Tyre wear

[Dom]

Hopefully my replacement spokes will arrive by next weekend, I've been wondering if the rear tyre I have is worth replacing while I'm at it, it's worn a bit flat at the centre but still has plenty if tread just that the flat spot may give some quirky handling I thought? It's a Duro HFR, not familiar with that brand and date marked 2013 I presume.

What do you all think?

 

[Raymond]

I think a tyre that old should be replaced.

Duro HFR - never heard of it either but the name suggests claims of durability rather than grip? The wear don't look too bad but flat in the middle will give white lining and skittering over road repairs. Bin them and buy sommat decent would be my call.

Avons while we still can?

 

[Dom]

Thanks Raymond, be a shame to ruin it at the last hurdle. I'd like some period looking tyres so I'm thinking something looking like these only in the correct fitment

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/26391765...0YDXM_4R0-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[jpdevol]

I heartily agree with replacing the current tires.....
The Avons are twice the price you've found above - but I'm a fan of 'em - these are period correct for my XS2 build:

On your '75, Dunlop K70's are perhaps closer to period correct

 

[Grimly]

Duro are an ok make, I found from fitting a couple of them.
Otoh, a decade-old Duro isn't so good and that's nearly done anyway.

 

[Dom]

I heartily agree with replacing the current tires.....
The Avons are twice the price you've found above - but I'm a fan of 'em - these are period correct for my XS2 build:
View attachment 240177
On your '75, Dunlop K70's are perhaps closer to period correct

Yeah that was just a quick example really, those Avons look great and although probably not period correct for a 75 I like the look.

 

[Dom]

Before I bite the bullet I'm getting conflicting front tyre sizes, either 3.25×19 or 3.50×19 for my 1975. The Avon safety mileage rears are a very squared off profile too

 

[jpdevol]

Manual says 3.50 on the F tire for '75 (3.25 for earlier). Yep, most of the older R tires are quite squarish (esp. MKII) vs. modern radials

 

[Dom]

Oh my word, I've gone down thr tyre rabbit hole! Modern tyre or period appropriate?

 

[Grimly]

I'd not put my faith in old tread patterns anyway, and to hell with being period correct.
Old treads might work ok with new rubber compounds, but how can you be sure? I'd rather not be the guinea pig.

 

[Adamc]

Hi Dom, whether you go for new period replacements or modern tires they will give better grip and safety than the old kit you currently have.
These older bikes dont stress tires like a modern crotch rocket, so I would fit a decent branded tire that you prefer.

 

[Dom]

I see what you're saying about old tread patterns but I believe Avon use modern compounds and here in the UK everything is bound by safety laws. Its not like I'm going to be throwing it about like a modern sports bike, just a weekend pootle.

 

[Kevin Werner]

I am against a ribbed front if it will be ridden lots. They tend to follow groves or seams in the pavement. My 2 cents. If period correct is
more important, go for it.

 

[Rasputin]

Hopefully my replacement spokes will arrive by next weekend, I've been wondering if the rear tyre I have is worth replacing while I'm at it, it's worn a bit flat at the centre but still has plenty if tread just that the flat spot may give some quirky handling I thought? It's a Duro HFR, not familiar with that brand and date marked 2013 I presume.

What do you all think?

Looks very similar to this Continental I got for my Commando.
RGM Norton parts have Avon speedmaster in 3.25 or 3.50/19 for £40 ish shop soiled but OK.

 

[Dom]

OK I'm thinking roadriders now, are they going to be much tougher to fit at home than the soft sidewall tyres I took off?

 

[Raymond]

OK I'm thinking roadriders now, are they going to be much tougher to fit at home than the soft sidewall tyres I took off?

Might be. The RoadRiders on XS650, have had several sets on the W800 as well, are marked at tubeless although it's fine to run them with a tube - kinda got to with wire spoke wheels. But tubeless tyres are much harder to get on & off so I take the loose wheel to the local tyre fitter and get them to do it.

Lucky enough to have a tyre supplier/fitter in our village, maybe 300 yards away. I have been seen in the past heading down the road with a pair of motorcycle wheels in a wheelbarrow. Hi Ho Hi Ho!

 

[Kevin Werner]

Are these period correct enough to interest you? Dunlop K70s on my "Red Bike" project.

 

[Dom]

I've found K70s at a pretty good price here, after some thought I'm not sold on the idea of modern tread patterns so these fit the bill nicely

 

[Dom]

Decision made, K70s ordered.

 

[AlanW]

Dom, can you point me to the tyre supplier please? Thanks