Topic: 550 tires

[Wyattmakes6]

I want to put new tires on my '74 550 and need input.  3.25-19 front/3.75-18 rear, wire rims, highway & back road riding, spirited at times.  The current tires are Chinese - enough said, they were on the bike when I bought it last Sep.  Metzler, Conti, Avon?  Will a 4.00-18 fit the stock swingarm?  I've noticed the fronts seem to be plentiful but the rears are hit and miss.  Weigh in at your leisure and thanks for your input.

[Chachi]

I just did a bunch of tire research as my 72 500 was in need. It came with mismatched and incorrectly-sized tires. The good news is you have a bunch to choose from; selection depends on what you're going for.

I wanted to stick with stock size (3.25-19, 3.50-18) and it left me with two options:
-IRC - GS-11
-Metzeler Classic Line - ME11, ME 77

I really wanted the Metzeler Classic Line, but could not find anyone that stocked them. I think those tires in my size are not available US. They are only found on the Metzeler international site. I ordered the IRC GS-11.

If you go up to a 4.00-18 rear, you'll have more options:
-Dunlop - K70
-Continental - RB2/K112
-Metzeler - Lasertec

From this list I would suggest Dunlop K70 if you want a vintage tread and the Metzeler Lasertec if you want a more modern tread.

And if you go metric:
-Bridgestone BT45
-Bridgestone S11 Spitfire

I ordered from Dennis Kirk. Great pricing and service. They actually didn't have the lowest prices on my IRC's, but they price match (and beat by $1).

Major caveat to this post: I have no real experience with any of these tires. Info is based on research and gathering info from other members here and elsewhere. Also, I'm sure there are other options other than those listed above.

[becken]

Check out this test http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9780 They were testing 17" tires but most of the manufacturer make tires that will fit our bikes. Right now I'm running BT45s, but will probably go to Roadrunners when I need to replace.

[Gordon]

Check out this test http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=9780 They were testing 17" tires but most of the manufacturer make tires that will fit our bikes. Right now I'm running BT45s, but will probably go to Roadrunners when I need to replace.

No more Avon Roadrunners.  They were discontinued a couple of years ago.  I was disappointed at first because they were my favorite tires, but it turned out for the better because the Roadriders are just as good and also come in standard inch sizes with taller sidewalls like the stock tires. 

[becken]

Sorry, I meant Roadriders

[dragon79]

pirelli sport demon, expensive but a great tire.

[Stev-o]

I'm shopping for tires now too, BT45's are at the top of my list so far.

Rocky Mt has good pricing, no tax and free shipping...


http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/49/-/181/750/-/17105/Bridgestone-Battlax-BT45-H-Rated-Front-Motorcycle-Tire

[Wyattmakes6]

Thoughts on the Michelin Pilot Activ?  How do I convert my old sizes - 3.25/19F & 3.75/18R - to metric?  Anyone know if I can run a 4.00/18 on the rear?

[Stev-o]

Wyatt - conversion and other good info here...

http://www.mad-ducati.com/Technical/TireInfo/TireChart.html

And yes, you can run a 4/18

[xsmooth69x]

if u want a modern look the avon or pirelli's but but but

i like the super classic look of the k70's

but if i could afford it the RB2/K112 are the most gorgeous tires i think -drool

[brooze72]

Just bought a set of Dunlop K81's (also known as TT100s) for my 500, not yet installed so I cannot comment on how good (or bad) they are.
I am confident they will be great compared to the old stuff they will replace.  New ones are 4.10/19 front 4.25/18 rear with a vintage look tread.

Before anybody tells me they're the wrong size, I did my research & also got a very informative reply from Hondaman about tire sizes & trigonometry.
I asked about these sizes vs stock 3.25/19 & 3.50/18 & here's a partial quote of his reply..

"The K81 is a trigonometric (i.e., V-profile) tire, so it measures differently around the cross-section. The 4.10 size is a direct replacement for the 3.25 round profile, and the 4.25 for the 3.50. If you 750 riders want the rear, use a 5.10 size to replace the 4.00."

I don't think the K70's have the V profile, so stock size would apply.  Here's another post with some interesting comments about metric vs standard sizes etc.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=101291.msg1131604#msg1131604

[Dimitri13]

Bridgestone Spitfire S11
F: 100/90-19
R: 130/90-18

[xsmooth69x]

wait maybe i have the k81 for my cb550 lawl

k70 or k81 they are sweet