Tyres: Crossply vs Radial

[Shaft]

As some of you know, I don't really do newer bikes, the newest one I've ever owned is my 93 XJ900 and that's really from the 80s, so it doesn't count.

It follows then that I've never lived with a bike that runs radial tyres and wasn't expecting to, but since I last looked at new boots, Continental have launched their ClassicAttack range of radial tyres for older bikes.

The only immediate disadvantage is can see is, they don't quite do the correct size for the front (90/90 as opposed to the OE 100/90) but they do say that size is compatible with the OE wheel and I doubt I'm going to notice the difference in width.

So what are the pros and cons of radial vs crossply and is it worth giving the more modern tyre a go?
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[redeem ouzzer]

Yes. Radial tires are like night and day. I like standard bikes but have no issue in using modern rubber to increase safety and enjoyment.
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Be a REAL MAN!

[P.addy]

You've really got nothing to lose with modern tyres. Much further development wise than back in the day, things appear to be improving across most makes, better grip from cold, increased warm up rate.

I've only ridden on slightly older tyres, oldest I've really used are BT45 and Goldenboy era tyres for low powered bikes, given the choice though I'd always fit the more modern

[Copycat73]

i honestly thought you was takin the micheal here .. i haven`t fitted a crossply in 20 years ...

i suggest you buy a beer and christen your first radial tyre and remember it like your first shagg...

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[stevo as b4]

It's of no useful help to you, but I'm running a 110/80/18 classic attack radial on my KMX125, with a tube fitted inside.

I've only done 230miles on them tho so far, but they don't really need any scrubbing in and have loads of grip from the off. I wasn't really looking for radials for a dirtbike but I wanted the stickiest road only tyres for my std rim sizes.

I'm chuffed with them so far even at £180, and they've given my KMX alot more grip than it needs, hence my new quest for more power.

[Snod Blatter]

The new Continentals are interesting, but for what it's worth I have fitted a bias ply Michelin Pilot Activ to the front of the K100 and it's so soft, supple and grippy I would've sworn it was radial. Conversely I have a pair of Nankang Roadiac radials on the TRX and at the start they were so stiff I would've sworn they were bias ply.

So basically, all new tyres from the usual manufacturers seem to be great
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1994 CB250, 1984 CBX250RS-E, 1989 K100RS, 1995 TRX850, 2016 Z250SL

[Shaft]

[Piercee100]

I've just fitted a Michelin road sport radial thingy to the back of my bike. The bike came with cross ply's and the tyre fitter that I get my tyres from really went crazy over replacing my Avon rear with a radial apparently he's sold 100's of those Avon things and I must be crazy to not like the way the feel! Anyway, I had my bike rear slip out on a few greasy roundabouts which killed my confidence over the winter but a change of rear tyre makes it feel nicely planted and so my confidence is growing again. Personal preference perhaps?

Can't get a matching Michelin for my front though
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Rides: Honda H100a (Retired), VT500e (Sold), Kawasaki ZX400 (sold), Kawasaki GT550 (Sold), Suzuki Inazuma (Daily), Honda CD185t (Broken), LML Star 2t (Last run edition).

[evoboy]

https://www.metzeler.com/site/com/products/tyres-catalogue/Sportec-klassik.html

Newest ones from Metzeler.

Not sure on prices mind, but they do them in the correct sizes.
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

[haroman666]

Cross-ply's are a more rigid tyre. The construction of the tyre makes them less forgiving and with the greater friction in the layers of the tyre, they heat up quicker, and can overheat.

Radials have a much more supple side wall which gives a comfier ride and a tyre that forms to the road surface better.

Ultimately radials are superior. The fact that they supercede cross-ply as standard fitment, I guess is proof of that.

You could fit the radial, see how if feels and if you don't like it, get a cross-ply again in the future!
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The mistresses: 2000 Honda CBR600f, 2000 Honda VTR1000

[Shaft]

[talkToTheHat]

Run 90/90 and 100/90 in place of a 3.00x19 and it didn't seem to make much difference to turn in feel.

A gz125 should run a 110/90x16, my second one ran a 110/80x16 and it was better in every way.

I'd try the radials with the slight undersize.
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Bandit. does. everything.