New Wheels

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Not so. I have 100/90 x 19 Avon Roadriders at both ends on 3.5 inch rims. The steering is very quick, at least as quick as a 750 with its' skinny earlier tyre yet is precise and stable at any speed. Where on earth did you get the idea that the "handling would be numb"?
The handling is slower with 18 inch wheels, nimbler with 19 inch. I stuffed the handling of my featherbed Triton when I fitted 18 inch rims etc. It could still be ridden fast around corners, but if I rode it in a 5 lap race, I would get off it afterwards, exhausted. The first time I rode with the 18s, I put a footresrt on the road and lifted the rear wheel. The bike went into a monstrous tank slapper. I kept it upright by grabbing the tank, but I grabbed the bars too soon and it flicked me over the front.
I think the handling is slower and you get more lean.
 
I wasn’t impressed with Roadrunners back in the 80s. Changing to Metzlers transformed the handling, I remember thinking it felt like the bikes were glued to the road in comparison.

But that was then, and the new ones are a different compound etc, so I’d imagine them to be very good.

They are OK. But I did have a 'moment' earlier today, M25 + rain + a feeling the front end was doing its own thing. Then I realised I was riding on one of the concrete / grooved sections (round by the M3). It was fine back on tarmac.
 
Some guys don't like quick handling. I prefer bikes which I can just flick into corners without reverse-steering as I brake, and also over-steer as I accelerate out of the corner. For a road bike, that might not be ideal. When I first moved to Benalla, I had a Yamaha RD250LC which used to feel every longitudinal change in the road surface. I simply got used to it, but at first it was a bit disconcerting. Grooved roads are dangerous, they can steer the bike out from under you.
 
The TT 100s I’ve taken off my bike are in the for sale section with the proceeds going to the North West Air Ambulance. Apologies if I’m not supposed to promote items in the for sale section but I won’t be profiting so guessed it would be ok :)

Dave
 
Going to a good cause is always good in my mind, here in Aus we have the flying doctors service a free service to outback Aussies.

Ashley
 
Jerry has sorted my photo posting issue so here we have the evidence.

Dave
New Wheels
New Wheels
 
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They are OK. But I did have a 'moment' earlier today, M25 + rain + a feeling the front end was doing its own thing. Then I realised I was riding on one of the concrete / grooved sections (round by the M3). It was fine back on tarmac.
You should Try riding on a road due for resurfacing that has been " cold planed " you'll get some interesting feedback from the surface, and if you are really unlucky, like me, you'll pick up a metal tooth the road menders have left behind 100 miles from home.
 
All kinds of nice stuff going on there.
Excellent looking bike.
I’ve taken some time to get it nicely sorted primarily in the handling department, I’m waiting for my Roadster parts to come back from the painters then I can see what effect the new wheels and tyres have. The general consensus is that it will be an improvement so we’ll see. However some have said the 18” rear will slow the handling, I can’t see why it would as both tyres are the same diameter thus the geometry remains the same. If I’m not happy/the handling is worse I’ll have a 19” rim on the back. I’m just looking forward to finding out :) Anyway as the Commando is sans tank I got my fix today on my KTM, 200 miles around Wales in perfect riding conditions. Just got back, cut the grass had a beer and about the fire the BBQ up. Life is good :)

Dave
 
So with my 100/90 x 19 front and 4 x 18 rear I was going to start with 28psi front and 32psi rear Avon say "Due to the modern materials used in the construction of these tyres, we normally recommend 25-28 psi front and 28-34 psi rear". What pressures are you using? I tend to experiment with tyre pressures until I’m happy so if my starting point is a bit off then feel free to point me in the right direction And maybe save me some time.

Dave
 
On the tyres, I always start high, there's less chance of ruining the tyre due to low pressures.
If not happy, Leave overnight and drop down 2lbs. Untill it starts to handle like a camel. Then you know you have to increase the pressure immediately.
 
So with my 100/90 x 19 front and 4 x 18 rear I was going to start with 28psi front and 32psi rear Avon say "Due to the modern materials used in the construction of these tyres, we normally recommend 25-28 psi front and 28-34 psi rear". What pressures are you using? I tend to experiment with tyre pressures until I’m happy so if my starting point is a bit off then feel free to point me in the right direction And maybe save me some time.

Dave
When I asked Avon, admittedly not too long after Road Riders first came out, they suggested 29 psi front, 34 psi rear for solo riding. I've pretty well stuck to that. I see they reccomend some variation now?
 
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