Tires Megathread

[Happy Campa]

How long do your rear tires last? I've been burning mine up after 2,500 miles on average. Any recommendations on one that will last a while?

 

[dmonkey]

It's going to vary based on weight, terrain, speed, temps, etc. My personal best has been 4k miles out of a stock IRC GP-5 rear tire on 99% pavement. It was worn a bit past the wear indicators. I only pushed it that far because I was touring. If I had been at home, would have likely changed it at around 3-3.5k miles.

 

[Kritou]

That more or less describes some of the areas I want to explore, but haven't yet. It is out there where I wouldn't expect to see anyone else. I have a Zoleo satellite texting device, but other than telling my wife at home that I will be a little late, or hitting the red button and having some search and rescue come get my sorry ass and then likely be paying them a huge sum later I don't think the sat texting ability does me much good. To me, it seems the biggest risk mechanical wise is a flat tire. Other risks would be wrecking the bike, but I plan to go slow enough to not do that, or running straight into a sow and cub grizz where again going slow to avoid surprising them. I wouldn't want a flat out there but I need a better contingency than pulling the wheel and fixing. Have the ability to do that as a last resort, but the green slime would be the first thing to try.

You can just ride it out on a flat tyre in extremis. The tyre and wheel can take it

 

[SneakyDingo]

How long do your rear tires last? I've been burning mine up after 2,500 miles on average. Any recommendations on one that will last a while?

I posted photos of my tires and you can see they still generally had tread remaining.

For my GP-5 tires, I got 5,400 mi out of the rear tire and I felt that it was pretty close to done. It has wear indicators that make that more quantitative than subjective.
For my SR244, I did a preemptive opportunistic swap (tons of tread remaining) and just recently replaced my rear tire at 6,100 mi. They had more than 1/4" depth remaining.
If I was running SR241's and on highways, I would fully expect those to wear down way faster.

I'm currently on the Michelin City Pro's (street tire) and I'd be extremely surprised if I didn't get at least 4k out of the rear.

 

[vintagegarage]

Hibari has a lot of good stuff and a lot of followers. Here are a couple "Wheels and Tires" videos:

Wheels:

Tires:

 

[Daytripper]

If I was running SR241's and on highways, I would fully expect those to wear down way faster.

What are you basing this on? Softer rubber? Reason I ask is I bought a set of 241's but haven't installed them as I keep hearing they won't last on pavement. Thinking I should have gotten the 244's but I haven't read any first hand reports on the longevity of the 241.

 

[dmonkey]

They do have a warning with them: "Not intended for extended highway use"

Trail Pro SR241 Series Tire

A versatile performer with a tough nylon carcass and raised dimpled knobs that work well in a variety of terrain.

shinkotireusa.com

I got 2k miles out of a Shinko SR241 2.75-17 rear before it was squared off bald. When I replaced it I went with an IRC TR-1 in the same size and noticed the TR-1 was firmer rubber and it was easier to lock the rear tire up (intentionally) on pavement. I didn't finish off the TR-1 to see how long it would go, I replaced it early with an OEM IRC GP-5 for a long distance road trip. IMO, install what you have and just change them when they're worn unless you're about to head out on a long trip. The SR241 are incredibly grippy tires for off-road riding and they do alright on pavement.

 

[Pittsburgh_Bob]

I am looking to replace the OEM tires and came here to look at what others put on. Then I grimaced when I saw this is 15 pages! I wish there was a simple thread that asked "What brand tires did you buy" - "What size?" - "Pros/Cons" and then maybe some photos. Unfortunately, these types of threads on every forum I've ever joined QUICKLY DETERIORATE into people literally ruining the whole thing by replying 30 times with questions and/or arguing whose tire is better, etc. It's a shame. Oh well. Unless this type of thread is heavily moderated and useless replies deleted, like "they look nice!" or "How did they wear?" this will always be the case.

 

[ball_socket]

I am looking to replace the OEM tires and came here to look at what others put on. Then I grimaced when I saw this is 15 pages! I wish there was a simple thread that asked "What brand tires did you buy" - "What size?" - "Pros/Cons" and then maybe some photos. Unfortunately, these types of threads on every forum I've ever joined QUICKLY DETERIORATE into people literally ruining the whole thing by replying 30 times with questions and/or arguing whose tire is better, etc. It's a shame. Oh well. Unless this type of thread is heavily moderated and useless replies deleted, like "they look nice!" or "How did they wear?" this will always be the case.

Very first post:

FAQ
What makes people happy?

• Shinko 241's in 2.75-17
• OR Shinko 244's in 2.5-17 front, 3.0-17 rear.

