Bates baja tires any experience?

[7and7is]

Like the title says, anyone have any experience with these tires? How they handle, mileage, etc?

https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/colle...16-5-00-16-71t

[10scDust]

I put them on a 1973 FX bobber I put together. It's strictly a rally bike for me, they're cool on it all I can say for now.


edit in: The Baja tires are on front and rear.

[10scDust]

Haven't drove on the street yet nor kept up with gas usage.

[7and7is]

Got a pic?

[10scDust]

Got a pic?

Yes, but not sure why it's sideways.
This was at the Georgia Grundle Run 2022.

[laeljon]

I've always hated street tires....these are great for twisties, and anything else. Jist got back traveling 1050 miles...Hit some wet pavement with slick cow shit in corner, ( feed lot) was like ice....street tire would have lost it....

[7and7is]

Thanks for chiming in guys.

[7and7is]

Well I purchased the Baja 90's last night, this will be my first foray into installing the tires by hand as I can't find an indy that will sell me any tires or install tires that I purchase, so I figure if a guy on you tube can do it using a allen wrench of all things, I should have a sporting chance with some proper spoons, this is kind of a minor question, I have aluminium rims any pointers on installing the valve stems any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

[laeljon]

One of the car tire center in my town has the tools to do motto tires, for $30-40 worth it, but they can't balance them.

[10scDust]

Well I purchased the Baja 90's last night, this will be my first foray into installing the tires by hand as I can't find an indy that will sell me any tires or install tires that I purchase, so I figure if a guy on you tube can do it using a allen wrench of all things, I should have a sporting chance with some proper spoons, this is kind of a minor question, I have aluminium rims any pointers on installing the valve stems any tips or tricks would be appreciated.

Use some kind of lubricant on the bead, like soapy water, (I rub vaseline onto the bead, but some may frown).

The rim indentation is so the bead can drop into as you bring it onto the rim all the way.

Always start at the valve stem when removing the tire, and always finish at the valve stem when installing the tire, that way you do not chop the stem during either operation as the bead falls into that recess area.

If a tube is going in, fish it in after first bead is on.
Inflate tube first, then deflate with the valve core removed.
Use some sort of valve tool to hold the stem through the hole, one that screws on.
Try not to pinch the tube as you finish tire install, or you'll find yourself removing to apply a patch!
Once inflated and the bead has popped into place, remove valve core again and deflate, bounce the deflated tire a bunch of times to help center the tube within its cavity in the tire, this helps keep it from wrinkling in there which will cause it to start leaking at a later date.

Tire spoons are handy.
Screwdrivers have sharp edges - not desired tool.
A 12" Crescent wrench works with its flat handle.

Work it on making sure you get the bead down in the recess as you go, work from left, then right, as you approach the stem putting it on.

Be mindful not to cut the stem in either direction, on or off.

Hope this helps.

I started in a tire shop, been doing my own for the bikes ever since, only getting new ones (on my car or truck/RV) will I let them do it.

**edit:
Clean the bead area with a wire brush to make sure it is smooth, use a file on mags if you mar them taking them apart.

Black electrical tape over the spoke nuts inside the rim works if no new protector available.

[DustyDave]

If'n ya can't find anybody ta balance them Float them in a wading pool and add weight to the high side until they float level. Course this method gets the bearings wet so ya gotta repack em.
Dusty

[7and7is]

Well got the first tire mounted, went on pretty easy, and beaded right up, built me a little jig to hold the tire in place as I worked, its one of those old work tables that sears used to sell, some of you older guys will recognize it, the shaft (found on the side of the road while was walking my dog, I think it an old squirrel cage fan axle either way it was a perfect fit) is embedded into a 2"x 4" with some JB weld and the 2"x 4" is bolted to the table worked out pretty good.



You can see were the 2x4 is mounted to the table



Will post up picks when the tires are back on the bike.

[7and7is]

Just in case anyone cares, here is a comparison of the new Baja versus the Avon Cobra, the Avon is a 140 and the Baja is a 130.

[7and7is]

Front is back on the bike, its taking a little time as I am servicing the Timkens while Im in there.

Looks pretty nasty.

[farmall]

Good for you. BTW a tub of tire mounting compound beats soapy water like a rented mule and will last most folks a lifetime (ya just toss the excess back into the tub).
I used soapy water for near thirty years. Not any more. Tire spooge doesn't promote corrosion either which is a bonus. Any decent auto store like NAPA should stock it but I always price check online. (My tub came with an old tire machine.) A stiff parts brush works well to apply it.