Are our stock tires Bias Ply or Radials?

[jtascone]

Am looking to replace my tires over the Winter. I would really like to go with the Shinko 777HD Whitewalls. I have read on here that the 130/90r16's are the way to go on the front. For the rear, it looks like Shinko has both the stock size 150/80r16's and a 180/65r16. Which would you recommend? Also looking at the Michellin Commander II tires. My question is, it looks like the Shinkos are Nylon belted? And there are many out there that are steel belted radials. Were our stock tires originally put on by Mother Kawi radials or Bias Ply?

[CajunVulcan]

The OE Bridgestones are bias ply tires.

[OldSchool]

The only tires that are recommended by tire manufacturers for heavy cruiser style bikes are bias tires. Some guys have run and had good luck with radials, but the tire manufacturers state the best ride is bias tires.

[jtascone]

Thanks for the replies. I'm thinking I should stick with a Bias Ply tire then? Anyone else with an opinion on Bias or Radial, and especially which size to run on the rear?

[Boscoe]

Nylon belts take a "set" when parked, and the tires will flat-spot for several miles until they warm up.

[Yellow Jacket]

Originally Posted by OldSchool

The only tires that are recommended by tire manufacturers for heavy cruiser style bikes are bias tires. Some guys have run and had good luck with radials, but the tire manufacturers state the best ride is bias tires.

I seem to remember that the VN2000 came with radial tires. But at my age my memory is suspect! Maybe someone else knows and can chime in.

I'm running an Avon Cobra radial on the front and a Dunlop radial (car tire) on the rear. In my opinion the radials handle much better than the stock Bridgestone bias tires.

[cnc]

You don't mention what bike you have and it might be a good idea to have that in your signature line so folks can better reply.
On the Nomads the stock bridge stone bias ply tires were not that great and if that is what you were thinking of sticking with, well there are better options. Many guys on here including me have run Avon Cobra radials and find the bike handles far better with them including low speed maneuvers. I would never go back to bias especially a bridge stone.

[jtascone]

Sorry about that, yes I have an '03 Vulcan Nomad 1500

[Chuck A.]

I have an '03 1500 Nomad also and I like the Commanders II's on it. I run a 130/90/16 on the front. I like curving back roads which to me the bike turns into the curves better with the slightly narrower front tire.

[OldSchool]

See if this might be of any help to you.

[jtascone]

Originally Posted by Chuck A.

I have an '03 1500 Nomad also and I like the Commanders II's on it. I run a 130/90/16 on the front. I like curving back roads which to me the bike turns into the curves better with the slightly narrower front tire.

Do you use the 150/80r16 on the rear or the 180/65r16?

[cnc]

Originally Posted by jtascone

Do you use the 150/80r16 on the rear or the 180/65r16?

On the 1500 a 180 might be pushing it as I believe the rim is 1 inch narrower than the 1600. On a 1600 stock was a 170 and a 180 is no issue.
Having said that guys do put pretty wide care tires on when they go dark side.

[OldSchool]

Originally Posted by Yellow Jacket

I seem to remember that the VN2000 came with radial tires. But at my age my memory is suspect! Maybe someone else knows and can chime in.

I'm running an Avon Cobra radial on the front and a Dunlop radial (car tire) on the rear. In my opinion the radials handle much better than the stock Bridgestone bias tires.

Yup, they came out of the factory with 150 radial on front and 200 radials on back. They had a much more rigid frame and direct suspension system.
My nomad was definitely built for the ride and not for the performance.