V7 Classic tires

[LaGrasta]

I have used Conti Blitz many times in the past. They are really round and super fun to ride on, not all that sticky, but last super long, 10k-ish. They are priced great and the tread looks cooler than any other I can think of.

[sign216]

For those that are short, consider the Bridgestone Battlax BT45.  It is available in a lower profile, which reduces the bike's height. 

It's the lowest tire I've seen, for the V7 series.

[rossw]

I've tried Bridgestone Battleaxes, Pirelli Sport Demons and the Metzeler (rear only) on my Breva. I usually end up with whatever the shop has in stock, because choices here are limited and I have a disturbing tendency to go "hmm, tyre worn, better go get one", instead of planning ahead. Typically only one shop in the area has my size at all, and then only one brand. I've had absolutely no issues with mixing brands front/rear (as long as one of them isn't a radial).

My front Sport Demon is wearing much more evenly than the Bridgestone did on the front. No issues so far with the rear Metzeler, but I haven't had it long.

The rear Bridgestone wore flat in the middle despite being dual compound and then affected the handling a bit, particularly with a pillion.

[LaGrasta]

I had to Google Maitland, NSW after reading your tyre post. Conversing with like minded folks from all over the world, so very cool.

[sign216]

Ross,

I'm disappointed the Bridgestone dual compound tires didn't live up to their promotion.  I was hoping the dual compound would lengthen mileage. 
So far so good with me, but let me rack on some miles for a better test.

Joe

[rossw]

Ross,

I'm disappointed the Bridgestone dual compound tires didn't live up to their promotion.  I was hoping the dual compound would lengthen mileage. 
So far so good with me, but let me rack on some miles for a better test.

Joe

Not sure how the mileage compares because I've only recently fitted the Metzeler. I guess 15-20,000km, which is not bad for a back tyre, but not stellar either.

I do use them mostly for commuting, so not many corners :bike, plus about 25% of the time I have my son on the pillion (morning school run) together with his school bag, his sport bag, my laptop, his violin...

The back therefore gets rather loaded up - which was my rationale for trying the Bridgestone dual compounds.

Others who ride in a more spirited fashion with less weight over the rear may get different results.

I didn't like the front Bridgestone either. It became rather scalloped as it wore. So far no sign of that with the Sport Demon. I'd get those again.

[sign216]

Not sure how the mileage compares because I've only recently fitted the Metzeler. I guess 15-20,000km, which is not bad for a back tyre, but not stellar either.

I do use them mostly for commuting, so not many corners :bike, plus about 25% of the time I have my son on the pillion (morning school run) together with his school bag, his sport bag, my laptop, his violin...

The back therefore gets rather loaded up - which was my rationale for trying the Bridgestone dual compounds.

Others who ride in a more spirited fashion with less weight over the rear may get different results.

I didn't like the front Bridgestone either. It became rather scalloped as it wore. So far no sign of that with the Sport Demon. I'd get those again.

15,000 km isn't bad, as you said, and it's pretty good compared to some soft hi-grip tires.  I guess Bridgestone used a "normal" compound for the center, and went softer for the sides.

As for scalloping, I had some on the OEM Metzler tires.  Got good miles out of them, around 10,000 miles (16,000 km), but the rear was scalloped.  It was one reason the vehicle inspection station wouldn't give me a sticker.

[threebrits]

No expert rider, but I've had/ridden Suzuki GS850G, Sukuki GSX1100G, DR650, TU250X and TW200.  Here in Montana "panic" stops/slow downs from critters darting out from the sides of the road is pretty standard.  Plus I practice sudden stops at least once every trip.  Never had a tire/rear end lock up like the V7/Pirelli combo.  It's TOO EASY to do.  Doesn't breed confidence.  All except the TU250X have factory radial tires.


Is there not a set of radial tires someone has tried that fit the tubeless rim of the Stone?

I may have to be the first

I just recently started having issues with aggressive stops with the rear tire locking up.  And it didn't help when I instinctively released the rear brake and the bike took a wild butt-clenching buck correction, however I was going in a straight line so it wasn't too bad.  At least the smoke cleared out the tail-gaiters.  I had attributed it to being cold and the tires not warmed up.  And maybe I need to find a pea gravel lot and start practicing lockups to get my instincts into either holding the lockup or releasing when the bike slides back to center.

I have 5200 miles on my Sport Daemons and the tread looks good, except the flat wear on the rear tire. 

I also routinely had rear lock ups in advanced riding classes.

[davedel44]

Have used both Sport Deamons (750 Breve) and Pilot Actives (2004 Stone).  Both provide good traction and wear well.  I perfer both to Metlerz.

Dave
Galveston

[Pfaff!]

Just read about a new tire from Dunlop, the StreetSmart. Claimed to be a modern tire for the classics - also found in SB dimensions.
Who'se gonna be the voluntary guinea pig here?   ;D

[Rick T.]

