Tire size question

[Ncdan]

Is there an acceptable tire size other than the stock 140/70-17
That will work ok on my 07 Calvin. There are very limited choices for that tire size.

[rocker59]

Is there an acceptable tire size other than the stock 140/70-17
That will work ok on my 07 Calvin. There are very limited choices for that tire size.

What tire are you wanting to use that's not available in that size?

Michelin Pilot Activ is available in that size and is a fantastic tire for the Tonti Califorinas.

Bridgestone BT 45 is available in that size and is a popular choice among Guzzisti.

A quick Google search found about a dozen other tires available in that size...

[wavedog]

I posed a similar question a while ago. Based on the answers from forum members I went with a 130-90-17 for the rear of my Jackal and it has made the bike a little more nimble. Happy with the choice. The Michelin Pilot Activ tires are great. Others have used Shinko's  (gasp!) and have good reports, but I think you were asking more about tire sizes. I don't know how wide you can go on the cal-vin. I also noticed that one distibutor will have more (or less) size availability than another. Since I use limited sizes and brands, AMT has become my go-to tire supplier. Good prices, fast shipping.

[rocker59]

I think you were asking more about tire sizes.

I don't know how wide you can go on the cal-vin. 

He was stating that due to limited availability of 140/70-17 tires, he wanted to know what other size would fit.  There isn't a limited availability of 140/70-17 tires, as far as I can see.  A dozen or more options in that size does not equal "limited", in my book. But, maybe there is a specific tire he's looking at that doesn't happen to be available in 140/70-17.

The swingarm is wider on the Cal Vin than on your Jackal, so there is quite a bit more room to work with, and no rubbing like on your earlier bike.

[wavedog]

Yes, I also found a good supply of various brands of tires in the 140/70-17 size. I have an 03 stone parts bike in my garage and the swing arm is similar to the Calvin and it is definitely wider. I don't think I would go with a wider tire on the Cali. My personal thinking (and I could be wrong) is that it would slow down the excellent handling of the tonti framed cali, and the bike does not make enough power to warrant big rubber on the back. Perhaps if one was using the bike to tow a trailer, then the wider tire may be needed. Just my thoughts, and I stand to be corrected.

[rocker59]

No, you're right.  Wider tires generally slow down steering.

For years, I've gone down a size on my V11s from 180/55-17 to 170/60-17 to improve handling.

I think the Cal Vin is running a 3.50” x 17” rear wheel, so 130/80-17 should be fine

[redrider]

Do not forget to consider the aspect ratio. It is the two digit number after the slash that follows the width. Selecting a narrower tire with a higher ratio may mimic the OE profile and not affect the speedometer as much. The Benelli loves the 180/55 over the 190/50. Also be mindful of the actual width vs general size nomenclature. A 180 size ranges from 17(X) to 18(X). Differing tire patterns from the same manufacturer will vary as well.

[Rough Edge racing]

No, you're right.  Wider tires generally slow down steering.

For years, I've gone down a size on my V11s from 180/55-17 to 170/60-17 to improve handling.

I think the Cal Vin is running a 3.50� x 17� rear wheel, so 130/80-17 should be fine

 The tire width can affect handling slightly...But I believe the type of tire and air pressure has more effect than a 10 MM width difference..

[Sheepdog]

I've had good luck with the Michelin Activs, the Metzler 880, and the Bridgestone BT45s. Of the three, I like the Michelins best. They are affordable, neutral handling, and have pretty good tread life. The stock Metzler LaserTecs were okay when new, but developed wonky handling characteristics as they began to wear. Check out the Tires Unlimited site for an easy to navigate collection of tire specs...

http://tiresunlimited.com/motorcycle_tires.htm

[rocker59]

The tire width can affect handling slightly...But I believe the type of tire and air pressure has more effect than a 10 MM width difference..

The profile changes.  Running the same air pressure and the same make/model of tire, dramatic handling differences can be felt by going up or down a size.

Changing from a factory 180/55-17 down to a 170/60-17, for example, was a common change for people wanting to improve handling on '02-up V11 Sport and V11 LeMans.

Changing from a factory 190/50-17 down to a 180/55-17 was a common change for people wanting to improve handling on Ducati's 1990s Superbikes.

[Ncdan]

Thanks for all the responses, maybe I should did a little deeper for the 140/70 17 that's in it now. When I googled that size there were no reasonably priced tires of that side. Would a Dunlop 140 90 17 work, that's a Harley size for most of their older bikes. It's a great tough tire and can be bought for around 100 bucks sometimes.

[rocker59]

The 90 will be noticeably taller than the 70.  You're making this harder than it has to be.

