Tyres - availability & experiences

[single]

Really cool thread,Maturin,thank you.

[GSS]

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]

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

...some say: fun styling and unique handling 

[Maturin]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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