Author Topic: tire help (Read 2643 times)

bnrboy775 · « **on:** January 22, 2006, 03:45:39 AM »

okay guys im new to motorcycles... i recently purchased a used 99 bandit 600S with only 2700 miles on it... and i am loving it. now it has 3000 miles on it and i had a few questions... to me it looks like i am going to be needing a new set of tires... how do i know for sure if i do... does the same penny rule apply to bike tires as with car tires?? or what?? also if i do need new tires what kind do you guys recommend.. im not a very aggressive rider as this is my first bike. but a few other things im getting roughly 150 miles to a tank of gas.. is the normal for a bandit??
and i was told at the dealer ship that my bike is lowered... there is a bracket just in front of the rear tire that has a bolt through it with three different holes on it.. that the dealer said all i have to do is change the position of the bolt in that it is currently on the lowest setting... is this true or do i have to change other stuff on the bike... the main reason why i ask this is i have gone over some speed bumps and actually bottomed out on them... any other info you guys could give me would be helpful....ill get some pictures of my bike as soon as possible so you guys can see what i have
Shay

Airmotive · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2006, 11:47:57 AM »

150 miles to reserve is about right. Could be a little better ~165, but 150 will do for now.

As for tires, I've run Bridgestone 020 as well as Dunlop 220s. They are sport touring compounds that sacrifice a little bit of grip for considerably longer wear.

On your current tires, look for cracking in the sidewalls, any signs of previous repairs in the tread (plugs, etc). As for tread depth, most tires have wear bars built into them. ...if you're down to the wear bars, the end is near.

As to why anyone would want to lower a Bandit 600....I dunno. Ileave that one for someone else to solve.

PeteSC · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2006, 03:19:52 PM »

Hi Shay,

The bike might have been lowered for a lady, or short legged rider.
The OEM 'dogbones' are not adjustable. There may be aftermarket ones on there, not real uncommon if the bike was owned by a short rider.
Maybe you can post a picture of them? Somebody may be able to tell you. If they're aftermarket 'lowering' links, you may be able to buy some used OEM ones somebody took off, pretty cheaply. There are also aftermarket ones that aren't real expensive.
I'd identify the dogbone, or links before you look for a solution.
If they are aftermarket links, you may be able to adjust them. There are other things you should do, adjust the forks in the clamps, for best and safe handling. Check here before you do anything. I'm no expert, but there's a lot of good help here. FWIW, a lot of bike shop mechanics don't know much, and pass on a lot of BS.

Tires, like said, a 'sport touring' type is your best bet. You should have some nice twisty roads near you, if you ever get into riding 'sporty'.
They'll work fine, and last longer than a 'sport' tire.
BT020, DUNLOP D220, and I think the current favorite is the Metzler Z6.
You're looking around $300, installed.......for a set...or more.

If in doubt about your tires, replace them. If the bike doesn't have a lot of miles on it, they could be pretty old. Even with no signs of weathering, tires older than 2-3 years can be suspect.
Check the manufactured date code on the sidewall, and use your sense.
It's your butt!

bnrboy775 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2006, 03:27:56 PM »

thanks guys for your help...ill see what i can do about posting pictures of the suspension bracket...

Red01 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2006, 06:19:15 PM »

Quote from: "bnrboy775"

i was told at the dealer ship that my bike is lowered... there is a bracket just in front of the rear tire that has a bolt through it with three different holes on it.. that the dealer said all i have to do is change the position of the bolt in that it is currently on the lowest setting... is this true or do i have to change other stuff on the bike...

This is true. That's all there is to it.

Red01 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2006, 06:30:24 PM »

Quote from: "Airmotive"

...if you're down to the wear bars, the end is near.

No, if you're down to the wear bars, the end is HERE!

Yes, the penny rule still applies to m/c tires. Normally, the tires will wear out first in the middle, especially with the riding style you have, so that's where you'll want to measure.
As already mentioned, you're going to want to go with a Sport-Touring tire like one of the ones already mentioned, or the Michelin Pilot Road or Avon Azarro. I haven't tried the Z6, but I have used the BT-020 which is not a bad tire, but I get better mileage out of the Pilot Road and it seems to stick as good or better than the 020.

Swamp Rat · « **Reply #6 on:** January 23, 2006, 11:31:24 AM »

So ...what you are saying is....no tread in the middle the tire should be replaced right?

Excuse me ...I've a few phone calls to make. OH! and dont forget about the Pirelli Diablo wich are what I'm leaning towards.

Swamp Rat · « **Reply #7 on:** January 23, 2006, 01:49:34 PM »

I just ordered the shinko 009's front & rear for my 04 1200s. I went through a local dealer so it cost a little more than az motorsports but knowing I have someplace to come back and bitch to is peace of mind.
$185.43 total not including mount & balance.