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Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 8:32 am
by KNS
It is time to replace the tires on my 1975R90s and I am looking for the stickiest tires possible. I currently use Metzeler which are great but why not try something new. A friend of mine tried Pirelli Sport Demon and thinks they are great but I think they dont make an 18 for the rear. Does anybody have any suggestions? Thanks.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 9:34 am
by SteveD
Michelin pilot actifs take most corners they're thrown into with aplomb and are less prone to wearing square. Buggers to change though.
One particular kamikaze on this forum finds a front Metzler ME33 (I think) as good as anything on tight mountain roads.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:29 am
by Seth
I've been running the Michelin Pilot Activ on a 75 R90S and a 77RS and have been disappointed in both mileage and grip.
I switched to the Pirelli Sport Demon. So far, so good but haven't used up a set yet so I can't give a final verdict.
They do offer both a 110 (recommended) and 120 for the rear.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:36 am
by KNS
I am really interested in the Sport Demon my friend loves them but he has them on a 92 FJ 1200. The other tires I am interested in are the Avon Sport Riders and Dunlop. Thanks
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 10:48 am
by Seth
You may also want to look at the Continental Classic Attack Radial.
Available in 100/90-19 front and 110/90-18 rear.
I haven't tried them but a couple weeks ago I went to an AHRMA race and a lot of people were using the racing version.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 11:01 am
by KNS
Thanks for the heads up on the Conti's the reviews are fantastic I am very interested.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 5:18 pm
by ME 109
The Continentals do seem to get very good reviews. Haven't tried them myself yet.
The Pilot Activs also get good reviews and are probably the most commonly used tyres for airheads, going by a poll on ADV a few months ago, although I think there's been a shift to the Conti's due to the positive reviews.
Tried Pirellis a few years ago and destroyed the rear in about 5,000 k. Same with Bridgestone BT45. Both had very good grip in the dry but the profiles suffered quickly.
One of the biggest upsets for airhead handling is a rear tyre that has worn flat. The handle bars can become very sensitive and twitchy to pavement misalignment such as joins in the blacktop. With a set of new tyres fitted, this twitchyness is not present at all, ime.
I've found the pilot activ rear to hold a good round profile across the tyre for most of its life, which is about 8,000k for me.
Less aggressive riding might double that.
I've not experienced grip issues with the pilot activs front and rear, or with my favorite combo of pilot activ rear and lasertec front.
The lasertec front gets some unfair reviews, particularly from people who ride on roads with rain grooves. It ain't the tyre!
Lasertec front has proven to be an excellent tyre on my RS, on wet and dry roads as well as off road.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 5:35 pm
by 2valve
Fitted on my R90S are the Avon Road Rider .Changed from Metzeler me 88 Rear and me 33 front to the Avon's and the difference in everything that the bike did was outstanding , especially the straight line stability ,love them.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 5:40 pm
by CVA-42
I needed to replace the tires on my '82 R100 last year and investigated many alternatives. Not that I really needed to get into it as deeply as I did - - I just find it interesting. I was about to pull the trigger on a set of Conti Attack Classics but then came across several reports of cupping. Enough to make me change my mind. I wound up with a set of Pilot Activs and I'm happy with their handling. With the type riding I usually do, I'll probably never ride them close to their limits anyway. Can't comment on longevity yet but so far the best tires I've ever had on that bike in 23 years of ownership.
Re: Replacement tires for R90s
Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2016 7:15 am
by Gibson
Be careful with the 120. I had the Avons on my R100RS and the 120 rubbed on the brake arm. I used the the Avons on my XS650 also and was very happy with these tires. Over size rear tires although they look good, do not help handling. The Sport Demon is a good tire. I have them on my R100R and they handle well and are good in the rain. I am on my second front. (just changed it last month). They appear to follow grooved pavement a bit more than I like though.