Hey everyone, ill introduce myself before asking a lot of questions in the near future. Got my L plates about a month ago, proud owner of a 1991 mc22. Complete Newb but practice makes perfect they say, doing my first commutes! Also, completely new to motorcycle engineering and a lot of to DIY sessions coming soon so thats one of the main reasons i signed up. A thank you in advance for the multiple posts containing valuable information. Enough with the BS First question. Any opinion about tyres? Looked a few models and brands, if anyone has any experience (mileage, wet traction, dry traction, bang for buck ratio) please feel free to share your views on it Battlax s20 evo and Dunlop Alpha'10s or 12's (bike has currently bt45's at the front (around 70% left) and a kenda k671 cruiser tyre (yes, cruiser) at the rear with about 60%) One of the options i see is to fit a bt45 at the rear, get a feel for them and learn more about the bike before investing on good rubber. Main usage of the bike 70/30 Commuting(All weather)/Fun, id rather have a high end tyre (even though id probably not notice a difference yet since my skills arent quite near being able to really push) than a long life commuter wood rim. Once again, thanks and hey everyone.
Pab7 Good choice with your bike, big fan of the MC22 Tires???? Well in my opinion they are all good, in really comes down to $ and cents. If the majority of your riding is commuting then Bridgestone and Michelin would probably get my vote as they handle most conditions well and they also have a reasonable life span which is worth thinking about as you are parting with a fair wad of cash??? Pirellis handle well but are generally speaking more expensive and don't wear as well.....remember this my experience only, others may not share my thoughts. Also, shop around before you buy as there are deals to be had Would be good for you to post up some photo's of your bike......we like "photo's" OH.....before I forget, enjoy the ride.
I bet that Kenda isn't legal on your bike, it wont have the correct speed rating. The BT45's or battleaxes are commonly referred to as battlestacks on the MC22 and many avoid them like the plague, I recently bought the Michelin Pilot Street Radials for my old MC22 and picked up a pair fitted for low $300's , I think the S20's will be around $450 a pair. As a comparison, have a look at the Dunlop GPR300's, I have them on my CBR400 and I love them. I would have gone the S20's if I was keeping the bike, not sure I would have done them justice on the road.
Ditch that crusier tyre before it hurts you. I would have a good look at the BT45 as having a matching set is always a good thing. I have used them (still have on two bikes) and although I don't ride real hard these days they give ok wear/feedback/price for me. Have had no 'big moments' with them in wet weather (but I ride to the conditions) and the last one I fitted is a dual compound and is wearing great with good side grip.
I have only had Rosso II's on my bike and you can get them for a semi fair price and work well in the dry and hot, not so well in the wet & cold. I am honestly considering getting another pair when these ones give up to be honest. They have lasted me quite a while so far.
Thanks for the welcome! As i am about to pass rwc and get rego for the first time on this bike (has been a long time without plates) cash flow isnt exactly at its best. I could get a bt45 fitted for about 150 to replace that kenda on the rear and as soon as i develop some skills and pockets get deeper ill replace both with sexy rubber. Will posts some pics later, she isnt cosmetically perfect, had a big dent on the tank so i bought another one and has the original fairings in decent shape. Mechanically she runs strong, great compression, carbies clean and the usual maintenance is spot on.
dunlop gpr's are really good tyres, would recommend them especially for a new rider. bt45's would slide out on me if i went to hard but did last longer than the gpr's.
So this is the old girl. Different tank, back wheel needs some paint, right bar end was missing probably due to a drop, some scratches on right side fairing but its in decent shape overall. Also has stock muffler fitted to pass rwc, got a simple stainless steel one ready to fit.