ST1100 - advice wanted

[Eschatocol]

My primary use is my wife and I load up and travel on two week motorcycle rides, twice a year. We're pretty heavy with both panniers and the top box full of enough gear to go two weeks. The problem I've had with all my tires is premature wear on the sides of the tires. I think that this is because of the dual compound construction of sport touring tires combined with heavy loads.
I'd like to try a single compound tire. What do "cruiser" bikes use? I'd think that some of those giant beasts might use some pretty stout rubber. Any ideas on what is available?

 

[Ron]

Maybe up the pressure for a heavy load?

There is a stout Bridgestone tire made for a heavy BMW (maybe LT). It is the correct size for an 1100 rear. I think it has gone over 10K miles for a couple riders. It is a bias tire if that matters to you.

160/70 B17M/C

79V

TL

5.00

4.00 - 5.00

655

Some guys run a rear tire on the front for the extra miles.

 

[Uncle Phil]

Maybe up the pressure for a heavy load?

There is a stout Bridgestone tire made for a heavy BMW (maybe LT). It is the correct size for an 1100 rear. I think it has gone over 10K miles for a couple riders. It is a bias tire if that matters to you.

160/70 B17M/C

79V

TL

5.00

4.00 - 5.00

655

Some guys run a rear tire on the front for the extra miles.

I have used this tire - a BT020 BIAS - for years on the rears of my ST1100s.
It is specced for the BMW K1200LT and handles fine.
I do run a BT radial on the front (whatever the 'radial of the day' is).
It is the only rear tire I can ride from Tennessee to Alaska and back - and yes I get close to 10,000 miles out of them.
Just beware that there is also a BT020 RADIAL for the rear.

 

[Andrew Shadow]

I have used this tire - a BT020 BIAS - for years on the rears of my ST1100s.
It is specced for the BMW K1200LT and handles fine.

My Brother in-law had a K1200LT with the bias tires. He also had an ST1300 with Michelin PR4 tires, as did I. We were always surprised how much better tire longevity he got out of the tires on the BMW than either of us did on the ST1300 even though the LT is quite a bit heavier.

 

[sirepair]

Let the stoning begin....

Darkside baby! But the change over on an ST1100 aint simple. You have to change to a GL1500 16" rear wheel, mod the brake caliper hanger and have different spacers made up for it to work. But I get 20K + miles on a GoodYear Assurance tire. Someone did find a CT that fit on the stock 1100 rear wheel, but it was a very low profile.

 

[SMSW]

I too was going to suggest a car tire, but Pat beat me to it. When shopping for tires, pay attention to the load rating as well as the speed rating. Are you scrupulous in checking tire pressure? If you are loading the bike to capacity, this is very important. I destroyed a car tire by overloading it on a 1000 mile trip. The tire was done after 250 miles on a very hot day and probable under inflation.

I will add that if you are stressing the bike this way (long trips, loaded to capacity especially in hot weather*) preventative maintenance becomes that much more important.

*It is not likely that you are riding on your trips in the winter

 

[Roger]

You can always transfer the weight of your luggage into a trailer...? No worries about what you (your wife actually) has to leave behind!

 

[Al st1100]

If your loaded up tire inflation cold should be at max pressure. I had a bridgestone h50 180/60 17 on the rear of my st. got 18k out of it. Load rate 75 (852 lbs) It's a bias belted tire for cruisers but bias tires are better for carrying heavy loads. The size is very close to the stock size. Had to deflate the tire to get it in but other than that it was a great tire. They do make the h50 in the ST size. . Paul from this site used Michelin Comander II (bias) and stated he would get 20k. out of them.

 

[Uncle Phil]

I figure after 10,000 miles I want to check the rear splines anyway ...

 

[red one]

In 24 years of ownership I've found the original oem tires to be superior for even wear, traction and longevity.

 

[ST1100Y]

What do "cruiser" bikes use?

Funny that you mention that term, since Bridgestone lists their (legendary) G547/G548 (OEM on the ST1100) in the "cruiser" section now
Since you've a '91, hence a 110/80 front tire, those Exedra are a valid choice...