Tires

[Capt_Zoom]

What would you guys run for tires on a 1980 S model that been chopped into a brastyle bike? Want good performance (especially in the wet) but also a good look to them.

Currently has Metzelers (I can't stand Metzelers)
F - 100/90v -19
R - 130/90vb - 16 can 110's be run on a mag wheel?

 

[jamesgs4]

Good looks is a matter of opinion, I run shinko 240 dual pinner whitewall and I think it looks good. Any modern tread does not look good to me, but thats my opinion.

 

[Capt_Zoom]

Forgot to mention running the stock swingarm so I can't imagine a 240 will fit. I hear the 240 shinko is a nice tire. Have friends running it. I run a 240 Avon cobra on my Raider.

 

[jamesgs4]

the 240 is just the model number, it is a mt-90 16 which equals a 130/90-16

 

[xjwmx]

Bridgestone Spitfire if you have the stock wheels. 10,000 mi+ on mine and still good. Not a racing tire but fair performance and good ride. Around $60 ea.

 

[Liftrat]

+1 on the Spitfires, though mine weather-checked before I wore them out.

 

[highspeedhamish]

I run Firestone vintage replicas from Coker but only for several reasons, vintage looks and the tread pattern is the same front and rear. Im told they are a fair weather tire only.

 

[Capt_Zoom]

I've got an '80 with mags. Do I need tubes? I don't see anything on the mag itself saying tubless.

 

[willyguzzi53]

You need tubes if the tires are tube type. Tubeless tires ok on mags but require tubes if run on spoke wheels. I have tubeless on my '79 with mags cause I dislike tubes and don't run them if I don't have to. Tubes are ok but will go flat immediately with a pucture and are more trouble to mount.

 

[jayel]

I run Firestone vintage replicas from Coker but only for several reasons, vintage looks and the tread pattern is the same front and rear. Im told they are a fair weather tire only.

hell nobody with any sense ran Firestones back in the nineteen sixtys when you could buy them new

 

[willyguzzi53]

But they look so cool. I would probably run them but see above about tubes. Honestly, though, they wouldn't be on a daily rider.

 

[XS650_Bobber]

Let me use this thread to dont start a new one, I just buy a XS650 78 and I am making a boober, what is the bigger rear tire that can I use without any problem the chain touching the tire? Will a 140 90 18 fit? or a 130 90 18? the stock size is 120 90 18, in the front the stock size is 100/90-19 can I try something like 110 100 19 or a 100 100 19? Thanks for any help...

 

[rawxs]

jamesgs4, If you run the 240 shinko in back, what do you use up front? dual sport tire? Just wondering what would go up front with that tire? thanks rawxs

 

[jamesgs4]

up front I run an avon speedmaster 3.25x19. it is a vintage design but a modern compound, handles fine, even in the occasional rainstorm. check my album to see better pics of the tires

 

[rawxs]

I had the Bridgestone tire with that tread pattern on my VS1400 new. It does not like rain grooves on the highway ( just skipped over them on dry days ). I like the Shinko 240 Blackwalls myself, just not sure what to run up front to match. Thanks for the reply. rawxs

 

[jamesgs4]

I love the look of the dual whitewall and speedmaster front.
RIP Johnny Chop.

 

[Capt_Zoom]

Unless I can find something more performance oriented I'm probably going to go with the Dunlops Gt501
http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/t...tId=4&productId=p540861&leafCatId=&mmyId=2449

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/t...tId=4&productId=p540860&leafCatId=&mmyId=2449

I'd like Avon cobras but I'm not sure they will work.

 

[XS650_Bobber]

Can I use 140 90 18 in the rear of a xs650 78? Thanks

 

[XSLeo]

XS650 Bobber. On a stock swingarm if you use the 18 rear swheel a 120/90 will be close. A 130/80 may or may not fit. Some brands are wider than others for the same size.
On a 16 rear a 140/90 is as wide as you can squeeze in.

 

[XS650_Bobber]

XS650 Bobber. On a stock swingarm if you use the 18 rear swheel a 120/90 will be close. A 130/80 may or may not fit. Some brands are wider than others for the same size.
On a 16 rear a 140/90 is as wide as you can squeeze in.

Thanks Leo, I just buy a pair of shinko 120 90 and 100 90 tires...