1986 FJ1200S 16 inch tires?

[Louis Bartay]

I am looking for new ZR rated radials for my Yamaha FJ1200S USA model and I am having a hard time finding any in the USA that fit this motorcycle. Any Ideas?? I am also looking for a Lower Cowling (white) for the same motorcycle.

[Kickstart]

Hi

Think you should be able to find some, but are you sure that radials are required? Thought they just used a fairly narrow rim so cross plies would be more suitable. If so try a Bridgestone BT45.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Louis Bartay]

Thanks Keith,
I have owned the FJ1200 for 15 years and the radials , Michelin Macadam 100 made it turn so much better as I have had four different brands on it since I purchased it. Avon is making a new Sport Touring ZR(45/46) radial for it but the rears will not be here for a month, so I guess I will wait. Are the tires you wrote about the BT45 a Bias belt like the Macadam 50 series? The Metzler Lazer front and the Comp K back were not bad(do not make them anymore) but I really could feel a big difference when I changed to the Macadam 90 and then the 100 series. The Comp K rears were the best for quick starts but the Macadam 100 Rocked in the turns for that old of a bike. My ZX9R 1999 is so much better in the turns but it is a rack after a few hours(I am 53 and 6ft3inch) and I sold it to buy a used 2000 Busa. I use to be the Sales mgr. at D&D Exhaust from 1997-2000 and I got to ride all the new bikes before they went on the Dyno so I have a feel for tires. Thanks for the information I will look to see if the Bridgestone BT45's have my tire sizes. Front rim is 2.75 wide and rear is 3.50. both 16 inch. Really skinny compaired to todays wheels

[Kickstart]

Hi

Think the BT45 is just a pure cross ply. They seem to work quite well (I know someone who has them on an old Ducati Pantah for use as a track day bike).

The problem is the width of the rims. On a 3.5" rim you probably want no more than a 140 while most companies radial ranges start at 150.

I have similar problems on my old FZ750. I have squeezed various radials on there in the past but have now settled on the BT45s.

However I might have to check some of the radial fitments next time tyres are needed, based on your comments.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Louis Bartay]

Keith
I have been looking for a pair of BT45's but no one has the 120/80-16 front ot the 150/80-16 rear I am waiting for Monday so I can talk to a real person at all the different tire places and see if they even make my size in the BT45.

If not I will wait for the Avon Azaro S/T R rated Radial that will be here in the USA by the end of August Wanted to ride it as the wife will only ride on it as it sets you straight up.
Thanks
Louis

evil spelled backwards is Live--eros backwards is Sore

[Kickstart]

Hi

Had a look at a catalogue here in the UK and it does list the BT45 in both those sizes. The front size is quite common (also used on my FZ750 for example), and indeed was kept in stock at one of the larger local tyre dealers.

Good luck.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[MaSh]

You can get BT45's in 16 inch..THats what I currently have on my FJ1100.

If you really get stuck try the FJ Owners Club https://www.fjclub.co.uk/ they will be able to supply you with some.. They also do the belly pans if I remember correctly.
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Well thats broke it again !

[Louis Bartay]

Thanks to all, I am going to wait for the Avon Azaro Sport Touring AV45/46, Tire Express has them on their web site, I am going to call them Monday and talk to a" real person" and ask them to Really check stock (really touch them) And try them as they are R rated and a radial. I hope they turn as good as the Michelin Macadam 90 and the 100 series, wore out both sets of them (about 10,000 miles on the 90's and 7000 on the 100's) I read that you can stuff a 130/70-16 under the front fender. Do you know if I changer to FZR 1000 (early 90's) O.E.M. 17 inch wheels and I can choose all the soft Sport Tires!!

Thanks Guys
Louis

[Kickstart]

Hi

You probably could stick a 130 tyre there, but not sure what effect it would have on the handling going for such a wide tyre.

I would suspect that the wheels you are thinking of might be from the earlier FZR1000 Genesis, not the EXUP. In which case the rear is an 18" one and so not that good for tyres either.

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing

[Louis Bartay]

What about a later model FJ1200 that has a 17 inch Front wheel and staying with the stock 16 inch rear, or? I miss not being able to have a better selection of tires to shoose from.
Tkanks
Louis

[Kickstart]

Hi

To be honest I don't know, but I would think the 120/80 16 front is the easy one as it is fairly coomon.

Try the FJ owners clubs:-

https://www.fjoc.com/

https://www.fjclub.co.uk/

All the best

Keith
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Traxpics, track day and racing photographs - Bimota Forum - Bike performance / thrust graphs for choosing gearing