Is anyone using radial tyres on their 18 inch Tonti wheels?If so,you will already know what i discovered.
I have fitted Radials to both my Lemans 1000 and Cali 1100.
What a transformation these modern 0 deg steel belted radials make to our Tonti bikes.
Lemans
Continental classic attack 120 90 18R rear
Metzler Z8 110 80 18R front
Nobody makes a 100 90 18 front that i am aware of but Conti make a 90 90 18R.
The 110 front is probably made for a 3 inch rim as it measures 113mm off the rim but narrows to 103mm once fitted to the std 2.5 inch rim.It is a tight squeeze to get past the the mudguard bolts but has plenty of clearance once fitted.
While the steering does initially feel a little heavier while going slow.Once on the move this goes away somewhat and the Lemon feels like a different bike.
The steering is much more neutral and stable.Once tipped into a corner their is no more need to hold your line by countersteering.I was unaware i was,but now the bike holds it line with much more confidence and security.This may sound silly,but it feels like riding a modern bike with radial tyres.
California 1100
Pirelli angel Gt 110 80 18R front
Bridgestone battle wing BW 502 140 80 R17
These made a similiar improvement as the Lemans but didnt totally cure my Tonti weave in corners at higher speeds.
All of these tyres have as much grip or better than any bias plyed tyres i have tried.
My previously favorite tyre,the Bridestone Bt 45 has good grip but knowhere near the level of stability or confince that radials give me.They handle ok when new but quickly deteriorate as they wear.
They feel like bicycle tyres in their construction compared to how rigid the radials feel and there lies the reason,i believe for their superior handleing characteristics.
A worn radial handles better than a new cross ply imo.
They cost a little more,but well worth it for me and they give better mileage.
I never understood why my Lemons felt much heavier to push around in the shed than other japenese bikes and my daytona.The Radials now make it feel lighter which must mean they have less rolling resistance.This cant be a bad thing.
All pressures on my 3 Guzzi,s are now 36 psi front and 42 rear.This seems to work well.No problems with traction,wet or dry and decreased wear from lower pressures previously used.
Other than price,i cant really think of another negative other than availability in 18 inch sizes.
There are plenty of 17 radials to choose from.I have a Pirelli Scorpian trail 150 70 17R to go on the Cali next.
These so called dual purpose tyres,90 10 or 80 20 percent road/offroad radials work great on sealed bitumen.
There are plenty of 110 80 18R fronts available which work fine on 2.5 inch rims.Check for clearance on some models.The Conti 90 90 18 would be a wiser choice for 2.25 inch rims.
But the Conti classic attack is the only radial i could find in a 120 90 18 rear.
Conti also make great 18 inch race tyres according to Guzzigray.
I have never experienced any problems by having mismatched branded tryes front and rear.
I highly recommend trying radials for yourself,but,be warned,you wont wanna go back...
