X-Ply or Radial

As title really, after a new set of tyres and wondered which to get and what the real world difference is between them. I have read a few bits on the web. My old VX800 is no sportsbike (I think she will do about 120mph flat out with a tail wind and going down hill) but I enjoy riding her and making progress when I can.
I was going to get Avon RoadRiders (X-ply) as they are supposed to be an decent allrounder but I can get a pair of Avon Storm 3D X-M for about £20 more. The bike had X-Plys on from new from my understanding are suited to tourers and bikes that carry pillions or luggage, they are also a stronger tyre (ie potholes). But I like the idea of better handling, better contact with the road and better heat dissipation.

Just found the following information. 

Recommended fitments

1    Diagonal cross-ply can be front and rear.
2    Diagonal cross-ply front and bias belted rear.
3    Diagonal cross-ply front and radial rear.
4    Radial front and radial rear.
5    Bias belted front and bias belted rear.

Illegal fitments    


6    Radial front and diagonal cross-ply rear
7    Bias belted front and diagonal cross-ply rear
8    Radial front and bias belted rear

Permitted Fitments

Front Fitment Rear Fitment

X-Ply	X-Ply
	Bias Belt
	Radial
Bias Belt	Bias Belt
	Radial
Radial	Radial

thats very interesting Dave, thanks for the info 

Bridgestone BT-45? Dual compund touring tyre, hard centre line for lots of mileage and a softer edge for more spirited riding, about £130 a pair.

simbo wrote:

Bridgestone BT-45? Dual compund touring tyre, hard centre line for lots of mileage and a softer edge for more spirited riding, about £130 a pair.

£141 is the cheapest I have found for a pair in my size, I had BT45's on my 650 and they did not put a foot wrong. I think I am leaning towards a pair of Radials though, I have read some reviews on the Avon Storm 3D X-M and they all have been good, I can get them for £151 for a pair.
Still searching and scratching my head as which way to go.

Bugger it, in for a penny etc.........

Just ordered a pair of Avon Storm 3D X-M tyres for a total of £151 delivered.

£5 per wheel fitting from I chap I know who manages one of my local large car tyre places, he's a biker and always sees me right.

My old gal has gone modern with high tech tyres.

Avon are good tyres,good buy,Andrew.

make sure you give us a write up of how they handle once there fitted mate

The tyres I have on are still legal but I want to paint the swing arm etc so if I leave it for another 1mm of wear they will need fitting when the weather is better and I will not want to strip the rear end down, catch 22. Also the price was too good to miss, most sites list them at over £200 a pair.
It will a few weeks before I get it sorted.

hahaha I'm also waiting for the weather to pick up before I fit new tyres my front ones getting well iffy lol. yeh cool be good to hear how you rate them mate not fussed about waiting I'm thinking I might go Michelin for my next set but I have always liked Avon last pair I had where  the venoms they where great really held the road