Old 2015 rear tire: she needs new shoes

[valkyrie_rider_imp]

Gentlemen

I'm going through my new for me CB1100 (http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=19025) and verified the rear tire and it seems to date all the way back to 2015 (check the last 2 digits in the DOT code).

My guess is that given it is a 2013 Model with regular wheels (i.e. non spokes), it should have a bigger variety of tubeless tires.

The 9 years old rubber is probably not safe, I was looking for suggestions concerning tires/brands that you guys are using on your bikes.

I generally order from Chaparral Motorsports.

They have in stock the following tires with the right size (140/70 R18):
a) Shinko 777 ($123)
Shinko 777 Heavy Duty Rear Tire | ChapMoto.com

b) Metzeler Roadtec Z8 ($158)
https://www.chapmoto.com/metzeler-roadtec-z8-interact-m-spec-radial-rear-tire.html

c) Bridgestone Battlax BT-54 ($177)
Bridgestone Battlax BT-54 Sport Touring Radial Rear Tire | ChapMoto.com

Which one would you chose (a, b, c)?

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

Vote: b)

 

[the Ferret]

I use Pirelli Angel GT's in the 110 front 160 rear combination

 

[peterbaron]

^^+1^^ me too, 2nd set for my white CB.
Had Metzeler Z8 and decided to switch for Angel GT due to longevity.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

I use Pirelli Angel GT's in the 110 front 160 rear combination

Consider adding a "d)" option, valkyrie_rider.

 

[Gone in 60]

I'm happy with my Angels. Wearing nicely and offer great handling.

 

[valkyrie_rider_imp]

@Ferret & @Gone: this combo using Pirellis seems pretty interesting.

Can I ask:
a) How does it change the handling of the motorcycle?
b) How long do they last in general?
c) Does it change the reading of the speedometer/odometer?

 

[the Ferret]

Well the last set I put on about 3,000 miles ago at 71, 014. That replaced a set I put on at 60,510, so I got 10,504 miles out of them. The previous set I put on at 53,060 so I only got 7,450 miles out of that set, but I may have replaced them early due to an upcoming trip, I can't remember. Figure an average of 8-9,000 a set. The Michelin PR3s I used before that would go a little longer but Michelin discontinued our sizes.

Handling is great imo with the Pirellis.

have no idea if it changes the speedo/odo. I just ride the thing lol

 

[Nachodaddy]

In my experience, the stickier tires are softer and wear faster. Or, better handling sacrifices longevity. I look for the best combination of the two, but it has been a long time since I rode enough to see a difference.

 

[GoldOxide_imp]

In my experience, the stickier tires are softer and wear faster. Or, better handling sacrifices longevity. I look for the best combination of the two, but it has been a long time since I rode enough to see a difference.

Agreed.

I mean, look at those original BT54s:

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=19029&pid=346102#pid346102

Though they seem to get long mileage, but are hard, and have poor cornering behaviour.

At least my BT54s never cracked.

 

[3rd Gear Steve]

@Ferret & @Gone: this combo using Pirellis seems pretty interesting.

Can I ask:
a) How does it change the handling of the motorcycle?
b) How long do they last in general?
c) Does it change the reading of the speedometer/odometer?

I also run the 110/80ZR18, 160/60ZR18 Angel GT pair. This appears to correct the speedometer from reading 7% high (previous owner’s calculation) to reading accurately.

 

[Gone in 60]

I've always wondered how the 160/60/18 affects the speedo myself. I have an audio GPS speedometer app and have been meaning to ride the CB with a Bluetooth earbud to compare the GPS speed with the bike's speedo. I used it to verify my RE's speedo after replacing the cable.

 

[Karidis]

The Speed-O-Healer app says it is 5.8%

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=18834&pid=340481#pid340481

 

[Pauley]

I've been running the Bridgestone T32s (radial, available in stock sizes) for the last year and really like them.

 

[CptMoustache_imp]

Between the three choices I'd cleary go for the Z8 but I like none of them =p
I think you'd be better off with a set of Pirelli Angel GT (softer tire) as suggested or the Bridgestone T32 (harder tire). I'm still sad y'all can't have the Dunlop Roadsmart 4 in 18" in the US because they show off the qualities of the CB remarkably.

 

[valkyrie_rider_imp]

Update: I've ordered the Metzeler sized in 140/70R18 as I want to learn how the bike handles with regular sized tires.

The next tire change I will order the Pirellis.