Recommendations for replacement tyres

[Dusty Ninja]

I recently got back into riding and bought an '85 GPz600R. It came with: Front - Cheng-shin 100/90/16, rear - Shinko 130/90/16.

Reasonable tread but was wondering if anyone has any recommendations for replacements for these. Not too may 16" tyres around from what I've seen and I believe there is a limitation on maximum width on these rims.

Any advice appreciated

[GrayWolf]

If you arent going to ride hard out, they are OK, I used to use Cheng Shin on my VN1500C. they were reasonable. You may need to just be 'aware' and back off some in corners when its wet.. but on a cruiser it really didnt matter anyway.
if you mostly commute? just wear em out and replace with better rubber next time.

[kiwifruit]

Metzeler Lasertecs.

If you arent going to ride hard out, they are OK, I used to use Cheng Shin on my VN1500C. they were reasonable. You may need to just be 'aware' and back off some in corners when its wet.. but on a cruiser it really didnt matter anyway.
if you mostly commute? just wear em out and replace with better rubber next time.

^ This is really bad advice!

[Katman]

My recommendations would be Metzeler Lasertecs, Pirelli Sport Demons or Bridgestone BT45s.

All readily available in those sizes.

The BT45 has the added bonus of the rear tyre being dual compound.

[ktm84mxc]

The Katman has sound advice any of those tires will be suitable choice, fit as a pair. Check with your local suppliers to get the best value for your dollar. If money is an issue just change the front first as a sliding rear is a lot easier to save then a sliding front in the wet.

[kiwifruit]

If money is an issue just change the front first as a sliding rear is a lot easier to save then a sliding front in the wet.

^ also bad advice

[Jantar]

The Katman has sound advice any of those tires will be suitable choice, fit as a pair. Check with your local suppliers to get the best value for your dollar. If money is an issue just change the front first as a sliding rear is a lot easier to save then a sliding front in the wet.

^ also bad advice

The reason that is bad advice is that if you lose traction on a the rear tyre, but get the bike back in line before the tyre regains traction then there is no problem. But if the rear tyre regains traction while it is out of line then the bike will twitch severely as it straightens out. That twitch may be violent enough to cause a high side crash with the risk of severe injuries.

Losing traction on the front tyre will usually result in a low side with minor or even no injuries.

[f2dz]

My recommendations would be Metzeler Lasertecs, Pirelli Sport Demons or Bridgestone BT45s.

All readily available in those sizes.

The BT45 has the added bonus of the rear tyre being dual compound.

Just swapped my old Pirelli Sport Demons out for brand new ones a month ago. Great tyres.

[Haggis2]

Round ones

[F5 Dave]

. . . .

^ This is really bad advice!

This is surprisingly good advice.

Look up std sizes & use them. 45s I think cover most fitments. I wouldn't over capitalise a GPZ (no offence), but never skimp on tyres. They are a consumable & age as well as wear.

[Dusty Ninja]

Thanks for the good, the bad, and the really bad advice... I particularly liked the "round ones" post

Will continue with the current rubber at the moment as I have noticed that once they are up to temperature they seem to perform better (or is that my riding improving). Anyway, its just another reason to get out on the bike more... do we need a reason?