Another dreaded tire thread?

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Another dreaded tire thread?

19 Apr 2015 02:21 - 19 Apr 2015 03:16
#668638
Yeah I know, this subject has probably been beaten to death ... but ... now that you've seen my bike you should also know I want to keep it as original as possible right down to its raised white letter tires. That being said I can only find about 3 tires to choose from.

1. Dunlop Qualifier. Came stock on it but only the name is the same. It's a different tire and I don't really like the blocky tread pattern.
2. Dunlop Elite II. I'm ... OK with these but not sold on um.
3. Bridgestone Spitfire. I actually like these the best. But ... (and I know this would be a stupid reason not to buy an otherwise perfectly good tire) I'm having a hard time getting past the name Spitfire in bold white letters on the sides of my tires. Spitfire? Really? What were they thinkin? I'm not even sure I'd feel right pulling up on a classic bike with Spitfire written all over it. But ... if their the best tire ... Spitfires it is.

What kind of riding do I do? Lets just say I don't have the balls of my younger years but occasionally still like to grab a fist full of throttle. I'll go with semi aggressive. Who doesn't like to feel a little power between their legs? :woohoo:

So out of those 3 tires, which would y'all choose and why? Any past experiences with um?

Thanks in advance.
81 KZ1000 LTD
All original.
15k miles.
Last edit: 19 Apr 2015 03:16 by RFE81LTD1K.

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Re: Another dreaded tire thread?

19 Apr 2015 06:33 - 19 Apr 2015 06:36
#668645
I wouldn't wish any Dunlop tire on my worst enemy. Buy a set of Pirelli Sport Demons.

Attachment PirelliSportDemon-2.jpg not found

1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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Last edit: 19 Apr 2015 06:36 by 650ed.

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Re: Another dreaded tire thread?

19 Apr 2015 06:50
#668649
Whatever you decide, buy tires from this place:
www.americanmototire.com/catalog/

Free shipping, and fresh codes. I have been buying from them for years, and no issues what-so-ever!
'85 GPz550(ZX550-A2)

GPz550 Base Manual --> tinyurl.com/ze5b3qo
GPz550 Supplement Manual --> tinyurl.com/h34d2o6
GPz550.com --> www.nwsca.com/scripts/gpz_forum_2005/default.asp
First Race Win GPz550 --> tinyurl.com/o5y3ftp
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Re: Another dreaded tire thread?

19 Apr 2015 07:31
#668658
Be sure to shop around on the internet. These folks also have excellent pricing. Ed

www.denniskirk.com/search/pirelli+sport+demon.q/40.ipp
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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Re: Another dreaded tire thread?

19 Apr 2015 11:00
#668688
the Pirelli's, Avon's AM26 and Bridgestone bt45's are all good tires for these bikes. But honestly the last set of tires I had on my 650 were Shinko 712's and they are a damn good tire for the money, good wear life, good grip, and they cost almost half the price as some of those other tires. You will find the limits of the bike before you find the limits of the Shinkos IMHO
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Re: Another dreaded tire thread?

20 Apr 2015 03:15
#668828
Thanks guys, But I think I've decided to set aside my dislike for the Spitfire name and go with the Stones. I've read more good reviews than I have bad. That and for whatever reason I really like the look of their matching tread patterns. So unless any of you have had or heard about problems with them, I'm gonna order um today. I just hope they give me the traction I want when braking into and coming out of turns.
At my age that's really not that much to ask. Not that I don't like to go fast. I just don't have the balls to drag tha pegs anymore. LOL.

Robert
81 KZ1000 LTD
All original.
15k miles.

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Re: Another dreaded tire thread?

20 Apr 2015 05:48
#668834
Bridgestone makes good tires. I would buy them any day over the Dunlops. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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