I am new to the motorcylce ownership world (and to this site) and need advise on tires for my 82 V45 Magna. Considering the limited selection of tires available in 16 and 18" sizes, can anyone recommend a good tire for my bike. I am more concerned with traction and good handling than with mileage. Are cruiser tires going to be my best choice or would I do better going with a sport touring tire?
I am a relatively new rider but that being said I have owned two bikes and on each one I replaced the tires with Metzeler Marathons. I believe they're considered more of a touring tire but I have been very happy with their traction and handling and I commute on my bike. Although my only basis of comparison are the old tires that I was replacing on my bikes. I couldn't tell you how they compare to other brands.
I purchased my tires online at Southwest Moto Tires www.swmototires.com and got great prices. Usually you'll get your tires in about a week. Then I took the tires to a local shop that charges a flat fee for mounting and balancing, whether you buy the tires from them or not. (Stealerships will charge you double usually if you don't buy the tires from them because they don't have the chance to rake you over the coals with the tire price.)
Metzeler's current fitment guide is down on their web site so I wasn't able to look up your bike, but if you know the existing tire size you can probably see if they make it.
Good luck and safe riding.
This is not meant to be advice on tires by any means. I have an '82 V45 that I got this summer. The owner's manual says Dunlop F11 front or Bridgestone L303, size 110/90-18 61H. For the rear, Dunlop K127C or Bridgestone G508, size 130/90-16 67H. That's all I know. I'll be watching this since I need tires soon myself. From other posts, I think a lot of folks use the Metzlers.
Metz are going to be a good choice and 85 to 90% of us ride Mezt they have good traction and the wear is quite good.....
Thanks for your help. My tires have a lot of tread but they are cracked due to age. I wish I'd had new tires on this morning. Scarlet and I came off a hill and hit frost on a small bridge. We took a tumble. Her windshield is in four pieces and my knee is a little skinned. Thank God for riding gear. Now, if I can get her plug unfouled and get her up the next hill, we'll be in good shape.
Glad you are okay and it sounds like Scarlet is not too bad off. Ya, riding gear, did you have pants? I don't have any and am thinking about it. Anyone got feed back on that?
Speedy recovery to you and Scarlet.
Sorry to hear of your accident, but glad you are ok! Metzeler is a good tire, Avon's, and even the Dunlop's are good tires. Dunlops just dont seem to give the longevity and grip later in that service life that the others do.
You mentioned your plugs are fouling? Replace them by all means to give you every opportunity to give full attention to the safety aspect of riding and not have to worry about performance in the least bit.
Glad you and Scarlett are OK. Make sure you give her a real good once over. You might also want to consider the engine guards made by MC Enterprises http://www.mcenterprisesusa.com.
I just put them on my bike this weekend as a matter of fact. I think they look pretty good. I had a problem with my Kuryakyn footpegs though. The clamps were not large enough even though they were supposed to fit. After I work out the bugs I'll try to post some information.
Thomas, I wear these pants:
http://www.teknicgear.com/catalog.php?styleid=2&pid=19
They are great because they can zip over your existing clothes and they zip together with my Teknic jacket. The leather is heavy and the legs have double zippers. So even after you've zipped them down, you can unzip from the top to reach in your pants pocket. (I've left my bike key in my pocket quite a few times and have been thankful for this).
I find them to be very warm as well with no problems in 40 degree weather at 70 mph, although I'm told some of the textile pants are warmer. These pants are not padded though. There are some pretty neat textile pants with knee and hip pads.
I am not a chaps fan. They say denim will slide 4 to 8 feet before wearing through at 50 mph, while leather can supposedly slide up to 80 feet. If you think about it, chaps are not protecting some of the most important parts! :)
Just happened to find that I missed this whole posting so I'll add my 2 cents in late.
I use the Bridgestone Spitfire S11 tires on my V65 and have always had very good results from them. I know most go with the Dunlops or Metzlers but I've shied away from them because of the cost.
Longevity is probably an issue with the Bridgestones, especially the rear tires. I've only replaced the front tires on my V's once each but I've had to replace the rears several times. I'd say I get about 8-10k out of the rears and 15-20k out of the fronts.
What I like most is the cost. I'm a bit parsimonious primarily cause my wife won't let me spend what I'd like to on them. LOL.
For your V45 the front tire runs 54.97 and the rear runs 68.99
Marc
I have the 'halloween' bike also. On this bike and my previous bike I have only used Metzlers. I have been very happy with them.
Glad you are around to talk about your off bike experience. Yes, Ihave found good gear makes the difference.
Bob #69
Has anyone ever heard of or had any experience with "Kings" tires? They are made in China but have an H rating. Local dealer says they will last longer than Dunlops and are about $40 less for the 150/80 14 rear tire. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
What are yall paying for Dunlops??
5-0
This price is at local independent shop. If you buy tire then it is $10 to mount and balance if you bring the wheel in. If they take the wheel off and mount and balance its $45.00. If you bring the tire and wheel in then it is $45 to mount and balance. Catch 22 is if I order and get the tire for less then they charge extra and price turns out about the same. Any good suggestions other than mounting it myself?
Not that hard to mount your own buy a set of tire irons and make sure to line up the dot on the new tire with the valve stem.......