Tire Options for our CB1100

[Red Mist_imp]

BT23, a radial for modern sport/touring motorcycles. They came as OEM on my FZ8. They are a good tire for sport/touring, with touring as the primary focus. They can handle a lot of weight but have a very stiff carcass. Bridgestones typically are quite stiff, as those who follow MotoGP will know. They take a long time to warm up and aren't especially compliant at high lean angles unless the pressure is set correctly and they are fully heated. Bridgestone is the spec tire for MotoGP, so all competitors must use them. My GSX-R had the BT016's OEM, same story, very stiff carcass, poor feel on the street, takes a long time to warm up, and will never warm up on the street at listed pressures.

Both those bikes are now fitted with Dunlop Q3's, a vastly superior tire in all respects. Not a good choice for the CB1100, though, which brings me to the point here.

The CB1100 is an old-school motorcycle that works best with a certain design and size of tire; modern, wide radials are not the right choice for it. Honda chose the 110 and 140 front/rear for the optimum handling and ride quality. A narrow tire provides very neutral handling, as well. The farther the contact patch is offset from the centerline of the motorcycle at lean, the less neutral will be the handling. Anyone who rides the modern machines (those with 120/70-17 front and 180/55-17 rear or larger) knows the handling is quite different from motorcycles with narrow wheels/tires like our CB1100, once the bike gets heeled past 20 degrees or so. The handling is much, much different nearer to maximum lean angle and requires a different riding technique from old-school machines. Bump steer in particular is markedly different, with a lot more of it being fed into the chassis with the modern sizes.

The chassis and suspension of modern bikes are designed to work with wider tires effectively but our CB1100 doesn't have these design features. It's optimized for old-school tires and narrow rims. This is something to keep in mind. Instinct says to us, "Well, let's find a new, modern tire to put on our CB1100", but in truth, today's tires which are made in sizes for our CB1100 are indeed modern in design; they just fit narrower rims. We can get radials or bias-ply tires that are a perfect match for the CB1100 from quite a few manufacturers, Bridgestone, Avon, and Continental coming quickly to mind.

Bridgestone does make tires for our bike, but the BT023 and similar types are not in that group. The 160/60-18 rear, according to Bridgestone's fitment chart, is designed to work best on a 4.50-5.00 inch rim. Our bike has a 4.00" rim, and the maximum size recommended for that rim is Bridgestone's own 150/70-18, which can be had in the BT45 bias-ply or (in European markets) the BT54 radial.

We can put on a wider tire but to what advantage? The contact patch is no larger, as it is determined only by the tire pressure and the weight of the motorcycle. With a larger width on a too-narrow rim, we move the contact patch outward more with increasing lean, where it's less compatible with the bike's design and changes the handling and performance of the motorcycle.

I have to respectfully disagree. The old school cradle design frame is run on the ZRX1200 which i recently sold. It was running 17" rims and full on sport tires. Although the bike didn't handle that well it was much better with a pair of pilot powers on it. The CB has a more rigid frame and lower center of gravity the the ZRX. The rear rim is 4.25 not 4" ( i have measured it)which is within the limits of a 160 rear. We don't know for sure unless we experiment. I will have a full honest review in a couple of weeks.

I personally do not like Bridgstone tires, i had mine switched out to Michelin on my CB1000RR at 500 mi.

In the north there seems to be more and more liquid tar being put on the cracks of roads. When your grooving a line and hit these with the CB its scary as hell. You either have to slow down or run wide to decrease the risk of sliding outside. I'm hoping a tackier tire will minimize the effect.

Clearly embossed on the spokes of the CB1100's rear wheel are the markings: "18MC x MT4.00".

That's a 4.00" wheel, measured according to DOT specifications. The manufacturer's recommendations are based on the DOT method of measuring the wheel and the wheel size must be clearly marked on the wheel itself.

We don't need to experiment but we often want to. Motorcycle engineering is a highly-advanced technology and it is now well beyond what any ordinary rider can command or exceed. Because of this the manufacturers can provide exactly the right equipment to allow us to ride safely and still reach our own personal limits.

If anyone here can drag his/her elbow whilst riding the CB1100, please post images; the GSX-R 750 can be ridden at elbow dragging speeds by an expert rider on DOT tires (not I, for whom knee sliders must suffice) and it's a street-legal motorcycle. The CB1100's capabilities are not even remotely close to the GSX-R's, which shows us the gigantic margin for safety that today's equipment provides.

Personally, I say if someone wants to experiment with the limits of what a motorcycle can do, take up track days or road racing. Grinding down a knee slider can do wonders for one's self-confidence, and it can be done with OEM-spec tires these days.

Clearly embossed on the spokes of the CB1100's rear wheel are the markings: "18MC x MT4.00".

That's a 4.00" wheel, measured according to DOT specifications. The manufacturer's recommendations are based on the DOT method of measuring the wheel and the wheel size must be clearly marked on the wheel itself.

