Tires, which are good on wet roads.

[LasseNC]

So, I already tried Avon Roadriders on my XS650, and it didn't feel safe in the turns.

This is however for my Suzuki T500, what can you guys recommend?

[ricochetrider]

I've ridden many a wet, rainy mile on Metzler LaserTec Tires.
Also the Avon Sport-Touring tires, Azaro, & Storm work rather well on wet surfaces.
Bridgestone BT-45s are proven as well. (IME)

All depends on what you want to put them on I'd guess, as size availability varies often.

[C Squared]

Any good modern tire will be fine. The suspension etc. on an older bike will hurt you a bit.
But, I have ridden fast on clapped out old bikes in the rain.

Just thinking ... Most of it is comfort level/experience?

No big deal, but you have way more grip in the wet than you think you do.

[RustyStuff]

I have Shinko TourMasters on my Suzi and Have never had trouble with wet roads.

[Scrivens]

Dunlop TT100s are good in the wet and are appropriate period tyres (in K81 form) for both bikes. They are excellent handling tyres as well for "older" design frames, but the grippy compound gives less mileage than some other brands. I used K70s on my XS650s and Metzlers or Contis on my T500s back in the day.

[MODNROD]

Pirelli Phantoms.

Oh.
Wait.
That was 30 years ago......

Nowadays any damn tyre that gets me out of the house is a good one.

[concours]

Originally Posted by C Squared

Any good modern tire will be fine. The suspension etc. on an older bike will hurt you a bit.
But, I have ridden fast on clapped out old bikes in the rain.

Just thinking ... Most of it is comfort level/experience?

No big deal, but you have way more grip in the wet than you think you do.

+1 decades of off road MC, ATV, snowmobile, etc.

That aside, SIPING is the key, so the latest Michelin Pilot Road 3 is the winner of the modern tread patterns I've seen

[mark1305]

I used to run Avon Azarros on a Ducati Monster I once owned - street and track. Then one track event in a tropical storm downpour at Barber MSP I switched to Michelin Pilot Power Road tires at lunch break. The improvement was like night and day difference. From then on I ran the Michelins.

On my F 650 for street use I run Metzeler Tourance due to the 19 inch front wheel. Decent on wet roads.

On my R 80 ST I currently have Avon Distanzias with good street results wet and dry.

[danedg]

The Bridgestone S11 Spitfires have proven to be a cost effective hi mileage tire in all conditions

[JZed]

Originally Posted by danedg

The Bridgestone S11 Spitfires have proven to be a cost effective hi mileage tire in all conditions

+1

JZed
SC
'86 R80
'92 R100GS
'06 KLR650

[deerslayR]

Originally Posted by danedg

The Bridgestone S11 Spitfires have proven to be a cost effective hi mileage tire in all conditions

+1
Got 'em on my 'Guzzi Eldorado. They even work good on gravel roads.

[danedg]

Originally Posted by deerslayR

+1
Got 'em on my 'Guzzi Eldorado. They even work good on gravel roads.

Please post a photo of your Eldorado with the Spitfires to prove it!

[deerslayR]

Originally Posted by danedg

Please post a photo of your Eldorado with the Spitfires to prove it!

Oh, ye of little faith.

Eldo with S11's. Not the best photo but a cool composition. Motel was three miles from my house. Closed now and the sign
was blown out by a storm, or it would be in my garage.



You'll have to wait for the gravel road shot. Inmate Jeff Munn and I rode together during the last few days and he has a shot of me on the 'Guzzi traveling down a local dirt road. Said he'd shoot me a copy. Forded a few puddles, too!

[Claytonroy]

Does anyone else experiment with tire pressure for wet conditions?

On a bicycle with narrow road tires....going down from 100psi to 80psi or so makes a big difference for traction on wet pavement.

On a motorcycle, if you drop 5-7 psi you'll have a slightly larger contact patch. I don't really worry about overheating the tire since it's generally colder weather when the roads are wet.

[nanno]

I do the same, when riding in colder conditions...