Author Topic: I hate milled roads>need tire advice  (Read 4489 times)

Offline DangerD1967

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I hate milled roads>need tire advice
« on: August 27, 2013, 09:29:09 AM »
"How to have an awesome ride go crappy in 15 miles..."

I recently planned and executed a ride that took into consideration fun, views, good BBQ for lunch and non ethanol gas stops, my first attempt to do 400 miles in a day...at mile 345 roughly I found myself facing a road freshly milled (top layer ground off for repaving) and in checking my map realized I would have to take it. 15 miles of rough as heck pavement that still had ample grit blowing around on it would have to replace 15 miles of riding in heavy downpour as my least favorite leg of any trip. I got home, drank a beer and went out to check bike expecting to find grit bites on the paint, a few, but the worst damage was to my tires. Had hoped to get into September/November and plan on new tires and some "deep" maintenance. Well I have zero tread in the center on the front and similar on rear but not as bad. Still was an awesome ride!!!

I would love advice on tires, I have been online shopping for prices, but I don't know the difference in some of the specs. Here are my current stats:

1994 K75s
Metzeler Lasertecs
Front 100/90-18 m/c 56v
Rear 130/90-17 m/c 68v
These tires were on the bike new when I bought it.
I have priced them at around 150 a piece, looking for a little less expensive to allow for some brake work.
Question: What is the difference between 56v and 56 h?
In regards to price; I am most concerned about safety/performance rather than tread life (Wife's car will be paid off in January which will allow more for bike budget!) I just need tires for about 3 more months of riding


Offline mjydrafter

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Re: I hate milled roads>need tire advice
« Reply #1 on: August 27, 2013, 10:19:13 AM »
My original set of tires were some old Metzeler LT's and they followed rain grooves like crazy.

I went with a set of BS Spitfires, and they will follow the grooves a bit, but nothing like the old Metzelers.

On those milled surfaces I don't know if any tire wouldn't follow the groves a bit.
1986 BMW K75c
1974 Suzuki TC-185 (the little 10 speed)

Offline mystic red

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Re: I hate milled roads>need tire advice
« Reply #2 on: August 27, 2013, 12:41:22 PM »
V and H are,  I believes,  speed ratings.  V for speeds above 130 but check it out.

Offline KJeff

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Re: I hate milled roads>need tire advice
« Reply #3 on: August 27, 2013, 10:08:43 PM »
I don't mean to hijack your thread but can you put radials on a K75 ? The Duck recommended some for my K11LT and they are amazing. A friend just got a K75 and I was wondering if they can run radials.There are not many radial options in the K11LT tire sizes. That might not be in the budget cards for you right now but if possible it would be worth running up the credit card.

Offline mystic red

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Re: I hate milled roads>need tire advice
« Reply #4 on: August 27, 2013, 10:54:18 PM »
 Radials in 75 sizes are as rare as hens teeth.... but they make new sizes every day.... let the search begin.

Offline Chaos

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Re: I hate milled roads>need tire advice
« Reply #5 on: August 27, 2013, 11:20:36 PM »
+1 on the Spitfires, probably best bang for the buck you're gonna find.  Put a pair on last year and no complaints at all.
  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
2023 Ural 2WD sidecar (BMW's bastard step child)

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