[superflymx]

My tires have some dry rot need to change them whats the best tires for a 86 Honda Rebel 450 what is the biggest tire that will fit the rear of my bike with the stock rear shocks and fenders :Thanx:Thanks

 

[Buickguy]

Best is subjective.
Personal favorite. Metzler.
Many other good tires out there.

 

[Mitch]

MT66's from Pirelli made my 250 so much more comfortable to turn and they don't follow any grooves in the road. I don't have a 450, but I imagine that the same tires would apply even in a larger size. I think my next set will be a pair of more expensive tires just to gauge their worthiness. The Metzelers have to be more expensive for a reason right. Right? We shall see. I trust the guy with 9k posts though. Can't go wrong with either tire for your bike. Cheap tires don't feel the same, my OEM Bridgestones were the worst tires I can imagine putting on any motorcycle and I would never do that to my 250 again.

Quoted from a sportbike forum concerning Metzeler versus Pirelli tires:

found SOME info on Metz site:
In its 130 year history Metzeler has always satisfied market demands with innovation. Metzeler has always been an industry leader, setting trends that others are still trying to achieve
1986 - Since the 1st January 1986, Metzeler had been a member of the Pirelli Group. A restructuring period of the existing different branches into independent companies took place, and in 1989, Pirelli founded Metzeler Reifen GmbH.

and other places...

Well-informed readers know that Pirelli and Metzeler joined forces a few years ago, a union that created a crowded tire lineup for the duo. The Diablo has the same mission as Metzeler's Sportec M-1, but Pirelli was careful not to divulge the differences between it and the Diablo. Pirelli, naturally, said its tire is better than the successful Sportec in certain areas but wouldn't specify which. To better differentiate the two brands in the future, we can expect Pirelli to be marketed more toward the sporting side of motorcycle tires, while Metzeler will edge closer to the cruiser and touring riders who love high-mileage tires, according to Pirelli brass.

even more other...

The information offered on this site relates to Pirelli and Metzeler racing tyres, both being manufactured by Pirelli. All tyres are produced in one factory located in Breuberg, Germany and distributed to Complog via the extensive Burton-on-Trent facility. Pirelli’s patented zero degree steel construction is used throughout the range. The renowned consistency of the tyre output may be attributed to the fact that all Pirelli/Metzeler tyres are mounted and checked by laser beam for complete accuracy before distribution.

 

[Texas Reb]

Somewhere on one if the Rebel Forums, there was a tire sticky. I can't find it now, but it sort of went through the Pro's and Con's of each tire.

 

[TwinRingWilson]

Which model Metzlers? I have the Bridgestones on mine, and I am in no hurry to put on another set. I'm interested in Metzlers, and the Pirellis. I wish Avon, who makes so many cruiser tires, would get around to us, Michelin too.

I'm Ok for now, but would like something that rides better than the Bs's.

TwinRingWilson
2000 Rebel

 

[bB2NER]

My tires have some dry rot need to change them whats the best tires for a 86 Honda Rebel 450 what is the biggest tire that will fit the rear of my bike with the stock rear shocks and fenders :Thanx:Thanks

Personally I stick with the Pirelli RT-66 because they are priced right and perform great and give good miles.
Stick with the stock sizes and please resist the urge to try and squeeze a size or 2 larger on the rims. The stock front tire is usually real close to the fender.
Plus when you start changing sizes you end up messing with the handling characteristics.
If you want the fat tire look in the rear buy a VLX 600 that comes stock with a 170/80/15.

 

[ShortzRyder]

MT66's from Pirelli made my 250 so much more comfortable to turn and they don't follow any grooves in the road.

I bought some pirelli's after reading this post and that's all I'll use from now on unless I get a chance to test out some Metzlers. These tires are great and they did exactly what you said. I've put almost 10k on them and they're due for replacement which is much more than I could say for the dunlop stock tires I had that lasted ~7k.

 

[Shadow Shack]

The best tires are the ones that are round and hold air the longest.






For me that's Bridgestone Exedra.

 

[Booger-red]

I'm liking my Kenda on the front....have the rear....just not put on yet.

 

[Buickguy]

I bought some pirelli's after reading this post and that's all I'll use from now on unless I get a chance to test out some Metzlers. These tires are great and they did exactly what you said. I've put almost 10k on them and they're due for replacement which is much more than I could say for the dunlop stock tires I had that lasted ~7k.

Pirelli and Metzeler are made on the same line theses days
After 1979 Metzeler focused only on motorcycle tyres, and was acquired by Pirelli in 1986.[1]

 

[wjmrty]

The best tires are the ones that are round and hold air the longest.






For me that's Bridgestone Exedra.

I agree I have them on my 250 ,they are great in wet or dry

 

[D C]

For the price Kenda's are hard to beat.

 

[Shadow Shack]

I easily net over 20K miles on the Exedras. I'm sure I could go a lot further if not for the multi-bike restriction and age combinations.

 

[Bokobob]

+1 on What Shadow Shack said..also get new tubes..if done at a shop, ask for old tubes back, but first gouge up the air stems sticking out from the rims so that you are sure they are not only changed and that you have the proof..

Best,
Bob

 

[Shadow Shack]

Always ask for the tubes back. In the winter time you over-inflate the hell out of them and take them up to the mountains for some snow-tubing!

 

[tmyvon]

+1 for the Pirelli MT66's