Which Tires are best for my 2010 ST1300A?

ad.hom said:
After a bout of ham fistedness by yours truly, my bike is currently in a dealers workshop (not Honda, but the mechanic has a 25 year history with Honda).

They called me today to tell me that the tyres are getting a little on the low side, and there's a weird depression on the front one. What did I want them to do.

After a quick discussion about prices... and the guy being astonished at my 11k miles on a pair of BT031s, despite their recommendation for BT023s, they're putting 31s on it again.

They also spotted that the dust seals on the brakes are perishing with age... I laughed heartily at the 4 hour labour quote for that...
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With a good tire machine, I'm sure mounting is no problem....with my "lite duty" tire machine, they are a PIA!
 
SupraSabre said:
With a good tire machine, I'm sure mounting is no problem....with my "lite duty" tire machine, they are a PIA!
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I did my Front/Rear Bridgestone's T-31 GT's with 4 tire spoons a couple of months ago. Never again:censored:
Also, it did help using zap straps to compress the tire into the center void of the rim.
Just wanted to see if it was possible and it was.
 
Al Gully said:
I did my Front/Rear Bridgestone's T-31 GT's with 4 tire spoons a couple of months ago. Never again:censored:
Also, it did help using zap straps to compress the tire into the center void of the rim.
Just wanted to see if it was possible and it was.
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The last time I tried to take a Bridgestone off a rim!

241645

:censored:
 
I’m very pleased with the Michelin street pilot PR4 GT’s on my 2007 ST, I love the Avon Venoms on my Valkyrie but have not tried them on the ST. After riding in the NC mountains in the rain with the PR4’s I don’t think I’ll ever put anything else on the ST! JMHO!
 
iflyvfr said:
Why is the Bridgestone harder to mount?
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Bridgestones tend to have a stiffer sidewall. That being said, I just mounted a set of T31's with little issue. I found the trick is to ensure that both beads are pushed to the center of the rim as you are putting it on (true for all brands). I use little blocks of wood to hold them in the center as I spoon them on. I tried the zip tie method but didn't have much luck. Important that the bead, opposite of where you are spooning, is down as much as possible. Taking your time, and using just small bites and they go on relatively easily. YRMV
 
drrod said:
Bridgestones tend to have a stiffer sidewall. That being said, I just mounted a set of T31's with little issue. I found the trick is to ensure that both beads are pushed to the center of the rim as you are putting it on (true for all brands). I use little blocks of wood to hold them in the center as I spoon them on. I tried the zip tie method but didn't have much luck. Important that the bead, opposite of where you are spooning, is down as much as possible. Taking your time, and using just small bites and they go on relatively easily. YRMV
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I really didn't have too much of an issue putting them on....just make sure they have plenty of SUN and warm them up before mounting.

Where I had issues was with trying to take the buggers off!

241997
 
Al Gully said:
I've used Bridgestones since 2009 with no issues.
If you purchase this brand, just make sure you choose the GT specification, ie: Battelax T31 GT.
They added more reinforcement for heavier touring bikes.


I had a blow out on the rear when I first bought my ST and wanted to try Avons, they are not made for these heavy bikes.
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Thats funny because the T31Gt are rated at 783 pound load capacity and the Avon Sprit has the identical rating
 
I just took my first spin on a brand new set of PR4GT’s. They felt great, of course a new set of tires always feel good. I won’t really know if they are any good for another 8k miles or so. I’ll report back then.
 
st11ray said:
I just took my first spin on a brand new set of PR4GT’s. They felt great, of course a new set of tires always feel good. I won’t really know if they are any good for another 8k miles or so. I’ll report back then.
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I get at least 10 to 12K from a set! The front will last longer, but I like changing them as a set.
 
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