V7 Stone Rear Tire Recommendations

[malik]

For me, it seems to be the clutch. The Special (at 100,000 km) is slipping its clutch, and there's a film of oil in the bell housing. Tough it seems to be black this time, rather than reddish. Looks like the clutch push rod seal may have gone in this one too. The Classic went at 120,000 km. should be marginally quicker to pull down - there's no "Screw of Doom" on the single throttle body bike, so perhaps I can leave the manifolds in situ. We'll see.

[twowheeladdict]

Resurrecting this thread because I find that at 3400 miles the rear stock tire is getting in need of replacement.

Is the Michelin Activ still the tire to get?

[malik]

I've have just worn out another Pilot Activ rear, at 14,000 MILES. I still prefer the handling of the Avom AM26, but that's subjective, I feel I get better tip in on corners & better traction on the odd bit of gravel. Was thinking about the Conti radial, but at 25% dearer, I'll wait till I replace both front & rear at the same time, and give them a fair test.

[MMRanch]

Twa

I got almost 5k miles from my original Sports Demon.   Then ran through a AM26 in 9K miles , and now have a Shinko 712 .   
So , if 9K miles is all the miles I'm going to get from a top notch rear tire I'm trying the Shinko.   I want a Commander II but in a 130 - 17" there ain't no such thing.

I can tell ya this ... "If you'll go 130/90 instead of 130/80 , then your speedometer will work right ! " 

[drawnverybadly]

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/continental-road-attack-3-tires

110 in the front and 130 in the rear, the best tires you can put on your V7.

[SmithSwede]

I really like both the Michelin Pilot Activ and the Avon AM26.  I just buy whatever is cheaper.

I like the Michelin a tiny bit better for overall feel and traction.  But the Avon is easier to mount, and lasts longer.

I pulled my last rear Avon at just under 12,000 miles with 2mm of tread left, and was surprised how thick the remaining rubber was compared to a Michelin with the same amount of tread depth left. I think I could have safely have run the Avon down to 1.5mm, maybe even 1.0.   So maybe 14,000 to 15,000 mile rear tire life.  Not shabby at all. 

[twowheeladdict]

Twa

I got almost 5k miles from my original Sports Demon.   Then ran through a AM26 in 9K miles , and now have a Shinko 712 .   
So , if 9K miles is all the miles I'm going to get from a top notch rear tire I'm trying the Shinko.   I want a Commander II but in a 130 - 17" there ain't no such thing.

I can tell ya this ... "If you'll go 130/90 instead of 130/80 , then your speedometer will work right ! " 

I ran Shinko Ravens on a few bikes with no complaints.  I know you lean a bike over and ride the same roads I ride so I do value your opinion. 

[twowheeladdict]

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/continental-road-attack-3-tires

110 in the front and 130 in the rear, the best tires you can put on your V7.

Best in what sense?  Best for curvy road grip?  Best for longevity?  Best for handling and turn in?

I have never swapped in radials when the manufacturer uses bias ply so looking for pluses and minuses associated with making the switch.

[Muzz]

Best in what sense?  Best for curvy road grip?  Best for longevity?  Best for handling and turn in?

I have never swapped in radials when the manufacturer uses bias ply so looking for pluses and minuses associated with making the switch.

I had to; no Sport Demons available when I ran out of tread on the rear.  The only one I could get was a Metzeler MZ2 steel belted radial; OEM for the Thruxton.

Have found it feels more planted than the Demon and is certainly giving better mileage.  Has 6000 miles on it and appears to be about half worn.  After the Tattley Rappet Guzzi rally there were no chicken strips on the rear tire and very small on the front so it can be pushed.  Absolutely no problems with the radial rear and the bias Demon on the front.

Having said that, the front is coming up for renewal; here in NZ a lot of the tires you get overseas are just not stocked here, and those 17 inch sizes are a bit uncommon to say the least.  The Breva doesn't like tar snakes very much, so I would like to try a radial on the front to see if that side of things improves a bit.  Haven't found any of the Contis in stock so far.

[mechanicsavant]

I’m with drawnyerybadly , continue RaIII radials rule . Single best improvement to my V7II . Really

[drawnverybadly]

Best in what sense?  Best for curvy road grip?  Best for longevity?  Best for handling and turn in?

I have never swapped in radials when the manufacturer uses bias ply so looking for pluses and minuses associated with making the switch.

Yes.

[mechanicsavant]

They seem better in every category. Huge improvement in ride quality, I no longer notice every pine needle and pebble , expanded metal bridge decks , smooth and straight  no weave or wander . Much more confidant in corners wet or dry . At 6000 mi. Rear is just starting to square off! Oh I’m around 100 kilos and am usually keeping up with bigger bikes , mostly those German Ks and Rs . The cont is also work better when I’ve got 35 kilos of camping gear lashed on . I seem to remember getting around 6 to 7 thousand Mi. From the sport demons . Yup I’m sold on radials .

[twowheeladdict]

Thanks for the suggestions. Now to decide if I stick a shinko on the rear until the front needs replacement and then go radial, or just go for it. Mmm, decisions.

[Vagrant]

Ran a conti rear with bias front for 6000 miles on V7-3. Works fine. I will never run anything but radials from now on. Just put a Bridgestone A41 on the rear of the 2001 Ev. With a Conti on the front. WroRks great.

[kingoffleece]

Having worn out the Pilot Activ I went to Conti Road Attack 3.  The performance is so superior to either the OEM or Pilot as to not even being on the same planet.