BT45 Tyre Behaviour

[Haggard Rider_imp]

Hi guys, went out in 'proper' rain today, had a hosp appt so decided to get some wet-weather experience.

Apart from needing pinlocks on my specs, the most obvious experience was one of the rear tyre seeming to 'fall off' irregularities in the road, a bit like tram-lining if you like.

Together with the tyre's distinct dislike of drain covers and white lines, I am hardly filled with confidence in them. My previous wet weather riding was on a Z650 which had no such behaviour.

My tyres are BT45s, probably 3mm or so of tread left.

So...
a) is this a feature of skinnier (squarer) tyres
b) is this a feature of BT45s
c) will this be less apparent with a different (wider?) tyre?
d) is it just what these bikes do?

Thanks

[LongRanger_imp]

or (e) is the tire worn and overdue for replacement? I don't know the answer.

[the lodger_imp]

How old are the tyres and how many miles have they done do you think?

My guess is that your tyres need replacing.

I don't know if they come in CB1100 sizes but I can recommend Michelin Pilot road 3 or 4.

[Haggard Rider_imp]

They're not new but they looked in decent nick. The bike was bought from a dealer so they should be good. The bike has done just shy of 10k miles and I have no idea if these are or were as originally fitted. It only did 1k of those 10k miles in the last 2 years which makes me think these are as originally fitted so perhaps they are a few season too old? I don't know.

Suggests maybe that they're getting a bit 'tired'!

[the Ferret]

A decent nick? That's a new one for me.

You have checked pressures correct? 36 front 42 rear psi.

Although I have never been a big fan of Bridgestones, chances are yours are just getting old and hard. There is a code on the tires that tells their age. Tires harden as they age. Loose flexibility and traction. Feels worse under damp and cold conditions.

[Haggard Rider_imp]

Mmmmm, think I'd best give them a proper check tomorrow.

If I do have to change them - any recommendations?

[the Ferret]

Tires for this bike are a bit of a problem due to the 18" sizes and narrow profiles. Additionally manufactures are shipping some tire sizes to some countries, and not to other countries. I'm not sure what is available in the UK. A lot of us here in the US have resorted to using oversize Michelin Pilot Road 3's, 120 front and 160 rear, however if you can get the stock sizes in the UK that would be preferred.

[Haggard Rider_imp]

Thanks ferret, so 120 and 160 aren't too wide for the rims, in which case, just need to get the rolling circumference the same.

[Houtman_imp]

You should be able to get the Dunlop's Road Smart 3 in the UK , I never liked the Bridgestone's .

[the Ferret]

No issues using the 120/160 combo..although I must say if they were available in the stock sizes I would use them.