So what's the best brand/model tires for the C10?

[rjsutherland]

after reading dozens (or hundreds) of tire posts on here last summer both me and my C10 riding neighbor have switched to PR3 fronts and 777 rears.  Working great for the first 3000 miles I've got on them and they're looking to last way longer than the stock Dunlops.

Well, after reading a zillion posts, surfing the Internet until I got seasick and looking through old records, I just ordered the PR3 from BikeBandit and will buy the Shinko 777 from the Bike Stop in Cleveland, GA, and have them put both tires on. :great:

Just don't have the heart to buy another set of Avon 3D-XMs after seeing the steel belts exposed on the rear after 6,500 miles. :truce:

I'll let you know next year how it worked out.

Just hard to disagree with such a strong recommendation from SISF.

Thanks,

RJSutherland

 

[cowie2]

Hey guys ...just got a 06 conine and she needs rubber bad.

I'm not looking for anything imparticular. My biggest  concern is cost. What's the best bang for buck setup for my 06? Bt-45s?

Is going with the 110 80 18 on the front better then the stock size? Doesn't destort like factory size?

Is the factory rear size good to stick with? 150 80 16

Thanks for any input.

 

[SteveJ]

The Commander works very well until you try to give it just a little, emphasis little, gas on a wet corner. At least that was my experience.

 

[rjsutherland]

At the Bike Stop in Cleveland, GA, having Ed install new tires.  Michelin radial PR on the front and the Shinko 777 bias on the rear.  Hate mixing radial/bias tires.

Double-checked this thread.  This seems to be the most popular combo.  A bit concerned about how the bike will handle in the mountains.

 

[connie_rider]

Many use a radial/bias combo.
Should be fine.

Ride safe, Ted

 

[Bluerider3]

The 777 now comes with a reflective sidewall imbedded into it. Shows up black during the day but reflects white at night when lights shine on it. Nice little safety bit.

 

[debugjaws]

Even though there's a gazillion replies to this topic, I've gotta add my two cents. After hitting an icy curve with Michelin Commander 2's, dumping my bike in February, settling up with the insurance company and fixing all of the plastics (unbelievably expensive!), I decided it was time for some new tires. I removed the Michelin Commander II's, which weren't bad, but wanted to go with radials. I put on Avon Storm 3-D XM's and experienced significant "Ball-Bearing Dance" syndrome (look it up on this forum - it's for real!). I could rationalize fear of ice since I had just experienced it ... but never fear of the tires. That was ridiculous. I don't care how few tire manufacturers there are out there that produce radial tires for this bike. Supporting them at the cost of injury or even life is not worth it.

So I invested in the Mean Streak 17" conversion (see tech pages) and put Michelin PR4 GT's on (170/60 ZR 17 on the rear, stock size on the front). HOLY COW!!! IMHO, if not the best, this is for sure one of the best performance mods to be done on this bike! A little spendy? Yeah - especially since I pulled off the Avon's with less than a thousand miles on them. But what is your safety worth? Oh, and what is the fun of the added performance worth? In conjunction, I live in Oregon - it rains A LOT(!!!) here. The PR4's are made for that. I only find it unfortunate that these are not out there yet for my GL1800 Goldwing, 'cause I'd put them on today!

 

[mbrew]

... I put on Avon Storm 3-D XM's and experienced significant "Ball-Bearing Dance" syndrome (look it up on this forum - it's for real!).....

What size did you have on the front with the Storm 3d's? Good luck with the mean streak. I'd like to do it, but I don't think I'll ever be able to.

 

[justride]

Reporting back on the Pirelli Sport Demons I put on last November. Stock sizes.


Tires were never that great and as they wore, the bike handled more and more like a truck. I got just about 5000 miles on the set and was worried about all kinds of problems with my suspension until I put new tires on.

Bike handles like a dream again, I forgot how easy this bike is to throw around when it's handling properly.


Shinko 777HD/Mich PR3 Combo. After trying Avons, Pirelli and this combination, we have a winner for sure. At least until the MeanStreak conversion happens...

