So I was looking at my tires on my motorcycle and it looks like they have gotten old. They have large cracks in them....meaning I really shouldn't be riding on them. Anyone have any advice on motorcycle tires? I run a Bridgestone exedra L309 on the front and G546 on the back and I am trying to figure out what is affordable but I am unsure about switching to a different tire. I however am just starting to learn about motorcycle tires so I appreciate any help. Also where is the best/cheapest places to get tires? I have a 95 Honda Shadow 600 VLX and I think the tires are 2001
Round ones are generally preferred... Seriously, a lot depends on your riding style, and even more so on your budget. KevinD
Tires manufactured in 2001 are definitely ready for replacement. Most of the internet sources have lower prices than the local stores and shipping times vary but usually less than 5 days. Local mounting varies widely, you'll get lots of answers from this site. Best price I found locally is at Bellevue Ducati, formerly Eastside Ducati. Check with the Honda Shadow forum to see what those riders are using as far as tires for some recommendations.
Any cruiser tire from major manufacturer, Bridgestone, Avon, Michelin, dunlop ... should be good. Go to CompetitionAccessories (compacc.com), click on cruiser tires and browse...
You are right. Your tires are shot. Ive found great deals on-line. Just make sure you have a shop that will mount them for you. Not all shops will mount 'other sellers' tires.
I know Dan's budget cycle and scooter mounts tires and doesn't sell them so he will mount other sellers. I appreciate the advice. As for riding styles I have 5656 miles on my bike in about two years so I don't need a high mileage tire. I like the bridgestones that are on it but they aren't cheap. Is there a similar tire that is cheaper? Also some of the reviews I read said the L309 tends to wear fast which hasn't been a problem yet but I would like to start putting more yearly mileage on the bike.
revzilla.com has great prices and fast shipping, they're out of Hermiston I believe. They're definatley worth taking a look at.
motorcyclesuperstore.com good prices ship fast. get tires, and tubes(if your bike takes tubes they will be aged as well) have them shipped to me. Installed on the bike $80.00 ride in ride out.
I would never run Shinkos on one of my bikes, but I think they would be fine on a cruiser that doesn't really ask a lot of the tires.
Another possible option up north is Bent Bike, they have a lot of cruiser tires and they mount off the bike. I have been running Shinko's for a few years. I don't do the track, but have ridden them hard on twisties throughout the western states and not once have they broke loose or given me any signs that they were about to. I have 11K miles on my set of 011 Verge shoes. But then again, I ride a VFR.