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Early V7 Radial Tire Thread

Faisal said:
I don't mean to be rude with this upcoming question, I may just be young and inexperienced, but don't you think after 38 years since your anecdote that tire technology has greatly improved? Don't you think if you had done that modification nowadays that it wouldn't have as much of an affect as it did in 1980?
Click to expand...

Steering geometry that works hasn't changed in 100 years. Chassis and suspension have improved enormously, tire technology and brakes are light years ahead, but handling dynamics don't change because they are dependent on the physics of two-wheeled vehicle dynamics.

The V7III chassis is just an slightly improved version of a 1972-generation motorcycle chassis, with forks and good rear suspension, so 1970s technology is actually well worth considering when looking at how to modify its performance and handling.
 
vagrant said:
so somebody who actually has put some miles on, how are the radials doing for wear on the V7 as compared to the stockers.
Click to expand...
I don't have the numbers on hand, but the RAIIIs that I put on my V7R are wearing much better than the Sport Demons. I expect to get at least twice as much wear out of them if not more.

It makes sense. Despite most of my riding being twisties the Sport Demons nevertheless seemed to wear flat along centerline in my hands. The RAIIIs have a harder compound down the centerline which has so far shown itself to resist the tendency to wear flat so quickly.
 
GT-Rx® said:
Unfortunately that is the time/trend we are in right now. Glorified, actually. Knobby tires and brown seats are getting all of the money.
So interestingly enough for 2017, Guzzi actually lists the 110/80-18 & 140/70-17 as options on the V7. I have run these (Metzeler Klassik) sizes on many bikes, and they are OK. A 140/70 makes you pull the rear drive to get fitted.
I actually prefer the 110/80 Conti RAIII as it is Z rated, and transforms the bike. They only make a 130/80 rear offering.
Click to expand...

Todd, is your preference for the larger 110/80 and the stock 130/80 RAIII combo have to do with feel, steering quickness or something else entirely?
 
spowell said:
Todd, is your preference for the larger 110/80 and the stock 130/80 RAIII combo have to do with feel, steering quickness or something else entirely?
Click to expand...
Both of those, and the Conti RA III stock front size (100/90) is a little on the narrow side, though does not affect the bike, handling or traction of course. Both are good. As an ex-Pro Racer, I like what the 110/80 does to the bike, and I like the looks on the rim better (more modern look for those who care).
 
GT-Rx® said:
Both of those, and the Conti RA III stock front size (100/90) is a little on the narrow side, though does not affect the bike, handling or traction of course. Both are good. As an ex-Pro Racer, I like what the 110/80 does to the bike, and I like the looks on the rim better (more modern look for those who care).
Click to expand...

Good info. Thanks. I thought the Conti's radials in the stock size would be narrower since the service width of the RAII's is a little smaller. So, I'll probably try the 110/80's next.

From my research, for those that are comparing:

Size/Model |Measured/Tested Rim Size|Rim Range|Service/Inflated Width(mm)|weight(lbs)

100/90 - 18 M/C 56H TL SPORT DEMON | 2.50 | 2.15-2.75 | 114 | 11.9
110/80 - 18 M/C 58V TL SPORT DEMON | 2.50 |2.15-3.00 | 125 | 12
130/80 - 17 M/C 65H TL SPORT DEMON | 3.00 | 2.50-3.50 | 147 | 14

100/90 R 18 M/C 56V TL ContiRoadAttack 2 | N/A | 2.50-2.75 | 108 | N/A
110/80 ZR 18 M/C 58W TL ContiRoadAttack 2 | 2.50 | 2.50-3.00 | 117 | 9.6
130/80 R 17 M/C 65V TL ContiRoadAttack 2 | N/A | 3.00-3.50 |138 | 13.6

(made the very large assumption that RA2 size/range specs are similar to the RA3. I couldn't find any data on the new RA3's)
 
Thanks for the specs comparison. What was your source for the size data?

egschade: Likely not, but they don't make them in that size any way according to continental-tires.com/motorcycle/tires/motorcycle-tires/sport-touring/contiroadattack3

G
 
Godfrey said:
Thanks for the specs comparison. What was your source for the size data?

egschade: Likely not, but they don't make them in that size any way according to continental-tires.com/motorcycle/tires/motorcycle-tires/sport-touring/contiroadattack3

G
Click to expand...

Continental 2015 technical guide: .continental-tires.com/motorcycle/technology/technical-handbook
Pirelli 2018 Tyre Guide: pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/motorcycle/all-about-tyres/technical-data-book
DennisKirk.com had the weights.
 
And to add, based on the reciprocating mass differences, the RA’s are another score. Wow.
 
I ride on dirt/gravel roads and have had good success with the Pirelli Scorpion Trail tires. Would like to put them on my bike but when looking at the sizes, the front is bias while the rear is radial. I'm thinking it's a bad idea to mix the two types even if they are the same brand and tread. Thoughts? The only brand that has a matching set of DS tires that I've found are the Heidenau Scout tires which are too dirt oriented for my needs.
 
egschade said:
I ride on dirt/gravel roads and have had good success with the Pirelli Scorpion Trail tires. Would like to put them on my bike but when looking at the sizes, the front is bias while the rear is radial. I'm thinking it's a bad idea to mix the two types even if they are the same brand and tread. Thoughts? The only brand that has a matching set of DS tires that I've found are the Heidenau Scout tires which are too dirt oriented for my needs.
Click to expand...
Non-radial 80/20 options:
Kenda 761 (TL)
Shinko 705 - use 4.10-18 front (TT)
Options that require using a rear tire on the front - mount reversed
Avon AV54 Trailrider (TL)
Continental TKC70 (TT)
 
The Pirelli MT-60r radial is available in 110/80-18 but only offers a 120/70-17 rear which I think will be too small. The Metzler Tourance dual compound radial DOES come in the correct rear size. What are folks thoughts on mixing brands of similar style (90/10 street/dirt) tires?

Other option is the Pirelli MT-60 bias tire on the rear (not available for front) which is the same tread pattern. That means radial front - bias on back. Also sounds sketchy...
 
So when I read this..

rideapart.com/articles/motorcycle-tire-question-radial-bias

It appears that we can mix and match bias and radial. Had to research and replace my not worn out rear SD with a SAIII due to nail damage. Keeping the SD front on until it wears out.

Cheers
Min
 
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