New tires for the Bonneville

[Rocky]

Two of the larger bike dealers here are having a great tire sale (war) in competition with one another, and since my T100 needs a new pair, it's time to buy.
The front tire size of 100/90-19 is easily available in several popular name brands, but the 130/80-17 rear fitment is a little harder to get and my choices are either a 130/90-17 or a 140/80-17.
I want to keep the aspect ratio of "80" the same so I think I'll go with the 140/80-17. This size is only slightly wider (10 mm) and there is plenty of room for that.
I post this only because this is my first set of new tires for this bike and invite any advice or comments.

 

[CarlS]

I ran a 140 on my T100 and I have a 150 on the T100 w/sidecar.

 

[devo]

Provided your rim width dimension still falls within the recommended parameters of the tyre manufacturer for that 140 size, you should be all good.
Dont forget as well, the tyre will also be 8 mm taller, and if this is all good,then it would be my choice as well.

 

[DaveM]

I must admit I have not replaced a tyre on any bike for a long time so I will be of no help right now. However I think I will be in for replacing my set very soon as well so I am into hearing what other have to say about this one

 

[devo]

I must admit I have not replaced a tyre on any bike for a long time so I will be of no help right now. However I think I will be in for replacing my set very soon as well so I am into hearing what other have to say about this one

From memory Dave I think your running the stock ME880 on the rear and the lasertech on the front aren't you.
I would stick with these except I would change the front tyre size from the standard 110/80/18 to a 110/90/18.
This does two things, It brings the speedo into line and it gives a nicer turn in into a corner.

 

[DaveM]

Yes I am still running the stock ones on my bike and was just thinking of going back to then as they seemed to work for me. I am up for trying the 110/90/18 when I do get around to doing this, now sure how soon that will be as I have a few other bills to look at as far as the cars go first.

 

[Rocky]

Thanks for the input guys
I thought the 140 was the best choice and will go with that size.

 

[Rocky]

As they say in NASCAR, "I got new tars!" (tires, tyres)
I went over to the H***a dealer early this morning and they only had one set of Bridgestones left that would fit the Bonneville.
I had a choice between Dunlop and Bridgestone, but was willing to take either depending on what they had left. The Metzler's they had were only for sport bikes.
The prices were excellent and the staff there are so friendly and helpful.
When I read about the poor service some of you have experienced I'm always a bit shocked. How do they expect to survive if they pi$$ off their customers?? Word of mouth can be the best and worst advertising.
I went for all new tubes and rim tapes while I was at it. I'll pull the wheels off and take them over for mounting at my leisure.
Baby has a new pair of shoes. YEEHHAAWWWW!!

 

[DaveM]

lol sound like you ready to go, do they come with snow spikes as well

Sorry could not resist that

 

[Rocky]

lol sound like you ready to go, do they come with snow spikes as well

Sorry could not resist that

You sure know how to hurt a guy
I'll have you know it's 9C (48F) today, so there, take that
It's crazy mild weather, but we'll take it
Each day of this is another day off winter.

 

[CarlS]

As they say in NASCAR, "I got new tars!" (tires, tyres)
I went over to the H***a dealer early this morning and they only had one set of Bridgestones left that would fit the Bonneville.
I had a choice between Dunlop and Bridgestone, but was willing to take either depending on what they had left. The Metzler's they had were only for sport bikes.
The prices were excellent and the staff there are so friendly and helpful.
When I read about the poor service some of you have experienced I'm always a bit shocked. How do they expect to survive if they pi$$ off their customers?? Word of mouth can be the best and worst advertising.
I went for all new tubes and rim tapes while I was at it. I'll pull the wheels off and take them over for mounting at my leisure.
Baby has a new pair of shoes. YEEHHAAWWWW!!

Which did you get, the Bridgestones or the Dunlops? I hipe you got the Dulops. The Bonnevilles and T100's used to come with Bridgestones as OEM. A lot of us had trouble with the front tires cupping. Most of us changed to Metzlers and Triumph started using Metzlers as OEM.

You sure know how to hurt a guy
I'll have you know it's 9C (48F) today, so there, take that
It's crazy mild weather, but we'll take it
Each day of this is another day off winter.

Rocky, it is 82 F here as I type.

 

[Rocky]

As mentioned in my message, they only had Bridgestones to fit the Bonneville so I took them. The discount price was too good to pass up.
I've used Bridgestones on several bikes over the years and never had any problem with them.
I put a set on my H***a last fall which came with Bridgestones and this will be the third set on that bike.
If they prove to not work well on the Bonneville then I'll change to something else when the time comes.

 

[CarlS]

I have had no problems with the Bridgestones on my Tiger 800. They are wearing very well. I did have the cupping issue on my T100 and on Mae Lyne's T100. It occurred when the front tires were about half worn. I just wanted to let you know so you could look out for that problem down the road.

 

[DaveM]

You sure know how to hurt a guy
I'll have you know it's 9C (48F) today, so there, take that
It's crazy mild weather, but we'll take it
Each day of this is another day off winter.

and you not our riding what is wrong with you

 

[Rocky]

I have had no problems with the Bridgestones on my Tiger 800. They are wearing very well. I did have the cupping issue on my T100 and on Mae Lyne's T100. It occurred when the front tires were about half worn. I just wanted to let you know so you could look out for that problem down the road.

thanks for the heads up.

 

[Rocky]

and you not our riding what is wrong with you

yes, it was almost riding weather.
Crazy stuff for January, but the colder weather is just down the road. It was fun while it lasted.

 

[DaveM]

The improvements in the way they make tyres these days is amazing and I don't think we would push most to thei limits just doing normal riding

 

[Rocky]

The improvements in the way they make tyres these days is amazing and I don't think we would push most to thei limits just doing normal riding

I agree. Both the tires and bikes have capabilities and limits beyond anything I will ever reach.
I like to ride in a spirited manner, but I know my limits.
I got seven summers out of the OEM tires so if I only get, say, five years out of the Bridgestones I'll be happy with that. We'll see how it goes, and as always, time will tell.

 

[CarlS]

I have 9000 miles on the Bridgestones on my Tiger and still plenty of tread. I have only been able to get 6000 - 7000 miles out of a rear tire on the T100.

 

[DaveM]

That is not bad use on them at all for both of you