[gizzo]

What’s interesting about this is that I’ve replaced the OEM front Pirelli with the identical tyre.
The first one tramlined, the second one doesn’t. They’re both made in Brazil.

For context, I repeat my recent reply in a similar thread:


“Since fitting tyres around the high 9k mark, I’ve been running a standard Pirelli on front and Michelin Pilot Activ on back, for the last 7000 kilometres.
Apart from the usual softness of ride with new rubber, I’ve not felt any discernible differences having different brands at each end. I still scrape the pegs at the usual roundabouts.

Interestingly, the front OEM does not tramline like the first one did. I’ve even gone hunting for the longitudinal grooves in the road to force the issue, but it is not evident.
The suspension is stock both ends, other than having the fork oil levelled up to spec and replaced with 15 weight.“

That's weird, but there you go.

[JessHerbst]

I have a Mark 2 with CEAT tyres, and yes, I get a bit of tramlining.  I learn't to relax a little more and accept the odd wobble.  Will tyres make such a great difference?

It was night & day for me. Replacing the Ceat with BT46 felt like a new bike.
 I literally can take my hands off the bars at 70mph and the bike remains steady, smooth and straight.
 With the stock Ceats, hands off the bars was a no go above about 30mph.

[Oregonstaffy]

My new to me Interceptor has the Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp, and although groovy pavement doesn't seem to be an issue, I can tell you on a hot day at speed through a corner the "tar snakes" sure get your attention. A loose hold on the handlebar helps, but I'll be looking for something different when these are done.

[iblastoff]

this bike by its very nature has very thin wheels. even with the original CEAT tires, besides the feeling of wobbliness over groove lines, is it really any less stable? as long as you're not death gripping your handlebars, it should be fine. just let the bike do its thing.

that being said, i'll eventually switch to the bt46's too.

[StefArmstg]

Having put a lot of miles on dual sport bikes squirming around on dirt roads, tramlining on a grooved road has never been an issue for me.  But, the Pirellis that came on my Interceptor never felt stable or confidence inspiring.  I replaced them when back tire wore out at 7800 miles.  (The front showed hardly any wear.)

The Bridgestones transformed the bike.  The handling is sharp and the bike feels glued to the ground.  If riding fast in the twisties is a priority, have them install a set BT46s at the first service.

In the same sizes, the Bridgestones are lower than the stock tires but put as much rubber on the ground in the corners.  A 110/80 front, and a 140/70 rear will be about the same height as stock, but put more rubber down when leaned over. 

[Jack Straw]

Back to basics.

The tires are your sole contact with the road surface.  Everything starts there,  EVERYTHING.

[JessHerbst]

Having put a lot of miles on dual sport bikes squirming around on dirt roads, tramlining on a grooved road has never been an issue for me.  But, the Pirellis that came on my Interceptor never felt stable or confidence inspiring.  I replaced them when back tire wore out at 7800 miles.  (The front showed hardly any wear.)

The Bridgestones transformed the bike.  The handling is sharp and the bike feels glued to the ground.  If riding fast in the twisties is a priority, have them install a set BT46s at the first service.

In the same sizes, the Bridgestones are lower than the stock tires but put as much rubber on the ground in the corners.  A 110/80 front, and a 140/70 rear will be about the same height as stock, but put more rubber down when leaned over.

I got stock size in BT46 and they are definitely a touch smaller as apparent by change in speedo reading compared to gps speed.
 I may be delusional, but they seem to turn sharper and easier, which would be the case with smaller over diameter.

[Hoiho]

A 110/80 front, and a 140/70 rear will be about the same height as stock, but put more rubber down when leaned over.

Been saying this for ages 

[iblastoff]

I got stock size in BT46 and they are definitely a touch smaller as apparent by change in speedo reading compared to gps speed.
 I may be delusional, but they seem to turn sharper and easier, which would be the case with smaller over diameter.

im wondering if theyre also much lighter than the CEAT tires too

[JessHerbst]

im wondering if theyre also much lighter than the CEAT tires too

I had the dealer swap tires so I never picked up either tire to feel weight. I can find the weight of the ceat zoom 100/90-18 at 4kg, but haven’t found any listings for weight on the BT46.

[SandSquid]

I just replaced my stock Ceat Zoom tires with less than 3k miles on them just because of the ‘tramlining’.
 A pair of Bridgestone BT46s absolutely make the 650 rock solid on just about any road surface.

Hear, hear.