Rear tire replacement: what size/type?

[F14CRAZY]

My K75"C" came with Metzeler Lasertecs and the rear is going to need replacement soon as there is almost no treat showing in the center.

From what I understand, Lasertecs are more of a performance/handling tire but it seems I'm riding my bike more on slab and for daytrips more than anything else.

The current Lasertec on the rear is 120-90/18.

Should I stick with that size or should I switch to something else? What are my options? Is there a reason to go with a particular size?

I've been comparing prices and such on motorcycle-superstore but I think I'll buy locally.

Anything else I should know? Thanks guys.

[K75RT Keith]

Check the Liberry and search for tire recommendations.  I think you'll find a couple long threads. 

[Motorhobo]

I ride mostly on slab and chose not to go with the expensive performance tire since all that performance is wasted when the tread wears down the center. I went with the Shinko from MSS and am comfortable with that, though it got me chastised by Johnny the Tior Eater  as an 'unqualified motobricker'...

I wanted to buy locally but found that even if I did they still charge +$25 to mount and balance. So I did the MSS thing, took the wheel sans bike to the shop and at least they got my $$ to put them on. Retail locally was $35 more than mail order...if it had only been 10 or 15 bucks I'd have given them the business but...well, you gotta draw the line somewhere.

I think maybe the bigger issue for me might have been radials or not. I went with the rear  radial cause that's what was already on the front. If you do mostly slab and aren't so big on twisties maybe radials aren't for you.

[jacksdad1963]

I've fitted a pair of Bridgestone Battlax BT023, standard 110/80ZR 18 (58W) and on the rear we squeezed on a 150/70ZR17 (69W)  :clap:
Fitting the slightly wider rear means I've got a matched pair of radials, its only about 4mm difference in width from a standard 140/80, or less than the tread depth!
The bike came with odd tyres and felt awful to ride, bias belt front and radial rear  :yow
I kept the rear Avon Azaro 140/80 and fitted the Battlax front and things got better, then I punctured the rear, so added the 150/70 rear Battlax, went on without a hitch, btw, and the ride was transformed! Superb tyres, I've scrubbed the treads right to the outer edges and the bike didn't flinch, steady as a sports bike....and I've had a few of them as well!  :2thumbup:

[TimTyler]

I thought I'd try the Shinko 230's and had them mounted last Oct. Just removed the rear which had worn flat (but still safe) in about 6k miles. Can't wait to get the front off. They're nothing special. Blah.

Should have stuck with the Spitfire II's from last summer which felt nice but I wore them down fast with lots of highway.

Just put on a Pilot Activ rear and will give it some good roads this weekend in eastern WA with the J.O.+M.

Got a deal on an Avon AM26 Roadrider so I'll try that next. Might swap it in on a 2nd wheel before some big slab in the summer.

[K75RT Keith]

Is yours a 2.75" x 18  Drum brake?   That may limit some of the choices 

[F14CRAZY]

I just checked and yea it's a 2.75x18 rim as cast into the side of it

[jacksdad1963]

Thats just a bit too small for a 150 tyre!
My K1100 has the 3.00 inch rim, which is listed as the very smallest width  :dunno2:

[F14CRAZY]

Local non-BMW dealer had a 120/90-18 Dunlop D404 for $93, which I had put on today. We'll see how it holds up. I figure on putting at least 10k more miles on the bike this year. Reviews on motorcycle-superstore are really good with a number of people getting 10-12k out of them. The dealer was actually cheaper by a few bucks than M-C



Old Lasertech



The D404.

[K75RT Keith]

Early Drum Brake K75's with 2.75" x 18" rear rim gives only a few options. 

Put a few hundred on it before you go nuts in the twisties.  You need to scrub off the slick mold release they all use in production (Someting I learned when working for a tire manufacturer).

[F14CRAZY]

The dude at the service counter did say and I've noticed that in some other posts I've read but thanks for the reminder though  :2thumbup:

[Turkus]

:2thumbup: :2thumbup: :2thumbup:



 :2thumbup: :2thumbup: :2thumbup:

 :riding:

[rbm]

A pair of those T30's in those sizes just landed on my front doorstep this morning!  Good prices and two day order turnaround from Pete's Superbike in Quebec.  Awesome tires I've read.

[Turkus]

Awesome tires I've read.

They are !!!  :2thumbup:

[jacksdad1963]

Hey Turkus, just the same sizes I've got on my 95 K1100LT  :2thumbup:
I've gone for BT023 Battlax though, cracking tyres!  :clap:

[Turkus]

Hey Turkus, just the same sizes I've got on my 95 K1100LT  :2thumbup:
I've gone for BT023 Battlax though, cracking tyres!  :clap:

I'm told the BT023 is no more and these are the replacements.....

Either way, they ROCK !!  :yes

[jacksdad1963]

Agreed! Cannot fault them, amazing grip compared to the old style boots we used to have to put up with  :2thumbup:
Odd thing: I've seen one or 2 reports of guys complaining that radials ruined the ride....

[Turkus]

Odd thing: I've seen one or 2 reports of guys complaining that radials ruined the ride....

They are NOT Proficient Motobrickers...... :nono

[johnny]

thats correct... they are deficient motobrickers...

j o

[jacksdad1963]

I couldn't understand what they meant! thought I was missing something.... :2thumbup: