Cafe Tires

Looking for good performance tires for my Suzuki GT380 cafe project. The Stock tires are 3.00 x 19 (90/90 x 19) and 3.25 x 18 (100/90 x18) rear. Open to suggestions.

I don't know about sizing, but I used Avon Roadriders on my CB360. They've worked out pretty well. Absolutely rubbish offroad, but so long as you're staying on pavement or light gravel, they're fine. Can't comment on the durability vs. anything else, as they're the only set I've used. They're starting to square a bit after 2 years/~4k miles.

In reply to JohnInKansas:

Except for a gravel driveway, the bike would be exclusively on-road. I would take that kind of wear.

I have Shinko 712's on the XS650, they are a knockoff of an older Metzeler design. I checked quite a few reviews, even for being one of the lower priced tires out there they got good reviews so I rolled the dice. Grip is good, after ~1k miles no visible wear on the front, the rear shows a little. Most reviews said ~10k miles on a rear was about average and I think I believe it. Best part: I put them on stock cast Yamaha rims, have never had them balanced and at ~105 MPH no vibes.

FWIW, I'd avoid rib front tires. On grooved pavement man do they ever feel squirmy.

Are you looking for radial or bias ply tires?

In reply to Rusnak_322:

DK, but I guess bias would be ok. Sizing is the problem as most sporty tires that come in 18 inch sizes are wider than my OEM size.

I had looked into Shinko as suggested by Curmudgeon, but don't know much about them.

The tires on the bike are IRC GS-11 Grand High Speed tires. I know little about them expcept they are a general purpose tire designed for good rain traction.

I put a set of Bridgestone Battle axes on my RD400 and wow that turned it in to a well handling bike. Had done all the normal supention upgrades (gold valves, konis )etc but left tires for last, completely diffrent bike with good tires. but that was crap....10 years ago....bikes in the basment still...

In reply to 44Dwarf:

I don't think they make Battle Axes in my sizes anymore. Both the Avons an Shinkos have potential. I need a tire which can accept a tube, however.

Tubeless tires can run tubes with no problems.

Avon AM26 come in those sizes and have great reputaion but are not cheap but I don't go cheap with only 2 on the ground...

I used Kenda Challenger (K657) tires. they are pretty cheap and come in 19" sizes for your front.

http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-K657-Challenger-Front-Tire/dp/B000WJE0SW

Can I and should I run wider tires on my factory wheels. My rear tires is a 3.50 and my front is a 3.25, but 3.00 inches wide was the factory size.

Sure, no problem. I'd go with at least a 4.00 18 on the rear, just make sure you have enough clearance between the tire and the swingarm. Inch to metric tire chart:

http://www.kgmotorcycletires.com/size_conversion_charts.htm