We don't need to experiment but we often want to. Motorcycle engineering is a highly-advanced technology and it is now well beyond what any ordinary rider can command or exceed. Because of this the manufacturers can provide exactly the right equipment to allow us to ride safely and still reach our own personal limits.

If anyone here can drag his/her elbow whilst riding the CB1100, please post images; the GSX-R 750 can be ridden at elbow dragging speeds by an expert rider on DOT tires (not I, for whom knee sliders must suffice) and it's a street-legal motorcycle. The CB1100's capabilities are not even remotely close to the GSX-R's, which shows us the gigantic margin for safety that today's equipment provides.

Personally, I say if someone wants to experiment with the limits of what a motorcycle can do, take up track days or road racing. Grinding down a knee slider can do wonders for one's self-confidence, and it can be done with OEM-spec tires these days. Red,

My apologizes, You are correct about the DOT 4" Rim, according to specification the 160-60-18 will run on a 3.5 to 5.0" rim with standard being 4.5"

I appreciate your comments, I have very limited track time (50+ sessions) at the novice/intermediate level on my 2011 GSX-R750 L2 and my CBR1000RR but enjoy the sport. There is always someone we can learn from if we keep in open mind. I appreciate your comments.

No need for any apology here; the whole thing hinged on the rim size. As long as Bridgestone says that tire'll work on a 4.00" rim, you have my vote. I didn't see anything on the Bridgestone website about tire fitment for the BT30 so I used the numbers for the BT45. I wonder if the BT30 is available in the USA...I know the larger sizes of BT54 are not.

50+ track sessions? That's not limited but of course you know that! Good on you mate, we all learned something today. Oh, just noticed and forgot to mention, we have the same bike, mine's a 2012 L2. Daytona yellow.

When they're done, I'll replace my Bridgestone BT54s with .. wait for it .. BT54s. I'm coming up on 1,000 miles on the CB and these are working just fine.

If you want "maximum lean angle" and a "large contact patch", you may be on the wrong bike. Michelin makes great tires but I haven't found anything they make that fits the CB well - yet.

And certain hazards, like tar snakes and gravel, will be a problem regardless of tire choice. They tar the roads like crazy in Ohio and my VFR slid horribly on those - maximum pucker factor. The viffer was also wearing Michelin Pilot Road 2 tires, which are great sport touring shoes.

Finally, the BT54s are not readily available, I'm finding. It will be awhile before I need to buy any, but sportbiketrackgear.com is the only place I have found both front and rear in stock. But I haven't searched that far and wide. It's surprising that the bigger web outlets like bikebandit and motorcycle-superstore don't stock these - or at least don't stock both front and rears.

+1, I have found the same thing, the BT54s are a little hard to find. I was able to track them down eventually but wound up doing the BT45V's. I liked the feel of the stock radials better but wanted a bit more width in the rear tire. The 150/70 works great but the bias-ply tires are not as compliant.

If these BT30's work out I'll be doing either those, or going back to the BT54s next time around. Word on the street seems to be the OEM Bridgestones are better tire than the Dunlops, which are unavailable except through the dealer as a Honda part, at very high cost.
Here's another bit: Bridgestone's website does show that the 160/60-18 BT54 will fit our bike as well. 4.00" is the lower limit for that tire. The BT54 radial in the 160/60 size is only 9mm wider than the 150/70 BT45, but the BT45 in the 150/70 is a full 20mm taller. That does make big difference in gearing. The 160 series tire is actually a tad shorter than the stock 140/70, but about 15mm wider. Here's a link to the T30 information. http://www.bridgestone.co.uk/moto/ranges/battlax/t30/
Check out this cool video of Rossi testing the T30...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0L2Qqeo7fwg

[DAC]

When I checked them last night, I think they only had the fronts.

[CIP57_imp]

Here's another bit: Bridgestone's website does show that the 160/60-18 BT54 will fit our bike as well. 4.00" is the lower limit for that tire. The BT54 radial in the 160/60 size is only 9mm wider than the 150/70 BT45, but the BT45 in the 150/70 is a full 20mm taller. That does make big difference in gearing. The 160 series tire is actually a tad shorter than the stock 140/70, but about 15mm wider.
________________________________________________________________
I thought the aspect ratio was better on the 160/60 than the 150/70 too, its closer to the 140/70's

Can't beat Revzilla, ordered these yesterday and arrived today.

I'll be doing some tooling early next week an try them out.
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/photo_zps70d08574.jpg.html]

Here's my L2
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/DSC_2472_zpsd47ef279.jpg.html]

[Red Mist_imp]

I found the T30s at:
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Product/...-0090.aspx
They're cheap, 228 bucks for a set.

[Cormanus]

If my knee ever hits the ground while riding any motorcycle, someone please call for an ambulance as I have just gone down.

