Author Topic: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400  (Read 1706 times)

Offline JohninVT

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Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« on: March 22, 2019, 11:12:37 AM »
I need new tires for my bike and while shopping I noticed that there are two Bridgestone Exedra Max tires.  One says it’s a radial and the other does not.  One is much cheaper.  Anyone know if the bike has to have radials or what the performance difference might be between the two?  TIA

Offline bobbyfromnc

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2019, 11:28:47 AM »
I need new tires for my bike and while shopping I noticed that there are two Bridgestone Exedra Max tires.  One says it’s a radial and the other does not.  One is much cheaper.  Anyone know if the bike has to have radials or what the performance difference might be between the two?  TIA


JohninVT, I guess I'm not answering your specific question per-say, but I wanted to give you my experience...

As far as tires I will report to you that after the dunlop tires from factory wore out (quickly I might add) I chose Avon Cobras and I'll swear on my mama's grave I've gotten over 11K on them before needing to replace them. I have the service records to prove I'm not shouting a fairy tale. I ride casual most of the time with some fun thrown in for good measure. I own a 2014 Cal touring. bobbyfromnc
« Last Edit: March 22, 2019, 11:30:19 AM by bobbyfromnc »

Offline Zoom Zoom

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2019, 01:45:47 PM »
The 1400 Eldo comes with bias ply

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2019, 02:08:17 PM »

Offline steveford

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2019, 09:36:40 PM »
I've been running the Bridgestone Excedra Max Radials since the Dunlop's came off my 1400T. I've been getting a good 10,000 miles out of the rears, and have managed close to 20,000 out of a front. Lot's of folks in the PNW are using these tires, and like them. Very reasonable $$$ also. I have run a few sets of the Bridgestone's, as my 1400T is well over 50,000 miles. Also the new Yamaha touring bikes, and the new Goldwing come standard with these tires.
« Last Edit: March 22, 2019, 10:01:12 PM by steveford »
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Online Ncdan

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #5 on: March 23, 2019, 07:09:49 AM »
I've been running the Bridgestone Excedra Max Radials since the Dunlop's came off my 1400T. I've been getting a good 10,000 miles out of the rears, and have managed close to 20,000 out of a front. Lot's of folks in the PNW are using these tires, and like them. Very reasonable $$$ also. I have run a few sets of the Bridgestone's, as my 1400T is well over 50,000 miles. Also the new Yamaha touring bikes, and the new Goldwing come standard with these tires.
Steve are you running the 180 series or 200, if so which 180 is the same height as the 200??

Offline DougG

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #6 on: March 23, 2019, 08:15:10 AM »
Hi Ncdan,                                                                                                                                                        3-23-19

I went from Dunlop 200/60 R16 to Dunlop 180/70 R16.  The differences are these: 
200 series - width=8.23", diameter = 25.39", load = 963#@41 psi.
180 series - width=6.92", diameter = 26.2", load = 908@41psi.

The 180 is about 3% greater diameter.  I notice a difference in cornering...narrowe r, slightly better lean and taller...slightly better lean.  I imagine there is a bit of a speedometer difference...slight ly faster than speedo reading?  However, motorcycle speedometers are always a bit off...tire pressures, temps, etc.  Not an issue for me, I rely on GPS reading.

Be well,
DougG
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Offline OldMojo

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #7 on: March 23, 2019, 10:20:53 AM »

JohninVT, I guess I'm not answering your specific question per-say, but I wanted to give you my experience...

As far as tires I will report to you that after the dunlop tires from factory wore out (quickly I might add) I chose Avon Cobras and I'll swear on my mama's grave I've gotten over 11K on them before needing to replace them. I have the service records to prove I'm not shouting a fairy tale. I ride casual most of the time with some fun thrown in for good measure. I own a 2014 Cal touring. bobbyfromnc

9k on my Cobras. Had some left in them when I changed them for a trip. We'll see how the new set does.
"When you hit third gear, you'll forget everything she said"

'15 Griso 1200
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Offline steveford

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2019, 11:49:11 AM »
Steve are you running the 180 series or 200, if so which 180 is the same height as the 200??

I've always run the 200.
Keeping the Guzzi Passion Alive
Steve Ford
Vancouver Wa.

100,000+ mile 2001 EV http://wildguzzi.com/Rallies/Photos/AZ/1.jpg
77,000+mile 2014 1400 Touring
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ClnTFjmDyPMS2RBB3

Offline JohninVT

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2019, 12:58:04 PM »
The Touring rear wheel is a lot wider than the Eldorado.  I like the idea of a narrower tire than a 200 but stretching a 180 that far seems like a bad idea.  I know a lot of people do it and there’s a MUCH bigger selection of tires in 180.

Anyway, it seems there are pros and cons to bias ply vs. radial.  Thanks for the feedback on the Avon’s.  Sounds like they last a while.  My concern with them is wet weather performance.  The solid center is great for longevity but not ideal in the rain.  I’ll probably try the Exedras.   

Offline bobbyfromnc

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #10 on: March 25, 2019, 07:18:17 AM »
The Touring rear wheel is a lot wider than the Eldorado.  I like the idea of a narrower tire than a 200 but stretching a 180 that far seems like a bad idea.  I know a lot of people do it and there’s a MUCH bigger selection of tires in 180.

Anyway, it seems there are pros and cons to bias ply vs. radial.  Thanks for the feedback on the Avon’s.  Sounds like they last a while.  My concern with them is wet weather performance.  The solid center is great for longevity but not ideal in the rain.  I’ll probably try the Exedras.


JohninVT... That's exactly why I chose Avon Cobras, Wet road conditions. I read a bunch of info and reviews and decided on them for that reason. bobbyfromnc

Offline Smithy

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Re: Radial vs Bias ply on Cali 1400
« Reply #11 on: March 26, 2019, 05:16:48 AM »
Avon Cobra..
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