Author Topic: Tyres - availability & experiences (Read 7234 times)

Maturin · « **on:** June 12, 2011, 03:34:25 AM »

There are not too many manufacturers for the Bullet-specific tyres anymore. On the other hand it´s easily possible to order from all around the world with low price differences.
I´d like to summarise all the experience with well and less well known tyre brands, as by now these are spread ll over the forum. If possible, post e-mail-addresses or phone numbers for availibility, aswell as prices.

AVON: http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle

stock: F:Speedmaster Mk II 3.25-19
stock: R: Safety Mileage MkII 3.50-19
F: AM20 90/90-19
F: Roadrider AM26 90/90-19
R: Roadrider AM26 100/90-19

MITAS http://www.mitas.cz/index.php?stranka=400&scid=7

F: H-01 3.25-19
F: H-16 3.25-19
F: H-14 90/90-19
R: H-02 3.50-19

METZLER http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/default.page

F: Lasertec Front 3.25-19
F: PERFECT ME 11 3.25 - 19
F: Block K 3.25-19 for sidecar use
R: Block K 3.50-19 for sidecar use
R: Block C 3.50-19

HEIDENAU http://www.reifenwerk-heidenau.de/?lang=en

F: K 34 3.25 - 19
F: K 44 3.25 - 19
R: K 34 3.50 - 19
F: K 65 90/90 - 19
R: K 65 100/90 - 19
F: K 53 3.25 - 19

DUNLOP http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.eu/dunlop_euen/mc/

F: Arrowmax GT 501 FJ 3.25-19
F: D 401 Elite 90/90-19
F: D 408 90/90-19
R: K81 TT100 100/90 - 19
F: K70 3.25-19
R: K70 3.50-19
It seems that the K70 in 3.25-19 and 3.50-19 is still available in the UK here:
http://www.vintagetyres.com/results.asp?m=51&ds=motorcycle%20tyres&dc=103&sort=sort_size&mw=2&st_01=motorcycle%20and%20not%20tube&sf_01=type
and in the US here:
https://www.universaltire.com/motorcycle-tires.html?p=2

CHENG SHIN http://www.cst.com.tw/ since you need a solid knowledge of the Taiwanesian language to read that I used a link on that side and asume thereafter that they´re selling their rubbers here: http://www.maxxis.com/

F: M6011 Classic Front 90/90-19

ENSIGN http://www.vintagetyres.com/results.asp?m=61&ds=motorcycle%20tyres&dc=103&sort=sort_size&mw=2&st_01=motorcycle%20and%20not%20tube&sf_01=type

F: 3.25-19 ROAD TYRE: UNIVERSAL
R: 3.50-19 ROAD TYRE: UNIVERSAL

CONTINENTAL http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/motorcycle/general/home/index_en.html

F: ContiGo! 3.25-19
F: RB 2 3.25-19

MICHELIN http://www.michelin.co.uk/motorcycles/

F: Pilot Active 3.25-19

PIRELLI http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/ww/en/motorcycle.html

F: MT 66 Route 90/90-19
F: MT 60 90/90-19
F: City Demon Front 90/90-19

Bridgestone http://www.bridgestone.eu/tyres/motorcycles/bridgestone-motorcycle-tyres

F: BT 45 F 3.25-19

DURO http://www.durobike.com/products/motorcycle.php

F: HF 317 3.25-19
F: HF 314 3.25-19 (Treat is similar to Dunlop K81)

List will be completed bit by bit. I focused on the odd 19´ as the EFI-18` are easier to get. Input is welcome, I´ll update the list accordingly.
What I didn´t get is this 3.60/4.10-thing. Are these usuable without disadvantages? What is the difference between 3.25 and 3.60 respectivly 4.10 and 3.50?

GreenMachine · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2011, 10:08:10 AM »

I looked into Duro and Mitas tires in the U.S.. No go as they are not sold in this country..For example, Mitas sells agricultural tires and even though their website says they sell motorcycle tires I talked to their rep. out of North Carolina,. He says he cant even get them...Many of the tires u mention u can get out of England and EU but the shipping, currency conversion and customs makes the cost at twice the price if not more....Our sponsor sells a good variety and some of the fellows are finding other sources within this market to satisfy their requirements..You can't beat some of the prices right now for K-70's and was looking at the Coker website and they have what I swear are the K70's but they call them something different for a higher price. Coker has really cool vintage tires for just about everything but not much in a 3.5 x 19" range/. They have a diamond block tire design that is so cool but just a wee bit to much tire for our machines... I really like the duros and the Mitas H-01 are just fantastic for a vintage tire look . Of course the ones I like I can't get without paying at least twice the cost....But I guess if I really wanted them I shell out the additional cost for getting them from the European market..The reality is I can live with what I can easily obtain here and no worst fro the wear....Cheers

Maturin · « **Reply #2 on:** June 13, 2011, 11:24:17 AM »

Quote from: GreenMachine on June 12, 2011, 10:08:10 AM

I looked into Duro and Mitas tires in the U.S.. No go as they are not sold in this country

That´s a surprise! These Mitas guys even have a decent website in several languages, including a link to an importer in the US! I guess they´re underestimate their market chances...
But this list shall give an overview as complete as possible. As you mentioned, Br. GreenMachine, there is always a way to get something - for money! But you know...sometimes I just want something in particular..and nothing else, and I don´t care about the cost...you got the picture. I´m usually quite picky in terms of tires, and just want to support the like-minded.

GreenMachine · « **Reply #3 on:** June 13, 2011, 12:32:40 PM »

Yes and agree if those are the tyres u want by all means get what u desire..

boggy · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2011, 09:00:32 AM »

This is a great list.

bman734 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 25, 2011, 07:54:03 AM »

I must admit as well that the thin tires .scare me a bit but have learned to trust them.

Maturin · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2011, 02:51:44 PM »

What scares me much more than the skinnyness of these rubbers is the fact, that there are no new tyre modells available for the rear. In the front you can even get a Michelin Pilot or a Bridgestone BT45, but aft?
There are some Heidenaus that are pretty new, but in a recent tyre test of a German magazine they prooved to be miles behind the latest from France or Japan.
Any ideas what could fit with a Michelin on the bow?

singhg5 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2011, 04:57:34 PM »

It is a great table you have put together, Maturin. Danke !

Ice · « **Reply #8 on:** June 29, 2011, 08:50:02 PM »

Thank You Maturin !!

Arizoni · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2011, 01:11:20 AM »

To each their own as they say, but I thought it interesting to read that the original BSA A6 and A10 as well as the A50 and A65 all weighed within a few pounds of the current RE's and they all used the 3.25 sized front and 3.50 sized rear tires.

No doubt the materials of today's tires are vastly superior to the tires in the 50's and 60's in both grip and wear but these "pizza cutter" tires look right at home to me on a Royal Enfield.

Then again, I'm old fashioned. My muzzleloading rifles are mainly Flintlocks and I don't own even one of the new styled muzzleloaders.

barenekd · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2011, 10:11:46 AM »

Those new style muzzleloaders should just be called "Cheaters." They are ridiculous.
Give me a good ol' flintlock any day.
Bare

GlennF · « **Reply #11 on:** June 30, 2011, 07:51:47 PM »

Bear in mind what gives tyres like the Mitas H02 that distinctive vintage "look" is they are a square profile (the tyre width equals the tyre thickness from rim to tread.) .

