XBR tyres?

[richardeblack]

Hello All,
Long time no contact.
Just spent a pleasant 1/2 hour looking through the forum.
I was actually looking for ideas about tyres but got well and truly sidetracked. 
Anyway, I have got to get a new back tyre and don't know what to get.  Tyres are so expensive!
I want a winter tyre, so don't want insane angles of lean available.  I scarcely lean it at all at the moment!!  As a result, my tyre has worn the centre down so it is "white lining" like a nasty thing.
I have looked at old fashioned type tyres like Avon sm and K70, but they are really expensive.  An alternative is the Maxxis.  Anyone tried one?  They are cheap but I did try a cheap tyre ages ago and it was dire.
I do want a tyre that will last a reasonable time.  The last one hasn't done much over 5000 miles before it is unpleasant to ride on.  I also don't want to spend much as I am a real cheapskate (as Graham can vouch).  Any ideas welcome.
Also, anyone got any ideas on improving the economy on the XBR?  I only get 70-75mpg.  I think this is rubbish as I ride very gently.  My wife's car does about the same (albeit on diesel) so the bike ought to do 100+.  Once again, any ideas welcome.
Ah well just looked out at the snow and wonder about the sense of having got rid of my car a couple of years ago but hey-ho, just think of the challenge!
Cheers,
Richard.

[guest295]

I don't think there is a good cheap tyre. Some have a harder compound in the middle than on the sides, and that's good. Sticktion is more noticeable in winter than in summer. I really hate sliding along a wet road.

[SteveC#222]

I've been using Maxxis tryes for a while and they are fine as long as you're not trying to get your knee down or anything silly, grip isn't as good as BT45's , but I've had no problems and they last well. Way better tham SM's or K70's.

[richardeblack]

Thanks Steve,
do you find they white line badly when part worn?  I know I find that generally but had a very cheap tyre once (it was on the bike when I got it) and it started misbehaving very early.  I am not sure that it being a 120 made it worse.  Soon got rid and haven't used cheap ones since.  Based on what you say, I might give one a try, as they are at least 50% cheaper than Avons or Dunlops.  What sort of mileage do you get?
Thanks again,
Richard.

[JOOLZ]

I cant help you with the tires, but if you want to improve fuel consumption then the only things that I can think of  is a smaller carb (around 30mm) and a  full fairing to help reduce drag.

[tommy]

hi i  have'nt tryed maxxis tyres so cant rate them but i would go for bt45,s it just aint worth using cheap tyres i know they cost a bit extra, but for sure handling and better braking its the best option what price your safety   tommy

[richardeblack]

Thanks Tommy,
I have heard that the BT45s wear fairly quickly, which puts me off a lot, especially as they are rather expensive as well.  I think I would go with Avons as I know what they are like for life and they are quite adequate for my riding.  If the opinion is that the BT45s are as good as Avons for wear, I might give them a try.
Many thanks,
Richard.

[richardeblack]

I cant help you with the tires, but if you want to improve fuel consumption then the only things that I can think of  is a smaller carb (around 30mm) and a  full fairing to help reduce drag.

Thanks Joolz.  Wondered about a fairing but think the smaller carb sounds like a good idea.  Anyone any experience of a suitable carb.  Not something most people want though so I doubt it.
Thanks,
Richard.

[Frog]

Hi

I have used maxxis hi-max and the slightly more expensive barracuda. Both were fine in a commuter role - I prefered the himax.

Frog

[welland99]

I need a new rear tyre for my XBR, so just wondered if there's any more recent experience that anybody can offer? 

My old tyre is a Bridgestone Battlax BT45R and it was on when I bought the bike.  Consequently, I'm not sure how many miles it's done, but probably no more than 10k.  I'd be interested to hear what mileage others have got from their tyres. 

[SHimmer45]

BT45 fronts wear oddly which isnt ideal for commuting, these days i prefer avon roadriders (the former is a dual compound the latter a single)

[booxbr]

Had Avons on my XBR with no problems 

[silver]

I have a maxxis rear on my trackbike. See my avatar, thats the Maxis doing its stuff at Anglesey last year, its still going strong for this year so is lasting well.

[timbo]

Just priced a Maxxis tyre, £40. Sounds good to me