Tire Options for our CB1100

[Lord Popgun]

My didn’t dealer didn’t care at all. I ordered the tires at the dealer and when they came in I took the wheels in and they swapped the tires while I waited.

The only “flak” they ever gave is they will NOT plug a tire. Liability.

[Houtman_imp]

If you just take the wheel into the dealer they are more likely to put an oversize tire on the rim. When you take the whole bike they more likely refuse .

[tinboatcapt_imp]

I just replaced the OEM Dunlop 205's (DCT Radials) with Pirelli Sport Demon Bias tires. The Pirelli's were significantly less costly. But most importantly to me was to find the ride quality was much better than the radials. Here our streets seem to be deliberately constructed with expansion joints that stand tall above the road surface and make for a jarring ride. The Pirelli's absorb them better than the Dunlop's did.

Handling and traction seemed to be good. I haven't been stuck in the rain yet so we shall see how they perform when that happens.
jim

[the Ferret]

I just looked at my rear tire after this morning's ride. Thought hmm, that's looking kinda thin, so went to my maint. log to see when I last put tires on... over 9,000 miles ago. Still can go another 1K to 1500 I think, but will need to order some replacements soon. Still have to call Michelin, but if I can't get them it looks like maybe Angel GT's for me as well. May go back to stock sizes if Pirelli has them. If not I'm ok with the oversize.

[Cormanus]

Ferret, the Angels only come in the 160/60 rear. The bias ply Sport Demon comes in OEM sizes.

[cheddarcheese_imp]

I have about 300 miles on my new upsized Angel GTs and they've really transformed the bike. Went on a group ride Saturday, then around 30 miles with my wife riding pillion in the evening, then an extremely twisty 110 miles solo yesterday.

Had to keep reminding myself that the amount of confidence I was feeling with the new tires was likely in excess of my personal abilities (aka, slow down!). Obviously how long they last remains to be seen but I cannot fault the ride, grip, or handling thus far.

Between the 120f/160r as well as installing the narrower type II handlebars I was concerned about heavy steering, but if there has been a change it's not perceptible to me.

Speedometer is reading maybe ~3mph higher at 4k in 5th (stock tire size yielded 3.5k at 65mph, 4k at 70). Speed limiter kicks in at an indicated ~115 but my phone said top speed for yesterday's ride was 112.

[the Ferret]

your phone tells you how fast you are going? Amazing

[Lord Popgun]

Ferret, you can download a GPS app for that.

[cheddarcheese_imp]

I highly, highly recommend the app Scenic. The navigation function is basically google's "avoid highways" option taken to the nth degree, and will also map your route and give you speed data afterwards.

[Gone in 60]

I'm sure it's been answered, but will a 160 rear clear the center stand and everything else on a 2013? Really need to look at new tires at this point...
Thanks
Ha! Between the cars I drive that either have a broken speedometer or have had gears changed, different size tires, etc, A phone is about the only way I can figure out how fast I'm going. One of the apps I found projects the speed backwards, so if you put your phone on the dash, you get a redneck heads-up display in the windshield.