Most modern road tyres are low profile.

boggy · « **Reply #12 on:** July 01, 2011, 04:23:11 PM »

Does the squareness of the tire lend itself to stability at speed? Some folks here report squirrely handling at higher speeds while I feel my RE's fairly steady at 65+.

I'm wondering if the old school Avon square style are more stable than say, round Dunlops.

Maturin · « **Reply #13 on:** July 01, 2011, 05:47:02 PM »

It´s not possible to tell the stability of a tyre by looking at the profile. Important at higher speeds is the internal stability of the carcass, meaning the ability to maintain a shape fitting to the tread, namely either rolling, acellerating or stopping. Providing comfort and damping ability are on the to-do list aswell, so there are a lot of compromises.

One difference between modern, plain treats and oldschool gritty ones is, however, the behavior beeing in threshold. With old fashioned profiles this threshold usually begins earlier and is easier to detect, whereas the overall performance is weaker.

All of the above are very general statements, though. Bikes like the Bullet, having an old fashioned geometry and weight distribution in combination with tiny tyres do not automatically improve their roadholding by using modern tyres, as they´re usually not designed for this kind of vehicle.
These Avons (as well as the Dunlops) are made for these - and similar - bikes and although I miss certain features I´m used to riding modern bikes, these obsolete rubbers work pretty well on our mule.
I´d give these K70 Dunlops a chance if I can get them anywhere in Germany. I´d prefer the K 81, but if I can talk the TÜV guy into accepting a 3.60/4.10...well, worth a try

GlennF · « **Reply #14 on:** July 11, 2011, 10:56:44 PM »

Quote from: boggy on July 01, 2011, 04:23:11 PM

Does the squareness of the tire lend itself to stability at speed? Some folks here report squirrely handling at higher speeds while I feel my RE's fairly steady at 65+.

I'm wondering if the old school Avon square style are more stable than say, round Dunlops.

If you mean the high speed issues with some (but not all) C5's I am pretty sure that was tracked down to the nylon bush the C5 uses in the swing arm. If you have that issue the fix is to replace the nylon bush with a brass one, you can buy adapter kits.

EDIT: Apparently the brass bush only helps reduce rather than eliminates the issue

single · « **Reply #15 on:** July 14, 2011, 05:57:11 AM »

Really cool thread,Maturin,thank you.

GSS · « **Reply #16 on:** July 16, 2011, 07:03:28 AM »

Quote from: GlennF on July 11, 2011, 10:56:44 PM

If you mean the high speed issues with some (but not all) C5's I am pretty sure that was tracked down to the nylon bush the C5 uses in the swing arm. If you have that issue the fix is to replace the nylon bush with a brass one, you can buy adapter kits.

The tires are indeed part of the story. The reduced front rake on the C5 combined with the small 90-90/18 (with a hard, round profile Avon AM26) does make things exciting at high speeds. Many of us have found that reducing tyre pressure to 18 front and 22 back along with meticulous wheel alignment significantly improves this issue. RE has actually gone to using a larger 19" front wheel in India and this helps with the stability. All said, the C5 is a great bike....unique styling and fun handling!

Maturin · « **Reply #17 on:** July 23, 2011, 05:16:53 PM »

Quote from: GSS on July 16, 2011, 07:03:28 AM

All said, the C5 is a great bike....unique styling and fun handling!

...some say: fun styling and unique handling

Maturin · « **Reply #18 on:** July 31, 2011, 02:42:20 PM »

Just found out that C5 owners can get the Bridgestone Bt45 for front and rear.

http://www.motorcycle-karttires.com/tires.aspx?LookupID=Size

As the BT45 is considered to be one of the best tyres for youngtimers and probably superior to the Avon AM26, it is a prime recommendation for riders who like to push their Bullet a little. Especially the abilities in weat conditions seem to be exellent.
I wish they would come in 19´.

olhogrider · « **Reply #19 on:** July 31, 2011, 09:24:12 PM »

Thanks! That's what all the fast Sportster riders use. I have a set on my Suzuki Cafe project but I was wondering if they made them in C5 size. I have 4000 miles on the Avon and it looks like it has about 1000 left on the rear.

jartist · « **Reply #20 on:** August 01, 2011, 02:17:52 AM »

I've seen some people are using what looks like a 3.50 tire on the bullet classics and it seems to be a rear tire tread. I like the look. Anyone have experience with this?

Maturin · « **Reply #21 on:** August 02, 2011, 11:38:42 AM »

Quote from: jartist on August 01, 2011, 02:17:52 AM

I've seen some people are using what looks like a 3.50 tire on the bullet classics and it seems to be a rear tire tread. I like the look. Anyone have experience with this?

Did you mean a 3.50-18 on a C5´s rear? If you don´t have to face the German TÜV (and in the States you haven´t, luckily

) that could probably be done when replacing the front with a 3.25-18 aswell.
In this case there is a nice Dunlop K82 that is available in both sizes. It´s not even expensive, and as far as I know usable at bow and stern.

jartist · « **Reply #22 on:** August 02, 2011, 01:55:39 PM »

Sorry, I didn't specify which bike I've got. I have the G5 which has the 19" wheels front and rear. I figured out the tires I'm talking about are the K70 which seem to have the same tread pattern front and rear. Looks like there's plenty of room under the front fender for a 3.50 tire.

GlennF · « **Reply #23 on:** August 02, 2011, 06:13:57 PM »

Quote from: jartist on August 02, 2011, 01:55:39 PM

Sorry, I didn't specify which bike I've got. I have the G5 which has the 19" wheels front and rear. I figured out the tires I'm talking about are the K70 which seem to have the same tread pattern front and rear. Looks like there's plenty of room under the front fender for a 3.50 tire.

Pretty sure the rims are same width front and back. Being a square profile the tire will be wider and higher.

Be aware a larger front will effect the trail of the bike and could change (for better or worse) handling. That said, its unlikely a 0.25" change will have much effect.

Maturin · « **Reply #24 on:** August 03, 2011, 05:59:00 AM »

I second Br. GlenF. Especially when there seems to be a K70 3.25-19 available either in the US as well as Europe. There are some people in the forum who did that change, though, with good results on the iron barrel. Theoretically using a 3.50 on the front should impair handling and hinder fast cornering.

barenekd · « **Reply #25 on:** August 17, 2011, 04:12:53 PM »

And the G5 doesn't need any hindrance in that department!
With the extra rake it comes with vs the C5, it's a bit slower handling and pushes a bit with the stock front tire (Avon)
I'd go with the 3.25 K70 on the front of a G5.

