Having taken the Zeph out for a little run yesterday afternoon, my concerns about the OEM tyres [1] currently fitted have grown considerably. The subtle combination of said tyres, one of Mr Kawaski's heavier industrial proucts, damp greasy roads and me piloting the bloody thing is a recipe for disaster. Having spoken to the chap at my local SOB emporium, I have been pointed towards BT020's [2]. Before going down this route, is there potentially a better choice for this type of bike? [1] Bridgestone Exedra's, with a plug in the rear one. [2] £200 fitted, including changing the fork seals (which are weeping). AIUI the Exedra's are crossplies, whereas the BT020's are radials. I have not been riding bikes long enough to know the real difference this makes, any opinions would be much appreciated. My last experience of crossplies was on a Morris Minor, and the cjange to radials didn't make much difference (to me). -- Dan L (Oldbloke) My bike 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr M'boy's bike 2003 Honda NSR125R Spare Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26, BOMB#18 (slow)
Avon AV45/46 will be much better. Grippier than the 020's and longer lasting. Also about 20 quid a pair cheaper.
Cheers for that, will investigate further. -- Dan L (Oldbloke) My bike 1996 Kawasaki ZR1100 Zephyr M'boy's bike 2003 Honda NSR125R Spare Bike 1990 Suzuki TS50X BOTAFOT #140, DIAABTCOD #26, BOMB#18 (slow)
Tyres these days will usually perform beyond the limits of the "average" rider and choice is usually down to individual preference. Having said that on the 1200 Bandit I have experimented with the 020's and the AV 45/46 as well as a few others. "My" experience found that the 45/46 combination was no grippier than the 020's and I certainly found that the Bridgestones were better in the wet. As for mileage (that was the reason I tried them going through 3 sets per year) I also found they were no better and I get the usual 4000 miles out of a rear. Either choice will be better than the OE tyres. Mark
Simon Atkinson says... I'll second what Simes says here. He put me on to the Avons in the first place and I was extremely happy with them. Much better than 020s in all respects.
Really? That's interesting - I get a lot more miles on the Pan from the Avons, and you can feel the difference compared to the 020's. Also the 20 or 30 quid saving is nice! Agreed.
At the Bikeshow the guy who runs a Blackbird spares company also rated the 45/46 combination. Maybe I didn't get the mileage because I used them harder? Maybe I'll get another set at some stage to reflect on my view to date! Mark
Even so - I'd have expected them to last at least 50% longer than the 020's (assuming you rode the same on the 020's) - if only because the Avons start off with /so/ much tread depth. Stick with what you like best old chap.
