Current Tire Choices For '95-'00 Thunderbirds

[Greyfell]

What tires are you owners of these classic Thunderbirds finding for your bikes? I am not going to continue riding on 27 year old tires, but I am finding matching sets difficult to find.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

Here is the make and the size's.
Front Avon Storm 110/80 ZR 18 AV65
Rear Avon Storm 150 / 80 ZR 16 AV66.

 

[Greyfell]

Here is the make and the size's.
Front Avon Storm 110/80 ZR 18 AV65
Rear Avon Storm 150 / 80 ZR 16 AV66.

Thanks, MOT. For those that might like to provide more information, I suppose I should note that Triumph changed the rear tire size about the time they went into the 1996 year. My 1995 has rear size of 160/80 ZR 16. I might be able to change the rear rim to the later size, and get more tire options.

 

[Lcthree]

I've got Dunlops on my Tbird that the dealer installed before I picked it up in December. I haven't looked at the model.

 

[Lcthree]

They are Dunlop 404's.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

How are you getting on finding some tyres for the T Bird.

 

[Greyfell]

I went with Bridgestone tires.

Front:

110/80ZR18M/C 58 W) TUBELESS 12669 BLACKWALL BATTLAX SPORT TOURING T32F

Rear:

180/60R16M/C 74 H TUBELESS 70627 BLACKWALL EXEDRA G704 RADIAL - These say they are for the Honda Gold Wing but they are the size I needed.

If you look at both tires and compare the tread pattern, they are similar. I need to ride a little more, but initial feeling is good.

 

[Mad On Triumphs]

That's great. I've not seen a picture of her yet. Unless you posted a picture somewhere else. Glad you got it sorted in the end.

 

[Lcthree]

You got a 180 to fit without rubbing? Those tires are made for heavy bikes 800lbs or more.

 

[Greyfell]

You got a 180 to fit without rubbing? Those tires are made for heavy bikes 800lbs or more.

Oh, big mistake on my part. The owner's manual called for 160, and the bike came with the 160's. Some months later, the recommendations changed to 150. Thanks for catching my mistake, @Lcthree !

160/80-16 80 H TUBELESS 74918 OE 1988 - 2000 BLACKWALL G702 TOURING

 

[dearborn]

They are Dunlop 404's.

I got a super deal on a pair of bias ply Dunlop D404s. Have used them on H-Ds- cruiser tires. Not "racey" but fine for normal riding and good wear.

 

[dearborn]

Now 2 years later- "discount buy" bias ply Dunlop 404s were Ok- was not planning on keeping bike, so cheap tires. Rear tire now becoming "Florida square". On cornering, when it rides up on edge, abrupt transition, a bit "squirrely" Keeping bike now- so better tires! Just ordered pair of Avon Spirit ST-110/80-R18, 150/80-R16 from "American Moto Tire"- $317.81, free ship. Will source tubes/rim strips locally when they arrive- looks like rim strips extra wide? Find out when dismounting tires.

 

[CarlS]

Now 2 years later- "discount buy" bias ply Dunlop 404s were Ok- was not planning on keeping bike, so cheap tires. Rear tire now becoming "Florida square". On cornering, when it rides up on edge, abrupt transition, a bit "squirrely" Keeping bike now- so better tires! Just ordered pair of Avon Spirit ST-110/80-R18, 150/80-R16 from "American Moto Tire"- $317.81, free ship. Will source tubes/rim strips locally when they arrive- looks like rim strips extra wide? Find out when dismounting tires.

I can completely relate to the Florida squares!

 

[dearborn]

Okay, so let's address the important question NOT addressed- inner tubes with RADIAL tires. The Thunderbird/Sport/Adventurer came from the factory with WIRE SPOKED WHEELS and "radial" tires, (usually Michelin), with INNER TUBES, (and rim strips). MUCH debate on question- ONLY special "radial" tubes are to be used with radial tires. Supposedly safety issues with differing sidewall flex characteristics radial vs bias ply tires and lower profile of radials. In Feb/March 2015 issue of Cafe Racer Magazine "Workshop Files" column there was an answer by editor Matt Wiley to this very question concerning tires for my 1996 Thunderbird. At the time his advice was to go to a matched set of bias ply, (belted rear) tires/tubes. He addressed the safety concerns- mainly heat buildup and the lower profile of radials vs bias ply. I went with a cheap set of Dunlop 404s- twice.
Well, it's now 10 years later. Tire technology has advanced. AVON now specifies their "Spirit ST" radial for my Thunderbird, (which again, was OEM with wire spoked wheels which REQUIRE TUBES be fitted!). I emailed AVON and asked the question about tubes for radials- their answer was to send me a pdf catalog of their motorcycle tires and tubes but NO MENTION of tubes for radial applications. Not in the tire section, not in the tube section. They just ignored my question.
Bridgestone is the only Mfr I could find that made an inner tube specified "for radial" tires! But NOT in the sizes needed for the Triumph.
I have emailed tire Mfrs, suppliers, and NONE will give a definitive answer- even TRIUMPH! - "We can only recommend the original tires"- which ARE NO LONGER MADE in those sizes!
So, what to do? Bought a pair of the AVON Spirit STs- 110/80zr18 front, and 150/80zr16 rear, (as specified by AVON as the replacement tire for this bike). My supplier sells Michelin Airstop tubes which are a known quality item, but no word yet from Michelin whether the Airstop tube is suitable for use with radials.
So, what is the collective knowledge/experience of this group of owners of these bikes?