Bare

iowarider · « **Reply #26 on:** August 25, 2011, 02:44:34 PM »

Quote from: Maturin on August 03, 2011, 05:59:00 AM

I second Br. GlenF. Especially when there seems to be a K70 3.25-19 available either in the US as well as Europe. There are some people in the forum who did that change, though, with good results on the iron barrel. Theoretically using a 3.50 on the front should impair handling and hinder fast cornering.

http://www.bikebandit.com/dunlop-k70-vintage-motorcycle-tire

3.25x19= $70.45
3.50X19= $69.99
they only show 4.00X18 and it goes for $74.86. does not include shipping.

barenekd · « **Reply #27 on:** August 25, 2011, 04:03:15 PM »

I just got a 3.50-19 K70 and a 3.25-19 K70 for my G5 for $136 delivered to my door from
www.motorcycle-superstore.com
If you're looking for the 3.50 though, it is listed as a front tire. Have no fear, they work on either end and are not directional. If you have directional arrows on a tire and you're going to run a front one on the rear, it needs to be mounted backwards.
Bare

iowarider · « **Reply #28 on:** August 25, 2011, 04:10:49 PM »

Since you have ridden other tires, let me know how the k70 works for you. It sure does match the bike in appearance. At least to me.

baird4444 · « **Reply #29 on:** August 25, 2011, 10:56:02 PM »

the 3.50 looks great on the front end...
these are only a 4,000 mile tire on the rear- Mike

single · « **Reply #30 on:** August 26, 2011, 09:08:12 PM »

I just ordered a 3.50 for the rear of Jolly.Rear tire is really square but hardly worn at all at 8800 miles,but the cracks are scary lookin'.12 years old.Had to refy the home,but tired of worrying about it.This way,got a H.D. tube and a rim liner for 89 bucks,same place as Barenkd.Delivered.Can hardly wait.

iowarider · « **Reply #31 on:** August 26, 2011, 10:58:33 PM »

Which tire did you go with. Oh, as for the 12 year old tire. Worn or not it was due to be replaced, you did good. I sold tires and batteries on line for a major retailer, think Kenmore. Sorry, I had to actually sign and agreement to not use there name outside of my payed work time. Any way, we got the tire age question all the time. The American Tire Association says five years if stored properly. Proper storage is off the ground and out of the sun.

Sorry, more than you ever wanted to know, first time I actually new something to add to a post

Maturin · « **Reply #32 on:** September 04, 2011, 10:47:42 AM »

Here are pictures of the tires of my G5, front after 8200 kms, rear after 14500 kms. The first front AVON AM6 was down after 6300 kms, because I constantly drove with 1,8-2,0 bar. After I had changed the tire I went to 1,3-1,5 bar, so it was possible to prolong it´s life almost 30%! Most other features improved aswell with the lower pressure, especially the tire temperature and adhesion. The only disadvantage is a light wiggle when the road surface got uneven.
I got myself a pair of AVON AM26 now. I keep you posted about how they´re doing.

olhogrider · « **Reply #33 on:** September 04, 2011, 11:01:29 AM »

For my fellow Americans that means you went from 29'psi to 23'psi. To us a bar is a place to park your Harley or become a lawyer.

barenekd · « **Reply #34 on:** September 04, 2011, 02:08:08 PM »

I have put about 200 miles on my K70 3.25x19 and and 3.50x19 and love 'em. Much more precise steering, quicker handling, and better stability than the Avons They have it all, even done a minimal amount of dirt work in which they were very nice.
The only question that remains is tire life, but for $68.00 I'm not going to worry about it much.
The best part of the deal was getting charged $30.00 at the little bike shop on the corner for the tire changes. I took the wheels off and took the front tire off and took the new ones down to get them taken care of. Couldn't believe it. I took my last set of tires and bike down to the Honda shop and the cost was $116.00. That was on the Triumph. The Triumph dealer wanted more than that!
God, it's good to play "little ball" again!
Bare

GlennF · « **Reply #35 on:** September 13, 2011, 12:56:40 AM »

Quote from: barenekd on September 04, 2011, 02:08:08 PM

I have put about 200 miles on my K70 3.25x19 and and 3.50x19 and love 'em. Much more precise steering, quicker handling, and better stability than the Avons They have it all, even done a minimal amount of dirt work in which they were very nice.

What sort of dirt work ? I have been considering a Mitas SW-07 3.75x19 rear but its actually a Speedway tire and may not even be road legal.

barenekd · « **Reply #36 on:** September 13, 2011, 07:53:08 AM »

Just some easy dirt roads and stuff like that. I'm net in good enough shape to tackle the rough scrambles and enduro stuff any more. Just looking at that and contemplating it blows my skirt up in my face.
bare

Maturin · « **Reply #37 on:** September 15, 2011, 03:02:07 AM »

Just curious: did anyone put a pair of Bridgestone BT45 on a C5? How do they work?

bob bezin · « **Reply #38 on:** September 15, 2011, 11:52:58 AM »

just replaced my k 81's at 3,500 miles they were pretty worn and i picked up a 3 inch nail at 55+ mph ,maybe60 mph.pheww what a ride that was.

GlennF · « **Reply #39 on:** September 16, 2011, 01:05:34 AM »

WRT to some of the weird sizes on older tyres like 3.60 or 4.10 its to do with lower profiles. A imperial tire size that is not in standard 0.25" increments is a lower profile tire, usually at 82% unless specified, and the number is width in inches. This article may help.

http://www.nocnsw.org.au/tyres.html

Maturin · « **Reply #40 on:** September 16, 2011, 03:33:18 PM »

Thank´s for the link, GlenF. Very helpfull and a good read!

Finally a mechanic sucesfully managed to get the AM26s on my whels without doing anything wrong. Amazingly three attempts were necessary: first time sidestroke, second time air loss. I noticed that climbing up the Grossglockner! http://www.grossglockner.at/en/

Now there on, and are a major dissapointment. To my surprise I´ve got a high-speed wobble now! Indeed with the ancient stock profile not very swift leastwise rock steady straight, Precious now tends to wobble when sidewinds hit or the surface get´s uneven. She even takes this wobble along when getting inclined! I suspect I found a reason, if not the reason for the C5´s lack of stability over 100 km/h. I may repeat, since the BT45 is available there is really no reason to take another tire for the C5.
Otherwise these modern AVONs are quite well, adhesion seem to be more than enough and due to the round profile of the rear tire she feels better when heavily inclined. That´s the only outstanding advantage over the stocks, though.
The wobble gets much worse when the front´tire´s pressure is increased. I tested 1,3 bar to 2,0 bar in the front and it gets better with less air. I even tried 1,0 bar and the straight running ability gains, but the cornering stability suffers.
At the end I cannot recommend the Avon AM26, for I don´t see a desirable improvement. I´m not sure if I like to keep them. Regards
Maturin

Eamon · « **Reply #41 on:** September 16, 2011, 06:36:56 PM »

Quote from: Maturin on September 16, 2011, 03:33:18 PM

Thank´s for the link, GlenF. Very helpfull and a good read!

