Page 1 of 1

Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 8:35 am
by herbg
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...

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 10:12 am
by BevHevSteve
Herb - does your bike have 2.50 wide rims front and back or 2.15 front and 2.50 back?

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 12:22 pm
by herbg
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...

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Wed Mar 12, 2014 7:35 pm
by wdietz186
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

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 7:30 am
by machten
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:
  • Good grip, wet ot dry
    Good tyre profile for lean-in cornering
    Wear seems high compared to others on the flat for rears
I'll be going back to BT45's for other than the Sport.

Kev

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 8:00 am
by herbg
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...

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 4:07 pm
by BevHevSteve
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.

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2014 9:39 am
by abmartin
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

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 2:19 pm
by herbg
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...

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 8:10 pm
by BevHevSteve
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...

Re: Tire Choices for 1978 900SS

Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 5:12 pm
by wdietz186
And yes those rims are worth Thousands!