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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Radials
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Message started by Ruttly on 01/07/23 at 09:41:24

Title: Radials
Post by Ruttly on 01/07/23 at 09:41:24

Alright here’s ground I’ve never crossed before. Who runs radial tires on their bike ? I’d like to hear about them , handling , braking , feel , likes & dislikes. I got a radial rear tire on my trials bike , at 12 psi it uses everything for traction , just a huge foot print. It feels like it wants to pass the front tire on cement , a strange feeling. It’s definitely meant for competition and not the street. But I’m talkin bout performance road tires.

Title: Re: Radials
Post by Dave on 01/08/23 at 03:44:22

My sport touring bikes all use radial tires. I really can't make much of a comment about the handling difference - as the 17" wheels on the sport bikes use radials and the Savage 18" wheels have only used bias ply (apple/oranges comparison).

The modern tires they make for sport touring bikes have incredible traction with a hard compound down the center and softer compounds on the sides.......they can corner at lean angles that are beyond my comfort level on public roads.

I can remember the first radial tires I ever used.......it was on my 1964 VW bus. I got a set of Semperit radials - and I was amazed how much easier they rolled than the bias ply tires.....I really felt the difference and it was most noticeable as you came to a stop (I had to apply more brake to slow the bus down).

Title: Re: Radials
Post by Ruttly on 01/08/23 at 18:28:38

Thanks Dave I totally forgot about the lower rolling resistance , better transfer of power , better fuel mileage, overall smoother ride. Think the Dunlop 404s got to go they just don’t look right on this bike. Time to try some $$$ radials , get my nasty evil look back. I know 404s are a great tire. More tires for the rack , I will sell them.

Title: Re: Radials
Post by zipidachimp on 01/12/23 at 01:35:57

just wonderin' : can tubes be used in radials?
Cheers! 8-)

Title: Re: Radials
Post by ohiomoto on 01/12/23 at 17:45:36

You can put a tube in anything. It will add some weight and stiffen the sidewall slightly. Being a radial tire or not really doesn't have anything to do with being tubed or tubeless.

Title: Re: Radials
Post by Ruttly on 01/14/23 at 09:09:02

Yeah I’ll be running tubes. They used to make radial inner tubes for cars , I wondering if they make them for bikes. It can’t make a big difference anyways. I want it to handle well of course but it has to have “the look” too.
Never compromise on your vision , keep it changing until it’s exactly what you want. Remember everyone will be scrutinizing your vision , you hard work. Criticisms & questions abound. Your goal should be nothing less than a WOW factor !