Finally a mechanic sucesfully managed to get the AM26s on my whels without doing anything wrong. Amazingly three attempts were necessary: first time sidestroke, second time air loss. I noticed that climbing up the Grossglockner! http://www.grossglockner.at/en/

Now there on, and are a major dissapointment. To my surprise I´ve got a high-speed wobble now! Indeed with the ancient stock profile not very swift leastwise rock steady straight, Precious now tends to wobble when sidewinds hit or the surface get´s uneven. She even takes this wobble along when getting inclined! I suspect I found a reason, if not the reason for the C5´s lack of stability over 100 km/h. I may repeat, since the BT45 is available there is really no reason to take another tire for the C5.
Otherwise these modern AVONs are quite well, adhesion seem to be more than enough and due to the round profile of the rear tire she feels better when heavily inclined. That´s the only outstanding advantage over the stocks, though.
The wobble gets much worse when the front´tire´s pressure is increased. I tested 1,3 bar to 2,0 bar in the front and it gets better with less air. I even tried 1,0 bar and the straight running ability gains, but the cornering stability suffers.
At the end I cannot recommend the Avon AM26, for I don´t see a desirable improvement. I´m not sure if I like to keep them. Regards
Maturin

I feel there must be a reason for your wobble other than the AM26's themselves - maybe wheel alignment? A lot of people run them on their iron barrels and AVL's and ought to be in the same sizes as your G5. Are you running 90/90-19 and 100/90-19 sizes (front and rear, respectively)? I know people have found very low tire pressures to work for them on their C5's, but on my iron barrel, anything much less than 26-28 psi makes my bike feel unstable. I like 28-30psi front - not sure what that translates to in bars. In any case, I can take my hands off the handlebars at 65mph and the bike is rock steady. The only reason I'm going to switch from my AM26's soon (the rear is nearly to the wear marks) is that their fantastic grip on wet or dry pavement does not translate well to the dirt and gravel of unpaved roads! All that said, I personally don't have a problem with the stock Speedmaster/Safety Mileage combo other than they are more expensive than K70's or similar options.

Eamon

barenekd · « **Reply #42 on:** September 16, 2011, 08:42:10 PM »

Did you put a 4.10 on it? That could be the problem. The 4.10s are for WM3 rims and don't take kindly to being squished down to fit in the WM2 rims.
Bare

Maturin · « **Reply #43 on:** September 17, 2011, 06:09:42 AM »

It´s extremely odd I have to admit, but I can´t see any other reason for this instability than the new tires. They´re the normal 90/90 and 100/90s, correct running direction with properly adjusted wheel alignment. It´s even more stunning, as the mule was going rock steady straight on with the worn down AVONs AM6/7, and felt pretty transformed after the tire change wobbling with brand new AM26ers!
As I said before the effect can be reduced by lowering tire presure on the front. Actually I blame the front for the wobble, as tire pressure on the rear has no effect on it and otherwise all instability seems to come from the front.
Ironically I had the opportunity to test the Heidenau K44/K34 combo when I was lend my dealer´s demo B5, a couple of days ago. This was amazing, although I cannot really say where the impressing stability really came from: the brand new bike or the brand new tires. It was quite a pleasant ride, and I´m vexed with not getting one of these instead. But I´m not sure if I can finally make up my mind spending another 200€. At least not this year, the riding season in Germany will end in Ocober anyway. Maybe I´ll make myself a Christmas present...

singhg5 · « **Reply #44 on:** September 17, 2011, 04:20:17 PM »

Quote from: Eamon on September 16, 2011, 06:36:56 PM

I know people have found very low tire pressures to work for them on their C5's, but on my iron barrel, anything much less than 26-28 psi makes my bike feel unstable. I like 28-30psi front - not sure what that translates to in bars. In any case, I can take my hands off the handlebars at 65mph and the bike is rock steady.

I personally don't have a problem with the stock Speedmaster/Safety Mileage combo other than they are more expensive than K70's or similar options.

Quote from: Maturin on September 17, 2011, 06:09:42 AM

It´s even more stunning, as the mule was going rock steady straight on with the worn down AVONs AM6/7, and felt pretty transformed after the tire change wobbling with brand new AM26ers!

As I said before the effect can be reduced by lowering tire presure on the front. Actually I blame the front for the wobble, as tire pressure on the rear has no effect on it and otherwise all instability seems to come from the front.

@Eamon & @Maturin:

Thought I share my experience with AVON Speedmaster (OEM on my G5) tyres in front and rear. I have been experimenting with air pressure for the last few weeks because bike has vibrations mostly concentrated in the handlebar. These are my results.

Front Tyre Pressure Handlebar Vibrations

<18 PSI ........................ Lots of vibrations - long amplitude & long duration

20 PSI .......................... Less vibrations - Reduced amplitude

22 PSI .......................... Lesser vibrations - small amplitude, shorter duration

24 PSI............................ (Since Eamon has 28 psi, I will try 24 on my G5

)

The rear tyre pressure though not so critical, but I have increased from 24 to 29 psi these days.

Another observation is that I now quickly speed out of RPM-Range that induces engine vibrations. Once the bike starts vibrating, the frame keeps on oscillating for much longer period - like a tuning fork that has been stuck once but it keeps producing sound for long time after that.

GlennF · « **Reply #45 on:** September 19, 2011, 05:51:08 PM »

Another 19" tyre for the list ...

KENDA K268F STANDARD STREET in 3.50/19 and 3.25/19
http://www.motosportxperts.com/kenda-k268f-standard-street-p-869.html

absolutely no idea what they are like.

The other tire worth considering is the Avon 100/90H19 Super Venom AM18 which I believe is no longer made but you can occasionally track down left over NOS stock.

GlennF · « **Reply #46 on:** September 22, 2011, 08:46:10 PM »

In terms of tires with a bit more off road capability:

Shinko SR241 Front/Rear Dual Sport 3.50/19"

It uses same tread as the old Dunlop Trials Universal. Unfortunately does not come in 3.25 for the front.

jartist · « **Reply #47 on:** September 24, 2011, 11:31:54 PM »

I just ordered the k70 3.50 x 19 front and rear for my G5. I like the look of the bigger tire on the front and the convenience of running the same tire all around. I figure if I don't like it I can swap the front for the stock 3.25 and save the 3.50 as a spare for when the rear wears out.

olhogrider · « **Reply #48 on:** September 24, 2011, 11:50:28 PM »

Quote from: jartist on September 24, 2011, 11:31:54 PM

I just ordered the k70 3.50 x 19 front and rear for my G5. I like the look of the bigger tire on the front and the convenience of running the same tire all around. I figure if I don't like it I can swap the front for the stock 3.25 and save the 3.50 as a spare for when the rear wears out.

I wish you could have seen the 4.00 on the rear of my bike. It is taller but no wider than the 110 Avon I took off.

GlennF · « **Reply #49 on:** September 28, 2011, 12:43:58 AM »

Another alternative for front rubber:

IRC GS11 available in 3.25/19 and 3.50/19

jartist · « **Reply #50 on:** September 28, 2011, 01:56:39 PM »

I had the gs11s on my 1970 BMW r75/5. Cheap, average wear, average grip, followed rain grooves. Fairly ho-hum but economical and serviceable.

baird4444 · « **Reply #51 on:** September 28, 2011, 06:04:14 PM »

I do like the rounder profile and tread pattern. Kinda retro fer the Enfield.
when you say average wear; is like the 4,000 miles that the K-70 is given
or better?

- Mike

jartist · « **Reply #52 on:** September 28, 2011, 07:51:05 PM »

Probably about the same as the K70s or a bit better. I only had the bike for another 1000 miles after I switched to the IRCs but in that time I'd say they probably wore about 1/6th of the tread. Sorry about the vague info.

