I'm sure this topic can be endless but I'm interested in current thoughts on the best tire choices for the 1978 900SS (Borrani wheels).
I was prepared to order new Metzeler Lasertecs @ 100/90V18 (F) and 120/90V18 (R) as I'm familiar with the old "lasers".
After some research, I wanted to try the new Conti ClassicAttack but they don't have the sizes I need. As well, the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45's don't seem to have the right sizes either.
Am I being too fussy to stick with the sizes and aspect ratios above? My goal is to keep the bike as stock as possible but I am a big believer in putting the best possible rubber on the wheels if you plan to ride the bike.
Thanks,
Herb...
Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
_________________________________
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
- BevHevSteve
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Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
Herb - does your bike have 2.50 wide rims front and back or 2.15 front and 2.50 back?
Steve Allen (925)798-BEVL[2385] Ride'm, Don't Hide'm
Ducati/Euro Spares -> https://Store.BevelHeaven.com
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
You know, I don't know for sure. Whatever the stock 1976 to 1978 Borrani wire wheels are -- I assume they were all the same on the 900SS.
Herb...
Herb...
_________________________________
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
If they are wires they are probably WM3 at both ends and pretty much priceless too! I believe the BT45's are available in the right size in the V rated series tires. I'd stay with the original sizes but a 110/80 would be OK on the front if need be and it might even quicken the steering a tad. Stay with a 120 on the back though.
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
I've previously used BT45's on my squarecases and my 73 750 GT. I use Avon's on my 74 750 Sport so that I can use a 19 x 90/90 profile front tyre and take advantage of what I feel is lovely progressive rolling profile as I feel that helps with faster "turn in" and I am very comfortable with "knowing the tyre" under a bit of stress. They are expesnive tyres in my neck of the woods, so only the Sport is treated to them. I put Metzler Lasertec's on my 750 GT last time round to test them out, and I would say the following:
Kev
- Good grip, wet ot dry
Good tyre profile for lean-in cornering
Wear seems high compared to others on the flat for rears
Kev
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
The tire that has caught my attention are the Continental radials for classic bikes.
The Road Attack 2's have the correct size for the 900SS Front - 100/90R18 M/C 56V TL and
the Classic Attack has the correct size for the Rear - 120/90 R 18 M/C 65 V TL.
I'm wondering if anyone has tried these new radials yet. BMW bikes from the 70's seem to respond very well.
Herb...
The Road Attack 2's have the correct size for the 900SS Front - 100/90R18 M/C 56V TL and
the Classic Attack has the correct size for the Rear - 120/90 R 18 M/C 65 V TL.
I'm wondering if anyone has tried these new radials yet. BMW bikes from the 70's seem to respond very well.
Herb...
_________________________________
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
- BevHevSteve
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Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
herb - the width of the rim is stamped on the side. Please look and let me know. Super Sports came in any of the combinations I wrote above. Tire sizes I would recommend relate to that specifically.
Steve Allen (925)798-BEVL[2385] Ride'm, Don't Hide'm
Ducati/Euro Spares -> https://Store.BevelHeaven.com
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
Recommended size Pirelli Sport Demons on my early '79 900SS with standard rim widths ie the wider rear rim. I like them a lot.
Bruce
Bruce
1979 900SS
Fredericton, NB
Canada
Fredericton, NB
Canada
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
Looks like the rims are 2.15 inches according to the stampings on the wire wheels:
Front: - BORRANI - WM - 3/2.15 - 18/40 RECORD/11 RM - 01 - 4777 MADE IN ITALY
Rear: - - BORRANI - WM - 3/2.15 - 18/40 RECORD/11 RM -01 - 4777 MADE IN ITALY
As for the Pirelli's, the website doesn't show the right sizes for the 900SS.
Herb...
Front: - BORRANI - WM - 3/2.15 - 18/40 RECORD/11 RM - 01 - 4777 MADE IN ITALY
Rear: - - BORRANI - WM - 3/2.15 - 18/40 RECORD/11 RM -01 - 4777 MADE IN ITALY
As for the Pirelli's, the website doesn't show the right sizes for the 900SS.
Herb...
_________________________________
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
2013 Ducati 1200S Multistrada
1985 Ducati Mille S2
1978 Ducati 900 SS (Blue/Silver Borrani)
1972 Ducati 350 Desmo (Silver Shotgun)
1969 BMW R69S (Earles Fork)
- BevHevSteve
- SITE OWNER
- Posts: 2327
- Joined: Wed Mar 10, 2004 8:53 pm
- Location: Lafayette, California
- Contact:
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
https://store.bevelheaven.com/wheels-ti ... er-48-usa/
90/90 F and 110/90 R if it were my bike....
You could go to a 100/90 in front but I wouldn't go up to 120/90 on the rear...
90/90 F and 110/90 R if it were my bike....
You could go to a 100/90 in front but I wouldn't go up to 120/90 on the rear...
Steve Allen (925)798-BEVL[2385] Ride'm, Don't Hide'm
Ducati/Euro Spares -> https://Store.BevelHeaven.com
Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS
And yes those rims are worth Thousands!