 

[debugjaws]

... I put on Avon Storm 3-D XM's and experienced significant "Ball-Bearing Dance" syndrome (look it up on this forum - it's for real!).....

What size did you have on the front with the Storm 3d's? Good luck with the mean streak. I'd like to do it, but I don't think I'll ever be able to.

120/70ZR18. Bike handles great now, even through the squiggly rubberized junk they put on roads to seal the cracks.

 

[frenche]

Great thread. Lots of useful info. Thanks, guys.

 

[GaryN.]

The C10 came with radials, so if you want it to be like it came from the factory get radials front and back. Or you could go Bias front and back. They both have their own characteristics. Study that to know. I have used Avons. There good but where out kind of faster than some but stick good in the curves. I made the mistake of buying a bias rear and having a radial front which is a no-no. I didn't know that when I did it. From what I have learned you can go bias front/radial rear and that is supposedly OK. I have it in reverse radial front and bias rear, and I corner hard and I haven't noticed any difference. On top of that just Sunday I noticed  that the shop that installed my front tire installed the front one backwards meaning the arrow does not go forward. That would have bad effects in the rain which I avoid whenever I can.

 

[MAN OF BLUES]

just Sunday I noticed  that the shop that installed my front tire installed the front one backwards meaning the arrow does not go forward. That would have bad effects in the rain which I avoid whenever I can.

has very little to do with rain... it's about strength of the belt windings, and which direction offers the correct transfer of energy to the road, without damaging the casing...
so in the case of front tire directional notation, it's about transferring grip during hard braking...while limiting stress on the belts..preventing them from loosening in the molded rubber, and failing. Also to reduce heat buildup.
sooo, just how long/how many miles have you had it like that?
I'd suggest you attend to that and have it fixed right now.
ride safe...

 

[SteveJ]

The C10 came with radials, so if you want it to be like it came from the factory get radials front and back. Or you could go Bias front and back. They both have their own characteristics. Study that to know. I have used Avons. There good but where out kind of faster than some but stick good in the curves. I made the mistake of buying a bias rear and having a radial front which is a no-no. I didn't know that when I did it. From what I have learned you can go bias front/radial rear and that is supposedly OK. I have it in reverse radial front and bias rear, and I corner hard and I haven't noticed any difference. On top of that just Sunday I noticed  that the shop that installed my front tire installed the front one backwards meaning the arrow does not go forward. That would have bad effects in the rain which I avoid whenever I can.

Funny, I'm on about my tenth bias rear and eighth radial front.  I don't seem to have handling issues. Put the bike on a line for a corner, it stays there. No drama. And I do drag a peg from time to time. Just don't run a 120/70 on he front, it's too big. A 110/80 fits perfectly.

 

[MAN OF BLUES]

yeah Steve, but you put your tires on with the arrows going the correct direction.... :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :lol_hitting: :bravo_2: okestick: :85: :08: :a012:

 

[Daytona_Mike]

I have run and others too with no issues and it handles real well.  Radial in front and bias on the rear. 
There is nothing wrong with that setup.

 

[m hanlen]

... I put on Avon Storm 3-D XM's and experienced significant "Ball-Bearing Dance" syndrome (look it up on this forum - it's for real!).....

What size did you have on the front with the Storm 3d's? Good luck with the mean streak. I'd like to do it, but I don't think I'll ever be able to.

120/70ZR18. Bike handles great now, even through the squiggly rubberized junk they put on roads to seal the cracks.

debugjaws,
I also put a set of Avons on in Feb 2015 and couldn't ride over 60 mph without dying from feeling like I was driving on ball bearings, the second set did the same. Thru this forum I was told the sad story of Kawasaki and Dunlop sizing a tire bigger than it actually was. 120/70 18 OEM Dunlop measures closer to a 110/80 18, Even Avon got tricked. The front wheel is 3" wide, not wide enough for a 120/70. I left the rear Avon on and replaced the front Avon with a 110/80 18 and it help a lot but something was still wrong like less ball bearings. About a thousand miles later, it happened. It was so bad I couldn't ride it at all. I put it on the centerstand and turned the rear tire. The center of the tire wiggled like a snake. It had bad belts. As for the front 110/80, it cupped so bad it felt and sounded like off road mud tires. I used to be an Avon man but have left the fold. I'm with Steve on everything he says but I still like trying to finding my own road. You don't have to change to 17" wheels, there are some good tires out there and don't be afraid of radial front and or bias on the rear.

