The MT75's are cheap because of that. Crossply compound is harder than radial and runs hotter, which is a bad thing. If it's just for commuting and you don't ride the bike hard, they should be fine, but the ride will be different to a radial. I personally cane my bike like the devil's spawn whenever possible so use BT45's.

chmod-uk wrote:The MT75's are cheap because of that. Crossply compound is harder than radial and runs hotter, which is a bad thing. If it's just for commuting and you don't ride the bike hard, they should be fine, but the ride will be different to a radial. I personally cane my bike like the devil's spawn whenever possible so use BT45's.

LOL'z, when did they start making BT45's radial, then?

So the BT45s would be the better option, but are they not Radial then? Man this is all confusing. Gonna call the place I'll be getting the tyres changed and see what they have in stock etc.

Just had my tyres changed at my local Charles Hurst. Got Bridgestone BT45s put on, so cost £142 for front and rear fitted. Hoping it's gonna stay dry the next few days to get them worn in, but I've a feeling it's gonna be pretty wet, argh!!!

Any tips on wearing in tyres safely?

BT45s are great tyres for commuting and general road riding, up to and including spirited weekend riding, but not really suited for trackdays or fast weekend riding. They are bias ply, not radial. But don't let that worry you they handle fine and are really good in the wet. If you want a bit more grip, radial handling but a little less life, get 92s, if you can find them anywhere.

Wearing tyres in: don't take the "1st 100 miles easy" as they might be upright m'way miles. Just be conscious of the new tyres, take it easy, build lean angles up a bit at a time, and just take it easy until you are confident in them again. Might be 5 miles, might be 200 depending on your use, most important is that all the bit you will be using is scrubbed of the shiny coating.

amorti wrote:Wearing tyres in: don't take the "1st 100 miles easy" as they might be upright m'way miles. Just be conscious of the new tyres, take it easy, build lean angles up a bit at a time, and just take it easy

Take it easy then....! Basically, don't run 100 miles in a straight line motorway and assume the tyres are fine. Go out on a good long ride on varying roads, the tyres have a nice oily film that needs to be worn off and your average B roads with plenty of corners will do this. A friend at work had his tyres changed and thought that after 5 miles on an A road his tyres would be worn in and ended up bining the bike on the next roundabout.. bad times.. one hour having a good ride and learning how your new tyres feel.... good times.
Also, I had to have my tyres changed so that I could get to Brands hatch on the bike for my track day last year and did it on BT45s and and they were fine (although would have prefered 090's)

Thanks for the advice, my daily commute doesn't really have me leaning much, so will have to try and get out when it's dryer and go for a ride along the coastal route near me where there's plenty of bends.