GlennF · « **Reply #53 on:** October 04, 2011, 05:31:50 PM »

More Road tires:

Cheng Shin.
Seems Cheng Shin make a 3.50-19 .

MRF.
The Indian forums regularly recommend the MRF 3.50-19 57P Nylogrip Plus however not sure if they are available or approved outside India.

Offroad:

Enduro/Duro
This tire appears on German sites ... DURO HF-311 Enduro 3.50 - 19 4PR

single · « **Reply #54 on:** October 12, 2011, 08:55:13 AM »

Just want to add that I have a few hundred miles one the K70s now and am pleased enough,no bad habits.Do notice rain grooves but can now put up with them for the most part,26-28 psi.

barenekd · « **Reply #55 on:** October 12, 2011, 11:56:14 AM »

I've had the K70s on my G5 for about 1000 miles now and have started to push them a bit. They are everything I could've asked for in a tire. They are very neutral and precise steering. They stick very well. They handle well in the dirt. They don't push the front end like the Avons did. Frankly, I think the Avons that come on the G5 are garbage.
I don't notice the rain grooves, but my front tire pressure is a bit lower (24 psi ) than Single's.
They are my choice for a tire. they have given me confidence in the Bullet that I never had with the Avons. They may not last as long as some of the others, but my experience with some of the Cheng Shins and such would not cause me to buy them. They are too hard and and don't stick particularly well. Granted most of you guys don't appear to ride like I do, so it may not make a difference to you, but I prefer performance to long mileage. Ya know the old adage, How fast do you want to go? How much money do you have? Fortunately though, the K70's are a steal.
Bare

GlennF · « **Reply #56 on:** October 12, 2011, 08:21:18 PM »

Quote from: barenekd on October 12, 2011, 11:56:14 AM

I've had the K70s on my G5 for about 1000 miles now and have started to push them a bit. They are everything I could've asked for in a tire. They are very neutral and precise steering. They stick very well. They handle well in the dirt. They don't push the front end like the Avons did. Frankly, I think the Avons that come on the G5 are garbage.
I don't notice the rain grooves, but my front tire pressure is a bit lower (24 psi ) than Single's.
They are my choice for a tire. they have given me confidence in the Bullet that I never had with the Avons. They may not last as long as some of the others, but my experience with some of the Cheng Shins and such would not cause me to buy them. They are too hard and and don't stick particularly well. Granted most of you guys don't appear to ride like I do, so it may not make a difference to you, but I prefer performance to long mileage. Ya know the old adage, How fast do you want to go? How much money do you have? Fortunately though, the K70's are a steal.
Bare

You are using 3.25 front and 3.50 rear ?

How is the rear going with regard to wear ? I have heard stories of K70 rears needing replacing after less than 2000 miles.

boggy · « **Reply #57 on:** October 13, 2011, 11:04:11 AM »

Quote from: barenekd on October 12, 2011, 11:56:14 AM

I've had the K70s on my G5 for about 1000 miles now and have started to push them a bit. They are everything I could've asked for in a tire. They are very neutral and precise steering. They stick very well.

So you find these tires to be super sticky on the pavement? Are these the tires for knee dropping (or my best impression of it)? I'll probably never see a lick of dirt, but I want something that will make me confident to tear up on/off ramps.

barenekd · « **Reply #58 on:** October 13, 2011, 12:27:46 PM »

3.25 front, 3.50 rear.
They stick quite well, but I'm not ready to put them up against 190 sized Superbike tires. I used to drag my knees with those, I don't quite think K70s will do that. I never saw Surtees or Hailwood do it, either! We just don't have the surface area here. I was riding pretty hard Sunday in the mountains and they didn't slip.
No particularly discernible wear yet. I expect to get at least 4000 miles out out them. I'm fairly easy on tires generally, but I can get ripping in the mountains, but to look at the percentage of my riding there the tires usually last me awhile. My Superbike tires would usually give me about 5000 miles. I know some guys who could burn up a set of tires in a couple of thousand miles. I didn't ride with them. They were obviously nuttier than I. But they lived in one section of mountain road and that was their racetrack. They spent every weekend running up and down the same section of road and knew it intimately. I spread myself out all over SoCal from Julian to Santa Maria. Even throwing in some track days, I never really spent enough time at any of the tracks ever to feel 100 percent confident through every corner.
Bare

jartist · « **Reply #59 on:** October 15, 2011, 04:11:03 PM »

I just got about 150 miles on the k70 3.50 front and rear on my G5. Rode dry pavement, dirt, gravel, and some slightly technical rocky stuff and they exceeded my expectations. The steering is maybe just a tad heavier with the 3.50 k70s than the 3.25 speedmasters but the k70s are way more grippy and the steering is still neutral. They are very stable at freeway speeds and don't seem to "push" like the Avons wanted to. The k70s don't get as squirrelly on the rain groves as the IRC GP11s did on my BMW but squirm a bit. I'm running 24psi front and 28psi rear.

barenekd · « **Reply #60 on:** October 17, 2011, 03:32:04 PM »

The 3.25 K70 definitely doesn't push like the Avons. It tracks exremely well.
Bare

Maturin · « **Reply #61 on:** November 12, 2011, 02:55:50 PM »

At the end I have to admit that the money spend an the AVON AM26ers was blown into the oven. They just didn´t make it straightforward in their own right, neither with 1,3 bar nor with 2,0. Finally I was fed up with swerving about and got myself a pair of

Heidenau K44 front 3.25 and K34 rear 3.50
http://www.reifenwerk-heidenau.de/modules/reifenliste/view.php?point=2&rtyp=9

wich seem to have cured most of my problems with the rubber sector. Today I could do a test ride of some 60kms in late autumn temperatures ( 5-10°C). I´m quite impressed, the stability problems above 80 km/h I encountered with the AM26 were just blown off, the Heidenaus run dead straight up to 120 kms. However, the handling is more on the stubborn side now, but that´s the way I like it and the Bullet, beeing an Enfield, is still very nimble compared with other bikes of it´s size. Steering precision is good, there is a slight tendency to understeer but maybe it´s owed to the rubber nipples that are not yet worn. I can´t say much about the behavoir beeing heavily cantered or very hot, as the road conditions are very treacherous these days and I had to be extremly carefull. I´ll keep you posted!
5 kms before I reached home I passed a car accident on the Autobahn and the driver really managed to set the cage on the roof. I hope noone is seriously injured, but it was an excellent reminder what all is about: to make it home alive. Best regards
Maturin

GlennF · « **Reply #62 on:** January 03, 2012, 09:17:19 PM »

Quote from: Maturin on November 12, 2011, 02:55:50 PM

At the end I have to admit that the money spend an the AVON AM26ers was blown into the oven. They just didn´t make it straightforward in their own right, neither with 1,3 bar nor with 2,0. Finally I was fed up with swerving about and got myself a pair of

Heidenau K44 front 3.25 and K34 rear 3.50
http://www.reifenwerk-heidenau.de/modules/reifenliste/view.php?point=2&rtyp=9

wich seem to have cured most of my problems with the rubber sector. Today I could do a test ride of some 60kms in late autumn temperatures ( 5-10°C). I´m quite impressed, the stability problems above 80 km/h I encountered with the AM26 were just blown off, the Heidenaus run dead straight up to 120 kms. However, the handling is more on the stubborn side now, but that´s the way I like it and the Bullet, beeing an Enfield, is still very nimble compared with other bikes of it´s size. Steering precision is good, there is a slight tendency to understeer but maybe it´s owed to the rubber nipples that are not yet worn. I can´t say much about the behavoir beeing heavily cantered or very hot, as the road conditions are very treacherous these days and I had to be extremly carefull. I´ll keep you posted!
5 kms before I reached home I passed a car accident on the Autobahn and the driver really managed to set the cage on the roof. I hope noone is seriously injured, but it was an excellent reminder what all is about: to make it home alive. Best regards
Maturin

So how did these shape up several months down the track ?

