I need a new rear tyre

lardygitTVR · Jul 24, 2017

I have a 1969 Fastback and have TT100 tyres fitted, the rear is 4.10 x 19 and seems to last no time at all. I am definitely no trackday hero and I'd have thought I'd get more than 2,500 - 3,000 approx miles out of them. What acceptable tyres are out there in this size that handle reasonably well (on a Commando) and are also a bit more durable? Note, I ride one up, don't regularly do industrial strength speeds, obviously don't do two up long distance touring (only 1000 miles a year!) and generally only ride on dry days (though the roads may be a bit damp).

Many thanks in advance.

peter12 · Jul 24, 2017

Avon Roadriders seem to be the preferred choice nowadays. I use them and have lost the white line twitchiness of TT100's. I use 100/90/19's front and rear. Some will put a narrower on the the front for faster steering. I don't ride like I used to when I was younger, these are great.

lcrken · Jul 24, 2017

+1 for the Roadriders. I use the same ones as Peter on one of the MK3s, and really like the handling. I should point out, however, that they aren't particularly known for high mileage on the rear. It's a universal tire that's used on both front and rear, and doesn't have the tread depth usually found on a rear only tire. It wears down in the center pretty fast. If we get 3,000 miles out of it I'll be surprised.

Ken

Onder · Jul 24, 2017

Well does ANY tyre do better than 3k on the back?

lcrken · Jul 24, 2017

Onder said:
Well does ANY tyre do better than 3k on the back?

Maybe a Duro HF216A in 100/90-19. I put one of these in an 18" size on a Honda rear, and am amazed at how long it is lasting. Sticks pretty good too. And $20 cheaper. Still, I'll stick with the Avons for the stock Commando wheels.

Ken

chilly · Jul 25, 2017

Don't forget to remove the label fitted inside the tyre, just had to remove an old one from mine that caused a slow puncture :x

SteveA · Jul 25, 2017

lardygitTVR said:
I have a 1969 Fastback and have TT100 tyres fitted, the rear is 4.10 x 19 and seems to last no time at all. I am definitely no trackday hero and I'd have thought I'd get more than 2,500 - 3,000 approx miles out of them. What acceptable tyres are out there in this size that handle reasonably well (on a Commando) and are also a bit more durable? Note, I ride one up, don't regularly do industrial strength speeds, obviously don't do two up long distance touring (only 1000 miles a year!) and generally only ride on dry days (though the roads may be a bit damp).

Many thanks in advance.

3000 is around the same mileage I would expect from a modern sports touring tyre, on a lardy tourer 2 up wih luggage, like my old Pan (which at one time for me meant a rear every quarter!), and a little more that from a sports tyre on a lighter sports bike, like my old GSXR750! (a rear every year!) So I reckon that is about the designed life of a modern motorcycle tyre. Which delivers better grip from modern compounds and carcass design.

To get more mileage you are going to give up something. Also consider that at 1000 per year, that is a 3 riding season life, and some riders would prefer to change tyres that are that old anyway, even if there is tread left. You may only ride on roads that are a bit damp, but where you live that is probably when they are slipperiest and probably with a good dose of diesel and other crap ground in!

A new tyre may just keep you upright in a situation an older one won't, who knows? But if it does, it pays for itself!

Welcome to modern motorcycle economics!

Nortoniggy · Jul 25, 2017

chilly said:
Don't forget to remove the label fitted inside the tyre, just had to remove an old one from mine that caused a slow puncture :x

I've never seen a tyre with a label on the inside and I've fitted plenty. What did this label say?

Ian

Bob Matthews · Jul 25, 2017

Nortoniggy said:
What did this label say?

Ian

This Way Up ^ ?

CanukNortonNut · Jul 25, 2017

lcrken said:
+1 for the Roadriders. I use the same ones as Peter on one of the MK3s, and really like the handling. I should point out, however, that they aren't particularly known for high mileage on the rear. It's a universal tire that's used on both front and rear, and doesn't have the tread depth usually found on a rear only tire. It wears down in the center pretty fast. If we get 3,000 miles out of it I'll be surprised.

Ken

I use the AM26 Roadriders and as stated above they are universal = softer material. I use the rear tire up until the wear bar are no longer present and then I put a brand new AM26 on my front rim and take the used front that I just removed and place it on the back rear rim. I usually get one tire replaced in a season depending on miles rode. Nature of the beast with universals but they work fine on all road condition, wet or dry.
Cheers,
Thomas

ashman · Jul 25, 2017

Bob Matthews said:
Nortoniggy said:

What did this label say?

