Tires for California

[Lefty]

I just put a new set of Michelin Pilot Actives on my 01 California and the ride is quite good though you do need tubes. Bike had a Michelin Macadam in back and the original Metzler in front. Wondering what others are running on their Cali's? Anybody had good luck with a certain tire for this bike?

[oldbike54]

 The PR4 is a very popular choice , as are the Pirelli Sport Demon . Tightwads like me run Shinko .

 Dusty

[rodekyll]

I like the sloggy old Metzler 880s, if they're still available in my sizes.  I've got 888's on the trike right now.  High mileage, heavy duty sidewalls, and adequate for most roads and weather.  I say adequate because they're not outstanding in any performance category, but they do well in all.

[OldMojo]

I've been running those Michelins on my EV (tubeless) ever since I replaced the original Metzlers. I get a lot of miles out of them, with very predictable wear characteristics. I think you'll be pleased.

[dguzzi]

I like the 880's too.  The Pilots seemed to follow tar snakes to easy, not a confident feeling.

[Peter949]

Over the years I have tried most of the popular tires available on my California, and for me the Shinko tyres are the best! 

[Sheepdog]

The Michelin Activs are my favorites (on my Vintage) after trying out the Metzler Lasertecs and Marathons and the Bridgestone BT45s. The Marathons were great until they got to the final 25% of tread depth; feeling pretty squirrelly after that. The Lasertecs were uniformly terrible and the BT45s were pretty good, but short-lived. The Activs are a great balance between handling, braking, wet traction, and longevity...

[LowRyter]

Metzler 880 maybe 888 later.

They're all I've ever run on the bike.  They last, handle good (some disagree).

[busdog]

I like the Shinko brand (712) and run 100/90-18 and 130/90-17 for better handling in the twisties. Too much effort with the 110's and 140's IMO.

[oldbike54]

I like the Shinko brand (712) and run 100/90-18 and 130/90-17 for better handling in the twisties. Too much effort with the 110's and 140's IMO.

 Good first post . Have we met ?

 Dusty