comment, more comment, and review Mitas MC7 motorcycle tire

[jeffyjeff]

In 2019, I purchased a Yamaha YBR 125 for exploring the rural roads here in northern Morocco. I have found the YBR to be pretty well suited to this environment; indeed I have found great enjoyment wringing out that little motor - dodging farm animals, dogs, two-wheel, four-wheel, and foot traffic in town (so far with 100% success, knock on wood!)

Although I never really gave it much thought when I bought the bike, I have been mildly disappointed at the lack of respect my YBR gets in general; dare I say more like borderline disdain. Even the dealer where I purchased the bike, MIFA Motors in Casablanca, wants nothing to do with me. I need tyres. The sales department can’t be bothered, the parts department doesn’t stock - and won’t order - tyres in the size I need. "There are many, many bike parts shops in Casablanca", the guy says, “go find one.”

My problem is that, so far, it has been impossible to find the correct tyre for my YBR. Chinese Cub clones are ubiquitous here; Docker, Rymco, Falcon, the list goes on and on. They’re probably all made in the same factory, and the importer puts the sticker onto the bike to make it into his brand. Lightweight cheap Chinese bikes need lightweight cheap Chinese tyres, and nobody but nobody is going to pay for quality. At first, I foolishly thought it would be cool to upgrade to a nice tyre like the Michelin Pilot Street… Shit. I can’t even find a generic Chinese tyre that meets the minimum standard requirement for my bike.

Which brings me round to the Mitas MC7 90/90-18 51R. It is the correct size, the speed rating is 20 kph higher than recommended. But the load rating is 35kg less than recommended; 195 kg vs. 230 kg.. After 40+ hours trying to find the correct tire, I gave up in disgust and mounted the Mitas. It’s not like I ride with a pillion, ever.

Gress what? The Mitas grips! It performs! No chicken strips! (Sorry, Chickenstrip.) Aside from the substandard load rating, I really like this tyre. I don’t know how it will hold up against the washed-out, degraded tarmac and potholes that litter some of the roads around here, but on improved road surfaces, it is head and shoulders above the Cheng Shen OE tyre that came with the bike. I like it! I may even consider a front tire to match.

Problem is, I'm so anal when it comes to standards, especially safety standards, that my enthusiasm for this tyre is dampened somewhat. I'm absolutely confident that the Mitas is a safer tyre than the 8 year old Chinese POS that it replaced. By my calculation, using the Mitas within its load range rating will reduce my safe load by about 15% (195kg vs 230kg). As long as I avoid pillions and wheelies... OK, pillions.
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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[A100man]

I bought a Mitas trail tyre for the GS 500 'Dual Sport' project I have on the back burner - never ridden more than around the yard on it though..

With respect to the load paranoia I say 'forget it' It's a small bike tyre for a small bike - why would you even care?

More interesting to me is how you came to be in Morocco, where you go and what you do there! I'm quite fascinated since the area is part of Africa you can visit from here by land and sea.
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[stinkwheel]

It took me 3 weeks to get a pilot street for the wifes Honda Wave in the UK. They are in short supply.

The ebay sellers who list them in stock are actually liars.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[blurredman]

I buy the cheapest tyres I can, most of the time on-line and that leads me with very interesting companies and models of tyre.
Mitas aren't bad at all for the competitive price, I have had many varied selections as I say of cheap tyres and these days you needn't fear so much.

One thing I have noticed though is on Mitas rear tyres specifically with semi/multipurpose application tread square off quite quickly. But that's the case with most (what they call 'classic') treads.
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CBT: 12/06/10, Theory: 22/09/10, Module 1: 09/11/10, Module 2: 19/01/11
Past: 1991 Honda CG125BR-J, 1992 (1980) Honda XL125S, 1996 Kawasaki GPZ500S.
Current: 1981 Honda CX500B - 91k, 1987 MZ ETZ250 (bored to 295cc) - 38k, 1989 MZ ETZ251 - 49k, 1979 Suzuki TS185ER - 9k, 1973 MZ ES250/2 - 17k.

[jeffyjeff]

[A100man]

Great story.. I have ambitions to visit teh Atlas mountains once my home responsibilities are less. hopefullybefor too many more years pass ..

I look forward to trying the Olive oil

Cheers!
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[WD Forte]

If the pic shows the bike in its usual riding load state
ie small tank bag and top box, I wouldn't fret over the tyre much.

Hows the spares situation in Morocco?
I have a pukka Yamaha YBR EFI stator and pulser in perfect condition here you can have for postage.
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bikers smell of wee

[jeffyjeff]

[jeffyjeff]