dna9656 Posted July 2, 2018 #1 Posted July 2, 2018 (edited) Looking for opinions on tires as I need a set. I'm looking at these: Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact 120/70ZR18-M Front Tire Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact 140/70ZR18-M Rear Tire They are radials..... To put on my 1988 Venture. Edited July 2, 2018 by dna9656
BlueSky Posted July 2, 2018 #2 Posted July 2, 2018 (edited) Wrong size. Stock size is: 120/90-18 front 140/90-16 rear You also need to make sure the replacement tires will carry as much load as the OE tires. Edited July 2, 2018 by BlueSky
gaj1917 Posted July 2, 2018 #3 Posted July 2, 2018 In addition to getting the correct sizes as BlueSky indicates, investigate radial vs bias ply tires. Bias generally better for the big touring bikes. See the following link for a discussion: https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/bias-ply-vs-radial-which-one-is-best-for-you I run Dunlop Elite 3 tires, front and rear, on my '83.
SpencerPJ Posted July 2, 2018 #4 Posted July 2, 2018 I sure wish someone would still make tires for our 83 that were RWL. They are retro correct look.
videoarizona Posted July 2, 2018 #5 Posted July 2, 2018 I sure wish someone would still make tires for our 83 that were RWL. They are retro correct look. Is this what you are looking for? https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/dunlop-american-elite-motorcycle-tire/p/22634?m=147009
saddlebum Posted July 2, 2018 #6 Posted July 2, 2018 (edited) Dunlop makes the Ellet E4 in both 120/90-18 front & 140/90-16 rear. I have them on my 89 XVZ1300 and so far I like them even better than the E3's, I had previously, which I would have bought again, had they not been replaced by the E4's but so far I am loving these tires both for ride quality and cornering ability. Their load carrying capacity is excellent. Also when putting new tires on air them up to max pressure shown on tire side wall rather than what the owners manual states. The reason for this is that the owners manual recommendations are based on the tires that were available at the time. You can always adjust pressure later based on the way the tires are wearing and the handling feel of the bike. Some like the Avon venoms, but many of the 1st Gen owners have experienced tail wag at highway speeds with the Avon's Myself included. I have heard no complaints from Gen 2 owners however who seem to love these tires. Edited July 2, 2018 by saddlebum
SpencerPJ Posted July 2, 2018 #7 Posted July 2, 2018 Is this what you are looking for? https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/dunlop-american-elite-motorcycle-tire/p/22634?m=147009 No, I'm not a white wall fan. I liked the Raised Letters on my old Bridgestones. But thanks. I was stewing about buying tires all spring, just ordered some Shinko 230s. Maybe not the best, but all the websites, people seem to really like them. My local shop had 25% off all tires, and free mounting if I bring in the wheels. Total price for front and back, mounted and balanced, will be $170
videoarizona Posted July 2, 2018 #8 Posted July 2, 2018 No, I'm not a white wall fan. I liked the Raised Letters on my old Bridgestones. But thanks. I was stewing about buying tires all spring, just ordered some Shinko 230s. Maybe not the best, but all the websites, people seem to really like them. My local shop had 25% off all tires, and free mounting if I bring in the wheels. Total price for front and back, mounted and balanced, will be $170 You will love the 230's on your 1st gen. My 89 has had them for 4 years now and I still love them! Have about 5K miles on them and the rear is about half done. Front still looks great! I keep them at 38-40 front and 42 rear.
gaj1917 Posted July 2, 2018 #9 Posted July 2, 2018 I sure wish someone would still make tires for our 83 that were RWL. They are retro correct look. Ya, me too. The ones with the white lettering.
videoarizona Posted July 2, 2018 #10 Posted July 2, 2018 I thought I read somewhere that Dunlop is re-releasing the old 402's (?). Didn't they have the retro looking raised white letters?
camos Posted July 2, 2018 #11 Posted July 2, 2018 You will love the 230's on your 1st gen. My 89 has had them for 4 years now and I still love them! Have about 5K miles on them and the rear is about half done. Front still looks great! I keep them at 38-40 front and 42 rear. My local shop had 25% off all tires, and free mounting if I bring in the wheels. Total price for front and back, mounted and balanced, will be $170Seems like a pretty good choice if you don't ride much like VAZ mentioned. The tires will probably be expired by the time he gets to 10K miles. On the other hand, if you put miles on the better deal is Dunlop E3's or E4's which will give you about 20K miles for just a little higher initial cost.
dna9656 Posted July 3, 2018 Author #12 Posted July 3, 2018 Is this what you are looking for? https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/dunlop-american-elite-motorcycle-tire/p/22634?m=147009 Bike bandit doesn't show the load range or any other spec.
dna9656 Posted July 3, 2018 Author #13 Posted July 3, 2018 So what should the load range be? I'd like stronger tires than stock, I ride 2 up from time to time and MAY carry a trailer but more likely would fill the saddle bags and carry back packs.
BlueSky Posted July 3, 2018 #14 Posted July 3, 2018 (edited) So what should the load range be? I'd like stronger tires than stock, I ride 2 up from time to time and MAY carry a trailer but more likely would fill the saddle bags and carry back packs. The 65H and 71H are the load ratings and speed ratings, the number being the load rating and the letter being the speed rating. I wouldn't suggest buying a tire with a lower load rating or speed rating if you like to turn up the wick. As you might guess, the higher the number the higher the load rating. Not all tires the same size have the same load rating especially the rear. Some rear tires have a higher load rating than what the manual specifies. 120/90-18 65H 140/90-16 71H https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/docs/Street-Tire-Load-Ratings.pdf Edited July 3, 2018 by BlueSky
SpencerPJ Posted July 18, 2018 #15 Posted July 18, 2018 You will love the 230's on your 1st gen. My 89 has had them for 4 years now and I still love them! Have about 5K miles on them and the rear is about half done. Front still looks great! I keep them at 38-40 front and 42 rear. You are correct, I love the Shinko 230's. They handle just awesome, and quiet. Only have 200 miles on them, but wow, what a what a great tire for sure.
videoarizona Posted July 18, 2018 #16 Posted July 18, 2018 (edited) You are correct, I love the Shinko 230's. They handle just awesome, and quiet. Only have 200 miles on them, but wow, what a what a great tire for sure. Good to hear. I don't worry about longevity. I figure by the time the tires wear out, it's time to take apart the rear end anyway and grease it up! if i make 8K on rear, I'll be happy. I've already taken the rear end apart to clean and grease...but rear tire was still good. I was spending most of my time on the 950 and the RSV. With 950 gone, I'll be adding miles on the 89! Edited July 18, 2018 by videoarizona add
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