 

[UncleRob]

I have 10,300 miles on a 110 PR# front and Shinko 777 rear.  I could probably squeeze another 1000-1500 miles out of them but I am going to replace them before I head to the Barber Vintage Fest.  I have been very happy with the handling and I have never gotten 10k out of a rear tire before.  Highly recommend.

 

[mbrew]

I wound up installing the Avons with the 110 on the front. I've got about 2500 miles on them now including a trip to Arkansas. I didn't do any peg scraping, but I did lose some shoe leather a few times. I think I see a bit of what people are talking about with the ball bearing thing, but with this size front tire I don't think it's real bad. I ride with the PGR a lot and pull a large flag attached to a trailer hitch. That flag will move the bike around a little at highway speed and I think these tires feel a little like that. I'm comfortable riding the bike at speed and through corners. I will add that I don't remember the last set of Avons I had feeling that way. There is no irregular wear on them, at least not yet.

I imagine I'll put one more set of tires on this bike before I move on to something else and I might try the Shinko/Michilin combo next time. So far I've ridden the Avons, Dunlop and Metzler and I will not use the Dunlop or Metzler again if I have any choice in the matter. I would buy the Avons with a 110 front again if I needed to.

 

[ddback]

Isn't there a spreadsheet someone created years ago tracking brand/performance/cost/miles, etc?


Are we not updating that anymore?


If not, I'd be willing to maintain it for a while, if anyone has a link to it. We could create a new post (maybe a sticky?/voting?) based on the fields in the sheet. Wouldn't be scientific, but could be useful long term. We could add the C14 there too.


Does the forum software support multi-item/multi-value voting? I'm thinking things like either a fill-in field for mileage, or multi-choice (1k-2k, 2k-3k, etc).


PM please if anyone has some thoughts (I get email notifications from PM's)

 

[Jerzy Rider]

Looks like noting new on C-10 tires in awhile. I see that some say a 110 80 18 in lieu of the 120 70 18 it calls for due to fitment? My 03 has Metzlers on it from previous owner. Hard as a rock and yes slippery. Also a bias ply so cant lay into it like my sport bikes. I have been looking and it seems only radial V rated I can find in a set is the Avon Storm 3 HD. Denis Kirk has them. i am about to pull the trigger but wanted some feed back if possible? I like Michelin tires> I called them to see if their new P4 was going to come out in a 16" but no call back and those on the phone were useless, so I guess not. Any issues with Avons? Dont want a blow out at 110 mpg.. Need a grippy tire for the twisty Poconos roads etc in my area. What you guys riding on ZG 1000 Concours?. The one Picked up last year is a 03. Like the bike but tires are horrible.

 

[Ranger Jim]

Options for tires on the C10 are limited unless one goes for the 17" rear wheel modification. I used Avon Azaros and was fairly well pleased. You give up tire mileage for grip but tires are all about compromise anyway. 

 

[connie_rider]

I think someone posted there is a new Radial available for the C-10.
Shinko maybe??

Ride safe, Ted

 

[warwgn]

well i might have messed up, just got a set of Dulop Elite 4's, went 150/80-16 for the back and 130/70-18 for the front. guess we will find out Saturday if they fit right or not, I know the back will but now not so sure on the front. I was thinking there is not a whole lot of difference between 120 and 130 and the 130 was all that was available so I got it, if it does fit I think it will get good milage but just a little worried now.

 

[Jorge]

Avon 3D X-M. Not quite new; they came out about 2 years ago.
Very responsive tires, good grip, and should last. I would have expected 10,000 from rear, and 18,000+ from front...
Only negative is that they tend to wonder a little when new, but they settle after some miles.
Jorge

 

[zorlac]

I think someone posted there is a new Radial available for the C-10.
Shinko maybe??
Ride safe, Ted

Here ya go Ted!

