Latest rear tire options for FZR600??

[TomJ]

So the dismal offerings left in the 18" 150 width range have me head-hanging. Trying to finish a bike off and Shinko's are pretty much it that's left in that size. Not ready to do a swing arm/17" rim swap. So, considering I occasionally rip through a trail here and there (wore out a set of new Metzlers riding a Laverda Jota 1000 from San Jose to Death Valley, riding trails there, then back, less than 1k miles), wondering if anyone's tried this tire yet? It's 150/70 profile. The reviews claim it to be a great street tire too. Am I going to be the first to try? Opinions?? Need to order next few days and would be nice to have some opinions from those who have run the podiums before deciding.

Shinko Podiums, or these (just for rears)?:

[pefrey]

I don't think the FZR is much of a trail bike, so in that respect it does not matter what tire you put on. Get the Avon and keep it on the street and use a proper trail bike on the trails. The Avons are good tires for street riding.

[TomJ]

Um..., what Avon's? Can't find a thing in 150/60R18 (R, B or otherwise), other than Shinko's

Who has Avon in that size?

[reelrazor]

Um..., what Avon's? Can't find a thing in 150/60R18 (R, B or otherwise), other than Shinko's

Who has Avon in that size?

No one to my knowledge..and that sucks. The avon storm II was/is a great tire but is no longer sized for the FZR and hasnt been available in the US since last spring.

[reelrazor]

Or you could go with the AVON AM42 Venom 150/70VB-18 if you can find one on a shelf.

[TomJ]

Or you could go with the AVON AM42 Venom 150/70VB-18 if you can find one on a shelf.

Yeah, I've looked at that. Some people claim stock, but when I try to order, no more stock and they say they can order them, but turn around and say, no longer made or something like that. Sheesh...

So..., thinking of going with Michelin Pilot Road 3's in 160/60R18 and just combating the width issues (and hope it's not unsafely pinched on this rim...)

Anyone tried THAT on a stock FZR? 160/60 Pilot Road 3's??

[_Will_]

There prices seem a little high but have you tried here?

http://www.oldbikebarn.com/motorcycle-p ... /tires?p=1

[TomJ]

Hey thanks! Yeah, saw their prices, but if they're the only game, then...?

There are quite a few options in the 70 profile at other places too, but not this one: Avon Storm ST AV56 Sport Touring 150/70 x 18 Rear Tire

At oldbikebarn, but $222 each. The new design conti TKC70 is $50 less and probably longer lasting. Seems most of the rest that size on oldbikebarn are either bias ply or fronts. But, NOTHING for the 150/60 profile there.

I'm sure everyone else is having this same issue, or will be. Or selling their bikes because of it. Shinko's or nothing in 150/60-R18.

[TomJ]

Wait!! Their damn search engine needs updating, but they DO have a BT014 150/60-18 in. Race compound. Not sure how long it'll last, but most ran these and had good to say. Expensive as hell, but again, if it's the only game in town...

[reelrazor]

the avon storm II is still available in 160-18.

It's what I am going with this season. I generally don't like to get wider and wider on rears but I like the tire..if I gotta shim my sprockets out a fuzz and tweak my brake stay, so be it.

[pefrey]

If they have the BT014 in stock ask them what the date code is. I'll bet it's 5 years old or more. Fine for the street and get it if the price is right. I actually meant to say Shinko's earlier since I know the Avon's are out of stock. Shinko's are still available right? since I made the 17" swap.

[TomJ]

I wanted to avoid going up to 160 myself, but might also have to do that since I can get a Michelin match that way (Pilot 3's front/rear, was going to mis-match a 110/70-17 front Mich Pilot 3 with a 150/70-18 Conti TKC70, pictured above).

And Shinko's are in stock most places, of course. The correct size, 150/60-18. And good call on the date codes of ANY tire (other than Shinko since those are still being made) that is 150/60-18.

[TomJ]

Here's one of the other options, in a 150/70-18

Appears to be a bit "slicker" than a trail tire, but rain sipes. Anyone tried on another bike?

http://www.motosport.com/pirelli-scorpi ... -rear-tire

Seems the options are; 150/70 (tall sidewall profile), or 160/60 (pinched on 4" rim), OR..., go back to a 140/70? Perhaps that's the way to go, actually. Faster turn, more options, no fit issues. I do have a 520 conversion and lathe/mill in the garage, so anything's possible, but finding a YZF swingarm/17" wheel locally has been fruitless.

[pefrey]

What came stock on the 4" rim, 140/70? I know it was a 140 and if 140/70 was stock and you can get it in a decent tire, definitely do that.

[TomJ]

What came stock on the 4" rim, 140/70? I know it was a 140 and if 140/70 was stock and you can get it in a decent tire, definitely do that.

It was a 140/60. Shinko is it. And for 140/70, there's only a couple of options, but that's more than none. To NOT have a Shinko, but still get a 60 profile, it's 160/60.