1986 1150 tire options

[ALB80-850]

I'm going to dust off the 1150 this year and ride it as my primary bike. I have been looking at tires, and have decided on either the Bridgestone BT45's or the Pirelli sport demon...so far. My question is which is more durable? or any other suggestions? I generally dont ride crazy aggressive a lot, but do 10,000 + miles annually. This will be my first purchase of tires for this bike, all imput is welcome, thanks.

[Carter Turk]

I haven't had a Sport Demon on the rear of the 1150, but on the Kat it's a fine tire. I currently have a Sport Demon on the front of my wife's 1150. Not sure I've come to grips with it yet. It replaced the BT45 that was up there, but I didn't really care for that either. The profiles were different, bt's more triangular, sd's more rounded profile. The Bt front always felt vague, feedback wise, the sd's, I haven't had an opportunity to push them, but they for sure act differently than the bt's. It maybe just the 16''s weird character-feeling like the front wants to tuck. It's not that either tire does anything drastic, but it feels a bit numb.

As far as mileage goes, I don't think either would win any awards.

[dorkburger]

Being a relatively sedate rider with the occasional outburst, ive found the BT 45s to be fine, but I have nothing to compare, as thats all ive ever used during the 16 years ive owned the bike. At the end of last season, both were pretty shot, and it did seem to become funky in its handling- the rear was becoming flat from highway miles while the front showed more wear on either side of center.

Id love to see some pics of your bike....

[Mark1]

I have a Metzler/Shinko combination on my '84e. It kind of happened by accident that I have the Shinko on the back. I had 2 Avons crack around the bead (2 brand new rear tires) so I stopped into a local shop before a ride up the coast. He recommended the Shinko and I have no regrets listening to him. As it turns out, Yokohama sold the rights to their technology to Shinko years ago so its exactly the same tread pattern. The grip has been great although I'm not a racer by any means. Inexpensive and deals with the torque of the 1150 just fine. Hope this helps.

[almarconi]

Continental ContiMotion are decent. Not sure if size is available for your bike.

[ALB80-850]

Thanks for the info, thinking I'll go with the sports demons.
Pretty sure the only photo I have of it is in the back of the truck when I brought it home. Have to Wait on pics.