i have a customer with an f1 who wants to replace the pirelli sport demons (which he doesn't like) with something a bit softer. he has been recommended bt45. anyone else have any input?

options i can see are bt45, pilot active, lasertec, am26 roadrider and conti go. i've not heard about the conti go before.

it's a 16/18" bike. currently has a 140/70 rear, i thought it should have 130/80. anyone have experience with the wider rear good or bad?

I'll guess he'd like the Pirelli's better if the rear was a 130/80. Softer as in more compliant, or stickier? I ran the Metzeler's on my F1B and thought they were good. I have experience with the Bridgestone BT45's on a couple other bikes and also like them. I suspect any of those name brands are all making very good street tires nowadays, but 16"/18" wheels will probably always feel just a little quirky, especially if the tire size isn't properly matched to the rim size.
Bill

stickier i think, although i think something about the feel of them has just put him off them.

The only experience I have with Pirelli's was the set that was on my used 748 when I got it years ago. As the front got more worn, it started acting like it had a mind of its own as to where it wanted to go. They also seemed a little slippery, like they weren't warmed up enough. I replaced them with Avon's, which I loved, and that bike has been wearing Avon's ever since. I don't know what model those Pirelli's were, and I know lots of people swear by them, but I'd have a hard time buying any Pirelli's again. The old axiom "Trust Your Tires" is very true. Any little thing that puts a some doubt in your mind about that brand, can put you off them for good.

I've the Avon Roadrider on my F1.

Front size: 120/80V16 (60V) pressure 2.3 Bar
Rear size: 130/80V18 (66V) pressure 2.6 Bar

According to my girl friend (I can't ride myself for health reasons, so she uses my F1) the tires are good.
Mind you, she has more than 25 years experience on bikes, including racing on the track.
She does not use the middle of the tire only -;)

We use the recommended above tire pressures.

Mind, as the bike is used no more than 500 km/year in average and in good weather conditions,
I've given no priority to minimum tire wear or good performance in heavy rain.

we're going bt45 v rated with the 130/80 rear.

the avon rear is nil stock locally for a couple of months