Sorry for bumping such an old thread...  But I just hit 4300 miles on my V7 Stone (wonderful 702-mile weekend adventure to the Lost Coast, CA) and my Sport Demons are DONE.  Read about the Michelin Pilot Activ here and wanted to get an idea of your mileage on these tires.

I love the relative grippy nature of the Sport Demons, but I was hoping for a little more life in them.  I ride pretty spiritedly around my local twisties but plan to do more touring this fall, so that means some mileage coming up soon.

So Michelin Pilot Activ...  Thoughts?

[LaGrasta]

After reading this thread, making multiple considerations and wearing the current Demons to smithereens, I just placed an order from J&P Cylces, no tax, no shipping. And unlike my many past tire purchases being Battlax, I went with Dunlop GT501. J&P were the cheapest price on the web, same thing last time I purchased too. They cost about $20 more than the Bridgestone, but with no tax/no shipping, I went for them. Plus the tread looks super cool (shallow, I know). My biggest hurdle was the manual said Radial, but could only find Bias. After reading this thread, I see the manual is wrong! Just as it is about the valve specs! Grrr!

I plan to try and mount them myself with my new tire changer (Harbor Freight) along with some balance balls.

I now have over 4k on these Dunlops GT501s and am still very happy with them. I'd guess at least another 4k out of them. I'll keep ya posted.

[Omer]

Hi there,
I am from Switzerland and Ride a V7 Stone.
I started Off with a Sport Demon, did not feeling comfy with The tire at all.
Changed to BT 45 what a difference in feeling and riding, like Riding a different bike.
But tire gone after 4k Miles. Changed to Dunlop arrowmax streetsmart felt as good as BT45,
Lasting 5,5k rear and 7k Front.
For me the tire just has to feel right, and needs to Stick to the Road if dry or wet conditions.
I dont care so much now Long they Last. My First choice is Dunlop arrowmax streetsmart.

Regards Remo

[mtiberio]

Continental is now making a narrow radial that they claim works with vintage bikes... who wants to be the guinea pig?

http://www.conti-online.com/www/motorcycle_de_en/themes/motorcycletires/conti_classic_en/classic_attack_en.html

https://www.denniskirk.com/continental/rear-classic-attack-110-90vr-18-blackwall-tire.p544365.prd/544365.sku

according to dime city, the 110 is ok on a 2.15" rim. I might just fit a pair (put rear on front) to my EldoVert...

Color/Finish: Black
Dimensions: 110/90 or 3.50, 3.75, 4.10 for 18" Wheel
Tube Type or Tubeless: Either
Recommended Rim Width: 2.15" to 2.75"
Position: Rear
Material: "Black Chili" Rubber Compound
SKU: 29-0095
Fits: 18" Wheels

[cwiseman]

I'm a Bridgestone BT45 fan. I like my bike to stick like glue and so far they do the best job of that. I decided to try a couple of longer lasting tires but soon removed them. The 45's are the tits in my opinion. I'll get 5 to 7,000 miles from the rear and nearly double that on the front. Yes they scallop but the center of the tire is shot at that point anyways. Plus they are very reasonably priced.

[rocker59]

So Michelin Pilot Activ...  Thoughts?

Good tire.  Nice handling.  Good grip.

[barenekd]

Ok Kinda late, but I have gotten 6500 miles each out of two rear Sport Demons and 13,000 out of the front on my '13 V7R. I keep getting them because I like the way they handle and stick. And the price is right, $190 from Motorcycle Superstore in two days. I've thought about the Activs but they are about $40 more than the Sport Demons at MS.
Bare

[Rick T.]

Good tire.  Nice handling.  Good grip.

Well, we'll see how long they last compared to the Sport Demons.  I just ordered the Michelin Pilot Activs from Revzilla... $216.43 delivered.  ;-T

[Pfaff!]

Well, we'll see how long they last compared to the Sport Demons.  I just ordered the Michelin Pilot Activs from Revzilla... $216.43 delivered.  ;-T

At leas twice the milage.

[Rick T.]

At leas twice the milage.

Wow... 8K miles??

Anyhow, ordered the tires yesterday from Revzilla... They're being delivered TODAY via Fedex.  WOW Talk about FAST!!  ;-T

[LaGrasta]

I have to say, J&P Cycles is repeatedly cheaper than REVZilla or other sites suggested. I just checked on a set of Kenda tires for my KLR250 this morning and again, J&P wins my business.

[sturgeon]

Not to rub it in, but I did 7,000 miles on my first rear Sport Demon, probably 75% touring. I reckon the front still has at least half that left, maybe all of that. I like the way they feel so I replaced the rear with another one.

[barenekd]

I have to say, J&P Cycles is repeatedly cheaper than REVZilla or other sites suggested.

I jsut checked J&P and there prices were about the same as Motorcycle Superstore for the Pilot Activ. And it's a hell of a lot easier to find what you need at MS. I don't care for J&Ps web site at all. I hate all those that you have to pick a bike before you can shop for anything. Car places are even worse. I may need something for a bike and they carry the item, but sure on any list that you can find. But they do sell things that work well if you can figure out how to get there. Usually have to go to the store.
Bare

[Rick T.]