 

[atomsplitter]

You might give these guys a jingle: Motorcycle Tubes

 

[dearborn]

So, on website Pirelli/Metzeler state emphatically- "It is NOT recommended to fit a tube in a Radial Tubeless tyre marked "ZR". AVON specifies the "Spirit ST" in 110/80ZR18 front and 150/80ZR16 rear as the replacement tire for this bike, BUT YOU HAVE TO USE TUBES!! AVON will only say use their tubes but won't say definitively their tubes are safe to use with their radial tubeless tires! Local AVON dealer says- "Nah, we put tubes in 'em all the time! Never had a problem with 'em. My H-D with wire spoke wheels has AVONs on it with tubes". What a can 'o worms!!!

 

[atomsplitter]

There is a low probablilty of catastrophic failure of a tube in a radial tire. It has more to do with liability laws than mechanical stress or failure. If you want to ensure that a tubeless radial will go on your wheels without a problem then get a set of tubeless spoked Kineo wheels in the correct size:

Kineo Truly Tubeless Wire Spoked Wheels for Triumph Thunderbird Sport 900 1998-2004

Kineo Tubeless Wire Spoked Wheels for Triumph Thunderbird Sport 900 1998-2004

www.bikehps.com

 

[atomsplitter]

One other note, The “Z” indicates the speed rating of the tyre, which in this case means it is rated above 240kph/149mph. The “R” denotes that the tire is of radial type construction. So unless you are planning to exceed the speed limit anywhere in the USA a Z rated tire isn't necessary. Any standard tire will work in the required size, so a Dunlop K505 in 110/80 18 front will work as well as a Bridgestone Battlax BT46 and both are available on Amazon.

 

[dearborn]

There is a low probablilty of catastrophic failure of a tube in a radial tire. It has more to do with liability laws than mechanical stress or failure. If you want to ensure that a tubeless radial will go on your wheels without a problem then get a set of tubeless spoked Kineo wheels in the correct size:

Kineo Truly Tubeless Wire Spoked Wheels for Triumph Thunderbird Sport 900 1998-2004

Kineo Tubeless Wire Spoked Wheels for Triumph Thunderbird Sport 900 1998-2004

www.bikehps.com

Unfortunately, the Kineo wheels for front are only offered in a 17inch size for Thunderbird Sport. Just got off phone with Michelin Motorcycle Tire Division Rep. Who said, essentially- "Um, er, we don't recommend using tubes with a ZR rated radial tubeless tire"(same as Pirelli/Metzeler). When asked "This bike came OEM with Michelin radial tires and (likely Michelin tubes!). Michelin no longer makes those tires, what is your recommended replacement?" - no definitive answer. BUT... "I'll pass this on to the tech people and we will get back to you" So, maybe more info forthcoming

 

[dearborn]

Unfortunately, the Kineo wheels for front are only offered in a 17inch size for Thunderbird Sport. Just got off phone with Michelin Motorcycle Tire Division Rep. Who said, essentially- "Um, er, we don't recommend using tubes with a ZR rated radial tubeless tire"(same as Pirelli/Metzeler). When asked "This bike came OEM with Michelin radial tires and (likely Michelin tubes!). Michelin no longer makes those tires, what is your recommended replacement?" - no definitive answer. BUT... "I'll pass this on to the tech people and we will get back to you" So, maybe more info forthcoming

I bought a matched pair of AVON "Spirit STs" as all my Brit bike Norton/Triumph friends swear by AVONs and they are the recommended replacement per AVON on their website for this very bike!. But STILL no reply from them on if their (or anybody else's!) tubes are suitable