Good performance dry weather tires (and non stock sizes)?

Joeywhat

Joeywhat

Joined
Apr 5, 2018
Messages
96
Location
United States
Bike
2006 ST1300 - Black
This may have existed before the site issues, but I couldn't find anything currently. Is there a resource out there that show what tire sizes will fit on the wheels and also not rub or cause other issues? The tires I'm looking at do not come in stock sizes so I'm looking at some that are a bit wider but with a very similar diameter (170 vs 180). This is for a 1300.

I may just go with the Michelin road 6's, however I'm tempted to get something with a bit more dry grip. I don't do long trips, I'm not overly concerned with tire life as long as it's not extremely short, and I really don't ride in the rain much. I'm looking for something that is really good for spirited riding, but that also isn't a huge compromise if I get stuck in the rain.

Anyone running tires like this right now?
 
I'm not aware of any discussions regarding a chart or resource that shows what you want - tires that fit a 1300 w/o interference. There were some discussions about car tires that fit, but I believe those threads were purged in the grand clean up. I cannot answer your question, but I'm sure some of the more experienced riders will chime in. Have you considered dark side? I've read nothing but good things by the guys who have mounted these on their STs, and the folks who are opposed seem to have based their opinions without going to the trouble of trying one. Put me in that latter category - I have no need for a 40k mile tire on my bike so I doubt I'll ever try one.
 
I tried and never much cared for the older Michelins (pr4) just because of odd wear patterns. I skipped the 5's and decided to try PR6 on my r1250 and will say I really like them. They ride nice, stick good and so far, no weird wear issues. they are pricey though. I ran a Metzeler roadtec 1 rear once on my ST and the only gripe I had with it was it was a bit slick for the first few minutes until you get some warmth in it. Otherwise, it was top notch in dry and wet conditions. Also pricey. If max performance was key, I would look to the Roadtec. I ran that with a T32 on the front and that was a solid performer as well, as many would attest to. I believe most riders dont push tires anywhere near the max potential of a decent tire in the dry and I concern myself with wet performance and things like tire life, ride/noise. If I was always riding in the dry, performance would not be paramount (to me) and I would look to also save a few bucks. I would gravitate towards the Bridgestone T32/33 in that case, to save a few bucks. I would hesitate to save too many bucks though. I dont put a lot of confidence in cheap tires, but thats just me... YMMV
 
Joeywhat said:
This may have existed before the site issues, but I couldn't find anything currently. Is there a resource out there that show what tire sizes will fit on the wheels and also not rub or cause other issues? The tires I'm looking at do not come in stock sizes so I'm looking at some that are a bit wider but with a very similar diameter (170 vs 180). This is for a 1300.

I may just go with the Michelin road 6's, however I'm tempted to get something with a bit more dry grip. I don't do long trips, I'm not overly concerned with tire life as long as it's not extremely short, and I really don't ride in the rain much. I'm looking for something that is really good for spirited riding, but that also isn't a huge compromise if I get stuck in the rain.

Anyone running tires like this right now?
Click to expand...
I use Bridgestone tires on both our 1300 and 1100. They stick well in both the dry road conditions, wet/rainy and near stoplights...never a slip at an embarrassing moment so far. I have not had the opportunity to ride in snow or ice with either bike. Weather guy says I may tomorrow.
 
It looks like a few folks find the Dunlop Road smart 4 to be just as good as the Road 6's, but with even better dry performance. Anyone running those?
 
I don’t think any of the tires mentioned (Michelin, Dunlop, Bridgestone) will give any problems regarding dry grip or even wet performance. Sport touring tires today approach or exceed dry performance of hypersport tires of 20 years ago with the advantages of silica compounds added in to improve wet performance.
 
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dduelin said:
I don’t any of the tires mentioned (Michelin, Dunlop, Bridgestone) will give any problems regarding dry grip or even wet performance. Sport touring tires today approach or exceed dry performance of hypersport tires of 20 years ago with the advantages of silica compounds added in to improve wet performance.
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Yeah, I believe that... But if I can get extra grippy tires then why not 🤷

I've got some time to consider it anyways, I wasn't really expecting to drop $600 on a set of motorcycle tires but I guess that's where the price is these days. Thankfully I'm going to start mounting and balancing at home to save a few bucks.
 
On my ST1100s I've tried about all brands and keep coming back to Bridgestone.
Their prices are more 'reasonable' and their performance (at least to me) is as good as any of the others.
 
Joeywhat said:
This may have existed before the site issues, but I couldn't find anything currently. Is there a resource out there that show what tire sizes will fit on the wheels and also not rub or cause other issues? The tires I'm looking at do not come in stock sizes so I'm looking at some that are a bit wider but with a very similar diameter (170 vs 180). This is for a 1300.

I may just go with the Michelin road 6's, however I'm tempted to get something with a bit more dry grip. I don't do long trips, I'm not overly concerned with tire life as long as it's not extremely short, and I really don't ride in the rain much. I'm looking for something that is really good for spirited riding, but that also isn't a huge compromise if I get stuck in the rain.

Anyone running tires like this right now?
Click to expand...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=120-70r18-110-80r18 put in tire size
The 1300 will fit a 205\50 17 car tire on the rear, 180/60 180/55 is close to stock 190/50 or 55 should fit all smaller than the car tire
 
Has anyone tried or heard of anyone trying a "Michelin 205/55R17 Cross Climate 2" for a Dark Side Tire on their ST?
The Outer Diameter is spot on to stock design at 25.1 as far as I can tell.
My only apprehension is the shoulder of the Cross Climate looks really square, but you never know till you mount one up.
I really like them on my car, thinking about trying one on the bike, although I know there are much cheaper alternatives!
Thank you for your time.
 
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