J Tires
General notes
Wheel sizes on the J series are 2.75" front and 3.50" rear.
Stock tire sizes are 110/70-17 front and 130/70-17 rear.
Since no one has changed their tires and reported back on it yet, we're not sure that any sizes other than OEM will give enough clearance on the front fender (or out back). Many of the tires listed below come in (taller than stock) 110/80-17 and 130/80-17, but we won't know if they actually fit until someone has mounted them up and reported back.
Many of these tires have been used on the EX250F. Reviews can be found on the tire models page.
If you have any information to add to this page, please post it in the Next Generation forum.
Radials
Your editor checked all the major tire manufacturer websites and most of them didn't have any radials recommended for the (smallish) rim sizes on the EX250J, especially on the rear. Exceptions are listed below. There were one or two that said you could put a 110/70ZR-17 on the front, but none had a compatible rear. Do not combine one radial and one bias-ply tire.
Bridgestone BT-003 Racing Street
Front: 110/70ZR17 Rear: 140/70ZR17
New for 2010, the Bridgestone USA site doesn't have much information on them yet. If you go to Bridgestone Japan, though, you'll see that they will fit on the rims. Since no one has reported on them yet, we won't guarantee how well they'll fit or work on the bike. These are a good track tire, but read the info carefully. Bridgestone puts them between a track day and race tire, and also doesn't recommend them for wet conditions. They are probably not the best choice for a daily rider.
Avon Azaro-ST AV45/AV46 are still being sold in sizes 110/80ZR17 front and 140/80ZR17 rear, but they are being discontinued and their replacement, the Storm-ST AV55/AV56 requires a larger rim than the EX250J has. The Azaro is an 80 profile tire, making it taller than stock, and, as noted above, we're not really sure if it will fit in the front.
Sport bias-ply
Bridgestone BT45
Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17
Metzeler Lasertec
Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17
Pirelli Sport Demon
Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17
Dunlop GT501
Note: The GT501s that were OEM on some 2008 bikes, in sizes 130/70-17 rear and 110/70-17 front, are only available if you live in Australia or Great Britain.
There are no recommendations for GT501s as of Feb 15, 2009. If you want to be our guinea pig, please do so. The closest sizes available are Front: 110/80-17 Rear: 140/80-17.
Touring bias-ply
Avon Roadrider
Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17
Kenda K671
Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17
Michelin Pilot Activ
Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17
IRC Roadwinner RX-01
Front: 110/70-17 Rear: 130/70-17
Don't put IRC tires on your bike. Just don't.
