1981 CX500B. 2000 Honda Pan European. 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100
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I need to start thinking about a new pair of tyres for my CX500B. Any thoughts on make, sizes etc?
Tyres
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1981 CX500B. 2000 Honda Pan European. 2014 Triumph Bonneville T100
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60 Posts
Yes I like roadriders. I had them on my old Gpz900r. I was wondering about the new TT100's as they're good tyres and they'd look more period. Don't think the do the correct sizes though.
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If the new TT100s are the same profile as the ones I had (on a smaller bike) in the 1970s and 1980s, they might not suit the CX. I remember once you started leaning into a bend, you really went over - not like the Avon Roadrunners I used later, which were gradual. The TT100s were grippy, but took a bit of getting used to (at least, I did...).
Of course, the CX originally came with a ribbed front tyre - someone makes a suitable 'period' set with a ribbed front, but I can't remember who.
Of course, the CX originally came with a ribbed front tyre - someone makes a suitable 'period' set with a ribbed front, but I can't remember who.
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I don't think i'll deviate from AM26 roadriders on the front, either 100/90 or 3.25 x 19. 3.25 most of the time is cheaper, and yet they're pretty much exactly the same size.
The reason I wouldn't stop using roadriders on the front? I get over 20k miles from each one! They maintain a round shape and also do not give inconsistencies such as cupping, scalloping etc. Plus even when they age it doesn't seem to reduce my confidence either.
I've run Shinko Tourmaster 230's. Back: 130/90-16 Front: 100/90-19. I've been very happy with them and I think they're pretty reasonably priced. I'm from the States, so not sure of availability across the pond.
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I've only ever read about them on this forum, from you Stateside guys. I've never really looked for them, but I expect someone sells them over here...
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Both my son and I also run the Shinko tires. I have been very happy, neither of us are really aggressive riders however.
'83 CX500C (B+), '83 CX650ED, '91 NT650L, '89 PC800L '91 VX800L, '02 R1150RT, MG V1100ie Breva...
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In the "old money" 3.25x19" & 4.00x18" sizes, through the 45-odd years of having at least one CX in my stable, I've fitted Metzler Lazers, Bridgestone BT45s (Now superceded by the BT46), and have recently fitted a set of Michelin's NEW "Road Classic" tyres targetted specifically at the old skool bikes (circa mid-1970s on). I have to say I'm liking the way they feel under me. We don't often get Avon tyres here in NZ, but from what I read, I think these feel the same -progressive in cornering, great in the wet, & no hint of a "squirm" under brakes. Price is not bad here either. I have an '82 CX500B with the Lazers fitted & an '83 CX500C (more a B+ -twin-spot calipers & a slightly stepped seat) with the new Road Classics. I am inclined to prefer the "Classics" in the dry, the "Lazers" in the wet.
To all the Shinko Nay-Sayers... I bought the 500B with a set of Shinko SR712s on it (100/90-19" & 120/90-18"), & wore them out. They were not as nasty as I was expecting. Neutral handling, good grip in the dry, & as I don't often push it in the wet, never had nasty surprise. They don't like road marking paint tho! (What tyre does?). Cheap as chips, great value for money. Google Shinko -(ex Yokohama), tyres designed in Japan, but made in Sth Korea with decent Quality Control.. I believe the rubber compound is courtesty of the German tyre makers, 1 generation behind.
I also have an '83 CB400N with the Shinko 712s fitted. Even in the wet, I can touch the pegs down in aroundabout without a hint of letting go -at either end. What's not to like?
I fitted a set of Shinko E705s to my 2021 NC750x. FAR superior to the Original OEM fitment Dunlops in every way. Just sayin'..... And definitely "Bang-for-Bucks".
To all the Shinko Nay-Sayers... I bought the 500B with a set of Shinko SR712s on it (100/90-19" & 120/90-18"), & wore them out. They were not as nasty as I was expecting. Neutral handling, good grip in the dry, & as I don't often push it in the wet, never had nasty surprise. They don't like road marking paint tho! (What tyre does?). Cheap as chips, great value for money. Google Shinko -(ex Yokohama), tyres designed in Japan, but made in Sth Korea with decent Quality Control.. I believe the rubber compound is courtesty of the German tyre makers, 1 generation behind.
I also have an '83 CB400N with the Shinko 712s fitted. Even in the wet, I can touch the pegs down in aroundabout without a hint of letting go -at either end. What's not to like?
