Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C10, aka Kawasaki Concours - The Original => The Bike - C10 => Topic started by: IraB on December 24, 2013, 02:50:38 PM
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Will be replacing Kawazilla's tires in the spring and am thinking I may just go with the original Dunlops. They seem like a good tire at a decent price.
My main concerns are dependability, wet weather use, sustained use @ about 80mph and price. My riding style is usually pretty mellow.
Thoughts?
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Thoughts? Only one. I don't think a tire designed in the
mid '80s should still be considered a "good tire" today.
I went through two sets about a decade ago before I started trying alternatives.
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Thoughts? Only one. I don't think a tire designed in the
mid '80s should still be considered a "good tire" today.
I went through two sets about a decade ago before I started trying alternatives.
If you have been through a couple of sets then you are just the guy I want to hear from.
What newer type would meet my requirements at a reasonable price?
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OK, Reader's Digest version:
In the beginning, went with Dunlops. Handled fine but only
lasted about 6000 miles.
In search of longer life tried "Gold Wing sized" belted tires.
Handling was heavier but tread life was outstanding.
Good on the slab but definitely not "sporty".
As recommended, tried BT-45s next. These were surprising
but not in a good way. Resistant to turn-in, vague feedback
and not inspiring. To top it off they were done at 5500 miles
when everyone assured me I'd see over 10K.
Which leads me to my current setup: a radial front ( BT-023 for me,
other's like PR-2s or -3s ) mated to bias rear ( a Shinko 777 in
my case but there are others ).
This combination has transformed the bike with light, precise
steering, a comfortable ride and long life.
I currently have about 5500 miles on them and could likely
see another 5K out of them. All those miles were
commuting on the slab at 70-75 mph.
To say I'm impressed is an understatement.
I'll definitely try them again, especially the Shinko rear.
HTH
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Apologies for the jerky structure,
I typed that on my phone.
I wanted to add: my front tire is a 110/80-18.
Works much better IMO than the 120/70-18.
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Yeehaw! Tire thread.
I got about 12+K out of my $86 Shinko777 in the rear. I'm on my second one of these and have a third one in the shed. This tire, in the stock 150 size is a bit taller than most. You will lose about 200 rpms at 80mph, and the bike will be easier to put up on the center stand.
I've been running Michelin PR3 up front, not as frugal, but does everything very well all the way to the end at 11-13K. Also in the 110/80 size on my '99. This size works better with our rim size.
This combination holds a corners, rides nice, and stops well. The PR3 particularly is legendary in it's wet and dry grip. Modern tires are much safer in this category than those old Doneflops.
I have a Pirelli Angel GT in the shed going on the front next time around, also in the 110/80x18 size. I've heard good things about it.
Those stock Dunlop tires are noted for squirrelly handling, particularly bad on rain grooves and other irregularities running parallel to tire while riding.
YMMV, my .02.
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Will be replacing Kawazilla's tires in the spring and am thinking I may just go with the original Dunlops. They seem like a good tire at a decent price.
My main concerns are dependability, wet weather use, sustained use @ about 80mph and price. My riding style is usually pretty mellow.
Thoughts?
Take a look at the Avon AM-26 Roadriders. They are available is the stock sizes as well as many other sizes. They are bias ply V rated and they handle great. If you doubt their handling capabilities, ask Daytona Mike. he followed me thru some of the best twisties that Arkansas had to offer at the 2012 National and they stuck like glue.
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Appreciate all the replies to what must surely be "yet another tire thread."
Got me looking around and the Shinkos seem like a heck of a bang for the buck kind of tire.
Anyone here use them on the front too?
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Appreciate all the replies to what must surely be "yet another tire thread."
Got me looking around and the Shinkos seem like a heck of a bang for the buck kind of tire.
Anyone here use them on the front too?
I know Doug Re does, I just don't know which one. Oh, and if it's good enough for Doug Re, it's good enough for me. Doug does have a well earned rep for riding a bit, shall we say, aggressively.
I do like the PR3 on the front, though. Dennis Kirk has historically had the best price on that particular tire.
HTH.
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One quick note.
For those of us that spend a lot of time at speed on the freeway, the 'Wing' sized tires also help with stability/buffeting around big rigs. The extra weight of the tires has a 'gyroscopic' effect that helps keep the bike more stable.
Of course, I went directly from the Dunflops to Pilot GTs (now discontinued). That being said, my Venom rear has been a suitable (but not quite as good) replacement for the GT Rear.
Going with the 'Wing' size on the front helps correct the speedo error. Most Connie speedos are about 3-4% off, and the 130/70R18 is about 3-4% larger, so this puts the speedo almost dead on in this case. The larger rear (160/80R16), as noted above, drops your rev's slightly (again, about 3% or so), which helps reduce the speed threshold where the dreaded handlebar buzz gets really noticable. But that's another story. Plus, I like the higher mileage these tires offer (don't need to change out the tires as often). Oh, and the 'getting bike on center stand' easier thing too!
