VTR250 - Looking for new tyres.

[Sandrat]

Hi 'yall,

While my VTR is off the road for repairs (some mug pushed it over and bent the gear slector and clutch lever) I'm looking at getting some new tyres. The original Bridgestone G601's have been on since new and are now around 8000k's old, they still look alright but I would like to put something new (and hopefully a little stickier) on. I've read that there are a few of you out there with a little VTR experience so I would like to plunder the hivemind for some wisdom...

In short, what tyres would YOU fit?

[Huggy]

First in with reference to Tyres For Bikes - 9362 6262

These guys will be able to help you out.

Pretty sure I had BT45's or something like that on my VTR250. Never felt they weren't grippy enough. Better than the stock tyres anyway.

[Stoneville]

It really depends on what places stock tyres to suit the VTR.

I know it's old, but still might be worth a read

Advice on new tyres for VTR250

'06 VTR250 tyres

[filbert]

it also depends on your intended riding style, if you're wanting to ride it on the razors edge maybe pm someone like Aufitt who is track riding a CBR250R regularly which i think runs the same sizes and see what he's using, if you're commuting and just riding for fun the bridgestone BT45 or pirelli sport demon have a good balance of treadlife and grip.

[thro]

Michelin do Powers in that size I believe. You won't go wrong with 2CTs.

[Aufitt]

Previous posts have given good options in Bridgestone Michelin and Pirelli.
has the vtr got a 3.5" (130/70 tyre) or 4.0" (140/70 tyre) rear rim?, front will be a 110/70
Thats what will decide/limit your options.
Stay will Hondas sizes whatever brand.

I melted off a set of std IRC road winners in 6000km and thought they did the job till I really started pushing it. (now I realise their limitations, but good for cheap standard fare)
Currently running Bridgestone BT003 which is the other end of the spectrum.. they stick like shit to a blanket, have a really nice shape, and were about $400 a set.

If mileage is more important BT045 may well be a good option.

[Moriarty]

I have an '06 VTR that I bought secondhand with 8K on the clock. The original tyres (Bridgetsone Exedras I think) still had heaps of tread left but were crap. My mechanic recommended the Pirelli Sport Demons and recommended against the Michelins, which I was leaning towards as I used to run Pilot Powers on my GSX-R. Been a few thousand kms, excellent sidewall strength, very happy with the dry and wet grip, wear rate seems good. I use it to commute daily in Sydney and the roads here are truly horrendous, potholes everywhere and the bitumen is usually on the rougher end of the spectrum.

[Sandrat]

Thanks for all of the links and useful info, should have looked for previous threads but (like a noob) didn't. But still there are questions that might be answered... If the manufacturer specifies bias-ply can you run radials? Pros-cons? I have looked up the size of tyre specified also (F 110/70-17 54H, R 140/70-17 66H) and cant seem to find the 2ct's on the michelin website, prehaps they're discontinued...

What, if any, would be the result of changing the specified size of tyre? Ie rear to 150/60?

Thanks again for everyones help!!

[SIETEMACHOS]

Hy everybody. Sandrat I've got mounted a pair of Pilot Power; 110/70ZR17 (54W) and 150/60ZR17 (66W) Radial tyres on mine. IMO the best choice if you are looking for Sport Performance. 2 ct's version are not available in our suitable measures, but anyway they're intended for durability on greater torque bikes, and is not the case.

Make sure to have both suspensions in good condition if you put them, you'll need it to get the best out of this tyres as they easily allows you to get the tyre edge

Hope to be of use. Best regards

[Sandrat]

Much thanks to all of you, read the links, cheers Stonie. Will be out and about and on the lookout for new rubber when the bike is back at operational status. Hope to see y'all when out and about!

[RobertyBob]

I've had the bt45's on mine for 9 months. The back is now pretty square after 33,000 k's. Front still looks good though