I use American Motorcycle Tire for mail order.  They have several good options for the 140/70-17:

If you're looking at something economically priced, Kenda for $75
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=692&products_id=2527

If you're looking for something good and popular, Bridgestone BT45 for $110:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=692&products_id=694

Another popular tire, Avon for $98:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=692&products_id=694

Something sporty from Pirelli for $130:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=692&products_id=4037

[rocker59]

Even Amazon is in the game.  My fave, the Michelin Pilot Activ for $123.

https://www.amazon.com/Michelin-Pilot-Activ-Motorcycle-Cruiser/dp/B005J87XHG

[wavedog]

A friend uses shinkos on his calvin and is very satisfied with the tires. A set can be had for a little over a hundred.

[Tom H]

A friend uses shinkos on his calvin and is very satisfied with the tires. A set can be had for a little over a hundred.

What Shinko model for the rear? How many miles does he normally get out of the rear?

I have a Michelin Commander 2 that rides nice and should get great mileage, but not thrilled with it in the wet.

Thank you,
Tom

[antmanbee]

I have Shinkos on my Calvin (150/70-17 and 100/90-18) and I just bought 2 more for my Jackal but with a 130/90-17 for the rear and the same size front. I can't comment on the mileage as they were on the bike when I got it, but seem to be wearing fine and they corner nice and are smooth. I am pleased with them so I got a set for the Jackal. Can't beat the price and reviews on the internet seem highly positive. Got both tires shipped from Dennis Kirk for $110.

[Ncdan]

Thanks for the response guys. I'm not sure why I wasn't seeing all these tires when I was searching. The shinko 150/90 17 sounds great. I assume it's a little taller than the 140/90 17. I have ran thdcshinko and found them to be a responsible tire.

[JesterGrin_1]

This might be apples and oranges but I have used the Shinko 705's on a Kawasaki KLR-650 and thus far they have proven to be good tires. There were many on the forums for these typs of bikes that recommended them. But as the norm there were also many that would throw there .02 in saying they were too cheap but they never even ran a set lol.

As for Shinko Street tires I have just now started to research this and thus far the Shinko 009 Raven keeps coming up as a decent sport / touring tire but more touring than sport. :) Or to say if you like to drag a knee something sticker might be needed and thus of course the tire will not last as long.

[Rough Edge racing]

The profile changes.  Running the same air pressure and the same make/model of tire, dramatic handling differences can be felt by going up or down a size.

Changing from a factory 180/55-17 down to a 170/60-17, for example, was a common change for people wanting to improve handling on '02-up V11 Sport and V11 LeMans.

Changing from a factory 190/50-17 down to a 180/55-17 was a common change for people wanting to improve handling on Ducati's 1990s Superbikes.

 I have a 96 Ducati 900M I bought recently and it came with a new unmounted rear tire...180/55-17 ,same brand and type as the 120 front.  Stock size is 170 rear on a 5.5 rim...A 180 is ok on the 5.5 rim...So I talked to Ducati guys about rear tires sizes....Seems to be a mixed opinion...If the rim is the proper width the effect on handling is generally a bit slower turn it..but some say fitting one size larger rear lowered lap times..Others say it made no difference or slowed the handling too much...I'm assuming a Ducati with 24 degree front fork rake might handle a lot faster than a big Guzzi? So some riders might feel more secure is slightly slower handling and be able to ride faster?
  Thanks for the bike tire link....I always bought from Kirk, but the place you linked is a few bucks cheaper....

[rocker59]

5.5 rear rim is what the V11 Lemans had.  Yeah, 170/60-17 or 180/55-17.  On my LeMans, going down from the factory 180/55-17 to the 170/60-17 was a nice improvement.  But like you say, wheelbase and steering geometry are fairly slow and old-timey on that bike.

I can see a Ducati Monster, being lighter and with quicker steering geometry working better with the 180/55-17, for some people. 

American Motorcycle Tire has always been good to me.  I've been using them for probably a dozen years.  Good prices, quick shipping, and the tires come with fresh date codes. 

[Robert]

Is there an acceptable tire size other than the stock 140/70-17
That will work ok on my 07 Calvin.
= = =

User Manual says:

Tires
Front
110/90 - B-18 - 61V
Rear
140/80 - B-17 - 69V

Which is exactly what is on my 07 CalVin.

With ancient date codes, and some weather cracking, which is why I am searching CalVin tire and size info.

And while we are here, what is the difference between bias and radial ply, and how can I tell which I have, and how to tell when ordering new ones????

I know Bias versus Radial ply in general, just not as applies to motorcycles.

[rocker59]

Is there an acceptable tire size other than the stock 140/70-17
That will work ok on my 07 Calvin.
= = =

User Manual says:

Tires
Front
110/90 - B-18 - 61V
Rear
140/80 - B-17 - 69V

Which is exactly what is on my 07 CalVin.

