I've noticed that riding my '19 T100, it hates the tarred "road snakes" and the painted road stripes. It likes to slide on them instead of ride over them, especially on hot days. I've read that the OEM Pirelli"s are probably the cause. My question is, will replacing a bias ply front tire with a radial design negatively affect the bike's handling to the point of being unsafe? I know putting a tube inside a radial tire changes its' speed rating, but I'm long past the need for speed (74 yrs. old). Also, it's considerably easier finding the correct size tire in a radial than a bias tire. Has anyone made this change and noticed a good result? Thanks
I did this with my '78 Yamaha 650 (bias to radial swap), and nothing but good results to report. It was a relief to have modern tread design/compounds on the old bike when I was riding it in the late '90s-early 2000s. I don't have a more recent experience, as I have always gotten bikes with radial tires as standard since then.
Plus 1 for BJ. Changed my Street Twin to Continental radius tyres and it now handles as it should. Alfie
2020 T120 Bonnie - Just changed from OE Pirellis to Avon Spirits i.e. tubeless radial tires with tubes. Had them waiting in the garage but had a flat rear so swapped them both. I know others have given many negative comments on the OE tires - after about 4k kms I now generally agree with them! All my new bikes over the last few years have improved after getting rid of the OE tires. The flat was caused by a skinny looking staple that pushed through the centre tread (not the gap) and must have been sufficient to "tickle" a hole in the tube. When I had the old tire off you could feel there wasn't much meat left at the centre tread and was very thin carcass....
No problem with a radial front, I have Avon Spirits on my T120. They are a massive improvement, Triumph should fit them as standard.
Yep, same as above. Avon Spirits working a treat on my T120. Especially like them in the rain, which we get lots of.
