Ok, I did a search a couple of times and didn't really find much information pertaining to my question. If there is one, provide me a link please.
Anyways, I need to replace the front tire on my bike (96' Honda Magna). Currently it has the Dunlop K555F 120/80 17 on there. (It's nice and dry rotted.)
The back however, has a Bridgestone Exedra G546 150/80 15 M/C. This seems to be the OE tire for the 87 to 88 magnas. http://www.motorcycle-karttires.com/glamourindex.aspx?productID=41
Soo, I'd like to just go ahead and buy a Metzeler ME 880 for the front. Then wait and buy a ME 880 for the back also once the rear tire has worn thin. But, I'm not sure if that would be safe (mixing the Bridgestone and the Metzeler).
I can't seem to find anywhere where it states what ply or what kind of tire each is, and even if I did find a source, I wouldn't be sure still.
Thanks.
I mixed the Dunlop K555 and Metzlers for a couple years until I went with Metzlers front and back. Never had a problem.
When I bought my Magna last year it had the same Exedra tire as you've mentioned on the back. I ended up replacing it after finding a screw and 3 nails in the tire. I replaced it with a stock sized Dunlop. Also note that the front was a stock sized Dunlop
When the Exedra was on, I noticed that during high lean left turns the tire would act like it was on a ridge, then it would let go. A bit disconcerting. At the time I wasn't sure if it was the tire or something else. After replacing the Exedra, the "ridge-affect" was gone. BTW, the tire had much life left in it (wasn't worn significantly at all)
Also, the Exedra is not as tall as the stock sized Dunlop. So when you change it out it will feel a bit higher, and the speedo will show a higher speed/rpm then before.
Quote from: Lurkin
Also, the Exedra is not as tall as the stock sized Dunlop. So when you change it out it will feel a bit higher, and the speedo will show a higher speed/rpm then before.
The rear tire will not change the speedometer reading, changing the front tire size would since it's calibrated for that specific size.
Quote from: LurkinWhen I bought my Magna last year it had the same Exedra tire as you've mentioned on the back. I ended up replacing it after finding a screw and 3 nails in the tire. I replaced it with a stock sized Dunlop. Also note that the front was a stock sized Dunlop
When the Exedra was on, I noticed that during high lean left turns the tire would act like it was on a ridge, then it would let go. A bit disconcerting. At the time I wasn't sure if it was the tire or something else. After replacing the Exedra, the "ridge-affect" was gone. BTW, the tire had much life left in it (wasn't worn significantly at all)
Also, the Exedra is not as tall as the stock sized Dunlop. So when you change it out it will feel a bit higher, and the speedo will show a higher speed/rpm then before.
I think I'll order a Metzeler front now and order the rear soon after. Money is tight atm, but I was concerned about the performance of the Bridgestone as well. Thanks Lurk.
And, I never would have guessed the speedometer was measured through the front wheel.
Jimmy, correct, the rear tire will not affect the speed reading, but will affect the speed at what RPM reading. E.g., 60MPH at 5000RPM, vs. 60 MPH at 4700 RPM.
I should have worded it a bit better.
Ahhh.....now we are on the same page. A taller tire has the same effect as taller gearing. Found that out when I went with the 170/80 Metzler. We both were saying the same thing just wording it differently :wink: