History of motorcycle radial tires

[Fire-medic]

A very interesting article. See what multiple time world champion Freddy Spencer has to say about the importance of radial motorcycle tires.
https://rideapart.com/articles/history-radial-motorcycle-tires

According to the article 1987 is claimed as the first year of available to the public motorcycle radials. They came stock on my 1987 Yamaha FZR 1000.

Spencer said: “The introduction of the radial tire was the most important innovation of my career. A rider needs grip, feedback and longevity and the radial represented a real improvement in all three areas."

“The first thing I noticed about the radial was that it gave me much better grip and stability when cornering rapidly. I could re-accelerate sooner, which I always tried to do when racing.”

Ed. note: I consider radial tires to be the best handling improvement you can make to a VMax.

 

[sdt354]

Ed. note: I consider radial tires to be the best handling improvement you can make to a VMax.
+1, I've never regretted the radial mod. The ride itself is very much improved even if you aren't a corner carver. The grip is superior to bias plys. Though bias ply tires have come a long way themselves.

 

[Redbone]

The change from bias to radial on my Vmax was pretty dramatic. The handling improvement and better ride once I adjusted the shocks and forks properly made the bike a joy to ride.

 

[Traumahawk]

Radials do completely change (for the better) the feel and manners of the Vmax.

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[jdeitz1979]

This is what I’m looking forward to. The busa wheels are going to give the look I want, but handling is my biggest benefit out of this. Kind of jealous of the guys running radials at the moment.


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[sdt354]

This is what I’m looking forward to. The busa wheels are going to give the look I want, but handling is my biggest benefit out of this. Kind of jealous of the guys running radials at the moment.


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Don't forget to to post up some pics when they go on. Busa wheels are nice.
Steve-o