Ian

Click to expand...

This Way Up ^ ?

Thats a lovely Wideline Featherbed, I run the same tank on my 850 Wideline Featherbed.

Anyway back to the subject, I get over 6,000 miles on my Roadriders on my Norton, I also run RRs on my 2013 Triumph Thruxton and usualy get 13,000 ks out of the rear tyre, the front one has over 24,000 on it now and is still good, I have never had any problems with them losing grip in the dry or wet and I ride my bikes pretty hard in the twisties, well anywhere.

Ashley

Fullauto · Jul 26, 2017

I've been through over 20 Roadriders and, having tried what's on offer, don't think I'll be using anything different in the future. Like Thomas, I run the rear until it's worn out and then fit the new one to the front and put the old front on the rear. Works extremely well for me.

lardygitTVR · Jul 26, 2017

The Am26 Roadriders sound interesting, anyone run a Roadrider on the back and a TT100 on the front? I'm running 19 x 4.1 TT100s front and rear at the moment, should I put a new Roadmaster on the front and the part used TT100 on the back?

Next question is what size Roadmaster would I buy - what do these numbers mean; '100/90-19 57 V'. 19 must mean the wheel size, what are the others?

Apologies for the ignorance.......

Clive

MexicoMike · Jul 26, 2017

Another vote for Avon RR's. Been using them on my Commando for the past 10+ years with total satisfaction (OEM tire and wheel size).

Fast Eddie · Jul 26, 2017

Just for info (it has been covered on here before) universal Roadriders have significantly less tread depth than rear fitment versions, so will obviously wear out correspondingly faster. Rear fitment versions are not available in 19 inch however.

franko · Jul 27, 2017

Just a thought, but would using the rear brake more than using engine braking to slow down help the wear rate of the rear tire. Less of a sudden grab from letting out the clutch. For the times of spirited riding the engine braking would be better, but just out for a bimble might extend the tire life a bit.

Mike Sullivan · Jul 27, 2017

I just checked my records, I put a new AM26 on the back in May last year & replaced it in June this year, total mileage 4,835. This included the International Rally in Italy: 2,729 miles from East Midlands to Cesanatico & back (so a lot of motorway mileage) + the Lake District Rally & rides out to Derbyshire, Skeggy, etc. The tyre was pretty knackered when I replaced it (no way would it have legally managed the trip to Suffolk & back for the White Horse Rally). I must drive like a little old professor!

I also run 100/90/19 front & rear & personally would not mix TT100's (or Avon Roadrunners) with the AM26, the profile is completely different. I used to fit Roadrunners, back in 20013 I installed the Lansdowne conversion, IKON's, new AM26's then went for a ride - bike was totally transformed, so it's been AM26 ever since.

Mike, Mk III Commando

worntorn · Jul 27, 2017

The Roadriders work well but I've seen a few that split apart after very low mileage. I hope Avon has solved the problem as there isnt really much else available in 19" at the rear. As Nigel pointed out, the Roadriders 100/90/19 isn't even a proper rear, it's a Universal with skimpy tread.
I wish I had rerimmed at 18" rear, that would have allowed for a bit more choice.
There are some very good bicompound radial tires (Pirelli Angel Gt, Michelin Pilot Road 4)out there but not in the sizes that will easily fit on our Nortons.

Glen

lardygitTVR · Jul 28, 2017

Many thanks for all comments, I think I'll replace with another TT100. I hate fitting tyres but can't bring myself to pay someone else to do it!

Clive

The Buckeye Rider · Jul 28, 2017

lardygitTVR said:
Many thanks for all comments, I think I'll replace with another TT100. I hate fitting tyres but can't bring myself to pay someone else to do it!

Clive

I also am not a fan of tire replacement but you-tube has some very useful videos to make it much less of a chore. Check it out.
I used Avon's on'Pa', my trusty Norton, exclusively for 41 years. A friend and fellow Norton Nut convinced me to try the TT100's. I loved the Avon's until I rode out my driveway on the Dunlops. The superior handling was noticeable immediately. Now I'm a TT100 kind of guy.

If I cam get 3k miles from a rear tire I'd be happy!

Ride On
Dave

I need a new rear tyre

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