I'm very happy with wing size. But then I'm looking for touring characteristics more than sporty characteristics. We all want grip though. It sounds like you are looking for a 'touring' tire, not a 'canyon chasing' tire, so I hope this helps.
The PR3 suggestion on the front intrigues me, but only if they come in 'Wing' Size. Otherwise, I'll probably be trying the Avon Venom on my front next (depending on availability at that point), and will let you know how the matched pair performs in the coming months (I still have a GT on the front, the last one lasted 19,000 Miles).
BTW, I've heard horror stories here about the Metzeler's (880's?). They are a high mileage tire, but their gripping/rain performance has been reported as subpar by several forum members.
FINALLY, and I've said this before in other threads, the Dunlops are not a well performing tire, and are holding your bike back. It is amazing how putting almost ANY other recommended tire will change how much better the Connie performs on the road. There are other bad choices out there, certainly, but pretty much ANY tire recommended in this thread will likely give you a better bike in the end.
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I don't think you can fit a 180/60/16 on a c-10 rear wheel did you mean a 160/80/16 ?
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Two Skies,
I was running the GT's as well for the past 4 years and did like the stability. The only draw back was the heavy feel (which wasn't as bad as stated). The Avon AM-26's that I am running now are still bias ply but they handle much better than the GT's did but they don't have the heavy steer feeling. I really wish they would have continued the GT but so far these are a good replacement. And the price is right also. I got the set from motorcycle superstore last year for about $240.
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>>>SNIP<<<Got me looking around and the Shinkos seem like a heck of a bang for the buck kind of tire. Anyone here use them on the front too?
IraB,
when I had my C10, I ran thru a couple of Shinko 011 Verge on the front using the 120/70 size & would still be using those , as they performed great in ALL conditions! They also returned 15-16k by the time they were down to the wear bars, mostly on the Michigan & Ohio tarmac.
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I don't think you can fit a 180/60/16 on a c-10 rear wheel did you mean a 160/80/16 ?
Yeah, I get those numbers jumbled occasionally. 160/80R16 is what I meant to put. Editing other post now.
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I was really impressed how the Shinko 011 Verge tires behaved in the rain...and, I got 12k miles on a set!
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The Shinko tires sound like a great tire for a great price and it seems like 2/3 of my riding is on wet roads. I have noticed a little shimmy riding along road seems when wet on the Dunlops. Also have to be a bit careful downshifting to avoid rear tire slippage.
One consideration is that I want to stick with the stock size. This bike is on the verge of being to tall for me and a taller rear tire would be unhelpful. Also, in spite of all the hoopla about it, I really don't find getting the bike onto the center stand all that difficult.
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The Shinko tires sound like a great tire for a great price and it seems like 2/3 of my riding is on wet roads. I have noticed a little shimmy riding along road seems when wet on the Dunlops. Also have to be a bit careful downshifting to avoid rear tire slippage.
One consideration is that I want to stick with the stock size. This bike is on the verge of being to tall for me and a taller rear tire would be unhelpful. Also, in spite of all the hoopla about it, I really don't find getting the bike onto the center stand all that difficult.
I have a 30" inseam if that helps with your decision any. With the boots I gain about 1.5" with the heels. Bike is very managable with my legs, as long as I'm not on an incline (Lesson learned: never try to turn a Connie around on a slope with my short legs!).
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The Shinko tires sound like a great tire for a great price and it seems like 2/3 of my riding is on wet roads. I have noticed a little shimmy riding along road seems when wet on the Dunlops. Also have to be a bit careful downshifting to avoid rear tire slippage.
One consideration is that I want to stick with the stock size. This bike is on the verge of being to tall for me and a taller rear tire would be unhelpful. Also, in spite of all the hoopla about it, I really don't find getting the bike onto the center stand all that difficult.
If 2/3rds of my riding was on wet roads, I would go with a Michelin PR3 or Pirelli Angel GT up front, in the 110x80 size and the Avon Azoro(I know that is not speeled wright) on the back, and I really don't like Avon Tires. You really need to consider focusing on the safety aspect. Wet roads are slippery, you need all the grip you can get. An extra $100 in the bank ain't a gonna help you iffn' yer dead.
Note: If you do some sniffing around on tire manufacture's sites, you will find that the 110 front is a better fitment for the wheel. The stock Dunflop front in the 120 size actually measures out closer to a 130. A 130 can fit the rim, but the 110 fits better, and handles better, without being squeezed.
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Decided to go with the Avon AM26 150/80V-16 for the rear and Michelin Road Pilot 3 in 120/70ZR-18 for the front.
Just placed the order so please don't tell me I made a big mistake. :D
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Tires showed up yesterday.
Changed thousands of bicycle tires but have never put new treads on a motorcycle. Pulling the wheels looks straightforward enough and presents a good opportunity to do some other maintenance, replacing brake shoes ect. Anything in particular I need to watch out for removing/replacing the tires on the rims?