I fitted a set of Shinko E705s to my 2021 NC750x. FAR superior to the Original OEM fitment Dunlops in every way. Just sayin'..... And definitely "Bang-for-Bucks".
'83 CX500C (B+), '83 CX650ED, '91 NT650L, '89 PC800L '91 VX800L, '02 R1150RT, MG V1100ie Breva...
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I concur.
'83 CX500C (B+), '83 CX650ED, '91 NT650L, '89 PC800L '91 VX800L, '02 R1150RT, MG V1100ie Breva...
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The 400N is much easier on the rear tyre than the CX was.
Metzeler Roadtec01 tyres are my choice with their superior wet performance, great edge grip and good wear properties.
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'Asian' tyres are not what they used to be, but their stained reputation has continued. For a few years now I've just been buying the cheapest brands mainly produced in Taiwan or Vietnam and have been pleasantly surprised that their price didn't mean their performance was compromised.
Meanwhile, a lot of the European brands such as Mitas and Metzeler mold a lot of their tyres in Asia - and we all seem to like them.
I always recommend considering what you expect the average annual mileage (KM travelled?) to be when choosing tires. I know some members may disagree but the standard recommendation is to replace tires that need to grip when leaning into turns at 5 years of age and it is pretty well known that many of the less expensive tires grip & handle just as well as the more expensive "big brand" ones (sometimes even better), the compromise for the lower price being that they wear out faster.
Think of it this way: If you buy tires that are expected to last 30,000 miles and you expect to ride 6,000 miles per year the tires should be worn out about when they age out BUT if you expect to ride 1500 miles per year those tires will still have most of their tread left at 5 years and you will be tempted to leave them on for another year, and then another and before you know it they are over 10 years old and too hard to flow around the asphalt's irregularities and grip properly.
On the other hand, if you ride 1500 miles per year there will be no question about replacing that less expensive 7500 mile tire that is just about worn out.
It also depends on how you use the bike. If it is your main transportation and you can't leave it in the garage when it rains it may be a good idea to use the less expensive tires and plan to replace them more frequently so that you have fresh rubber more often.
FWIW, when I was commuting on Eccles & its predecessors in winter I bought inexpensive but good tires (K270 for many years) that I expected to replace long before 5 years (1 year per rear, 2 per front) because it meant that I had fresh rubber when I had to drive in snow, not to mention having the wheels of to check the bearings, lube the splines &c (winter is hard on bikes). Now that I don't have to drive there & back every day (& waste most of the day at work) the same tires last a lot longer but it looks like they'll be worn out in 5-6 years.
Think of it this way: If you buy tires that are expected to last 30,000 miles and you expect to ride 6,000 miles per year the tires should be worn out about when they age out BUT if you expect to ride 1500 miles per year those tires will still have most of their tread left at 5 years and you will be tempted to leave them on for another year, and then another and before you know it they are over 10 years old and too hard to flow around the asphalt's irregularities and grip properly.
On the other hand, if you ride 1500 miles per year there will be no question about replacing that less expensive 7500 mile tire that is just about worn out.
It also depends on how you use the bike. If it is your main transportation and you can't leave it in the garage when it rains it may be a good idea to use the less expensive tires and plan to replace them more frequently so that you have fresh rubber more often.
FWIW, when I was commuting on Eccles & its predecessors in winter I bought inexpensive but good tires (K270 for many years) that I expected to replace long before 5 years (1 year per rear, 2 per front) because it meant that I had fresh rubber when I had to drive in snow, not to mention having the wheels of to check the bearings, lube the splines &c (winter is hard on bikes). Now that I don't have to drive there & back every day (& waste most of the day at work) the same tires last a lot longer but it looks like they'll be worn out in 5-6 years.
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My Pirelli sport demons (on the CX) are made in Brazil.....far away from the Milan homeland.
..it is a global economy
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My Pirelli sport demons (on the CX) are made in Brazil.....far away from the Milan homeland.
Exactly, which is why I don't think we should focus on specific brands. Try a tyre- did you like it? you didn't- don't buy it again, try a different tyre.
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Fully agree but most of us will recommend what we are used to...
I recall with the fall of the Berlin wall East German brands came on the market e g Heidenau...more used by oldtimers/rallyists here.
It does go beyond tyres.. boots/gloves/jackets rarely made in Europe despite the Europe parentage.
If its a ISO company**with quality control thats a plus....
**many newer companies in Taiwan, Phillipines, Indonesia will be ISO..
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