With ancient date codes, and some weather cracking, which is why I am searching CalVin tire and size info.

And while we are here, what is the difference between bias and radial ply, and how can I tell which I have, and how to tell when ordering new ones????

I know Bias versus Radial ply in general, just not as applies to motorcycles.

Use the stock sizes and construction.  There are several makes/models available.

The "B" in your description above stands for "belted".  If there was an "R" there, it would stand for "radial".

[Tony/CT]

I don't know what the big hoopla is about Shinko tires. They are made in Japan. Shinko, which is a Japanese tire maker since the 40's bought Yokohama Rubber Company in the 90's. I am on my second rear on my EV and first front and am very pleased with them. I got about 8,000 miles on the rear on my first one. I rode it in all conditions, two up touring, rainy conditions, dry conditions. They work fine. I paid about $80.00 for the rear Shinko 712. The Metzeler 880 rear, which I paid $220.00 for cupped. I replaced it with a Michelin Pilot and liked that tire. For the money, I'm buying Shinkos.

My Vintage came with a 140/80/17. I Just had two Kenda tires put on. They are also very reasonably priced also. I put on a 140/70/17 on the rear and think handling has improved with the lower profile. This tire company is from Taiwan and has factories in China. I will see how they wear. If I don't like them, I won't buy them again. I don't think the rubber is going to fall off of them. So far I like the handling. I also would not put on a wider tire. My EV runs a 150/70/17. My Vintage runs a 140/70/17. The Vintage handles better. My old Special Sport with a 140/80/17 rear tire handled better.

[Sheepdog]

Michelin Activ in Vintage sizes are on sale at the Motorcycle Superstore. $243 for a pair of premium tires in the factory recommended size is a pretty good deal...

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6158/i/michelin-pilot-activ-rear-tire?suggest=1&term=Michelin%20activ
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6157/i/michelin-pilot-activ-front-tire

[flower_king001]

I have been using Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 Sport Touring tires on my '86 IV Lemans with great success. I have also switched over to the same model tire on my '98 EV and quite pleased so far. I used to run nothing but Metzeler 880's on the EV till....the last tire under 3,000 miles the thread started peeling off. Didn't notice till riding home one night and the bike started to vibrate madly. I got off and investigated and say that the thread was peeling off like rose petals! I parked the park and called a friend to bring a trailer. It took sometime but in the end was refunded my money for the tire. To this day I will NEVER run another Metzeler tire on any of my bikes. If you Google you will find others who have experienced the same trouble.

[inditx]

I don't know what the big hoopla is about Shinko tires. They are made in Japan. Shinko, which is a Japanese tire maker since the 40's bought Yokohama Rubber Company in the 90's. I am on my second rear on my EV and first front and am very pleased with them. I got about 8,000 miles on the rear on my first one. I rode it in all conditions, two up touring, rainy conditions, dry conditions. They work fine. I paid about $80.00 for the rear Shinko 712. The Metzeler 880 rear, which I paid $220.00 for cupped. I replaced it with a Michelin Pilot and liked that tire. For the money, I'm buying Shinkos.

My Vintage came with a 140/80/17. I Just had two Kenda tires put on. They are also very reasonably priced also. I put on a 140/70/17 on the rear and think handling has improved with the lower profile. This tire company is from Taiwan and has factories in China. I will see how they wear. If I don't like them, I won't buy them again. I don't think the rubber is going to fall off of them. So far I like the handling. I also would not put on a wider tire. My EV runs a 150/70/17. My Vintage runs a 140/70/17. The Vintage handles better. My old Special Sport with a 140/80/17 rear tire handled better.

Old thread I know but......
Are you still running tubes with those tires/wheels on the CalVin?
inditx

[Arizona Wayne]

Changing tire sizes and brands  depends on what you really are looking for.  1st thing you should know is what tire sizes your rear rim width will accept.  2nd thing is do you want a long lasting tire or a softer tire.  BT45s don't last that long and are smaller in OD and width than other brand tires.  Shinkos are good tires even tho they cost less than other brands. If you assume a higher price = a better tire, you are sadly mistaken.  3rd thing is when you change tire profile (50,60,70,80,90) of sidewall construction you are changing the OD of the tire and the height of the MC seat some.  I went from a 150/70 to a 130/90 profile sidewall tire on a MC on purpose for 2 reasons.......to get longer mileage @ less cost per tire but doing that had to put shorter shocks on the bike to compensate for the seat height it caused.  I have no regrets because it slowed the motor down by 500 rpm doing so in 5th gear. That was the equivalent of another gear. Your desire may vary. 

[mtiberio]

I wanted shorter gearing and a lower seat height on my Calvin, I went with a 130/70 rear tire. It was a big win, lowers gearing 1/2 way to 7:33 and lowers rear of bike.