Advice Needed On Tires For 2002 Sporty

[Muzz]

So on our 470 mile ride last weekend the son found that his tires on his Sporty, especially the rear, went from just legal to basically bald. They are Pirelli Routes. Front is  100/90/19   Back is  130/90/16 

Firstly, are these the correct tire sizes for the bike?

Secondly, does anyone have a tire that would be better than what is fitted.

Canterbury where we live is flat. However, as soon as we leave the confines the roads tend to be twisty. We often have quite a coarse Greywacke chip on our roads which gives pretty good traction but can be tough on tires. However, we also have fine chip where the tar has come through and these can be quite slick. Quite a range of surfaces to cope with.

Thanks in advance.

[brlawson]

If it is the Bassa style bike of that year the quoted tire sizes seem off. should be 110/90-18 and 140/80-17.

This link is a bit old but probably still relevant. I like the Perelli sport demons personally.

http://www.foreven.com/motorcycles/Tyres/MgCali1100.htm

[Muzz]

Definitely 19 and 16.

I too like the Demons. My Breva came with them and I have found them really good. Have not checked yet to see if they are available in his sizes out here.

[Kev m]

The popular tires for that bike are (in no particular order):

Metzeler (Marathons 880/888)
Avons
Pirellis

I can't speak personally to the Avon or Pirellis as I've never bothered to venture further than the Marathons on them (as I never needed too).

The Marathons offer a nice combination of better stick than stock, but yet still great tread life (about 10k on rear at proper pressures).

I think the Avons and Pirellis come close to that as well.


YMMV


BRLaw - I believe he's talking about a Harler SPORTster not a Cali Special Sport.

[oldbike54]

 What's a "Harler"?

 Dusty

[LowRyter]

I've had good luck with the Marathons on my EV

[Muzz]

Just to confirm, Kev is correct; it is a Harley Sportster. The 888 does appear to tick all the boxes, especially on the rear.

Also, I know the construction etc. differences between radial and crossply on how they relate to cars. On motorcycles, does the same theory as to tread roll apply? Also, what are the advantages of radial over bias when it comes to bikes?

I know you don't mix them on cars, but would the same reasons apply as to mixing when it comes to motorcycles?

[LowRyter]

I wouldn't put radials on a bike made for bias and vice versa.