A Tire Thread

[losangelesR90]

Yeah I know. Another tire thread...

Been using Pirelli Sport Demons for my last couple sets of tires and although I've loved the way they perform I've been unhappy with how they are wearing. Front tire seems to get scalloped and the rear has been squaring off. Maybe I've ran them at t low of pressure but I don't think so. Also had a hard time finding sizes last time as it hasn't been that popular with the vintage crowd I guess.

Considering going back to Bridgestone S11 Spitfires. Ran those before the Pirellis and was content for many sets of tires.

Anyone else have a recommendation for a tire on the sporty side? Touring tires need not apply.

[Deleted User 287]

Are the Spitfires considered touring tires? I love 'em.
If they are, just ignore this post.

[losangelesR90]

Are the Spitfires considered touring tires? I love 'em.
If they are, just ignore this post.

They are listed under Sport on swmototires.com
"...for touring oriented riders who also enjoy a sporty ride."

Guessing I'll end up going back to them, but wondering if they is anything new out there that fits vintage..

[vanzen]

The old airheads are known to scallop fronts with brisk riding and braking.
Any rear tire will "square off" because most of riding is heading straight down the road.

Find a brand of tire that fits your MC and works well for your riding style –
Then just replace them when they are past their serviceable limit.
I do understand that choices to fit the antique machinery are slim –

Tires are always about the personal compromise between traction, longevity ... and cost.
I will choose traction – and consequently spend more $$ on tires.
Subsequently, it has been many years since I have been spit out in the rain or on a curve.
I will think of that as cheap insurance.

[losangelesR90]

So Vanzen, what rubber are you running?

[ME 109]

If you can find a Michelin Mac 50 rear, go for it. Excellent results for me for many years, sport riding, and best tyre I've found for 'not' flattening off. Unfortunately they stopped making them but there may still be some around.

Lasertec front has also performed very well without scalloping. Apparently they aren't favourable on roads with rain grooves.

[Major Softie]

What bike? Depending on the year and model of your bike, different sizes would apply.

I like the Bridgestone BT45 a lot, but some have said that they don't behave well on rain grooves (not an issue in my area).

Dunlop's similar spec tire is the GT501. Haven't used it but have heard good things from others. The 501 has a very modern tread design and so should deal better with rain grooves.

[Duane Ausherman]

A tire thread should start with the requirements, not a complaint of a specific tire. Different tires serve different purposes. You can't get both traction and long life.

I want my tire to scallop, as that shows that I ride and the tire is doing the job. It isn't a bad thing.

[dougie]

I agree with Jeff about the Mac50 rear and Lasertec front.
Also agree with MS as I am now running BT45's. They perform well but I don't yet know how they last.

[losangelesR90]

1976 R90 ridden in Los Angeles area.
Front 100/90-19
Rear 110/90-18