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Finally got time to mount the tires but first had to make a pair of roller bearing attachments for my home made bicycle wheel truing stand so it could be used for balancing and a wall mounted bead breaker out of old door hinges and 2x4s. Both worked like a charm. :)
First discovery was yet another thing the previous owner had been billed for by a shop that was not actually done. The rear wheel drive splines were solvent clean w/o a speck of grease on them. The upside, there does not appear to be any wear.
Really surprised at now noticeably improved the bike handles even though I stuck with the stock size front. Also sought out some wet road seams I had previously noticed "following" and shimmies on with the Dunlops. There is none of that now.
I think it is safe to say I am now a member of the Connie cult. :D
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Finally got time to mount the tires but first had to make a pair of roller bearing attachments for my home made bicycle wheel truing stand so it could be used for balancing and a wall mounted bead breaker out of old door hinges and 2x4s. Both worked like a charm. :)
Any pictures of the DIY tool's?
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Good front tire.
You put a radial tire in the front and you put a bias ply tire in the back.
That is kinda of a strange thing to do but it has been done before, by me but not on purpose.
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Any pictures of the DIY tool's?
Dirt cheap and simple bead breaker...
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Any pictures of the DIY tool's?
Welded up this bicycle wheel truing stand out of scrap 1/2 and 2/4 square tube stock. Made it extra wide so it could be used to true up spoke type motorcycle wheels also. It was a simple matter to make up another set of axle holders with Ace Hardware roller bearing bolted to them to convert it to balancing stand.
The rollers come greased and I found that are more precise if the grease is washed out with carb cleaner and replaced with a drop of lite oil.
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Good front tire.
You put a radial tire in the front and you put a bias ply tire in the back.
That is kinda of a strange thing to do but it has been done before, by me but not on purpose.
Honestly, I did this because I did not know otherwise and the bike seems to handle great.
Does this cause some sort of issue I should know about?
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Bias and Radial tyres have a different profile so it can lead to squirrelly handling.
However, you guys can do what you like.
Over here it is VERBOTEN to fit anything other than a Radial rear if ya have a Radial front.
These are the banned combinations that will lead to a failure at our annual inspection (MOT test)
e. a bias belted tyre fitted to the front with a cross-ply tyre fitted to the rear wheel
f. a radial tyre fitted to the front and a cross ply or bias belted tyre fitted to the rear wheel
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Yet the radial/bias combo seems to offer the best balance
of tread life and handling.
I've been pleased enough to stick with it for the
next round of replacement.
I've never had a radial rear last 10K miles.
I've also never had a bias front that had the
light and precise steering of a radial.
So, for me at least, the combo flat out works.
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So what radial rear would you guys recommend ?
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Ordered one of these to try out.....
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5983/i/avon-av46-azaro-sport-touring-rear-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5983/i/avon-av46-azaro-sport-touring-rear-tire)
Probably try an Avon bias ply front with the one I have on there now when it is time to change them again.
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Ordered one of these to try out.....
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5983/i/avon-av46-azaro-sport-touring-rear-tire (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5983/i/avon-av46-azaro-sport-touring-rear-tire)
Probably try an Avon bias ply front with the one I have on there now when it is time to change them again.
You did well. That tire is by far the best gripping and handling tire you will ever install on the stock rear wheel of a C10.
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Glad to hear that, it showed up on the little brown wagon yesterday.
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Murph was selling these tires.
Is he still selling them?
He may be a bit higher than the prices at some of the big dealers, but I buy from him when I can.
I do this because of the outstanding support he's given COG, and the fact that he ships so quickly.
Plus, Gary is a good friend.
Ride safe, Ted
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Murph was selling these tires.
Is he still selling them?
He may be a bit higher than the prices at some of the big dealers, but I buy from him when I can.
I do this because of the outstanding support he's given COG, and the fact that he ships so quickly.
Plus, Gary is a good friend.
Ride safe, Ted
Got them from the Super Store.
I'm kind of new to Connie's and have ordered from Murph's but did not even know he sold tires.
*edit*
Just got that baby on. Only took 1/2 oz to balance. :)
I'll ride it a bit and give my impressions.
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I looked at Murph's site and he does not show that he carries C-10 tires.
Ride safe, Ted
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Took it out for a spin and I would say handling is now perfect! I did not realize just how crappy the stock Dumlops were until now.
I sure hope these last awhile.
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Glad to hear other people are getting increased mileage from the Shinko 777 with good handling characteristics. I'm replacing my rear BT45 with one this weekend (still plenty of life in the front BT45). They handled great but was disappointed with the rear since it hit the wear bars at 5300 miles. Kept a sharp eye on the tire pressure (42 psi) and did NOT abuse that tire. The Shinko is starting out with a big advantage since the tread is 0.09 inches deeper (BT45 TD = .260). The BT45 wear rate was .000038 in./mile. If I can get close to that with the Shinko, that would be another +2K miles.
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Ihave a new favorite front tire, Pirelli Angel GT 110/80/18. It rides and corners as sweet as the PR3 and is much quieter. Independent testing has shown that it out grips and outlasts the PR3. We'll see about all that, but so far so good. The PR3 that I took off had 13,500 miles on it, just down to the wear bars. And it still wrked well up to the end.