V7 Cafe Classic - 130 90 17 Rear Tire Ok?

[Walter]

I recently purchased a 2010 V7 Cafe Classic and love the bike, but the front tire or spoke wheel is looking a bit wonky as I go down the road, and I am looking into replacing both tires when I check the front

 wheel.  The current tires are Metzler Lasertec 2020 vintage.  The bike has 4,200 miles on it, so I assume the OEM Lasertec's just aged out.
My tire sources are showing the Lasertecs as backordered, and I want to keep costs fairly reasonable, as this is just a backroads pleasure bike.  I am looking at Dunlop d404 tires now, but on the rear Dunlop only have available 130 90 17 versus the current (and factory spec) 130 80 17.
Is anyone running a 130 90 17 on their V7, and if so are they having any problems?
Thanks

[Dirk_S]

I’ve had 2 different Shinko tires, both 130/90-17 on my V7 bikes (not a Cafe, but all the V7 before 2020 used the same swingarm).

[Walter]

Dirk, thank you for your reply!  Did you notice any operational differences, and how are the Shinkos?

[Dirk_S]

My response will be fairly disappointing—I’m not the most observant when comparing tires that much. The one set with the 130/90-17 rear were street tires, the other dual-sport. I didn’t keep the street tires long—I only bought them for the track, and ended up installing them onto the V7 II that I sold last year. In addition to the taller rear, I had raised the forks on the triple tree for the new buyer, as she wanted a tighter turning bike. She was pleased, but it certainly took both modifications to get that result. So, unfortunately the best I can do is confirm the 130/90-17 will fit.

[faffi]

I am curious what you mean about wonky? Does the front wheel appear to weave when you look at it? Of so, the wire wheel is likely out of true. You can true it yourself, or have a specialist do it. If you decide to have a specialist do the truing, I would expect it to have less than 0.5 mm runout longitudinally and laterally, although the limit is 2 mm IIRC.

The 404s is a tire made for long life and not ideal for spirited riding IMO. If you plan to ride sensibly and for long distances, they will work fine. If you like spirited riding, you will probably find them wanting in grip. Also, they ride quite stiffly - Michelins generally offer softer constructions if you want to stay with a high end brand. Personally, I have great experience with Mitas MC50s, if you are happy getting 4-6000 miles out of them. Good grip, nice comfort and very predictable. My son recently fitted a set to his 2010 V7 Classic, in the stock sizes, and are very happy with them. He had  Metzlers before, 6 years old now and with more than 50% life left, but he never got comfortable with them; difficult to understand where the limit was ("numb"), and on chilly days they would slip prematurely. I have heard a lot of good things about Shinko's but they are too costly in Europe for me to consider (priced along with premium brands).

[Walter]

Faffi, thank you very much for your insight!  By wonky I mean that when I glance down at my front wheel when riding it appears to have a slight movement outward at each revolution.  I'm not sure whether it is the tire yet or the wheel, but can't see any bumps or other imperfections with the tire, so it likely is the wheel. 
Thank you for your comments regarding tire choices.  I'll check out the Mitas MC50s.  I definitely am fine with softer compounds, as given the number of bikes I have and the short rides I take on each (30 to 60 minutes typically on the backroads by my house), any given tire on one of my bikes will age out before it wears out.

[Alfetta]

I'm running a 130/90-17 on my 7. as it looks to be the tallest tire i can fit.
If i could find one taller, i would run it.....dang thing is geared too low...

lots of flat, straight, long roads in the midwest...

[DoubleGuzzi]

I'll check out the Mitas MC50s.

I concur with the MC50s - see my Breva thread. Last week I bought a set for my V7III CS, still to be fitted. Even with near freezing (air) temperatures on the Breva, they appear to warm up quickly and are confidence inspiring. I'm looking forward to using them during Summer/Autumn months on the V7III. A couple of seasons riding, if not more, for around £160 (GBP) will do me fine.
I had to ask my previous supplier specifically for the tyres for the V7, as they weren't advertised. Dunno if the MC50s are getting phased out or just a stock/supply issue.

[Walter]

Yes, I'm finding the the MC50s are not available through my regular place (Cyclegear), so I'm trying to find other local sources.  Of course, I can always by some on Ebay but I like to be able to walk into the place I'm buying from and verify that I will not be getting ancient stock and that sort of thing.

[DoubleGuzzi]

Mine have been from feeBay, to keep costs down.

[Moparnut72]

I put Avon Storms on my V7. Far better than the stock Pirellis.
kk

[antmanbee]

I ran a 130/90-17 on my 2011 V7. The fit was fine. It was a Shinko and I was pleased with the performance doing some pretty spirited riding out west. I can't comment on riding in the rain or cold with the Shinko's because I don't usually ride in those conditions.