AM26 or BT45?

architect

architect

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These are the two decent available that fit on a 18" rear of my FZR400. I've been reading fans from both sides, but like to hear from someone that has tried both, or knows about the comparison. I read the AM26 last longer AND is cheaper. So not sure if there is a reason to get the BT45. I'm a street rider. Thanks!
 
I hear they suck in the rain too, but they are stickier dry than the AM26. But the AM26 gets more mileage. Hmmm tough choice.
 
the bt45 is a bias ply tire. the am26 is, if memory serves me right, a non dot bias ply race compound tire? no?
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the fzr400 stock is designed for radials. the rims are wide and designed for radials. i would contact petes superbike, tell him the intended usage of the fzr400 (street) and ask for a recomendation.
 
I went through all this a few years ago. Bias-ply tires are no longer being actively developed. Of the designs that are on the market, the AM26 is the most modern. I personally used them on a VF500F and I thought they were all around great. Worked well in the wet, in the dry, etc. If I wear out the tires on the GS500 before I sell it, I will be putting AM26s on them.
 
BT16 is radial and was my first choice but those are no longer available. I tried emailing Pete's about it but he had no suggest/help.

I'm hearing such different things about the BT45 and AM26 it's hard to pick. Then I read BT45 are much stickier... but AM last longer... Maybe I'll just go AM because they are 60$ cheaper for the pair.
 
perhaps try the vintage roadracing assoc (VRRA). many run fzr 400's and you can join the forum for free. there also is the fzr archives forum.

dang 18's, good luck.
 
I have the AM26 on my cb550. I have no issues going down 45 degrees system lean on dry. I don't have rain gear to try em during the rain. However, I find it has enough grip on wet roads(rain aftermath) to keep you entertained
 
I've had BT45 on motard DR650. Seemed fine, never unstuck on pavement. I'm running Avon Distanzia atm but have had Shinko 705, Dunlop 607 and Metzler Tourance, all are good I bet the AM26 is a fine tire as well, would not hesitate to use it. If mileage and initial cost is a consideration go with the one reputed to provide higher mileage and lower cost. You're a street rider.
 
TwistedKestrel said:
I went through all this a few years ago. Bias-ply tires are no longer being actively developed. Of the designs that are on the market, the AM26 is the most modern. I personally used them on a VF500F and I thought they were all around great. Worked well in the wet, in the dry, etc. If I wear out the tires on the GS500 before I sell it, I will be putting AM26s on them.
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+1
avons have a good rep among the vintage race crowd, both in the dry and wet. they also now have a 135-18" radial, for racers, that fit on a wider rim.

whatever tire you choose, i would check the manufacturers recommended rim width(s) to make sure the tires are suitable to your fzr400's wheel width.
 
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Thanks for the thoughts. I think AM26 it is just to save the money since it seems to get just as high praises as the BT45s.
 
great info here. i am looking for the same thing on my GS500. I have run the stock original tires now for over 20,000kms. Front is starting to scallop a bit...going to try out the AM26 as well.
 
defect_9 said:
great info here. i am looking for the same thing on my GS500. I have run the stock original tires now for over 20,000kms. Front is starting to scallop a bit...going to try out the AM26 as well.
Click to expand...

Actually... I just learned something interesting. The Michelin Pilot Street is a relatively new radial that looks like it is made as replacement for certain small radial tires. They are available in the stock GS500 sizes and Pete's carries them... thinking about getting a set.
 
BT45s are great in the rain for me... Don't know where anyone hears the opposite. I have done a lot of spirited twisty riding in the rain with BT45 shod RZ350s...
 
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