Not to rub it in, but I did 7,000 miles on my first rear Sport Demon, probably 75% touring. I reckon the front still has at least half that left, maybe all of that. I like the way they feel so I replaced the rear with another one.

Yeah, I'm pretty aggressive on the Guzzi around the canyons.  I ride her just as hard as I do/did all my sportbikes.  The only thing I didn't do this year with her was go to the track.  Touring was great, and I'll do some longer rides in the near future, but I'm picking up an ADV-oriented machine for that in the next short months.  Considering I will continue to ride the Guzzi aggresively, I personally wont see 7-8K miles on a set of tires.  I'm hoping for 5K on the new Michelins... 6K is a stretch.

[Jim C]

Hey, guys,

I'm looking to change the tires on my bike (2009).

One of the things I absolutely hate are tires that follow rain grooves.

I noticed that the Michelin Pilot Activs have the same line down the front
that the Metzlers have, so do the Pilot Activs have the same propensity to
follow rain grooves as the Meztlers? It  looks  like it to me, but then I'm no
tire guru.

Looking to make a decision shortly, so thanks in advance.  ???


Jim

[motoguzziman]

Usually I ride 2 up with full touring set up.
The Pirelli Sport Demon rear usually lasts around 7000 miles.
 Metzler Lazertech  again around  7000 miles.
Metzler Tourance  around 9000 miles
Best for me, are the
Michelin Pilot Activ's, they are  just as sticky as the Sport Demons, wet or dry but the dual compound =  14000 + on the Rear
  Ok on my overloaded 750, I am not at extreme lean at any point.

[Rick T.]

Usually I ride 2 up with full touring set up.
The Pirelli Sport Demon rear usually lasts around 7000 miles.
 Metzler Lazertech  again around  7000 miles.
Metzler Tourance  around 9000 miles
Best for me, are the
Michelin Pilot Activ's, they are  just as sticky as the Sport Demons, wet or dry but the dual compound =  14000 + on the Rear
  Ok on my overloaded 750, I am not at extreme lean at any point.

What pressure do you run without gear & passenger?

[thepittsburghguzzi]

BUMP!

I've had the V7 Classic for about a month and a half, and have put 2,000 miles on it. The Lasertec's that are on it are good... but I don't have a basis for comparison, I've never run a different tire on this bike before. My front end has developed an annoying jitter between 50 and 62ish miles per hour (a sweet spot for me). Yesterday I took the wheel off and balanced it, which helped moderately... but there's still a bit of it it left at those speeds. I'm thinking the tire might be very slightly cupped? I'm a commuter, so my riding is a mix of city and highway. I'm definitely spirited through the corners, but I don't scrape footpegs.

After reading through three pages of this, it seems like the Pilot Activ is a solid bet... does anyone have any updates for the forum on solid tires for a V7 Classic? Specifically, the Metzeler Lasertec vs the Pirelli Sport Demon vs the Michelin Pilot Activ.


Thanks guys!

[Vagrant]

Usually I ride 2 up with full touring set up.
The Pirelli Sport Demon rear usually lasts around 7000 miles.
 Metzler Lazertech  again around  7000 miles.
Metzler Tourance  around 9000 miles
Best for me, are the
Michelin Pilot Activ's, they are  just as sticky as the Sport Demons, wet or dry but the dual compound =  14000 + on the Rear
  Ok on my overloaded 750, I am not at extreme lean at any point.

here is the answer. nice report by giving his comparisons. I like the sport demons that came on the 15 V7 but judging by this I will replace them with the actives UNLESS somebody comes back saying they do track the groves.
if your really cheap try the Shinko 230. I like them on the EV so far and no tracking.

[jackson]

My Breva 750 (bought used with only 700 miles on the odometer) came with Sport Demons.  Excellent handling characteristics but the rear wore completely out at 3800 miles and the front at 4700 miles.  I check my tire pressures every week.
My 2010 V7 (bought used) had 18k on the clock when I bought it and was wearing Bridgestones.  The bike did not handle well with these tires.  Changed both to Metzeler Lasertechs and the ride improved dramatically.  Good handling but not as good as the Sport Demons.  I have a lot of experience with the Lasertechs on BMW airheads and have been happy with the wear and handling.  I haven't had the Metzeler's on the V7 long enough to see how long they're going to last but if they are the same as the airheads I've owned, they'll get at least 6000-7500k miles from the rear and as much as 10k on the front.
Other bikes that I've owned since living here (since 2005) have gotten much better tire wear (by as much as double) than the Sport Demons so I think that their quick wearing characteristic (in my case) has to do with the type of roads that I ride on.  I ride 100% on rural, country roads and mountain roads (no off-road riding) that are comprised of asphalt & gravel (they're known around here as a tar & gravel road).  This type of road is going to cause faster tire wear than an asphalt road that has a much smoother surface.