Tyre choices

[Neorion]

Looks like I am going to need a new front tyre in a 1000 miles or so for the VFR.

I will probably go though Craigston as he sold me the bike but was wondering does anyone have a preference or things they look for when buying?

Yep its my 1st bike Tyre purchase cant you tell

[Zathos]

On a vfr I would go with something on the tourer side of life.

I use BT 021 on my Sprint and they are great. Good life and all round performance

[Zax]

whatever you do make sure it matches the tyre at the rear.

Pirelli Angels are Brill (IMHO) I have them on the mille and they are lasting very well (42miles this year and counting )

I did loads of miles on them last year and they were great.

2CT's get the nod from loads of folks on the board (me included) but they are a softer tyre and therefore you would probably benifit more from a more sports / touring based tyre.

[Neorion]

Ahh good point about the rear matching, I have a Bridgestone on there so might be just as well sticking with that, didn't think of that!

I have heard good things about the 2cts, might take the hit next time and change both out to those for the longer trips, but hey I only drive in straight lines anyway

Going to leave the rough bearing in the front just now its not that bad and see if he will do both at the same time, easy (for me)

Cheers lads

[Zathos]

I usually find the front last almost exactly twice as long as the rear. Can't think of a time where I have ever only changed the front, so would recommend having a good look at the rear

If the bearing is starting to go, get it changed now. A bearing collapse can happen quickly and the results don't bear thinking about.

[Zax]

2CT are softer (more sports) than the Angels.

As Barry mentions. 2 rears to 1 front is the norm. if the rear is more than 50% done then it may be sensible just to change both at the same time.

As for the bearing. if the bearing is iffy then change it out.
It is not difficult to do (just a bit fiddly) and you will be able to go on a run without wondering if you are going to have problems . The peace of mind alone will be worth it .

[Neorion]

I hear ya chaps, I was going to get them done this weekend I was advised by someone I trust with cars, bikes anything mechy really that when he did his VFR it was a ballache so he advised on getting it done as its less hassle.

I'm all for doing it myself but nowhere to do it just now or the tools, Shirlaws or Eccose wanted 1.5hours at £55 or £59 quid an hour plus vat.

Fook that for a game of soldiers like, not money I have just now.

[Zathos]

Good plan

It's all about having the right tools. You need a bearing puller to remove the old bearings. It is possible to drift em out, but a real pain to do.

Inserting the new bearings is a doddle by comparison, just remember to only apply pressure to the outer race.

When I did mine I poped bast the local bike dealer and they pulled the old bearings for free ....of course that was many years ago

[RK6]

If you're getting the front tyre replaced the garage will have the wheel off anyway so you may be able to sweet talk them into chucking bearings in for you at the same time (takes seconds if you're a pro like they will be)!

I'll be helping Jesus install fresh front bearings in his Fazer sometime this week as his are making a hell of a noise so if you're stuck you can head over & see how it's done (by the far from pro's).

We wont be using a bearing puller as the bearings will be getting binned anyway so a hammer & a big ring piece screwdriver will do the trick to get the old ones out. As for putting them back in a 32mm socket fits nicely around the outside of the bearing so you can knock them in gently without the risk of destroying them in the process.

[coullstar]

Dunlop Roadsmarts (or whatever there called now). Apparently a sports touring tyre but I gave them some abuse on the Superduke and didnt notice any different to so the likes of 2CT's plus they didnt wear as much.

[Gazza]

I'm all for doing it myself but nowhere to do it just now or the tools, Shirlaws or Eccose wanted 1.5hours at £55 or £59 quid an hour plus vat.

Good plan

It's all about having the right tools. You need a bearing puller to remove the old bearings. It is possible to drift em out, but a real pain to do.

And a bearing puller will certainly be a lot less than £55. There's a tool shop on the left on King STD heading towards the old bill. Can't remember the name of it, but some one on here should. Somebody ought to be able to lend you their garage for a bit too. I would if I was in Sconny Botland

[al]

Good plan

It's all about having the right tools. You need a bearing puller to remove the old bearings. It is possible to drift em out, but a real pain to do.

Inserting the new bearings is a doddle by comparison, just remember to only apply pressure to the outer race.

When I did mine I poped bast the local bike dealer and they pulled the old bearings for free ....of course that was many years ago

Drifting them out is a piece of piss.

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian).

[Zathos]

Drifting them out is a piece of piss.

Big Kneed Al (master of the emergency stop & "stand up" comedian)(master of the emergency stop).

Depends on the setup. Drifting out the old bearings on my Honda CBR600 was a real pain as access was tight.

For the money, if I had to do it again I would just buy a bearing puller

[Akrapovic]

Perhaps these may save you some money, so you have cash to buy the bearing puller your after.

http://www.aberdeenbikers.co.uk/phpBB3/ ... 72#p222672

[Hagar]

Dunlop Roadsmarts (or whatever there called now). Apparently a sports touring tyre but I gave them some abuse on the Superduke and didnt notice any different to so the likes of 2CT's plus they didnt wear as much.

+1 for the road smarts.

[metallninja]

Can't think of a time where I have ever only changed the front

Triumph Bottomfeeler, the only bike I've ever had where a rear could last 2 fronts

[Sgoaty]

VFR with a single sided swing arm could be a bit funky to change.

[Crashgoggz]

I'm using pilot road 2's on the SV650s. Dunno if there still available.

[andy92]

Pilot Road 2's came highly recommended from guys at work.

Fitted them to the Vtec, excellent both wet/dry roads.

They are not cheap but will easily last 8/9K if not more.

from me.

[blagger]

i'm running 2CT's on the srad and i have a lot of faith in them in the wet and dry.. good tyres..


i think its the pilot roads i have on it

[Yamahahaha]

When I bought the 6 I had Pilot 'Danger' Powers on. When I got the bike down the road I fitted a set of Pilot Power 2ct's and have recently replaced the rear after 2.5/3k. The price of pilot 'Danger' Powers 2ct's have shot down due to the new pilot pure 2ct's.

[Grant]

VFR with a single sided swing arm could be a bit funky to change.

The VFR has a centre stand which can be used for this sort of thing.

[Dickie]

I think he was on about the bearings, Grant. They're part of the hub rather than the wheel.