Comments on: Tires for Moto Guzzi California

By: Peter Ramsbottom

Peter Ramsbottom — Fri, 25 Aug 2017 20:37:51 +0000

Since writing my previous comment I have continued to fit Metzeler Lasertec Front and Rear. A comment on a Moto Guzzi Facebook page led me to check Metzeler’s recommendations for Tyre Pressure (rather than Moto Guzzi’s recommendations from the year 2000).

I’ve now stopped using 32/36 and follow the advice of the Tyre Manufacturer at 33.5/42.1, and consider that it handles better and the tyres lasts longer.

By: Peter Ramsbottom

Peter Ramsbottom — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 23:39:55 +0000

I know that this is some years later but I would be interested in an update. I just swapped from Bridgestone Battlax BT45 after 7,600 miles (on rear). They squirmed about on any piece of tarmac that had been repaired, or any cracks in the roadway. They stuck to the road well round the corners and stopped without drama, wet or dry.

I just felt that they were trying to communicate to me too much (much as Dunlop TT100’s did, and Avon Road runners didn’t, back in the early 80’s).

The tyre shop had BB, Avon Road riders, Metzeler Lasertec. I asked for advice and the tyre guy pointed out that Metzeler Lasertec are fitted as standard by Moto Guzzi. That and the slightly cheaper price for ML vs AR or BB helped me to decide.

I am so pleased that I went with Metzeler. They cope with differing road surfaces without tracking lines or tracing every piece of tarmac repair. I soon saw the chicken strips worn away and am enjoying them and the bike so much more than the last tyres.

Was the poster/commenter who went from Metzeler Lasertec to Bridgestone Battlax happy with his choice?

Peter
2000 California Special (known as Bassa in USA)

By: Mike DeRienzo

Mike DeRienzo — Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:24:41 +0000

Tubless tires: The original Metzlers on my 03 EV did well. They have not been available for sometime. My mechanic who seems to be concientious on mounting and obtaining tires suggested Lasertec (a currently available tire) and they did not last. The rear size seems to be controversial even though the bike originally had a150/70-17 rear. Finding that size seems to be tough. I really disliked the 140/80-17 that the California has come with for years. Now I have a 150/70-17 Pirelli Sport Demon (size seems to have come available in the last couple of years) and I have no opinion. The front I had replaced with, I believe, is a Dunlop which does not match because of timing at my local Kawasaki dealer. I still do not have a match for the Sport Demon mounted on the front beause it was back ordered took at least a month after the rear was replaced. Life/family issues have delayed me getting that front tire mounted. My mechanic is about 80 miles away.

Incidently, on one of the Lasertecs rears, I got a large nail when it was new. I think that I rode on it for a couple of days and pulled it and it went flat, of course. I used the push through patch and wore that tire out. When the tire was replaced, it looked good on the inside and the outside.

By: Steve Swan

Steve Swan — Sat, 26 May 2012 02:21:25 +0000

I’m really happy with the Metzler ME880’s. I am astounded to have 11,500 miles on the current set and have at least several hundred miles left in the rear. The front looks like it could go another several thousand miles. This set has taken several long distance high speed trips. The stiffer sidewall improves corner handling.

By: Scott

Scott — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 21:27:14 +0000

Surprised to see the CalVin still running the same size tire as my ’00 Bassa. Getting hard to find. From what I’ve read, and on the earlier models, some tires in the 140/80 size will rub on the swingarm in the twisty bits. 130/90s work well and that is what was on my bike when I got it, and what I run now. When I bought by Bassa it was running Avon Super Venom, got over 10k miles. That tire is now the AM18/AM20. Unfortunately no longer available in that size.
When I noticed I balded the rear last year, away from home, I was lucky to find the 130/90 in stock. A Dunlop D404. Unfortunately that tire didn’t last 5000 miles, and I was far from home again last year when it went bald. Again, stuck with whatever they had in stock, an IRC I think, but at least I found one.
I’m leaning toward the Shinko 230 Tour Master for my next set.

By: John

John — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:54:31 +0000

Thanks to everyone for their input on tires. I finally decided on Bridgestone BT45V. V-rated tires are ridiculous for the CalVin, but the required size only comes in V-rating. Having them installed this weekend. I very carefully squeezed 11000 miles out of the original Lasertecs. I’m not condoning riding on bad tires, as you saw above I still had tread.
John