Hi there folks!

My "new" '87 CBR1000 FH is going in for some "remedial" work next week - full service, replacement headrace bearings and new chain and sprocket set, and as the rear tire is getting quite worn, I'm thinking of replacing that at the same time...

Now here comes the problem - I've just spent the last hour or so trawling through the various tire threads, and it's left me almost as confused as when I started!!

She's got Avons on already - I'll have a closer look at the exact model tomorrow, in a 140/80 size - which seems to be the standard "factory" fitment, but I've seen quite a few 150/70 tires recommended for this model. As there's a fair bit of wear left on the front, I don't really want to have to change both tires at the same time, but one tire place I called this afternoon has tried telling me that the 140/80 I want for the rear is not available any more! I'm not entirely sure that the ppl there just can't either be arsed to find one for me, or they haven't got a clue!

I've always had "matched" pairs of tires on every bike I've ever owned over the last 24 odd yrs and it's always seemed to work quite well. If I can't find a replacement Avon 140/80 for the rear, are there gonna be any massive repercussions in sticking another brand on the rear, or just moving up a size to a 150/70? (Do I then go from a 110/80 front to a 120/70??)

I don't race - and for the most part the bike's just going to be used for getting to and from work - i.e. NOT pushing it to the limit!! I don't think my beaten up 44yr old frame could go as close to the "limit" as the bike's 25 year old (and better condition) frame anyway!!

Any thoughts/advice? I'm not looking at changing the rear wheel to improve my choice of more modern rubber in the near future - just looking for a good compromise in wear and grip - especially in our rather crappy UK weather!

I know you guys always seem to have the right answers - from reading through thread after thread over the last few months I've opted for the roller bearings in the headrace rather than the oem ball jobbies - thanks for that useful advice everyone, btw...

If I did opt for a different brand on the rear, it would probably be followed fairly swiftly by a match on the front as well, but I've got to think of the cost issues as well! For example, I've seen the Maxxis Supermaxx on Ebay as a pair (120/70/17 & 150/70/17 ZR17) for £129, which seems like a good deal...

Avon's website recommends the Roadrider in a 110/80/17 for the front and an Azaro-ST 140/80/17 for the rear... C'mon you UK riders - wotcha reckon?

 

I have a 150 on the rear of my 87 and am happy with the handling. I had a 160 and it was too wide had a real weird shape.

 

Just went Conti Motion in 150 for an 87 I have

 

There now... That's what I love about this place.

I post, go to bed and when I get up - there's always some good advice from you guys!

I had Conti's on an old GPZ750 and an even older VT500 back in the day, and found them to be good tires and reasonably priced... I've seen good comments about the Bridgestone BT021's as well, but they're quite expensive compared to some - I guess you get what you pay for though... I'm quite tempted to give the Maxxis a try, simply from the cost perspective, but if I shift to a 150/70 on the rear, should I move up to the 120 on the front or not? Ahhhh! I could be here all week thinking this over!

Thanks fellas!

Dave.

 

good comments about the Bridgestone BT021's as well, but they're quite expensive compared to some - I guess you get what you pay for though...

If you're looking for a good all round tyre which will give you good mileage I'd look at the 021. I did nearly 12000 miles on a set in all sorts of weather. May be a little more expensive but with the improvement in mileage over some of the others AND good grip in rain or shine, they may be what you're looking for Dave .

 

I've used the Bridgestone 020's and the Michelin PS2's were both good tyres.

I'm now running the Maxxis sport touring tyres and think they're very good as well and great value for money.

 

I don't see any need for increasing the profile of the front because you are doing so at the rear.... wider at the front would only ever so slightly increase the 'weight' of the steering. But as for overall handling of the bike-doubt it will ever matter.
I have a 180 on the wider rim on the rear and a 120 on the front.
But you don't wanna be thinking about that...

 

Pair of Conti Motions in 120/70/17 & 150/70/17 ran me for the 87 Hurricane -
$159.00 shipped

 

Thanks for all the replies, guys!

The rubber on the rear at the moment is a 140/80 Avon Roadrider, so I'm definitely going to upgrade to a 150 profile on the back - it might only be in my mind, but I do like the idea of a bigger contact patch on the road...

That pair of Maxxis tires I saw on Ebay for £129 has now gone up to £159 for the pair - still not too shabby for a pair of brand new tires....

My CBR's gone in for a couple of days work, having a full service and new x-ring chain/sprockets, with new headrace bearings going in at the same time!

Having just sold my old Hayabusa for spares/repairs means I've had a wee bit of money to chuck at the old girl - and boy, did she need it! I'll have a look and see if she needs the rear tire replacing straight away, or if I can leave it for a few more weeks...

What are your feelings on non-matching brands? I'll probably opt for the BT021 or similar on the back on it's own, or go all out and change the pair (Maxxis seems to be the best deal - even at £159 for the two) - do y'all reckon I'd be ok with the old Avon on the front and a different make on the rear, or should I just wait and do 'em both at the same time?

Thanks again folks!

Dave.