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Anybody replace their Street Twin tires yet?

80K views 151 replies 69 participants last post by  vytas_gecas 
#1 ·
I'm curious what tires are people are looking at to replace the Phantoms that come on the street twin. I'm looking for something more sport touring with good all-weather siping and more lean angle. I'm a fan of Pilot Road 3/4 but it doesn't look like they offer them for the front wheel.

Thanks!
 
#2 ·
We've recently read an account of tyre development where it took Spanish racer/development engineer David lopez a whole year to get the combination right...personally I'd use the same ones...:)

"...The front tire is a 100/90-18 bias ply, the rear a 150/70 R17 radial Pirelli, a combination engineer/test rider David Lopez says Triumph played with for over a year to get right..".

Source:http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/triumph/2016-triumph-street-twin-first-ride-review.html
 
#20 ·
I'm right at one year of ownership with 4,000 miles on my T120. The rear tire's tread profile is still nice and round, with no hint of the characteristic wear at the center of the tread pattern. I'm thinking the rear tire is going to easily last for 8,000 miles or more. I'm pleased with the performance of the stock Pirellis and will replace these with the same tires when the time comes.

There was some concern early on that the T120's stock drive chain might wear too quickly because of the T120's additional power. (It's the same sized chain that's been used on the air cooled T100 since 2001.) FWIW, I adjusted the chain on my bike at the 500 mile service, but it has not needed adjustment since, and really didn't need it then. I'm thinking the T120's chain is up to the task. I use a wax-based teflon DuPont product called chain saver and like it a lot. It doesn't fling off or attract and hold road dirt.
 
#5 ·
Its a good tyre , I've run them to the edge on my ST and they grip really well. you need more lean angle?
Well that's kind of what concerns me, they're run to the edge with no chicken strips. Seem kind of flat compared to rounder tires I've ridden, not as agile. And I'm not too sure about the tread pattern for rain; I was under the assumption they sacrificed modern performance for "retro" look.

Thanks for the feedback!
 
#27 ·
Maybe the best choose



Pirelli Angel GT 110/80/18 + 160/60/17 Somebody are using this combination? Could inform the impressions?
I am going to use exactly this combination, I am just waiting the front tire because this size is not easy in Brazil.
I will post my impressions in the future, I am trying a better look and performance.

110/80/18 fit well in rims between 2.5 - 3.0 inches, original street twin have 2.75 ok!
160/60/18 fit well in rims between 4.25 - 5.0 inches, original street twin have 4.25 ok!

In both cases, front and rear external diamenter differs less than 5% tham original set, this means that all engeneering limits will be respected.

Regards.
 
#11 ·
For me, they don't work well at all in the rain. I don't get any feedback from the tires in wet conditions and the rear tends to let go suddenly over even smooth, clean roads. The front is also very succeptible to tramlining. Once they wear out, I will change the sizes slightly and either go with Michelin PP3s or Pirelli MT60s.


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#14 ·
The phantoms were the tires that came new on the Ducati Sport Classics (back in 2006). Most everyone agreed after changing them to a better performing tire, it was like night and day. I finally changed mine to the Q3's and could definitely feel a difference. Kind of like the stock tires that came on the early air-cooled triumphs. Once I put on the sport demons, completely different bike.
 
#15 ·
I'm replacing my with another Pirelli of the same type. I have over 9,000 miles on the original and it is just now below my standard to replace (3/64 tread) I have ridden in driving rain, and through standing water without the least slip or slide. I know that may be due to ABS/TC but if it works don't mess with it. I got the tire for about $200 at a local shop and I'll take the wheel off and they will mount & balance tire.
 
#17 ·
When the time comes i was thinking of going with these retro Firestone tires i,ve seen them on some cafe racer custom bikes Kinda like a car tire really.
There's a reason modern tires do not use that tread pattern anymore. I'd avoid those and get something offering modern levels of performance, since tires are vital in keeping you and your bike safe.
 
#24 ·
4500 miles in and the front tire appears to be wearing at twice the rate of the rear, which is entirely strange. The wear is evenly distributed along the width of the front tire though, so it must not be a problem per se.

I usually go through two sets of rear tires before needing to replace a front. So I find my Street Twin highly unusual in this regard.

I'll probably opt for the Scorpion Trail 2s as replacements.
 
#114 · (Edited)
Street Twin tire change out results



I have 14K miles on my 2016 ST and have changed the front tire 1x and it looks nearly ready for another. The rear still has lots of life it appears. I thought I was crazy or riding in some weird fashion that was making this happen so sort of reassuring to see so many others having the same experience. So - - now that some of you have switched out tires (I am seeing Avon Storms, Continental Road Attack 3, Scorpion Trail, Pirelli MT60 and Avon Spirit ST listed in the forum) - - - what are you finding - do you prefer the stock tire or the ones you replaced with? I live in high desert area - mostly hot weather riding, country roads, tar snakes/chip sealing, some gravel when necessary.
 
#25 ·
Delta, I think I have seen you mention that somewhere else and it seemed strange then, and I still cannot remember that ever happening to anyone I have known in biking for decades. I actually had a look at my tyres after you mentioned it. So far, when it does come down to replacements, I would be looking at either another set of the phantoms or the scorpion 2. Of course something else might be available by then. I shall keep an eye out for alternatives. You don't keep a heavy dog in a basket on the front of the bike do you? :)
 
#36 ·
Then I suppose allow me to be the first to speak on them! I fitted a set of Scorpion Trail II's a month ago when my ST was at about 9k miles, just in time for this years trip out west. 2300 miles of rain, interstate, gravel, and mountain switchback roads in 4 days seems like as good a test as any. These are really great tires. Cornering grip is excellent and stability on gravel or in the rain is 4000% better than the stock Phantoms (exaggerating for effect). Plus its a handsome tread pattern, just looks better.
 

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#31 ·
One of the most frustrating aspects of owning the Street Twin was the lack of front tire choices. I wasn't impressed by the stock tires, they seemed to easily slide on tar snakes and just didn't seem sure footed. The stock tires on my current 2016 Thruxton are excellent. Wish Avon would offer their Road Rider in the 18 100/90 size.
 
#34 ·
Hey guys, my buddy just picked up a '16 Street Twin and is looking for sportier tires. I recommended the Angle GT's in the 110 and 160 widths... Seem like a nice alternative to the stockers, and will have the bike more sure footed in the mountains...

Any issues with ABS or T/C with the slightly different tire sizes?
 
#35 ·
Get the Avon 3D Storm XM if you're looking for a more modern tire. They've been great for me so far, so much better than the stock tires and come with a 15,000 mile warranty for what that's worth. And they come in the proper sizes. Until Michelin or Pirelli come out with the PR4 or Angels in the proper sizes, these will be my go to tires and maybe beyond that depending how the life span proves to be.
 
#120 ·
I'm right with you there, I've had the Avon 3D Strorm XMs on for about 4 months, put a few thousand miles on them in all weathers: very pleased, no complaints at all. They give far more confidence than the original Pirellis and are not showing any signs of wear yet. The front pirelli was knackered at just over 5000 miles.
Tibs
 
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