than the 410. The height of the 120/90 rear is about 20mm more than the old 425. So you?re lowering the front and raising the rear. This doesn?t sound right, besides the fact that you?re speedometer will be off by several miles (kilometers)/hour.
 
I personally run 110/90 front and 120/90 rear,on Kermit(1200 Mirage).There's no reason why you couldn't run 100/90 front and 110/90 rear.I would expect the bike to turn slightly quicker with the smaller front.With the smaller rear the bike should roll in to bends easyier.A lot of riders reckon the smaller rear is better if you don't carry a passenger very often.

Your choice,Andy
 
Continental Classic Attack/Race Attack. They are simply amazing. Can't tell you about tread life yet, haven't had them on long enough. But the grip/handling is unlike any other tire I've ever run on the RGS.
 
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