+1

[Red Mist_imp]

Here's another bit: Bridgestone's website does show that the 160/60-18 BT54 will fit our bike as well. 4.00" is the lower limit for that tire. The BT54 radial in the 160/60 size is only 9mm wider than the 150/70 BT45, but the BT45 in the 150/70 is a full 20mm taller. That does make big difference in gearing. The 160 series tire is actually a tad shorter than the stock 140/70, but about 15mm wider.
________________________________________________________________
I thought the aspect ratio was better on the 160/60 than the 150/70 too, its closer to the 140/70's

Can't beat Revzilla, ordered these yesterday and arrived today.

I'll be doing some tooling early next week an try them out.
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/photo_zps70d08574.jpg.html]

Here's my L2
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/DSC_2472_zpsd47ef279.jpg.html]

Looks just like mine, only black. Mine is also stock exhaust. Did you do anything to the brakes? I did the stainless lines and Galfer pads.
CB1100.

[thumper_imp]

Here's another bit: Bridgestone's website does show that the 160/60-18 BT54 will fit our bike as well. 4.00" is the lower limit for that tire. The BT54 radial in the 160/60 size is only 9mm wider than the 150/70 BT45, but the BT45 in the 150/70 is a full 20mm taller. That does make big difference in gearing. The 160 series tire is actually a tad shorter than the stock 140/70, but about 15mm wider.
________________________________________________________________
I thought the aspect ratio was better on the 160/60 than the 150/70 too, its closer to the 140/70's

Can't beat Revzilla, ordered these yesterday and arrived today.

I'll be doing some tooling early next week an try them out.
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/photo_zps70d08574.jpg.html]

Here's my L2
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/DSC_2472_zpsd47ef279.jpg.html]

Looks just like mine, only black. Mine is also stock exhaust. Did you do anything to the brakes? I did the stainless lines and Galfer pads.
CB1100.

Do I see a CLASS tech sticker on that windscreen?

[CIP57_imp]

[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/e7302102-b46c-4cc3-915e-45b38607683b_zps17e0d5e4.jpg.html]

Red,
The only thing i did to mine is add a TRE from Ivans. It fools the bike into thinking its always in 4th gear to eliminate timing retard in gears 1-3, the only issue is your gear indicator always reads 4th.

If you want it I'll give it to you, i no longer have the bike, i removed it when i traded it in for the 1000RR.

[Red Mist_imp]

Here's another bit: Bridgestone's website does show that the 160/60-18 BT54 will fit our bike as well. 4.00" is the lower limit for that tire. The BT54 radial in the 160/60 size is only 9mm wider than the 150/70 BT45, but the BT45 in the 150/70 is a full 20mm taller. That does make big difference in gearing. The 160 series tire is actually a tad shorter than the stock 140/70, but about 15mm wider.
________________________________________________________________
I thought the aspect ratio was better on the 160/60 than the 150/70 too, its closer to the 140/70's

Can't beat Revzilla, ordered these yesterday and arrived today.

I'll be doing some tooling early next week an try them out.
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/photo_zps70d08574.jpg.html]

Here's my L2
[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/DSC_2472_zpsd47ef279.jpg.html]

Looks just like mine, only black. Mine is also stock exhaust. Did you do anything to the brakes? I did the stainless lines and Galfer pads.
CB1100.

Do I see a CLASS tech sticker on that windscreen?

Do I see a CLASS tech sticker on that windscreen?

Hell yeah!

[url=http://s1034.photobucket.com/user/cipolla57/media/e7302102-b46c-4cc3-915e-45b38607683b_zps17e0d5e4.jpg.html]

Red,
The only thing i did to mine is add a TRE from Ivans. It fools the bike into thinking its always in 4th gear to eliminate timing retard in gears 1-3, the only issue is your gear indicator always reads 4th.

If you want it I'll give it to you, i no longer have the bike, i removed it when i traded it in for the 1000RR.

Man, that is very generous of you! I'm thinking of having Guhl's reflash the bike soon which will also get rid of the timing retard so I plan on just leaving it alone for now, but thanks!

Heck I guess ridem32 is right, Nice Guys do ride CB1100s! And also GSX-Rs!

[ingobohn_imp]

After 5.500 km the front tire (Dunlop) shows a strong "sawtooth" pattern with about 2 mm difference in height of the outer profile blocks. Bad tire, sorry...
When my dealer will exchange the oil at 6.000 km in about 2 weeks he will also throw away these bad rim savers and replace it by Pirelli Sport Demon. The new BT tires in 160 dimension are too broad for me, I like more slim and agile rear tires.

The sawtooth pattern results in a "singing" or "howling" of the front tire when not riding straight. Additonally, there is also a little shimmy recognizable.

The rear tire is still fine, enough rubber for another 6.000 km or so. But the front tire is beyond good and evil. The Dunlop tires seem to be technology from the past century.