Radials on a stock '87
#1
Radials on a stock '87
Hey guys,
I know that this topic has probably been beaten to death, but I wanted concise info in one place, (for me and others like me).
I prefer radials. I have heard all of the reasons against radials on a bike that originally came out with bias ply, etc. I do know that I put radials on my old V65 Magna and it made all the difference in the world.
So what I'm looking for is this:
Is there anybody out there that has put radials on their '87 (or '88) 'Cane? Is it even possible? If so, could you tell a difference?
I live in a VERY rural area. Mendota, Va (population? about 65)and the roads are mostly tar and gravel. The roads have lines running down them. Not across them but DOWN the road in a lot of places. Needless to say, the road conditions are terrible.
Radials don't follow the grooves as badly as bias ply. the bike has a CHEAP bias ply on the rear and an old Dunlop bias ply on the front. The front tire is dry rotted and cracked and has knots on it, etc.
Maybe I just need to get a really good set of bias ply tires, but if I can put radials on, I think I would prefer radials.
So, has anyone successfully put radials on a stock '87 and do they make that much of a difference over GOOD bias ply tires?
It may be worth noting that I don't drag my knees and don't have any inclination to do so but I do live on a very, very curvy road.
Thanks.
I know that this topic has probably been beaten to death, but I wanted concise info in one place, (for me and others like me).
I prefer radials. I have heard all of the reasons against radials on a bike that originally came out with bias ply, etc. I do know that I put radials on my old V65 Magna and it made all the difference in the world.
So what I'm looking for is this:
Is there anybody out there that has put radials on their '87 (or '88) 'Cane? Is it even possible? If so, could you tell a difference?
I live in a VERY rural area. Mendota, Va (population? about 65)and the roads are mostly tar and gravel. The roads have lines running down them. Not across them but DOWN the road in a lot of places. Needless to say, the road conditions are terrible.
Radials don't follow the grooves as badly as bias ply. the bike has a CHEAP bias ply on the rear and an old Dunlop bias ply on the front. The front tire is dry rotted and cracked and has knots on it, etc.
Maybe I just need to get a really good set of bias ply tires, but if I can put radials on, I think I would prefer radials.
So, has anyone successfully put radials on a stock '87 and do they make that much of a difference over GOOD bias ply tires?
It may be worth noting that I don't drag my knees and don't have any inclination to do so but I do live on a very, very curvy road.
Thanks.
#2
RE: Radials on a stock '87
I run Michelin Pilot Road 2Ct's and love them on my 88. Front is a 120 and rear is a 150. Handling is AWESOME and very predictable from edge to edge. No cheicken strips on the rear.
Had to remove exhaust shields and center stand to help cope with my new found cornering confidence with these tires.
Sandor
Had to remove exhaust shields and center stand to help cope with my new found cornering confidence with these tires.
Sandor
#3
RE: Radials on a stock '87
TnSandman,
Thanks for the info. I finally got my '87 up and running after carb problems and have noticed that my front tire is in terrible shape. When I lean into a curve, the front wheel BOUNCES. When I got home, I ran my hand across the tire and there were bumps on it.
I finally got the "family accountant"to approve about $1000 in funds to put into the bike, so the first thing is going to be real tires.
There are a few cosmetic things that I'm in need of. Such as the plastic that goes up the posts that holds the windscreen (or another fairing). Then I'm thinking about a trunk of some kind.
BTW, I noticed that your avatar is a picture of Deal's Gap. Have you ever ridden "The Snake" in NE Tenn between Bristol, Tn and Boone, NC?
It's like 489 curves in 44 miles.
Thanks for the info. I finally got my '87 up and running after carb problems and have noticed that my front tire is in terrible shape. When I lean into a curve, the front wheel BOUNCES. When I got home, I ran my hand across the tire and there were bumps on it.
I finally got the "family accountant"to approve about $1000 in funds to put into the bike, so the first thing is going to be real tires.
There are a few cosmetic things that I'm in need of. Such as the plastic that goes up the posts that holds the windscreen (or another fairing). Then I'm thinking about a trunk of some kind.
BTW, I noticed that your avatar is a picture of Deal's Gap. Have you ever ridden "The Snake" in NE Tenn between Bristol, Tn and Boone, NC?
It's like 489 curves in 44 miles.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
iRIDE
F4i - Main Forum
33
03-11-2011 12:21 PM
Fool
F4i - Wanted
2
08-10-2010 09:48 AM