I have a newly acquired 85 R80RT and could use some tire suggestions. Brands and correct sizes. A good rain tire would be nice. Any reviews on the inexpensive Shinko tires? Thanks
Absolutely, under NO circumstances buy Shinko tires !!
I've ridden on all European tires (Metzler, Michelin, Avon, Dunlop, etc) for decades, and recently tried Bridgestone on the advice of a friend. I absolutely love their S11 Spitfire Sport tires. These are dual compound tires, so the longevity is excellent (on average about 10,000 miles according to my friend). The handling wet/dry is also excellent. I couldn't be more pleased. And surprisingly, these are the least expensive tires you can buy, usually under $100 each !
Here are the sizes put on my '79 R100: Front 100/90-19 and Rear 110/90-18
NOTE: With modern tubeless tires, you'll want to run about 10% more air pressure than what your owners manual tells you.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
I just looked, and Revzilla has those on sale for $88 & $102. Buy both and get free shipping.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Avon Road-riders come in a lot of sizes and really offer good grip, not the highest mileage tires but they stay planted in the twisties.
Tire in Preference / Performance Order :
1 ) Conti Conti Twins K112A rear, RB2 Front Once they have a few miles on them, you can almost pull them off with your hands. They last reasonably (5K on a rear, 7-8K on a front is not at all unusual, and they are not expensive. They give a really nice smooth ride, good grip in wet or dry, and look classic
2 ) Michelin PilotActiv (front 18" also available for R65 and R65LS)
3 ) Avon RoadRider (some have had tread cracking issues)
4 ) Bridgestone BT45H or BT45V GET V Rated
5 ) Metzeler LazerTec, only in
6 ) The good old Conti Twins
7 ) Bridgestone S11 Spitfire go w/ the BT45V
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