New Owner - T120 Tire Recomendation

T120 owner here!

To be honest, the Michelin Road Classics are pretty decent tire, even for wet weather. Certainly a major upgrade from the previous stock Pirelli Phantom, which I managed fine in the rain. My guess is it has more to do with your experience with the bike -especially in the rain - than the tires. Keep in mind you also have a "rain" mode that reduces your RPM's for such occasions.

In my opinion, replacing your brand new (and solid all-around) road tires would be a waste of money. But if you're convinced you want new tires, then what you should do is be honest with yourself about the type of riding you will do instead of the riding you "might do" ie: you will ride on paved roads 99% of the time, but you like the look or the idea of offroad tires. Look at the reviews, and see which ones are offered in the T120 configuration.

Unless you plan on riding in wet weather a majority of the year, even in PNW, I would run the Road Classics until it's time to replace them. Have fun, learn the bike, research new tires in the meantime.

But also, Metzeler Roadtec 01 SE and Michelin Road 5 are solid for wet weather.

 

I used after changing of the original "Phantoms" the model "BT46" from Bridgestone and was very pleased with them under all conditions.

 

I have a set of these that I will be mounting for this year's riding season soon. The stock pirellis are not good tires at all.

 

mine has bridgstones on too no problems with them apart from upping the front pressure a couple of psi to lighten the steering up a tad

 

Good looking T120.
I agree with keeping the Michelins. I have them on my 24 T120 and so far, they're pretty decent. They are far, far better than the Pirelli crap that Triumph used to use. Riding in the rain is never fun, but I believe the Michelins are up to the job. Make sure you maintain proper tire pressure, use rain mode as needed and practice, practice, practice.

 

Can I have your old tyres????

 

I too live in what I like to call the Pacific South West (Vancouver Island) and since buying my T120 in February I think we've had three days without rain. Next time you are caught out in the rain try switching back and forth between rain and road modes. If you discover a noticeable difference its not the tires. Or should I say tyres!

 

I agree with the above comments, the Michelin's fitted should be good. But when you decide to change take a look at Michelin Road 6's; fantastic tyres in all conditions. I've had them for several years, they last high miles and are great in the wet. I fitted them to my Speed Twin 1200 last May, 7,000 miles later they look like new and have always given confidence in the wet.

 

I remember looking at the road 6 tires when I was shopping for tires on my bonneville T120. They had a rear tire in the correct size but not the front.