So does everyone hate..............

[Blue Giant]

........Bridgestone Tires? I'm looking at a set of spitfire 2's for my 1st Gen. That is what are on it now. It handles poorly but the rear tire is pretty much bald and the front is badly cupped.

[bongobobny]

Pretty much...

[Bubber]

........Bridgestone Tires? I'm looking at a set of spitfire 2's for my 1st Gen. That is what are on it now. It handles poorly but the rear tire is pretty much bald and the front is badly cupped.

 

 

Aaaaaaannnnnnddddd your question is? YES WE DO!

 

I found them to be noisy and ruff riding and they didn't last very long. Other than that.... they sucked.

 

 

Steve

Edited October 26, 2009 by Bubber
spelling

[Venturous Randy]

I think you will like the Dunlop Elite III's for your bike a lot better.

RandyA

[Sylvester]

Actually I hate the Metzeler 880's more...just because they cost more:mo money:...but the Bridgestones are really just as bad.

 

[BOO]

Well I don't like them either but a guy I ride with every once in a while and he thinks they are great. Buys the white wall version. He has an 01 RSV with about 70K and I think he has had Bridgestones on that bike since new.

BOO

[bobcat]

Actually I hate the Metzeler 880's more...just because they cost more:mo money:...but the Bridgestones are really just as bad.

 

I have a love/hate feelings for Metzeler 880's.....When I bought my 86VR it came with a new set of 880's..The rear prematurally started chuncking out at 6k and I replaced it with an Elite III...however, I'm now ready to replace the front tire..it has 31,000 on it. I'll reorder a Metz 880 but only for the front..

[Pecker]

If you are thinking that all Bridgestones are as bad as the Exedra models, please reconsider.

I am running a Bridgestones Spitfire on the rear and absolutely love it. It is a dual compound sport touring tire that lasts twice as long as the Exedra. It probably does not have the load rating of the Avons, but I don't carry alot of extra gear with me.

Before any body has to ask the question, Bridgestone does not carry the stock RSV/RSTD rear size. I am running a 170-80 rear tire. I needed to do a little material removal on the fender support, maybe 1/4" at the most.

This is my second Spitfire, the first one lasted about 9,000 miles. I will never argue with anyone about how bad the Exedras suck, but the Spitfires, in my book, are fantastic.

 

Just checked the Bridgestone website, the Spitfire S-11 size 170-80-15 is load rated at 77H, same as the Elite 3.

Edited October 26, 2009 by Pecker
Added load rating.

[Ndiaz]

SHINKO! Try them, you'll like them. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/395/43/CLASS/Street-Bike-Front-Tires-Touring-Tires-Tires.aspx

 

Better value for the money I doubt if you can get. I have a front Shinko Tourmaster 230 on the front of my 88 Royale, and it's working out great. When the rear Michelin Commander wears out, I'll replace it with a Shinko.

 

Nick Diaz

Middletown, MD

[mother]

i run dunlop elite 3 front and back, awesome traction, great tire life, handle sweet, quiet and smooth while touring.

 

last time i had dunlop elite 3 on the back and avon on the front and i actually preferred the way the bike handled, and same as above for comments.

 

i have had bridgestones on the bike also and the rear wore out way too fast and the front cupped also sounding like riding with snow tires.

 

cheers, Scott

[Yammer Dan]

I had aset of Brickstones on my 85 and they didn't feel as bad as the stories on here but I like the Avons a "LOT" better. SWMOTOTIRE can get them to you pretty quick.

[camos]

My Virago came with a pair of Bridgstone Spitfire II on it. Recently wore out the rear after putting 30,000 km (18,000 ) and replaced it with an Elite 3, don't know how may miles was on it before I got it. The new tire handles way better than the old one ever did, to the best of my memory that is. Probably some of it has to do with old worn out tire versus new tire. Only have about 1000 km on the Elite and wet traction is the most noticeable improvement.

[Squidley]

SHINKO! Try them, you'll like them. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/395/43/CLASS/Street-Bike-Front-Tires-Touring-Tires-Tires.aspx

 

Better value for the money I doubt if you can get. I have a front Shinko Tourmaster 230 on the front of my 88 Royale, and it's working out great. When the rear Michelin Commander wears out, I'll replace it with a Shinko.

 

 

I'll second the Shinkos, I am really liking them on my '89. I have about 3500 miles on a new set front and rear and I am impressed with them. So much so I will put a set on my '79 Electra Glide when I get it here to Houston. The set on my VR cost me $119 shipped to my door from the place that Ndiaz posted.