Triumphrat

roady03 · 02-23-2008, 10:51 PM

Just bought a 99 Legend from a guy in MI which has 3,000 mile on it and has been stored in a heated garage. Yes, they are the originals. I think I know the answer to this from a safety perspective but welcome comments. Question is: Should I replace them? Also, welcome suggestions on what brand to select. Thanks, Dan

roy005 · 02-24-2008, 12:28 AM

Welcome roady. You'll enjoy the Legend's torque. I really enjoy my Tbird.

I would replace them. If you look closely you'll probably see signs of dry rot and they are likely to be hard as rocks. In any case if the bike has been sitting for awhile the tires are probably flat spotted. I am a fan of Avon Azaros. Good handling wet or dry and they seem to wear well.

Enjoy the ride!

datapimp · 02-24-2008, 01:18 AM

Or if you can't find Azaros anymore (I think they are out of production. . .or at least super hard to find in WA for non-outrageous prices), the updated ones are the Avon Storm ST. I'm replacing my Azaros with those this month.

I also hear a lot good about Pilot Powers, but haven't ridden them.

Enjoy it!

Eyun_G · 02-25-2008, 04:30 PM

I'd replace them, It wouldn't surprise me if they were dry rotting, or especially flat spotted. I have Metzler Roadtec z6's. They're a harder compound than the avons but they stick better than the stock bridgestones. I could get 'em here in NC for a cheaper price, I've got about 5k on the back one, and 3k on the front. Holding up well.

Be warned:
1. The tube size for our tires is rare, so nobody stocks them, not my local dealer anyway, so you will need to order those when you order your tires.

2. I don't know about everyone on here, but I've heard from some and personal experience that they do not hold air as well as I would like, as in my bike probably loses a pound a week, so keep an eye on your tire pressures. They make a big difference in ride and tire life.

Enjoy your new bike!

geebee · 02-25-2008, 05:57 PM

I can also recommend the Avon Storm ST's. I put a set on my Legend back in October and I am very happy. Much better than the BT20's I had before. I also went with the slightly taller 160/70/17 rear tire. I installed Bridgestone tubes. Enjoy.

Lushy · 02-25-2008, 09:05 PM

You can tell if they maybe original by the DOT # If the last 4 digits are say 0401 then that tire was built in the 4th week of 2001. If it is pre 2000 then it will only have 3 digits something like 399 means 39th week of 1999. But that said it would probably better to replace them.

RickN · 02-25-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyun_G

Be warned:
1. The tube size for our tires is rare, so nobody stocks them, not my local dealer anyway, so you will need to order those when you order your tires.

Just for the record what are the correct tube sizes for 150/80 R16 and 110/80 R18 tires (e.g. for the Thunderbird). They are usually given in inch sizes with a 1/2" width range to fit the inside of the tire, I think. (Anyone know what the inside width of a 150 mm tire is?)

Thanks,
Rick

denny · 02-26-2008, 01:41 AM

There are tubes on the market that are specifically made for use in radial tires. Well they are labeled that way anyway. They will have the size of your tires (150/80 R16 and 110/80 R18) on their label if they are sized to fit.

What brands???? I forget, they are inside my tires and I can't check them.

It took me quite awhile to find them using internet search but I finally did find them.

So is there really any difference between Radial Tubes and Regular tubes other than the label that is printed on the tube? I dunno.

Maybe we have a tire dealer on here who knows the complete truth in this matter.

Greaser · 02-26-2008, 02:09 AM

Whatever you do, stay the hell away from Bridgestone BT 021!!!!!!!
I had BT 020 for years and they were great then I tried the new and improved BT 021 and got less than half the life out of my front!
CRAPPOLLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

gregp · 02-26-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickN

Just for the record what are the correct tube sizes for 150/80 R16 and 110/80 R18 tires (e.g. for the Thunderbird). They are usually given in inch sizes with a 1/2" width range to fit the inside of the tire, I think. (Anyone know what the inside width of a 150 mm tire is?)
Thanks,
Rick

I checked my manual and my Adventurer calls for a *160*/80-16 rear tire. Are you sure that your 150/80-16 is the correct recommended size?
Both the 160/80-16 and the 110/80-18 are realtively rare sizes. The 150/80-16 and 110/90-18 are easier to find. I wanted to try a 120/80-18 on the front, but I am not certain that there is room. My bike is currently fitted with a 150/80-16 and a 110/80-18 Dunlop D205 front and rear. They are just Ok, but not great.