Hi there After 15000km I replaced my factory fitted Dunlops with Bridgestones T30. An annoying howl now emanates from the front wheel. The Bridgestone representative kindly replaced the front tyre with another tyre with a different tread pattern. The noise persisted. I took the bike to Honda and they say it's a combination of the shape of the front mudguard and the front tyre tread pattern. When the mudguard is removed the noise is eliminated. The new NCs come with Bridgestone Battlewing BW501. These tyres are not available aftermarket. I any suggestions.
Trac-mac has the Bridgestone Battlewing BW501 for sale.
Hi all - please advise? - Is this tyre rot on my Bridgestones BT23's?? Is it still safe? Tread is still ok - 6 years old according to the details on the tyre - should I replace them and with what?
The tyre might still be good for slow rides in urban traffic, but I would rather replace it as soon as possible. I am very happy with Michelin PR4’s - currently running my 3rd PR4 at the rear.
Kappa Touring Screen, SW Motech Crash Bars, Raptor Desert Fox Spotlights, SW Motech spotlight Mounting Brackets, SW Motech Center Stand, Givi E370 Top Box with Light Kit, Givi Back Rest for Top Box, Dzell Radiator Guard (aluminium), Dzell Side Stand Expansion Plate. Modified BMC Air Filter, Dimple magnetic oil Drain Plug, Seat Saint, Givi V35 Panniers, DIY chain Oiler, “Sit & Fly” type seat cover, Hand Guards, Highway foot Pegs, Adjustable wind deflector.
Have not been driving a lot recently, moved closed to the office and now have about a 2km commute...
Anyway, doing a Sani Pass trip this December, any recommendations on tyres for the heavy off-road?
It's about a 800km trip and about 50% of it is off-road.
If you want to stick to the standard size you basically have the Pirelli MT60 and the Continental TKC80 as choices. The TKC is probably the better choice for off-roading. Some guys fit the Michelin Sirac 120/90/17 in front but then you have to fit fender extenders.
Have not been driving a lot recently, moved closed to the office and now have about a 2km commute...
Anyway, doing a Sani Pass trip this December, any recommendations on tyres for the heavy off-road?
It's about a 800km trip and about 50% of it is off-road.
I can recommend, what I'm currently using
Rear : Mitas E-07 150-70-17 the E-07+ probably also safe option. Front : Michelin Sirac 120-90-17 and maybe the Pirelli MT90 A/T 120-90-17 - you will have to raise the front mudguard.
The Pirelli MT60 have the exact size, great grip but don't expect more than 7 - 8000km's.
Other rear tyre option is the Heidenau K60 Scout 150/70 or 170/60.
Last Edit: Sept 14, 2018 14:34:51 GMT 2 by goingslowly
Please tell me more about the NC off the beaten track once the tyres are better matched I do very little off road and only had road tyres. Was not comfortable in loose gravel or sinkplaat pad (might be more suspension) Would something like the Michelin anakee be a better all round choice? Commuting, touring and some lesser travelled roads?
Please tell me more about the NC off the beaten track once the tyres are better matched I do very little off road and only had road tyres. Was not comfortable in loose gravel or sinkplaat pad (might be more suspension) Would something like the Michelin anakee be a better all round choice? Commuting, touring and some lesser travelled roads?
Golden rule going off road - although *# scary to apply - when in doubt, stand up, look up, open up! First time I took the NC off road I almost ... myself while doing only about 45km\h. This was on the Pirelli MT60's. Next day applied the golden rule, at 60km\h was like being on a different road. Heck of a lot smoother. Following day, golden rule and up to 90km\h. Was going so well I started getting worried that I was going to crash any moment because it simply could not be this smooth.
I was considering getting the Anakee's but decided on the Mitas E07 because of the more aggressive treat - wanted to be more comfortable in sand & mud as well. For most gravel roads the Anakee should be more than sufficient and probably better handling than the Mitas \ Sirac combination. Even though I never try to get my knee on the road, I've not experienced any issues in the wet with the Mitas \ Sirac.
I don't have experience with the Anakee and cannot comment on how they affect handling. With the Sirac that is bigger the bike turn in a lot better. With the Mitas & Sirac, probably due to increase tyre weight and size, the top speed dropped +/- 25km\h. The change in tyre size also caused the speedo to be out by +/- 10%, display less than actual.
I recently fitted the Batt HP2's from Bike Tyre Warehouse. I've done about 2500km on them in all conditions from pouring rain to hot sunny days, haven't had one incident or problem with them. At R2200 for the set, hard to beat that value. They got excellent reviews from the guys of the bike show as well and Bruce from BTW reckons I'm looking in excess of 15 000km with them. I'll try and give some feedback.
Seems excellent value for money. I'd like to hear how they hold up over distance. I'm on the Pirelli Scorpion Trail II, which I find to be better than the PR4s I had before. Excellent ride and handling, but it just does not last as long as the PR4s. Got about 14 000km on them now. Front still great, but the rear will probably only go for another 3 000km.