belfastguzzi Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Are 120s common replacements on ye olde LeMans wheel rims, circa 1980's? The manual specs say 100/90 tyre on front and 110/90 on rear. Looking at manufacturer's info, the tyre makers all list a 120/90 as the correct size for the rear. 100 on front. The tyre that is fitted is a 120. It just about clears the swingarm tubes. As the rubber is ten years old, better replace it. What works well on the older LeMans? The Metzeler Lasertecs look good. 110 or 120? 1982 Mklll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guzzirider Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Are 120s common replacements on ye olde LeMans wheel rims, circa 1980's?The manual specs say 100/90 tyre on front and 110/90 on rear. Looking at manufacturer's info, the tyre makers all list a 120/90 as the correct size for the rear. 100 on front. The tyre that is fitted is a 120. It just about clears the swingarm tubes. As the rubber is ten years old, better replace it. What works well on the older LeMans? The Metzeler Lasertecs look good. 110 or 120? 1982 Mklll 84226[/snapback] Congrats on buying your LM111! Have you sprayed it green yet? Its quite normal for there not to be a lot of rear tyre clearance to the swingarm on Tontis- in fact some of 'em actually rub. Tyre choice is subjective of course but Bridgestone BT45s are a popular choice- good balance between grip and longevity and good performance in the rain too. Had these on my Jackal and Helen's LMV. Guy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beauchemin Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 Don't go any fatter than original fitment - or else the handling gets funny. I really like Michelin Macadams for 70s and 80s sporty bikes. Good wet performance and grippy enough for 70s and 80s power levels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldini Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 ...Are 120s common replacements on ye olde LeMans wheel rims, circa 1980's?.../quote] NO!NO!NO! Stick to 110 rear. 120 turns handling to shit. 100 front. As per Guzzi manual. I've got BT45's on. They work well. Dunno about latest Metzelers but expect they'll be fine, used to use ME33/ME99 that worked OK but preferred Pirellis feel (not sure what current Pirelli fitment would be). Also recently used Michelin Macadams which I liked, gripped great but as I recall wore a bit funny on front. Oz forum Guzzi Exchange http://www.morini.com.au is good for older bikes as is http://www.guzzitech.com KB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badmotogoozer Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 ...Are 120s common replacements on ye olde LeMans wheel rims, circa 1980's?.../quote]NO!NO!NO! Stick to 110 rear. 120 turns handling to shit. 100 front. As per Guzzi manual. I've got BT45's on. They work well. Dunno about latest Metzelers but expect they'll be fine, used to use ME33/ME99 that worked OK but preferred Pirellis feel (not sure what current Pirelli fitment would be). Also recently used Michelin Macadams which I liked, gripped great but as I recall wore a bit funny on front. Oz forum Guzzi Exchange http://www.morini.com.au is good for older bikes as is http://www.guzzitech.com KB 84239[/snapback] agreed! Max 110 on rear. I like my Avon super venoms, but haven't tried the macadams. Rj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belfastguzzi Posted March 29, 2006 Author Share Posted March 29, 2006 Well, I knew Baldini would say that – and seems others agree. Why do the manufacturers say 120s when they do make 110s? Desperately disappointed when I rode round to the tyre specialist today and found a sign on the door saying that they've closed down – stuff moved to one of the 'big name' suppliers. Yet another specialist service bites the dust. It's the equivalent of the way the supermarkets are wiping out the small grocers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macguzzi Posted March 29, 2006 Share Posted March 29, 2006 I,ve used 120 rear 100 front for 30 years with no problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Barrett Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 I've got BT45's on. They work well. KB 84239[/snapback] Having witnessed him bugger off into the distance on a series of bendy bits of Wales, They do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldini Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 ....I,ve used 120 rear 100 front for 30 years with no problem... A lot of people run 120's. Why? I tried one was cos I thought it'd look better. I immediately went back to stock size. In my view there's no question: on stock rims, 110 works better. If you're happy that's fine, but I know for myself the disadvantages; what are the advantages of running a 120? KB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest mtiberio Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 for sweet handling, 110 rear, 100 front. handling aside, the 120 is also a PITA to get in and out of the swingarm, and can rub wires, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roberto Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 On the Mk5 lemon the standard fitment is 100F & 120R. These are different wheels than the Mk3 (not sure of rim widths). OE pirellis were bad when worn - sometimes scarey! I ran Avons for years - OK BT45 was OK Even had a Yokohama 130 radial on the rear as an experiment - OK Eventually I tried Metz 33/99/Lazer - this was a relevation as I am confident with these until they are worn out - especially in the rain. Brought a new lease of life to the bike and wet weather riding is fun. Will run these as long as they are available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchbob Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 On ye olde 750S3 I run a 3.25 front and a 4.10 rear [old equivalent 3.50; new equivalents of both 100 and 110, I think] as per original specs. Both ye olde Dunlope TT100s. When I first got the bike it had 4.10s on both rims: it's much better with the smaller front tyre. In my experience, going oversize on any bike is invariably a retrograde step. I run original sizes [or the nearest, low-profile equivalents] for featherbed frames on my Triton, but use modern, rubber and tread pattern. Result: pin-sharp cycle. Modern, soft rubber: yes. Oversize: no! Serge agrees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belfastguzzi Posted March 30, 2006 Author Share Posted March 30, 2006 I tried Metz 33/99/Lazer - this was a relevation as I am confident with these until they are worn out - especially in the rain. Brought a new lease of life to the bike and wet weather riding is fun. Will run these as long as they are available. 84335[/snapback] Lasertec, in the picture above, seems to be upgraded replacement for these. So looks like they would be a good choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guzzirider Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Serge agrees. 84342[/snapback] Very dangerous to think with your cock, Bob. May get you into bother. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchbob Posted March 30, 2006 Share Posted March 30, 2006 Very dangerous to think with your cock, Bob. May get you into bother. 84348[/snapback] Old habits die hard, Guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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