While I'd like to put radials on my '85 K100RT, it seems that the Avon Azaro AV46 rear is no longer available, or if one could be found it may be long in the tooth before it's even put on. 

No problem with the BT45s on it, but some are very happy with Pirelli Sport Demons, so I'd like to try them for a change and comparison. 
Anyone tried both and can comment?

Currently, they are at a good price at BikeBiz in Parramatta, though the 100/90 front is only 56H while the 110/80 are 58V, for a theoretical 2mm smaller radius. 

Any thoughts on whether the 58V is a worthwhile benefit over the factory spec size with 58H?

These will be the first bike tyres I've bought since 1973, when an Avon rear replaced the factory Yokohama on my CB175 and was worth +10mph on any given corner!

Thanks,

Bill

I have Bridgestones on my basic and Sport Demons on my RT. I would take the SDs over the the Bridgestones every time.

Bill travelled on my RT on BT45s back in March.....it got a new rear tyre after his travels and which has since worn out! So both front and rear are being replaced. Not due to poor performance, just lots and lots of miles. My dilemma also is which to go for.

I have also had the same debate on tyres, including a long one on Saturday with someone who has run both the SD and BT45 on the same bike. He was very happy with both but gave his mark to the BT45 which he felt gave less miles but that opinion was based on our weather conditions. Key is really how much you use the bike and if you use in very poor weather conditions, the cold and wet in winter or is it parked up for winter. His experience was the BT for the colder wet winter, that was after trying both. I have the BT45 on all the time and absolutely love the feeling of confidence on them in the winter BUT I have not tried the Sport Demons on the bike so I can't compare.

Going back to 1973, I remember the Yokohama, yes they were terrible. The only Avon back then I think was the Roadrunner which I used all the time while the purists insisted on the TT100. If you ride on a Yokohama you could ride on anything.

indian036 wrote:....
Currently, they are at a good price at BikeBiz in Parramatta, though the 100/90 front is only 56H while the 110/80 are 58V, for a theoretical 2mm smaller radius. 

Any thoughts on whether the 58V is a worthwhile benefit over the factory spec size with 58H?
.....

There's not a lot of difference between those load and speed ratings so just go with the size you're happy with. The standard for the front is 110/80

56 = 224kg
58 = 236kg

H = >210kph
V = >240kph

Sports Demons have a very good following with the guys up here. I put the guys on the Z1300 forum onto them and they are raving about them.
I also fitted Marg's K75 with them and she said how much better the bike felt in the corners.
Yokohama was bought by Shinko.

You wont often take a K100 over the 200kmh, gearing puts the top speed at red line just about 210kph so you wont be using the extra ability of a V rating over the H rating.

I struggle with the weight calculations though. I think we regularly exceed the maximum weights, at least those of us into longer trips 2 up and all the gear. When you look at a permitted 10kg in each pannier, 5 kg in a top box, plus a pillion and rider in bike gear the 200kg in the book is very tight.

For curiosity weigh yourself in full bike gear, my own comparatively light 75kg rapidly became 90kg without winter linings yet most of the K owners are well over 75kg [anyone taking offence can claim their free pint of Guinness at my local pub], so rider and pillion are easily 175kg kitted out. Add the 25kg gear plus a tank bag, underseat and fairing storage plus the fact that I bet everyone exceeds the weights you are easily looking at maybe 225kg upwards........The all up weight for the K100LT, no matter what way it's distributed puts one axle outside even the 58 rating loading. Given the modest top speed it shouldn't be an issue but I suspect that's what leads us to running tyre pressures at the upper levels.

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Going back to 1973, I remember the Yokohama, yes they were terrible.

We used to call them 'Yokoteflons'.

Hi All:

I'm not sure if this has been pointed out before or not, but if the same manufacturer of a tyre/tire has both a "V" and and "H" rated tire in a size, the V-rated tyre/tire will have a slightly softer compound and will not last as long, but WILL have a bit more grip in almost all situations.

Food for thought...

Thanks for the input, guys. 

Looks like the SDs will get a go. Having more dry days than our Irish friends, I tend to avoid wet riding where there is a choice, but deal with it if it comes along. 

I might go for the 110/80 front, just for matching the 58V of the back. Also, when I put the shorter rear shock on, I couldn't move the forks up the same amount because of the handlebars, so the 2mm smaller radius will even it up just a bit. 

Olaf, I'll take offence at your (accurate) weight comment, just for the excuse to visit you again and to see your particular neck of the Irish woods.  Hopefully next year. In the meantime, enjoy the company of my Oz mates this year. Both Rosskko and Gaz are worth meeting. 

Bill

Bill

You will I have to join the queue. Seems the weight comment has so far upset about 2,000 members.....

If Gaz and Rossko are over before you they can both bring yours back.....

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Bill

You will I have to join the queue. Seems the weight comment has so far upset about 2,000 members.....

If Gaz and Rossko are over before you they can both bring yours back.....

Gaz and/or Rosskko bringing it back would defeat the purpose. 

It seems you are going to have an expensive time! What do 2000 Guinnesses cost? 


Bill

Have to think on the price of Guinness, about €4 or €5 for a pint I think.....

Guess you will be back later next year.

92KK 84WW Olaf wrote:Have to think on the price of Guinness, about €4 or €5 for a pint I think.....

Guess you will be back later next year.

€9000!  Ouch. Less a bit for those like Jacko - "I'll have a half."


June or early July if all goes well.




Bill

That sounds excellent. Can help with my birthday......might be a camping trip on!!

I suspect you are right about us having to pump them up due to pressure on the limits. I'm 105kg out of the shower so with gear boots etc and fully packed panniers I must be pushing 3/4 on the 200 kg limit! 

@Indian036. I've always gone for the H rated Pirelli SD's and I have the 110/80 out front (almost 9000miles /14000km) out of the current one. Get the tallest one available for the back as the original size is not one they do! Mines a a 140/70 but I would prefer a higher profile.

I was trying to work out the pressures in that sometimes higher pressures can be compensating for other problems.

Take 105kg, add 15kg for bike gear which is what I found, now you have 120kg minimum, then add for a few office items and you are at 15ok, pretty much the level the manual will call for two up riding and two up tyre pressures.

No reflection on the bike or anything, just the same issue airlines had with their average passenger weights being incorrect and causing stall/overweight incidents. I suspect that the solo riding pressures being published are simply too low for a K as they are average situations that don't take account of us being on the upper limits.

I have always started out with recommended pressures but then adjust until I find what feels right and its always harder. Even with known good suspension etc. I don't like the way the K behaves if tyre pressures are low, definitely impacts on confidence.

On profiles am I right in thinking few manufacturers are now offering 140/80 rears? I took some measurements on mine [monolever rear] and seems a 150 will just about fit.

Pirelli do offer a Sport Demon in 140/80VB17 which fits Monolever swingarms and the Y spoke wheel with no clearance issues. A 150/70 will fit but is too wide (by the specs - I realise people fit them to their bike) for the Y spoke and the profile ends up too sharp, adding to nothing in terms of handling, but one does get 'The Look' over the skinny 130/90.