Maturin · « **Reply #63 on:** January 08, 2012, 06:43:36 AM »

Sry Glen, winter in Bavaria. I covered a couple of hundered kilometers with the Heidenaus under harsh conditions and it was madatory to drive extremly carefull, so I couldn´t test them properly. Can´t wait for spring *deep sigh*. I´ll keep you posted when temperatures rise. Best regards

GreenMachine · « **Reply #64 on:** January 08, 2012, 09:54:25 AM »

winter in bavaria....sounds beautiful and lots of the white stuff...I'm going to c if i can buy those tires here in the U.S.

singhg5 · « **Reply #65 on:** January 08, 2012, 08:25:16 PM »

Quote from: Maturin on November 12, 2011, 02:55:50 PM

Finally I was fed up with swerving about and got myself a pair of

Heidenau K44 front 3.25 and K34 rear 3.50
http://www.reifenwerk-heidenau.de/modules/reifenliste/view.php?point=2&rtyp=9

wich seem to have cured most of my problems with the rubber sector. Today I could do a test ride of some 60kms in late autumn temperatures ( 5-10°C). I´m quite impressed, the stability problems above 80 km/h I encountered with the AM26 were just blown off, the Heidenaus run dead straight up to 120 kms.

That is pretty good. Can you post pictures of your new tires ? Thanks in advance.

SHIFTYMACK · « **Reply #66 on:** June 19, 2012, 02:37:38 PM »

Just instaled AM26's front and rear. seems like most off the new tyres are made to run tubeless. makes the sidewalls a little stiffer. get ready to work up a sweat changing them. The bike (04 bullet 65) handles so much better you can drag footpegs with ease. only problem is the aspect ratio. the diff.between width (100) and heigth (90) 90% The stock tires 3.25 frt 350 rear are as tall as they are wide. so the new tires change the gearing. (lower) just food for thought.

AgentX · « **Reply #67 on:** June 20, 2012, 10:56:41 PM »

Quote from: barenekd on October 17, 2011, 03:32:04 PM

The 3.25 K70 definitely doesn't push like the Avons. It tracks exremely well.
Bare

My initial impression of the K70s is quite good, as well. Certainly not inferior on pavement to the AM26s I was running on my previous bike. And better for mixed conditions. I rode alongside a traffic jam in the dirt and broken concrete yesterday without the slightest insecurity.

Blltrdr · « **Reply #68 on:** June 21, 2012, 01:54:18 AM »

Quote from: AgentX on June 20, 2012, 10:56:41 PM

My initial impression of the K70s is quite good, as well. Certainly not inferior on pavement to the AM26s I was running on my previous bike. And better for mixed conditions. I rode alongside a traffic jam in the dirt and broken concrete yesterday without the slightest insecurity.

Yes Agent X, K70's all the way. I will only run K70's from now on.............TILL THE END OF TIME_________or whenever the wear limits force me to buy a new set.

SkidMasters are a hindrance to the Bullet which IMHO is a great handling bike........with the "right tires".

Mr. Yuck says, "Avon's suck hard rubber!" Rhesus monkey's are sacrificed in the development of Avon rubber on a daily basis. Lab rats skid incessantly while on injections of Avon rubber. This is an epidemic on a world wide scale. Who new the cure was as simple as changing brands. Read the report that no one wants you to read. The fine print is so small you will need a WWII periscope to make out the scribblings. Donald Trumps hair is an Avon product. If he only knew about Dunlop's he could reverse his hair woes.

Like I have posted before, a set of K70's with tubes, delivered to your front door is about $140. You can't beat that price with an ugly stick. Well maybe you can if ugly means sick and sick means rad and rad means awesome and awesome means .......well you know what I mean. I totally and completely endorse the use of K70's on the Bullet. If not for the performance aspect but for the spot on looks.

I am truly not sorry if I offended anybody running Avon's or any other crappy tread. It is only one opinion of many! My many.

GreenMachine · « **Reply #69 on:** June 21, 2012, 09:36:58 AM »

You guys with the 18" tires have a pretty good selection vice us 19" fellows..Okay I'll change to k70 when the time comes as u guys go on and on about it..Maybe I'll die and go to heaven when I put a set on..But the thoughts of wrestling with those tires again and at 4-5 k intervals vice the 10 k I isn't something I look forward too as I prefer to do them myself and inspect for rust, spoke and tape wear .I need a tire stretcher..

jartist · « **Reply #70 on:** June 21, 2012, 10:14:29 AM »

The k70s go on and off MUCH easier than the Avons. The Enfield people didn't skimp on the Avons. They are good tires designed for long wear which makes them hard. No matter what the tread design there's always a tradeoff between long life or sticky grip. I'm only going to get 3500 miles till my rear k70 is bald. I can't find a good compromise tire that fits the 19" so it's changing tires every other oil change for now. That's alot of rubber to the landfill though.

GreenMachine · « **Reply #71 on:** June 21, 2012, 10:23:05 AM »

Jartist: Yes I've hear that they go on easier...3500 miles and shot..I bet they are sticky and ride great...Looks like your chain gets adjusted every 3500 miles too..

barenekd · « **Reply #72 on:** June 21, 2012, 12:52:04 PM »

I have a guy that changes my tire for $15 if I take the wheel off. I can handle that every 3500 rear, 7000 front. As long as the good ol' K70s keep the rubber side down, I'm happy.
Bare

GreenMachine · « **Reply #73 on:** June 21, 2012, 01:09:55 PM »

Bare: Good price. I had a wild hair and decided to play WWF for a few hours..Guess the k70 aren't as stiff in the side walls and slip on better which isn't something to knock..GM

barenekd · « **Reply #74 on:** June 21, 2012, 04:01:34 PM »

Back in the day, when I could change a tube in under five minutes with the bike laying on its side in the desert, I didn't mind tire changing. I'm too old and weak for that business any more. I can still do the front ones, but the rear is just too much!
I have to settle with "my guy"! Now all I have to do is teach him that the red dot goes by the valve stem!
Bare

GreenMachine · « **Reply #75 on:** June 21, 2012, 05:37:05 PM »

I doubt u to old n weak.From the sounds of it, You putting more mileage than I am this season...

boggy · « **Reply #76 on:** June 25, 2012, 01:47:49 PM »

I've never changed a moto tire, or tyre, and am slightly terrified of doing so. I guess the reason is for the next 1000 miles I’d constantly be expecting to see a doughnut go rollin' past me before I realized I was on a unicycle. However, I think I’m doubly afraid of bringing it somewhere and them botching something up like my chain tension. But I guess I should put more faith in the pro’s, huh?

Gonna have to bite the Bullet soon as I have a few hundo miles left on mine and am interested in trying the Dunlops.

The Garbone · « **Reply #77 on:** June 25, 2012, 07:28:55 PM »

Once you suffer thru the trial of getting the stock rear rubber off putting the Dunlops on is a walk in the park. On my 95 I took the rear to the local CycleGear to have the stock rubber removed, well worth the $20 considering they put the new rubber on. The front is easy but that rear is like a truck tire.

GreenMachine · « **Reply #78 on:** June 25, 2012, 07:46:32 PM »

Great: I thought the front was like a Truck Tire...Oh yeah, bring it on baby, Can't wait to tackle that rear..If it throws a tantrum, I might just take a pair of Tin Snips to it and show it who's the boss. It's not going to get the velvet glove approach like the front did..

gremlin · « **Reply #79 on:** October 07, 2012, 08:00:26 PM »

Quote from: barenekd on June 30, 2011, 10:11:46 AM

Those new style muzzleloaders should just be called "Cheaters." They are ridiculous.
Give me a good ol' flintlock any day.
Bare

Do some research on the "bates grain" then compare it to the 50 grain pellets used as fuel in modern (in-line ignition) muzzle loaders.

you may come to appreciate the unique linear burn rate & targeting skills necessary to effectively use the modern muzzle-loader.

AgentX · « **Reply #80 on:** October 07, 2012, 08:21:13 PM »

Quote from: boggy on June 25, 2012, 01:47:49 PM

But I guess I should put more faith in the pro’s, huh?

Skepticism is a good thing. Why not take the wheel off and bring that to them, get the tire changed, and then re-install the wheel yourself?

Not to say it's impossible to do at home, or even in the field, but it takes some grunting most of the time.

GlennF · « **Reply #81 on:** October 09, 2012, 01:00:31 AM »

Must admit the last time I got a flat rear (at work) I called the auto club and got the bike trucked to the nearest bike shop.

If it had gone flat at home in my shed I may have thought about doing it myself, but I really could not be assed changing a tire in the work car park in front of a bunch of spectators

baird4444 · « **Reply #82 on:** October 09, 2012, 09:58:37 AM »

Quote from: AgentX on October 07, 2012, 08:21:13 PM

Skepticism is a good thing. Why not take the wheel off and bring that to them, get the tire changed, and then re-install the wheel yourself?

[/size]

With just a little practice you can have the back wheel off in less than 10 minutes...

LarsBloodbeard · « **Reply #83 on:** October 09, 2012, 05:13:17 PM »

Quote from: baird4444 on October 09, 2012, 09:58:37 AM

With just a little practice you can have the back wheel off in less than 10 minutes...

Man, less than that... I found the Bullet to be the most amazingly well designed motorcycle in regards to removing the rear wheel. Having owned a few bikes before this one, I was all ready to pull that chain off and jack the bike up into the sky to drop that tire below the fender. Boy was I surprised to find that such and old design has such ingenuity behind it. No need to jack the whole bike up, or even use a bike jack at all. That center stand is great, and with the removal of 2 nuts the whole fender hinges upwards, letting you roll the tire out the back. No need to remove the chain and all that. Simply pull the cross bolt out and the spacer, then push the wheel towards the right side and it pops off!

Edit: also it is waayyyy cheaper to have a shop install a new tire if you bring just the wheel in.

barenekd · « **Reply #84 on:** October 10, 2012, 06:07:33 PM »

You don't even need to touch the chain when you change a tire. The wheel comes off leaving the brake and sprocket in situ.
Bare

Arizoni · « **Reply #85 on:** November 24, 2012, 10:29:44 PM »

After finally wearing out my Avon Speedmaster front tire on my G5, I replaced it with a Dunlop K70, 3.25 X 19".

I gave the wheel bearings the 'once over' and they turned smoothly without any apparent looseness or rough spots so I left them installed.

I notice that if I'm riding at speeds of 45-55 mph on a smooth asphalt surface the K70 is nice and quiet.
If I am turning a long sweeper at those speeds there is a definite 'hummmmmmmmm' coming from the front of the bike.
This happens when I'm turning right or left at speed.

I think what I'm hearing is just the rather aggressive tread capturing the wind and making the noise. Am I right? $:-\$

barenekd · « **Reply #86 on:** November 24, 2012, 11:39:08 PM »

Quote

I think what I'm hearing is just the rather aggressive tread capturing the wind and making the noise. Am I right? $:-\$

I never noticed any humming on mine, but with the cacophony the rest of the bike, plus the wind in my face, it would probably be noticed. However I would say it was the sound of the aggressive tread capturing the tarmac!
As for the pros doing your tire change, messing with the chain is not necessary. However any time they DO mess with the chain, check it and make sure it's right. I've had a lot of chains screwed up, tension wise, by "pros." Don't let 'em get away with it!
Bare

boggy · « **Reply #87 on:** November 26, 2012, 10:28:47 AM »

Quote from: AgentX on October 07, 2012, 08:21:13 PM

Skepticism is a good thing. Why not take the wheel off and bring that to them, get the tire changed, and then re-install the wheel yourself?

Definitely going to go this route with some K70s. I'll have the front off anyway when I reseal my forks.

boggy · « **Reply #88 on:** March 11, 2013, 10:20:04 PM »

Is a Dunlop K70 is the same front and rear tire? It does not matter if it is a 3.25 or a 3.5... there is no front or rear specific tire, correct? I have an AVL... 19" front and rear.

Has anyone run a K81 that our host sells? They are wider. 4.10 for front and rear.

AgentX · « **Reply #89 on:** March 12, 2013, 03:13:50 AM »

Quote from: boggy on March 11, 2013, 10:20:04 PM

Is a Dunlop K70 is the same front and rear tire? It does not matter if it is a 3.25 or a 3.5... there is no front or rear specific tire, correct? I have an AVL... 19" front and rear.
Has anyone run a K81 that our host sells? They are wider. 4.10 for front and rear.

Yes, K70 is the same front and rear. I run a 3.5 on my own front end.

I have not used the K81 but have read that they're actually skinnier than the 4.1 designation would seem to indicate.

They are, I know, "trigonic" in profile. (ie, made to present a large, flat surface against the pavement when heeled over in a turn, resulting in somewhat minimized contact patch when upright.) I'd like to try these if I take my bike in the cafe direction, but might stick with a 3.25/3.5 in the K70 or maybe the Heidenau K34.

boggy · « **Reply #90 on:** March 12, 2013, 09:00:36 AM »

Agent, how do you like the 3.5 up front? Do you feel the steering is any more sluggish than if you had a 3.25 like Bare ran on his? I know the 3.25/3.5 combo works great, but I do like the look of that 3.5 up front.

Curious about these K81s.

AgentX · « **Reply #91 on:** March 12, 2013, 12:56:30 PM »

Quote from: boggy on March 12, 2013, 09:00:36 AM

Agent, how do you like the 3.5 up front? Do you feel the steering is any more sluggish than if you had a 3.25 like Bare ran on his? I know the 3.25/3.5 combo works great, but I do like the look of that 3.5 up front.

