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Tires 2007 bonneville

11K views 28 replies 13 participants last post by  rodhotter 
#1 · (Edited)
So I just picked up a used Bonnie and need new tires.

I really like the look of sportier bigger tires on the bike. So ideally I'd like something like 110/90 front and 150/70 back

I'm reading some contradicting things. Some saying 150 is too wide for stock bonneville rim.

Also I read that the only tire in 150 that fits the rim is the Dunlop 501. Which I can't find anywhere in this size.

I also was looking at the Pirelli sport demons but size I see only is 100/90/19 Front and 140/80/17 back. Anyone have pics of these on their bike?

Also am looking at the metzler me880 110 90 front 140-80 back

Also am I going to have to replace the tubes when I change the tires out?
 
#2 ·


Some people get upset here when you have opinions about tires. These are Michelin PR4's in the 150/110 sizes you mentioned. I've only had them on since Fri evening and it rained all day yesterday so only 150 miles so far.

I was out today and rain happened I can tell you these tires laugh at wet roads. I don't go out of my way to ride in the wet but it's nice to have confidence when it does happen. And they roll nice, track straight and feel predictable on dry corners too and should wear well. Only downside is they're expensive.

If you're going to run tubes with these or any tires, change them every time you change tires unless money is tight.
 
#4 ·
for the rear there's no problem fitting 150/70R17 and there's lots of choice for tires that spec. Go for whatever make /model pleases you.

I don't know your original front spec, but 100/90-19 seems common and the equivalent radial size to that would be 110/80R19, there is plenty of choice in that spec too. I don't know where the 110/90 size has come from.

if you have a 17" front the standard spec is 110/70R17, but I'm guessing you have a 19" front.

Metzeler ME880 is a cruiser tire, good for mileage but grip and handling will be better with good sport touring tires.
 
#5 ·
Steve, those are good looking meats, let me know how many miles you get out of that back tire. Lately all the tires I've purchase have been wearing out really fast. They must have changed the rubber compounds or something. I would always get 10,000 miles on back tires and the last 3 rear tires have only given me like 5 to 6 thousand miles. *** is going on?
 
#6 ·
Radracer, I got these through Bayside Performance which is a local small shop/big website that all the sportbike guys in Vancouver area use. You should be able to find them cheaper state side.

Sonic, I switched to these after being very impressed with how they performed (and lasted) on my VFR. Hoping they are the holy grail of stick AND good life on a Bonnie. First impression is they are at least as sticky as Sport Demons.

I'm off to test them on the Sea to Sky to Whistler today. It's a sunny mid-seventies day and I'm not working. Woo hoo. :grin2:
 
#7 ·
Avon Roadriders will work in those sizes on your stock rear rim and they are listed as being compatible with our rim size. The front will have to be 100/90-19.

Running that combo on my bike and it rides great, really like the larger rear tire.
 
#9 ·
Roadriders not my taste as they have a triangular profile. YMMV. If you insist, get Michelin tubes as they seem to hold air longer. While you're at it, maybe consider Pilot Activs which are popular here and come in many sizes. You'll find all of these at Dennis Kirk and on that site, the tubes will state what size tires they'll fit. Good prices and service BTW.
 
#11 ·
I'd replace the inner tubes on general principles, having just bought a used bike, but I don't replace them with every tire change. I also specify name-brand premium tubes when I do change them.
 
#16 ·
FWIW, the 150/70 is virtually the same diameter as the stock 130/80. The 140/80 will be taller and throw off the speedo/odometer on the digital instrument bikes...
 
#18 ·
The 150 will look bigger given the increased width of the tire.
On your 2007 the speed/odometer comes from the front hub via a mechanical cable, no need to worry about what you do to the rear tire.

The 140 vs. the 150 comes down to fit/feel and how the bike will ride. You can read through many posts on this site discussing the merits and downsides of a wider rear tire. Then after you're done with that come back and I'm sure you'll still be just as confused (too many opinions). :grin2: You just have to pick one and give it a try.
 
#19 ·
I agree with zenbike.

try looking at the pros & cons (but you may see it differently!)

150/70 pro :
- better choice of sport /touring tire.
- good reports on here by some who have tried it.
- looks good.

150/70 con :
- slower steering (I tried it but didn't like it).

140/80 pro :
- rear slightly raised, may sharpen up steering just made slower vs. original 130/80.
- good reports on here by those who have tried it (from memory).
- looks good.

140/80 con :
- just the speedo ... doesn't apply to 2007 bike.

I think 140/80 wins, but 'You just have to pick one and give it a try.' (quote zenbike)
 
#20 ·
150/70 con :
- slower steering (I tried it but didn't like it).
Depends on the profile and construction. EVO combo I mounted sharpened steering considerably, even vs the Sport Demons which they replaced. They transmit every irregularity unfortunately and killed the ride I was getting with the Demons. Bought them for equal handling and longer wear. Bonnevilles with a 19" front really DO appear to need a bias front. Might try Metzeler Sportec Klassik next time but reviews of that combo are very thin on the ground. PITA. Compromises... :(
 
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#22 ·
roadriders fit on narrower rims because they are bias tyres, radials generally spec a wider rim per size. avonmoto is a great easy check having full tyre specs + correct fitment info. i just put a pair of roadriders on my magged bonnie 120-70-17 on a 3" front + 150-70-17 on a 3.5" rear. they ride firmer + bike dont roll as easy as the smaller pirelli rosso II's i had on, but better for a sidecar i plan to install. i have an new xtra set of the sticky but faster wearing rosso II's + will prolly list for sale $150 + ship, a good price if your not far away from Pa. i found out longer distances go air $$$ shorter get trucked at less cost
 
#26 ·
I just put the 140/80 pilot activs on mine after a lot of searching through old threads. I have only ridden it home from the dealer so far so I can't comment much on the ride... Upgraded from the stock 130/80. Only thing I can say is that I feel like I'm sitting a bit higher and the steering does feel more sharp. again, I have only done 15 miles on them on a fairly straight road.

Sorry for the quality of these photos. I'll try to get more this weekend.




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