Round black things namely tyres.

[Albie]

Something I need to consider soon are some tyres. I have never really got into tyre talk because all my bikes came with them and pretty much replaced like for like or the improved model.
Now this m900 came with a mixed pair and the rear had been plugged about 2-3 times and was chunked serrated edge on the chain side where a 180 section was used and they are not recommended as this is what happens. The front also looked too small as well in profile to the mudguard.
So this is what it would have come with but do not want the original spec just the sizes only.
120/70 x 17 Michelin M89X
170/60 x 17 Michelin M89X

I had a Bridgestone fitted to the front . Is it too small profile ?

http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/ukmonster/Monster%20900/11335812_10207135504371114_1388960036_n.jpg (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/ukmonster/media/Monster%20900/11335812_10207135504371114_1388960036_n.jpg.html)



Rear was a Dunlop Sportmax

http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/ukmonster/Monster%20900/20150710_191632.jpg (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/ukmonster/media/Monster%20900/20150710_191632.jpg.html)

http://i1042.photobucket.com/albums/b423/ukmonster/Monster%20900/20150529_183741.jpg (http://s1042.photobucket.com/user/ukmonster/media/Monster%20900/20150529_183741.jpg.html)

A few facts which may help.
I am not particularly fast don't need RACE specific tyres as are wasted on me.
I tend to do more pillion riding so square off quicker and because I am a wuss.
I want tyres that will cope well in the wet.
I don't want too expensive as pretty skint.
I would even accept a pair of Desmo Due race tyres just scrubbed in a like.

Anyone recommend something suitable or somewhere.

[Mr Gazza]

You can still get Pirelli Diablo Stradas, but since they are a bit old hat now compared with the current tyres, they are quite cheap.

I can't be certain, but I think they were original equipment on Monsters at one time...Maybe they might fit in with your concours rebuild?

I put them on mine and you won't hear me complaining about the handling or road holding. Even if there is far better available the Diablos far exceed my abilities.

[Pedro]

Diablo's work well on early bikes, a 180 rear should fit just fine, it does on mine.

[utopia]

Any tyres with a dual compound will resist squaring off much better than single compound tyres.
My last set were Michelin PR2s and I had 7 or 8,000 miles out of the rear without serious squaring off.
My choice of replacements would therefore have been, without question, PR3s or PR4s because of the above and also because of their faster warm-up times (due in part to the small "sipes" in the tread).
PR3s are probably decent value now that they've been superceded.

But then I came across some ex DD race scrubs and, since I was skint at the time, I nabbed those.
If you can fit them yourself they're an excellent option if cash is tight.
Give "Paynep" a pm.

If I was paying for fitting though, I'd get the PR3s or PR4s.
And, with the race scrubs, the front is likely to be the narrower/taller 70 profile, whereas you'll have the option of the (recommended ?) 60 profile if you buy new.

[Rocker66]

Can't beat these for the price:woot:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351504905362?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I run them on my MT01 got ****y maxis on the monster boo

[pompone]

Diablo's work well on early bikes, a 180 rear should fit just fine, it does on mine.

Amen. Always find Diablo one of the best feel on a M900. Had some 2CT too and just couldn't get on with them as good as the 'ol faithful Pirelli.

[Pedro]

Amen. Always find Diablo one of the best feel on a M900. Had some 2CT too and just couldn't get on with them as good as the 'ol faithful Pirelli.

Had 2CT's on the 1000, very good on that bike.

[pompone]

Had 2CT's on the 1000, very good on that bike.

Have some 2ct on the 996. They work just fine. Go figure.

[Dukedesmo]

Amen. Always find Diablo one of the best feel on a M900.

Always been a Pirelli man, other then when new (if not supplied with Pirellis) all my bikes have used Pirelli tyres - I've been using Diablos on the Monster and they work very well, however they don't last very long and the rear is basically done in under 2000 miles, yet on my 916 the same tyre lasts a fair bit longer?

I've just bought an Angel GT rear for the Monster, I'll see how it goes.

Apart from anything else I love the names of Pirelli bike tyres; Dragon, Diablo, Demon, etc. not sure about Angel though, a tad too 'nice' maybe...:scratch:

[Albie]

So lets get this straight about sizes. I am ok with a 180 rear but I was wondering why the one on it was all chunked up. Maybe it rubbed against something else then. I want something that wont just do 2000 miles and super track grippy but really glad of the advice guys.

[Dukedesmo]

On my M900 a 180 only leaves a couple of mm clearance from the chain, even a 170 still gets the chain 'bites' out of it.

It may not help that I have a braced swingarm that the chain 'bounces' between tyre and brace but it's very close and I can't see any practical way of making the space larger?

[pompone]

Chain rubs on them. Hence the actual original size was 170

[Albie]

Chain rubs on them. Hence the actual original size was 170

Oh it actually does. I guess if kept reasonably adjusted not so much. Glad it is that then.

[Pedro]

I've got Metzeler Roadtecs on the stroodle, never heard of them before but pretty good.

[gary tompkins]

I thought the DD bikes (600/620 monster or SS) use a 160 profile rear tyre?

If so that's too narrow for the 900 rim

[utopia]

Yep, that sounds right, my bad, brain must've hit a neutral.

[Buzzwagon]

Albie, Michelin PR3's are brilliant and the PR4's are supposed to be even better. Grippiest tyres in the wet I've used in over 30 years and bloody good in the dry too. They last well too, I had 6000 miles out of the last rear on my GS.

Jerry

[gary tompkins]

I had PR3's on the 1200 Buell - Really good tyre in all conditions

I've always really favoured michelins over the years. Finding they gave the best wear and handling caracteristics of all the tyres I tried, and I have used most makes at some point over the last 35 years, including Dunlop, Avon, Metzeler, Bridgestone and Pirelli. The track bike's even run a set of michelin Power 3's the majority of the time in the last 2 years, although I have dabbled with bridgestone slicks for a few sessions.

[Albie]

Will look for a set of PR3 then. Thanks all.

[Zimbo]

DD tyres are 160 rear so not suitable.
Dunlop of that era were quite "wide", other 180 sections will fit without fouling the chain.
My personal current choice would be Michelin Road Pilots if you plan to keep the bike a few years.

[gary tompkins]

I had a pair of pilot road's on my 900ie. A very good tyre with excellent mileage - think I got over 7000 miles out of the rear. But the PR3's really are in a different league. Much better cold/wet weather grip, and more consistent wet to dry. At the price they go for now it's a no-brainer in my book.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/120-70-17-58W-170-60-17-72W-Michelin-Pilot-Road-3-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Tyres-/300604786683?hash=item45fd7107fb

(I've used round & black for the track bike's tyres)