OEM tires

[wiredgeorge_imp]

Just curious... Bought my 2013 CB1100A second hand and it has a Bridgestone BT41 mounted on the rear and a Metzler Z6 mounted on the front and both are stock size. Realize the Metzler didn't come stock; how about the Bridgestone. Which specific Bridgestone came from the factory.

I won't even bother ask which tires to buy because everyone who has ever bought a tire thinks their tire is peachy-keen bwhahahah

[Pauley]

The Bridgestone OEMs are BT 54. Radials. Stock sizes are 110 80 18 front and 140 70 18 rear.

[Lord Popgun]

And some came with Dunlop Sportmax D205 tires. Mine did.

[Paulb_imp]

Has anyone tried the Metzeler Roadtec Z8 tyre on the 2014 bike? The Web Site recommends them for this bike with the spoked wheels. I was talking to a suspension specialist last week and he recommended Metzeler or Pirelli tyres over Dunlop or Bridgestone as they have softer walls and give improved grip when cornering. I have to admit that my current Dunlop D205's don't inspire confidence in the wet.

[the_undecider_imp]

I have been thinking about tires lately. The stock BT-54's on my bike seem to grip well enough, but the front tire's center rib follows grooves in the pavement like crazy. My rear tire still has plenty of tread, so I was thinking about trying a different front to reduce that groove tracking. By the time the new front tire is worn, it'll probably be time for a rear and I can think about different brands of tires. For now, I'd prefer to keep like brands front and rear.

One tire I am considering for front wheel duty is the Bridgestone Battlax T30. Bridgestone's website does list our stock rear tire size available in the T30. I checked some of the larger tire sellers (Revzilla, Compacc, Chaparral) and they don't list it. I haven't looked much beyond that.

I also wonder how the Pirelli Sport Demons work on our bikes.

[redbirds_imp]

Just fit some PR3's and revel in the difference.

[the Ferret]

hey Un-decider...I think both Ptero and Geezer are running T30's and have reported on them.

[Paulb_imp]

The Metzeler Roadtec Z8 is a new model and specifically designed for more adventurous riding on naked bikes and sports tourers. It got a superb review in a UK bike mag this year. I think I'll give them a try when I've worn the Donlops down.

[the_undecider_imp]

hey Un-decider...I think both Ptero and Geezer are running T30's and have reported on them.

I saw Motogeezer's post about running the T30 up front which is where I was made aware of this tire. I believe he is running either the OEM Dunlop or some other Dunlop out back. I suspect the 140/70 T30 is not being distributed in North America. When it comes time for a rear tire, I'll be diving in to the various tire threads when I get more serious about that topic. I just want to make the front end track better, so $110 should get me squared away for now with just a front tire.

[Django]

I used up a set of Z8. After having had some drifts at wet roads, I decided to choose Bridgestone T30 next time again. That's the best one I had so far for my riding style.