still confounded

[jimgl3_imp]

I am still confounded by Honda putting radial tires on the CB. It has suspension commonly associated with bias tires and tire sizes (shapes) commonly associated with bias tires. So why radials? I haven't tried BT45 yet, but am coming to end of Pirelli Sport Demons and very happy with them. Same mileage as OEM Dunlops and no scalloping of front tire like with Dunlop. And they cost less. So why? Anyone? Metzler Z8's are intriguing and now come in our sizes, but why pay the extra $50 ?

[Cormanus]

The BT45 is the bias tyre, isn't it? I had a set of them and was very happy with them. I even replaced them but the rear tyre was damaged soon afterwards and I swapped them for PR3s in the belief—perhaps ill informed—that radials are better tyres. Given that it's hard to find radials that fit the CB's wheels, I'd have no hesitation in going back to the BT45s if necessary.

[Tezza_imp]

Just fitted a set of BT45's for the rally down under as the Sport Demons will probably not last the distance. So far they feel pretty good.

[jimgl3_imp]

yeah, I just don't see how you can go wrong with bt45 bias tire. a radial tire my be a hair lighter, but my gas mileage improved by one mpg with the bias demons, so no radial advantage seen there. I'd just love to be able to ask Honda why though. that one global Honda website explains many things about the design of the bike, but not tire selection. Why would Honda and Bridgestone go to the expense of designing a whole new tire for only one bike (the bt54 radial) when they already had the bt45 out there?

[CA200_imp]

The radials have just a very little more "cush" then the bias do and up here in Wisconsin with some of the worst roads
in the US we need everything we can get.

[jimgl353_imp]

that must be it then. that's the second time i've heard about rough roads lending to radial tire choice. mystery solved! since the roads i ride are nice and smooth i think i'll save my money.

[nhawk7504_imp]

I put BT 45's on my SUZ TU250 to replace the stockers and they were great.

[uscgmac_imp]

I have the bt45s on now as I replaced the oem tires. They were the cheapest I could find and they work just as good if not better than oem. The tread is great and the wear has been great. Over 2k on tires and still look new both front and rear. We are not racing these bikes so bias tires are absolutely fine.

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The radials were designed to flex more, warm up quicker and evenly dissipate the heat, all characteristics for a racing tire on the track. For out leisurely rides and occasional spirited jaunt bias tires are more than adequate. 99% of riders will never take a tire to its full potential so no worries here. Love these tires.

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[jimgl3_imp]

yes my thinking exactly. you have a great mind! LOL!

[CBryder_imp]

I selected the pr3's for 2 reasons. My research of the forum indicated that I would easily get in excess of 10k miles out of them, and they have exceptional traction on wet roads.