Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech TYRES

I am due to change the tyres on my 02 BA and was surprised that a tyre dealer advised a sports type profile tyre as opposed to the factory fitted style. Has anyone got experience of the handling etc of the BA on a very much rounded profile. I have been told by tailers that I am not far of my pipes when cornering now so wondered if the sports type profile would encourage me to lean more.

I would go with a touring tire. The touring tire has a siffer side wall and will wear better on a bike like ours. I don't think a sport tire would effect leaning in a turn , you can get just as sticky a compound in a touring tire and the side wall is intended to handle the weight of a cruiser. Our bikes are not that heavy to start but if you plan on carrying things and people the extra sidewall is indicated.

what tyre you been advised ?with these size of wheels there is not much to choose from ,im on 17 inch back wheel and using touring sport tyres (now Avon Storm ST)

17"? What bike do you have? I thought the SM and America always had a 15"

i would go with metz 880's, seem to handle very well have have good life to them

Frank

I have to agree on the Metz. 12,000+ on mine and it's just now time to change. I bought the IRC for $100 and it has a nice deep tread like the Metz. but have yet to see the wear factor. I think the one I bought was called Wild Flame has a cool flame pattern in the tread.

I'm presuming you have the stock Bridgestones on.

Go for Metzlers. I went from the Bridgestones to Metzelers on the 03 and felt I could stick to the ceiling with them.

That, and they are what they have as stock on th eSM's and on the 07 range....

Stock on my 04 SM too. Metz. 880 Marathon

Interesting stuff. I am seriously looking at changing my tyres as well. I have an 01 BA and still have the originals. Looking a bit sad.

I can't speak to that configuration as I have no experience with it. My opinion is that the same should hold true as far as the stiffness of the side wall.

17 inch gives more tyre choices and better handling on radial tyres,wheel is easier to clean and for look more wheel than rubber

I see and the stiffness wouldn't come into play as much since there is less side wall to flex. Gives it a nice old school look too. I like it! Only possible draw back would be if the bike was loaded heavy and you hit a bump might damage the rim as there is less sidewall to absorb the shock.
I do like the look though.

Ok guys and Gina, many thanks for your help will be making enquiries about the Metzelers in the morning

No worries...
and I paid around £180 for the tyres and fitting.... but that was last year. I should also say, that the Metzlelers are still on the 03. Haven't lost any pressure. And it's now 8 months on since the crash... even with the 4 inch flat bit where it hit the car.... I don't know if that's cos the tyres are so good, or just that they have tubes...