Triumphrat

T'Bird2003 · 08-06-2009, 06:10 AM

Hi,

I have a 2003 tbird, which is fitted with what I think was the original factory fit tyres for the UK i.e.

Rear - Pirelli Dragon GT MTR04 150/80 ZR16 71W
Front - Pirelli Dragon GT MTR03 110/80 ZR18 58W

They are now needing replaced and these are no longer available.

The bike is not subjected to any high speed use - mostly 50 - 80mph cruising.

Does anyone have a view on suitable tyres.

Thanks

Slinky · 08-07-2009, 02:45 PM

I would recommend Avon Roadriders.
Everyone else will disagree

TonyD · 08-07-2009, 04:55 PM

The choices are rather limited for matched tyres, due to the 18"/16" wheel combination. A popular choice is to put an Avon Storm on the front and an Avon Azaro on the back (the Storm is supposed to be the replacement for the Azaro, but there isn't a 150/80 x16 in the Storm range). A lot of members here swear by them for grip and performance.

The Metzeler Lasertec is produced in sizes that will fit the T'Bird front and back, and appeared in this week's MCN as number 4 in the top 10 high mileage sports-touring tyres. With a more traditional deep tread pattern, apparently it is made from a new high silica compound, but I notice that it is a crossply rather than a radial tyre. I have been looking at Lasertecs as a possible alternative to the Avons, although some internet reviews I have read suggest they can be a bit quirky for the first couple of hundred miles before they properly 'scrub-in'.

cafetbird · 08-08-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slinky

I would recommend Avon Roadriders.
Everyone else will disagree

No, I disagree with that, Slinky, but only because he said "The bike is not subjected to any high speed use - mostly 50 - 80mph cruising." Those tires are great for cruising.

If you hit the twsities hard, I would use Avon Azarros instead. I use a sport compound Azarro on the front.

Hmm, Lazertecs have changed their compound? They used to be harder than a brick. Also, like you implied be careful mixing radials and cross plies....

Slinky · 08-08-2009, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafetbird

No, I disagree with that, Slinky, but only because he said "The bike is not subjected to any high speed use - mostly 50 - 80mph cruising." Those tires are great for cruising.

They are great for a whole lot of other things too, like hard cornering. And the grip wet or dry is superb, more than enough for a Thunderbird. They have taken everything I can throw at them with no drama. Just my opinion, and I wouldn't seek to get all religious about them or try to convert anyone, but to label them a cruiser tyre is not an accurate reflection of their capabilities.

BRG-BIRD · 08-10-2009, 11:37 PM

I have a set of Lasertec's and my experience is they are not a hard compound as the rear tire is down to 3/32's with only 5,500 miles. They do however handle just fine and work quite well on wet roads as well as dry. Not sure if I will use them again though.

cafetbird · 08-11-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slinky

I wouldn't seek to get all religious about them or try to convert anyone, but to label them a cruiser tyre is not an accurate reflection of their capabilities.

Avon labels them as a "general purpose" tire, neither a sport touring tire or a cruiser tire. Seems appropriate for his application.

No doubt you know wet weather handling better than I!

I wouldn't use them on a track day.

TonyD · 08-11-2009, 02:28 PM

Manufacturers are a (justifiably) cautious bunch. I emailed Avon a while ago to enquire about the suitability fo the Roadriders for the Thunderbird and got what amounted to a firm 'don't go there' in response. The main reason they gave, apart being a lower speed rating than that recommended by Triumph (like the Lasertecs, V rather than W), was that they were bias tyres and as such unsuitable for the particular bike.

Just covering themselves, I imagine. But I understand that using a lower speed rated tyre than that recommended by the vehicle manufacturer would give an insurer sufficient reason to invalidate your policy.

Slinky · 08-11-2009, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafetbird

I wouldn't use them on a track day.

That's a fair point Scot, I don't think I would either, but then, it's not likely to happen.

FWIW I had Avon radials on the bike in the past, never noticed a dramatic difference but maybe that's just me.

BigAl8295 · 08-11-2009, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cafetbird

No doubt you know wet weather handling better than I!

I wouldn't use them on a track day.

I pretty sure you've seen your fair share of wet weather riding.