Tyres: Mix 'n Match

[tok78]

1 question in 2 parts here:

I need to change my rear tyre next month (ahead of a big trip in June/July).

The front tyre is good for several thousand more miles so I don't want to change it.

Part 1: The current tyres are BT020s. If I want to change the make/model of the rear tyre, should I change the front tyre to match?

Part 2: Would peoples recommend BT020s, BT021s or Storm's (I mostly 2up tour, '99 Efi).

I have read the letter from the nice man at Bridgestone.

 

[stormer]

Whack a Storm on.....:yo: Just make sure the front has more grip than the rear........

 

[the_sad_punk]

Whack a Storm on.....:yo: Just make sure the front has more grip than the rear........

Sound advice i believe, if the suitation is reversed you can 'push' the front as they say.
Id stick with bridgestones as you will have that fron on but the 021 is a newer hoop than 020 i believe so may be stickier...which could result in the above?
If it were me id bang on an 020.
PS; anyone ever have the rear balanced too??

 

[Judge Dredd]

Change both tyres and get both wheels balanced.

 

[wuz_uk]

Storm Rear Viper sport Front = the dogs doodarrs :yo::-0)

 

[tok78]

Storm 2 Ultra

I think I shall opt for a pair of Storm 2 Ultra's.

Have never tried Avon's before, but am happy to give them a whirl. The recommendations for them are many and varied on here and I am happy to listen to the voices of age and experience. bl4hbl4h

Avon site is also nicely laid out and has a recommendation feature - input your Make/model/year and it will recommend various tyres for your bike.

I am quite a cautious rider so will leave the VP2 until I become a faster rider (never even a track day). I am sure the Storms will give more than enough grip in Morocco this year.

Have seen pairs online for £187 (inc p&p). Does Jaws sell tyres? (No mention on the website)

Á plus.

 

[Wolfie]

Storm Rear Viper sport Front = the dogs doodarrs :yo::-0)

ultra 2 = new lease of biking life.

 

[andyBeaker]

think you have made the right decision - I personally would not mix and match as you are likely to end up with different profiles and it would feel, at best, weird:-0)

 

[silverfox.xx]

ultra 2 = new lease of biking life.

Are you using them Wolfie?, if so how do they compare with the old storms?

 

[Wolfie]

Are you using them Wolfie?, if so how do they compare with the old storms?

my old storms were fecked, bald, squared off and yrs old i hardly rode the last 3 years and the tyres were older than that so cant compare really. but the ultra 2 i really do like these puppies.

 

[Jaws]

Have seen pairs online for ?187 (inc p&p). Does Jaws sell tyres? (No mention on the website)

? plus.

Yes I do but in all honesty unless I am fitting them I aint very competitive on price ( do not buy enough to get he discounts )

Currently they are ?209.00 fitted and balanced ( ride in ride out or loose wheels )

Do check with your local tyre fitting place before committing as a good many places seem to be charging crazy money nowadays ( ?45.00 one place told one of my customers !!! )

Basically I charge ?17.00 fitting and balancing of the two tyres...

 

[tok78]

Fitting & Balancing

Thanks for the pointer Jaws.

I will be buying the tyres online and my local bike garage (where I bought my Bird) will be fitting / balancing the tyres.

They are happy for me to buy tyres elsewhere and then charge for fitment.

I think they charge around ?30 for both wheels. (note to self - *check*)

I should have the tyres on sometime in May and will give some proper feedback in July (4300km later).

 

[Jaws]

They are happy for me to buy tyres elsewhere and then charge for fitment.

Great stuff ( if a little expensive ! )
Your plan is most excellent sir :-0)

 

[ascar]

having just fitted ultra 2's on the bike i would say get a set as i find that they are way better than the BT's

 

[mickeystitch]

Got Ultra 2 's on mine

had them on for a few hundred miles now, must say they seem good, only time will tell.

Still want to get up to " The Holly One's " ( Jaws )garage and get him to do suspension for me but have been a little short on funds for a while, hopefully this summer :-0)

 

[Jaws]

LOL !! Now then !!!

Last thing I need is to become a holy man !! ROFL !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[stormer]

Storm Rear Viper sport Front = the dogs doodarrs :yo::-0)

Yup that's my combo:yo:

 

[tok78]

Storm 2 Ultra's: Ordered!

I have gone for the Storm 2 Ultra's and should have them Thu/Fri.

Am now wondering what else I should get fitted for my touring holiday?

UK - Spain - Morocco (ferry to Barcelona)- Spain - Italy - Switzerland - Paris - 4400kms.

2up with luggage - went for Krauser as I had a box and a mounting plate from my old bike (found a supplier in Germany who spoke English and saved 50% on UK prices).

I have splurged and bought an Autocom unit for her and I.

Short of a double bubble (which I can live without, the one on the VFR just directed the wind onto my head). Can anyone else suggest something? :dunno:

I am 31 and lucky enough that nothing creaks, is arthritic or doesn't bend properly (yet).

 

[Wolfie]

a camera and a write up on here when you get back.

 

[tok78]

Deal - I only chose Morocco as I want a picture of my bike and some camels.