Now there is another choice in matched radials for the C-10...Shinko has released the 150/80ZR16 R011 Verge tire...WPS part number 87-4090...which can be matched to the 120/70ZR18 F011 Verge for the front...WPS part number 87-4082

http://www.shinkotireusa.com/tire/011-verge
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/shinko-011-verge-rear-tires

 

[connie_rider]

Thanks Zorlac.
Wasn't for me. Was trying to help those currently looking.

Ride safe, Ted

 

[jim snyder]

For those who run bias ply tires you may look at the Avon AM-26's. I have had very good luck with them. I have run them the last 4 years and the handling is amazing. Ask anyone who has followed me in the twisties. They are one of the few tires choices that have always come in the C-10 stock sizes.

 

[warwgn]

well the 130/70 fit just fine on the front, gave me a little bit of trouble getting it on the rim but I did it. Got both mounted up and will go for a ride tomorrow and reporrt back how the E4's ride. Also wont be long and can report milage on them too, I hope to get in about 10k miles before June so I will know if they will last for my Alaska trip. They sure look good and have a ton of tread dtpth.

The fron had a shit load of weight on it with that shinko,  so hope it was a tire issue and not the wheell, gonna find out soon.

 

[warwgn]

very big difference,  it just falls into the curves now. It is waay smoother than before and the low speed wobble is completely gone now, had to be all the lead attached to the front wheel. So far gotta say I really like these tires.

 

[connie_rider]

Harbor Freight has a inexpensive Motorcycle Wheel Balancer.
Takes a little patience, but would give you a good balance every time..

Ride safe, Ted

 

[warwgn]

thanks, but I use dyna beads they keep tires balanced all the time and account for wear.

 

[Ranger Jim]

Warwgn. that 130 on the front will slow the steering noticeably. You should get pretty good tire mileage out of them though. Jorge, I NEVER got 10K out of a set of Avons Azuras. Usually only 6-7K. I live closer to twisties than you though.

 

[warwgn]

here is what I took off the front wheel

 

[rev ryder]

Dang!!!
Nearly a half pound there.

 

[warwgn]

Dang!!!
Nearly a half pound there.

Exactly, that is why I do my own tires, after I remove the tire I take a wire wheel and clean the insde of the wheel before putting the new tire on, something I know a shop does not do. Then I mount the tire and use dyna beads, my tires never leak down and stay balanced until I replace them. I have seen plenty of info for and against beads but have about 70k miles using them and love them. They eliminated cupping when I had my goldwing and extended tire life, they also worked just as well on my nighthawk, and now in the connie.

I hate taking anything to a shop and will do it all myself, shops always take way too long and never do anything to my satisfaction,  but that is a whole different thread.

 

[kowRider]

opcorncouple:  I have always wanted to do that!

 

[warwgn]

Warwgn. that 130 on the front will slow the steering noticeably. You should get pretty good tire mileage out of them though. Jorge, I NEVER got 10K out of a set of Avons Azuras. Usually only 6-7K. I live closer to twisties than you though.

well 250 miles on it so far and love it, maybe I just dont  carve hard enough or that shinko was so bad but steering seems like a dream to me, feels very well planted and stable.

 

[kdsmalljr]

Been using Ride-On Tire Sealant for 4 years. Haven't had an issue, but, a friend who rides a dreaded Harley pulled out an inch long nail from his tire and had 0 leak. Ride-On balances and is great at helping you finish the ride.

 

[jacksdad1963]

I'm looking at fitting a new pair of tyres before the Summer (in the UK!) arrives.
I looked at the Shinko F011 Verge, they are £253 pair here, plus fitting.
I have Avons on now, a Matching pair of Avon Storm 3DXM Radials will cost me £166 pair plu fitting...a huge difference!
What do people think of the Avon radials? I've read a few comments about other Avons, but not this version
Thanks  ;D

 

[rev ryder]

I'm looking at fitting a new pair of tyres before the Summer (in the UK!) arrives.
I looked at the Shinko F011 Verge, they are £253 pair here, plus fitting.
I have Avons on now, a Matching pair of Avon Storm 3DXM Radials will cost me £166 pair plu fitting...a huge difference!
What do people think of the Avon radials? I've read a few comments about other Avons, but not this version
Thanks  ;D

:86:  ME? Well, since you asked... 

