Topic: Tires

[Dave K]

I am looking to see what is available for the XL 350 that is becoming a clubman or cafe bike. I have a rim I was going to replace the front 21" wheel with a 18" rim and I can't believe the tires that are NOT available. I admit, apparently my age is getting the best of me and tire sizes I am used to have gone the way of clincher tires. I am looking to run a 3.50x18 tire in front which transfers to either a 110/90x18 or MM90x18. I really wasn't looking for race compound tires either, something what would look right on a 60's style bike like the ribbed K70 Dunlop. This bike will be a street bike with hopefully enough speed to scare me.The same thing for the back tire. I was hoping to run a 4.00x18 or a MP90 tire that would look right on this bike and be a good companion for the front. Also, it seems all I see are tubeless tires and I am running spoke rims. Should I search for different rims? I was hoping to run the original DID 18" in back and I found a matching but narrower DID 18" for the front. This 18" was to get laced to a different hub as well. I was sure hoping to run this rim, but maybe I need to search for a 19" DID 36 spoke rim for the front. Probably another hens tooth to find.

[Gordon]

Take a look here:

http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php

Select the size you're looking for and it will show you everything they have available.  If you do switch to the 19" for the front I think you'll have more options, though, especially in the style you're looking for.  Like the Speedmaster ribbed:  http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_61_80

[Dave K]

Thanks so much for the reply and the link. They have the most sizes available to me than any I have checked so far. I did send them an email, looking for any help they can supply on tube/tubeless tires.

[Gordon]

Whether you need a tube or not is determined by the type of rim, not the tire.  You need tubes on your spoked rims, and you can run tubes in "tubeless" tires without any problems.  Most people on this forum are because most sohc4 bikes need tubes, and there are very few tube-type street tires available any more. 

[Dave K]

Yes, I know you correct. Tubeless and tube tires also have a different pattern how they mate to the bead. This goes back years ago, but when tubeless rims and tires came out, they said to only use tubes in case of an emergency on the tubeless rims. On the tube rims, they discusses reducing your speed and payload. That is why I an waiting on an answer from American Motorcycle Tire. Things may have changed in the years past. Also because of the style of the tires and the requirement of tubes on my 750 K3, I have been running Continentals since the late 70's.

[Gordon]

In this litigious society you'll be very lucky to get anything other than a form letter response that doesn't give any useful information and protects the retailer and manufacturer from any liability.  Please let me know if they do respond.  It would be a very pleasant surprise if someone actually gives you a good, helpful answer. 

Regardless, I'm pretty sure the vast majority of old bikes with tube-type spoke rims on the road today are running tubeless tires with tubes in them.  I know most active members on this forum are, and I have never heard of any issues related to that.  I'm glad to hear you're being cautious and doing your own research, though.  There's not enough of that going around these days. 

[Dave K]

Gordan, check your PM. I sent you one.

[grcamna2]

Yes, I know you correct. Tubeless and tube tires also have a different pattern how they mate to the bead. This goes back years ago, but when tubeless rims and tires came out, they said to only use tubes in case of an emergency on the tubeless rims. On the tube rims, they discusses reducing your speed and payload. That is why I an waiting on an answer from American Motorcycle Tire. Things may have changed in the years past. Also because of the style of the tires and the requirement of tubes on my 750 K3, I have been running Continentals since the late 70's.

Dave K, did they get back to you yet about the "tubes in tubeless tire" question ? &...can you still get different Continental tires ?..how about the K112 rear and the RB2 fronts ? and are they good for tube type or tubeless ? Which Conti's do you run on your bikes ? I was wondering if they have a tube compatible type for a 3.50x18 rear & a 3.00x18 front ? have you ever seen any ? I think the tube types have a bit more flex in the sidewalls which will give my little CB a bit more comfort.

[Dave K]

Yes, they got back to me. Yes they said, you can run tubeless tires on tube type rims with tubes. I am very familiar with Continental tires and I can't find any in the Continental tires like the  RB2 of that type in an 18". Probably going to be running BS tires.

[grcamna2]

Dave,
    What Bridgestone tires do you think I could run on my CB350 in those aforementioned sizes? any tube types ?

[Dave K]

With the advice from another person doing a project like mine, I will take that advice and use Bridgestone BT 45 110/90-18 M/C61V in front. In the rear it will be a Bridgestone BT 45 120/80-18 M/C62H rear. Please notice I will be running a 18" in the front and you are probably running a 19". Read up in the tires and you will see they are a dual compound and the person who suggested them to me is not only a rider on the road, but also a AHMRA racer. Tubes? I hadn't thought that far and will buy what my friend suggests or the tire company that is selling the tires. Of course, don't forget the rim band also. These tires don't look like period tires, but for the bike I am doing, it will be great to have tires that can exceed my ability to stay upright. Now for your bike, you need to look and crossover from inches to metric in sizes. Virtually, all over on a Google search, will give you a chart to search and get the sizes that would work. Also, don't be afraid to ask the tire sellers that you find on the internet.

[grcamna2]

Dave, the little motorcycle I'm searching for a fresh set of tires on soon is my CB350K4 twin which has the 3.50x18 rear and a 3.00x18" front and I'd like to get as close to O.E. sizes as I can which I think will be 110/90x18 rear & 90/90x18" front.I have a pair of Duro's on there now of the standard 3.50x18" rear & 3.00x18" front..they are patterned after the Conti K112 rear & the RB2 front...but the rubber doesn't have the lasting quality like the Conti's they are fashioned after, that's why I was asking if you think anyone has a better quality tire in stock sizes(the old inch sizes)3.50x18" & 3.00x18" rear & front....I wouldn't mind upgrading to get more mileage out of them