 

[Happy Campa]

I am looking to replace the OEM tires and came here to look at what others put on. Then I grimaced when I saw this is 15 pages! I wish there was a simple thread that asked "What brand tires did you buy" - "What size?" - "Pros/Cons" and then maybe some photos. Unfortunately, these types of threads on every forum I've ever joined QUICKLY DETERIORATE into people literally ruining the whole thing by replying 30 times with questions and/or arguing whose tire is better, etc. It's a shame. Oh well. Unless this type of thread is heavily moderated and useless replies deleted, like "they look nice!" or "How did they wear?" this will always be the case.

I found that the oem tired are great all rounders. I used my trail to commute 100 miles a day on country roads for a couple summers. My first rear tire was a michelin city extra and rode well on the road. It still had some grip on gravel roads. After that I bought a Heidenue rear tire. It seem to wear quickly but had good traction in the cold and wet. The down side is that I went thru 2 tube's with it. I'm not sure if it's the tires fault. Now I have a shinko 50/50 tire on the back. It's a bit aggressive to commuting, but I now mostly use my trail for actual trail riding. I'd like to note that the 50/50 tire got a bit squirrelly at "high" speed.

 

[Pittsburgh_Bob]

I found that the oem tired are great all rounders. I used my trail to commute 100 miles a day on country roads for a couple summers. My first rear tire was a michelin city extra and rode well on the road. It still had some grip on gravel roads. After that I bought a Heidenue rear tire. It seem to wear quickly but had good traction in the cold and wet. The down side is that I went thru 2 tube's with it. I'm not sure if it's the tires fault. Now I have a shinko 50/50 tire on the back. It's a bit aggressive to commuting, but I now mostly use my trail for actual trail riding. I'd like to note that the 50/50 tire got a bit squirrelly at "high" speed.

thanks - where do I get this "Shinko 50/50" tire?

 

[Pittsburgh_Bob]

Very first post:

FAQ
What makes people happy?

• Shinko 241's in 2.75-17
• OR Shinko 244's in 2.5-17 front, 3.0-17 rear.

Thanks! But I don't want the rear tire to rub anything. I would never consider putting a 3.0 on the front. Why have motorcycle tires always been so confusing?

 

[Happy Campa]

Thanks! But I don't want the rear tire to rub anything. I would never consider putting a 3.0 on the front. Why have motorcycle tires always been so confusing?

I put 3.0 on my rear without rubbing

 

[Pittsburgh_Bob]

Honest to God, I've read about 7 pages of this thread so far and I'm dumber than before I read them.

 

[SLO]

I am looking to replace the OEM tires and came here to look at what others put on. Then I grimaced when I saw this is 15 pages! I wish there was a simple thread that asked "What brand tires did you buy" - "What size?" - "Pros/Cons" and then maybe some photos. Unfortunately, these types of threads on every forum I've ever joined QUICKLY DETERIORATE into people literally ruining the whole thing by replying 30 times with questions and/or arguing whose tire is better, etc. It's a shame. Oh well. Unless this type of thread is heavily moderated and useless replies deleted, like "they look nice!" or "How did they wear?" this will always be the case.

RevZilla I put SHINKO 50/50 tires on. Look at what is available on their website. Fast/free shipping.Reasonable.

 

[rainbow-walker]

Recent acquirer of a CT125, looking at tyres Im liking the Shinko 244, thinking about 2.5 front and 2.75 rear, is there any valid reason to go 3 on the rear other than wanting a fatter tyre (I dont so would rather have the 2.75 if it fits) ?

 

[Alvin A]

Recent acquirer of a CT125, looking at tyres Im liking the Shinko 244, thinking about 2.5 front and 2.75 rear, is there any valid reason to go 3 on the rear other than wanting a fatter tyre (I dont so would rather have the 2.75 if it fits) ?

I do not believe the Shinko 244’s are available in 2.75. It’s either 2.50 or 3.0.

 

[rainbow-walker]

I do not believe the Shinko 244’s are available in 2.75. It’s either 2.50 or 3.0.

Ah ok thanks, I assume 2.5 is OK for rear too ? (On the Ebay seller Im looking at (UK) it looks like they only offer the 2.5 in the 17inch size. I hadnt spotted that the 2.75 was a 19 inch wheel.

R.

 

[Alvin A]

Ah ok thanks, I assume 2.5 is OK for rear too ? (On the Ebay seller Im looking at (UK) it looks like they only offer the 2.5 in the 17inch size. I hadnt spotted that the 2.75 was a 19 inch wheel.

R.

Some are going with 2.5 in front and 3.0 in rear. I’m still deciding on Shinko’s myself but leaning towards 241’s (2.75) front and rear.

 

[bryanchurch06]

Some are going with 2.5 in front and 3.0 in rear. I’m still deciding on Shinko’s myself but leaning towards 241’s (2.75) front and rear.

The main reason for me to go with the 3.0 rear tire is to maintain the 50p weight rating of the factory tire. I think the 2.5 is rated for 41 which is less than manufacturer recommended tire rating.