If they were exactly the same price, I'd go Avon every time.  If the Avons were the 253 and the Shinkos were 177 (closer to the way it is in the states here) I'd probably still go the Avons even though the 3D XM are not as good a tire as the old Azaro or Storm 3D tires were.  That's MY opinion and worth what ya paid fer it.  The Shinkos will likely give longer service with somewhat diminished grip, but then the 3DXM also have moderately reduced grip from the earlier Avon tires... er.. tyres. 

 

[jacksdad1963]

Thanks, I have the same 'old' Avon combo on now, and like them, but they are getting close to the limit for me.
Anyone use other makes, that give good wet and dry grip over long life? I don't do lots of miles any more, purely a weekend and maybe a week long tour each summer.
I wonder why the prices are the opposite to your side of the Pond? Probably the usual supply and demand factors, as you don't see them at all over here: The guys on the US XS650 forums do recommend the Shinko classic bike tyres though, my other bikes are 1976 and 77 XS650's btw.
Maybe the prices will change but for now Avons are amongst the cheapest 

 

[swampcat]

Anyone use other makes, that give good wet and dry grip over long life?

I'm running a Michelin PR4GT rear (17" conversion) and PR3 front. I've done one replacement on each since buying the Concours, and because of the nature of Florida driving and my long trips it's mostly straight line highway miles. I've been pleased with them for both life and grip in my use. In fact, when I mounted the new front last week I realized it was the first time I changed it. Looking back over the maintenance records Steve gave me with the bike, I discovered that PR3 lasted 19,000 miles. It was down to the wear bars in the center, but not bald.

 

[Locomotiveman]

A SHINKO Verge 120/70ZR18 is gonna replace the DUNLOP 120/70ZR18 Sportmax D205F now on my C10. QUESTION:What am I gonna notice that's different..if anything? Locomotiveman

 

[SteveJ]

A SHINKO Verge 120/70ZR18 is gonna replace the DUNLOP 120/70ZR18 Sportmax D205F now on my C10. QUESTION:What am I gonna notice that's different..if anything? Locomotiveman

You'll notice that it's too big. Most folks like the 110-80. More correct fit and handles much gooder

 

[jacksdad1963]

From what I can find, many riders go for 120 rather than a 110. 10mm difference yet changes the ride! :-\

 

[JohnJuan]

Isn't there a spreadsheet someone created years ago tracking brand/performance/cost/miles, etc?


Are we not updating that anymore?

Here's a link to the thread about the spreadsheet

 

[Locomotiveman]

120 vs 110 VERSYS. I see YouTube stuff shows the 'Profile' of a Versys is quite different from some others...seems to be taller, not as flat across the tread when inflated. I wonder why..... And no groove down the middle that my old Dunlop has. If it fits...it's staying on. I'll see. Locomotiveman

 

[jacksdad1963]

One thing that we peeps in the UK need to watch is insurance.
If I had an accident and had fitted a 120 front tyre, the insurance company would seize the chance to invalidate the cover as I'd fitted a different spec to standard.
As to a 130: how the #### did you get it onto a 3.00 wheel? 
Note: I can get a pair of 3d-XM's, 110 and 150, for £160 plus fitting. The rear Shinko costs more that that over here

 

[Bud]

I'm running Shinko SE890 Journeys intended for a GoldWing. (130 on front 160 rear)  I took them to a local tire shop to have them mounted.  If I weren't standing there, god knows what the kid mounting would have done to that tire.  Rather than forcing the tire down in the relief portion of the wheel, he was trying to just force it with the changer.  I had to stop him and hold it down so it would go on.  I'm not sure how it would have been mounting by hand.  If you lay the tires out in the sun and let them get hot, lube the crap out of them, new tires generally go on easier then taking the old ones off.  I'm about done with taking my tires to a shop to have them mounted.  As far as the tires go I do like them.  If one struggles to get Miss Piggie :-\....eh...I mean Connie on the centerstand, these will help.  :great: