Early V7 Radial Tire Thread

[GTM®]

Before anyone yells at me, I did search the forum for a tire discussion and didn't find what I was looking for. I am replacing the tires on my 2016 V7 II Racer. My #1 criteria is good/consistent grip in colder weather.

I merged your post with this radial tire thread. 15 pages talking about tires.
Best tire out there to date Conti Road Attack 3s, 110/80-18ZR, 130/80-17R (150/60-17 for the V7-850 only). Questions from there are all well covered above.

 

[Eastcoast adam]

Thanks!

 

[Seasider]

I've been looking into getting some Conti RA3s recently and the rear tyre seems to be unavailable from the four or five suppliers I've checked in France and the UK. The only other radial I can find in front and rear sizes for the V7 is the Bridgestone Battlax A41 that someone mentioned here, but that seems to be partly for off-road use.

 

[GTM®]

I've been looking into getting some Conti RA3s recently and the rear tyre seems to be unavailable from the four or five suppliers I've checked in France and the UK. The only other radial I can find in front and rear sizes for the V7 is the Bridgestone Battlax A41 that someone mentioned here, but that seems to be partly for off-road use.

My biggest U.S. Distributor is now showing them as DISCONTINUED. My other large Distributor is showing them as restock arriving 12/30/22 -- I won't hold my breath. I hope that the RA4 is released in a 130/80 soon if it is in fact discontinued. In a pinch, the Continental Trail Attack 3 (also a 90/10 ADV tire like the A41) is virtually the same tire (construction) with a deeper tread for greater mileage. I'd say grab one while you can. You won't go wrong with either brand or type.

 

[rodhotter]

generally the OE's use cheaper tyres from the lowest bidder + even seen that some manufacturers-triumph had a decent tyre built for them with LESS rubber to meet their price point! i always use Radials + among various manufacturers the specifics can vary as softer compounds for better handling + overall performance or a longer lasting tyre with not as good performance. with tyres its one or the other, + i prefer better handling as it can save an OPS + braking performance is MOST important for sure. Radials generally ride better because they are more flexible + tyre tech continually improves BUT be prepared to pay a little more for better tyres!

 

[Used2Bfast]

For us Bobber owners (Stock Dunlop D404's,130/90-16fr, 150/80-16 rr) are the Shinko 777's still the best upgrade for maximum traction or is there something better? Looking to upgrade whenever my suspension upgrades arrive from Italy.

 

[dldvs]

I have my mind set on a set of the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires for my ’22 V7 850 Stone (alloy rims) but am having a hard time finding the front tire size I want to go with, the 110/80 R 18 M/C 58H M+S TL, which is listed on their website. They also list one other 18 inch front tire, a 120/70 R 18 M/C 59V M+S TL, that seems readily available. The rear tire I want is also readily available (150/70 R 17 M/C 69V M+S TL).

The manual for my V7 850 states that the front rim width is 2.5 inches. I’m reading various places that a 120/70r18 needs 3 inches.

I sent an email to Todd asking if he could import the front 110/80 R 18 M/C 58H M+S TL, so I’ll see what he says. But if he can’t get it, would the 120/70 R 18 M/C 59V M+S TL be okay?

Regards,

Daniel

 

[Vagrant]

JMHO, the 110 works fine, I'd avoid the 120 as it will slow the steering a bit.

 

[dldvs]

I‘m planning to buy the 110 from Todd, he said he can import them no problem.

 

[Eastcoast adam]

Todd, @GTM® What do you have available for my 2016 V7 Racer? I'm striking out on finding the top recommended tires from this thread in my size (Front 100/90-18 - Rear 130/80/17).
A key feature for me is cool weather and wet traction so I can start my season early and end it late in New England. Thanks

 

[GTM®]

What do you have available for my 2016 V7 Racer? I'm striking out on finding the top recommended tires from this thread in my size (Front 100/90-18 - Rear 130/80/17). A key feature for me is cool weather and wet traction so I can start my season early and end it late in New England.

As mentioned in your PM to me on Sunday, email is always best; Sales @GTMotoCycles.com -- as I cannot see every post here, and tagging me or calling me out is not OK.
While I'm here at this moment, I can get both the sizes (110/80-18 Fr - 130/80-17 Rr) and brand (Conti RA3) that I highly recommend at this moment in time. They seem to be drying up. Email me if you want a set.

 

[Garth Weston]

Before anyone yells at me, I did search the forum for a tire discussion and didn't find what I was looking for. I am replacing the tires on my 2016 V7 II Racer. My #1 criteria is good/consistent grip in colder weather. I'm aware I will have to compromise awesome grip in hot weather but I'm not out there racing. I would prefer the consistency through out the year. I live in new England and like to start riding as soon as the salt is washed away in the Spring and keep going until the snow fly's, even if that is December. This leaves me open to the surprise of some slide on ultra cold or wet days if the compound has a highly variable grip based on temperature. In my recent research I found that the Michelin Road 6 (silica bonded rubber) has a super consistent grip through a broad temperature range. I haven't had luck finding them in my size 100/90/18. and 130/80/17. Anyone else out there live in colder/wet areas and have a favorite tire I should look into? Thanks, Adam

I live in Quebec and ride from March to end of November on my 2017 v7iii stone. I am currently on my second set of Continental road attack 3's. I find them superior to the OEM Pirelli's for wet and cold riding and they last twice as long. On the first set I got over 20,000 km on the rear and 30,000 km on the front.

Garth

 

[loudviking]

Just purchased Bridgestone AX41S tires for the Stornello, will update
when they get mounted and rode on some...

 

[Chrisfer]

Just purchased Bridgestone AX41S tires for the Stornello, will update
when they get mounted and rode on some...

Good tires, bigommes in the rear, but diagonal structure.

 

[Bill Meyer]

"Sadly the best tire out there (Conti RA3) is drying up."

Why does this always seem to happen when I find the right tire????

 

[GTM®]

"Sadly the best tire out there (Conti RA3) is drying up."
Why does this always seem to happen when I find the right tire????

It’s the biggest head-scratcher to me, as most tires live on for years with successors in place. I hope they release these sizes with the RA4, but so far it’s not showing. I’m trying to get some intel from my Conti Tire Rep.

 

[DR.ZAP]

For us Bobber owners (Stock Dunlop D404's,130/90-16fr, 150/80-16 rr) are the Shinko 777's still the best upgrade for maximum traction or is there something better? Looking to upgrade whenever my suspension upgrades arrive from Italy.

I second this question!

 

[Used2Bfast]

I second this question!

Since nobody here either knows or was kind enough to reply... research revealed that the only radial tires in 16 in were the high-mileage type. Since I only ride on twisty mountain roads 25 miles/ride wanted as sticky and light as possible as possible (as steering is heavy even w/ forks dropped 25 mm and fully adj susp). So I went with Metler Roadtec 01, a tire specifically designed for lighter cruisers, they make a Cruisetec for heavier ones but which lasts longer but is heavier. Ripped those D404's off @ 900 miles, have appx 1000 miles on this set, expect they will last about 2500miles which is fine for my use.

I have a lot of right hand decreasing radius blind turns where you have to stay about 1 foot off that white line so I trail brake the rear to help tighten up my line. Don't know if it's just me but have 2800 miles on bike and just put the 3nd set of rear brake pads plus a new rotor, front pads look fine.

 

[DeadEye]

Hey, that’s a lot of wear for not many miles, my dirt bikes goes through knoby’s that fast if I do a lot of street riding,
The Pirelli's were on the V7 from new for over 10k ! and I’ve only replaced the rear and that was GTM « Fault » with the new exhaust the bike sounds so Great , I was getting carried away with the aggressive down shifts - Ok maybe i was responsible a bit.
The front is still original at 20K - but it will be time for a new one very soon.

 

[DR.ZAP]

Since nobody here either knows or was kind enough to reply... research revealed that the only radial tires in 16 in were the high-mileage type. Since I only ride on twisty mountain roads 25 miles/ride wanted as sticky and light as possible as possible (as steering is heavy even w/ forks dropped 25 mm and fully adj susp). So I went with Metler Roadtec 01, a tire specifically designed for lighter cruisers, they make a Cruisetec for heavier ones but which lasts longer but is heavier. Ripped those D404's off @ 900 miles, have appx 1000 miles on this set, expect they will last about 2500miles which is fine for my use.

I have a lot of right hand decreasing radius blind turns where you have to stay about 1 foot off that white line so I trail brake the rear to help tighten up my line. Don't know if it's just me but have 2800 miles on bike and just put the 3nd set of rear brake pads plus a new rotor, front pads look fine.

Thanks for the reply! I was wanting to get something a bit more sport-touring - those might be a good fit! In your opinion, do they detract from the esthetics at all? The D404s are uninspiring performance-wise, but they do have a nice, retro appearance.