Curious about these K81s.

It's a quarter inch. Split that to either side. The difference is really negligible. With the roads here, a little more cush and grip is welcome for what it's worth and I do little high-speed corner carving (although this morning I wore the chicken strips off my dress shoes on the way to work...)

Plus with the dirt-tracker look the 3.5 carries the aesthetics.

Really, it's not a big deal. I rode 3.25/3.5 Roadriders before and like these better. If I take my bike back in a cafe direction back in the lands of good pavement, I'll probably do 3.25/3.5 K34s, on WM3 rims. Or the K81s.

MD

Edit: lotta k81 opinions out there online

boggy · « **Reply #92 on:** March 13, 2013, 05:52:39 PM »

Quote from: AgentX on March 12, 2013, 12:56:30 PM

Plus with the dirt-tracker look the 3.5 carries the aesthetics.

I'm going for a "Street-scrambler" look so I think the 3.5s on both ends will look the part there too.

Cool - Thanks.

AgentX · « **Reply #93 on:** April 03, 2013, 06:23:57 PM »

Of note: the guys at the cafe-racery motorcycle board I frequent are all rhapsodic about the Shinko 712 for vintage bikes. It's pretty cheap and comes in 19" 100/90 and 110/90. They say it's as modern a tire as an old bike could need. Tread is not vintage per se, but looks less tribal-tattoo/fractal than many modern sport tires.

mattsz · « **Reply #94 on:** April 04, 2013, 06:11:18 AM »

Good to know - perhaps the good doctor could add these to the OP?

Scottie J · « **Reply #95 on:** April 04, 2013, 08:55:36 AM »

I'm going to be installing the Shinko 705 Dual Sport tires once I get the Indian finished. Excellent wet and dry traction and also have a great tread for dirt roads and trails. They also have a pretty descent speed rating.

Scottie

http://www.shinkotireusa.com/product/product.php?id=63

barenekd · « **Reply #96 on:** April 04, 2013, 01:31:29 PM »

But can anyone in the real world tell me how well they stick? Can you scrape them down the the end of the wanker stripes?
Bare

Arizoni · « **Reply #97 on:** April 04, 2013, 04:53:49 PM »

I don't know about scrapeing these tires but a few weeks ago I saw some tires that made me think of you and your dislike for the ribbed Speedmasters.

The tires on a vintage Indian were made by Firestone and they must be some really sticky tires! Even the tread on them said,
"NON SKID, NON SKID, NON SKID......"

AgentX · « **Reply #98 on:** April 04, 2013, 08:09:46 PM »

Quote from: barenekd on April 04, 2013, 01:31:29 PM

But can anyone in the real world tell me how well they stick? Can you scrape them down the the end of the wanker stripes?
Bare

Here's some people talking about the 712s:

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=47741.msg528759#msg528759

boggy · « **Reply #99 on:** April 05, 2013, 07:47:06 PM »

Having my K70s (3.50) put on tomorrow. It does not matter which way they go, correct? There is no directional arrow.

Blltrdr · « **Reply #100 on:** April 05, 2013, 10:16:45 PM »

Quote from: boggy on April 05, 2013, 07:47:06 PM

Having my K70s (3.50) put on tomorrow. It does not matter which way they go, correct? There is no directional arrow.

Correct non directional.

Have them mounted with the balance dot (yellow or red/pink circle) in line with the valve stem.

REdmonton · « **Reply #101 on:** April 06, 2013, 01:12:59 PM »

Has anyone tried the Duro HF308 tires? The local Brit bike shop has them for about $60. Compared to the K70s for about $140. I'm looking for something that will work around town but also will work on gravel.

barenekd · « **Reply #102 on:** April 06, 2013, 03:23:31 PM »

You can get a PAIR of K70s for about $140.00 including shipping. takes 3 days usually. Motorcycle Warehouse.
Bare

barenekd · « **Reply #103 on:** April 06, 2013, 03:38:50 PM »

Quote

Here's some people talking about the 712s:
http://www.dotheton.com/forumindex.php?topic=47741.msg528759#msg528759

I read the thread. The Shrinkos sound like they may be OK, but then there was another guy lauding the Skidmasters, so you really still don't have a 100% reliable base. The last tires I had on my bike were Pirelli MT66s. I loved them. They were better than the K70s, but I didn't get to run them long enough to see how they were going to last. Hopefully longer then the K70s. I probably would've used them again if I still had the bike. They were only about $20 more than the K70s. But certainly nothing classic looking about them.
Oh, yeah, less than 1/4" wanker stripe and I wasn't done yet!
Bare

REdmonton · « **Reply #104 on:** April 06, 2013, 06:00:54 PM »

I don't think they ship tires to Canada. It seems like $140 is the standard price up here.

boggy · « **Reply #105 on:** April 08, 2013, 12:35:20 PM »

I bought 2 K70s for a combined sum of $140 US from motorcyclesuperstore.com

Man, that reads like a spam email subject line.

boggy · « **Reply #106 on:** April 16, 2013, 09:48:35 AM »

I've done searches and let's just say I'd rather ask directly here.

K70 3.5/19 front and back, 2007 AVL. It looks like 24/28 has been tossed around, front/rear. Think this is a good place to start?

Blltrdr · « **Reply #107 on:** April 16, 2013, 10:08:53 AM »

Quote from: boggy on April 16, 2013, 09:48:35 AM

I've done searches and let's just say I'd rather ask directly here.

K70 3.5/19 front and back, 2007 AVL. It looks like 24/28 has been tossed around, front/rear. Think this is a good place to start?

If you are using the stock 500 front fender you will not have a problem using a 3.50 but might have clearance issues a 350 fender.

boggy · « **Reply #108 on:** April 16, 2013, 10:20:26 AM »

Running the 500 fender. It clears, but boy is it close!

baird4444 · « **Reply #109 on:** April 16, 2013, 05:43:45 PM »

yea, but it sure looks good!! I ran one without a fender for a while,
thought it looked Nasty!!

- Mike

boggy · « **Reply #110 on:** April 21, 2013, 01:58:12 PM »

Here is what the K70 3.5 looks like up front (and in back). It is really close where the fender comes down to bolt in. REALLY close. I plan on changing the fenders. I like the beefier look up front, and as far as turning it feels like it'll dive right in. Brought the wheels to a garage to swap and they told me to take the first 50 miles easy on these.

These pics show the tread really well too. Hard to critique until I can really turn but so far, I like them. Took them down some dirt roads, even with the low bars, and they felt sturdy.

baird4444 · « **Reply #111 on:** April 21, 2013, 02:34:47 PM »

Dam that looks good!!!
I hadn't realized the way the front fender mounted without the
long stays on the AVL....
- Mike

Gypsyjon · « **Reply #112 on:** April 27, 2013, 10:59:42 AM »

Quote from: baird4444 on April 21, 2013, 02:34:47 PM

Dam that looks good!!!
I hadn't realized the way the front fender mounted without the
long stays on the AVL....
- Mike

+1

barenekd · « **Reply #113 on:** April 27, 2013, 03:03:58 PM »

That frame is the Electra frame that morphed into the G5.
Bare

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Author Topic: Tyres - availability & experiences (Read 7234 times)