Topic: 73 CB500 tire sizing

[73 cb500]

I recently got my 500 running and it has sat in a barn for 10 years before I got it, the tires are dry rotted pretty bad. I've seen people say to run a 3.5f and 4.0r, I'm gonna go with the 3.5f but was wondering if a wider than 4.0r would fit maybe like a 4.25 if existed or even a 4.5 would fit. I'm going to run street bike style tires since I'm going after the brat look and I'm wanting opinions for you guys who have been there and done that, I like the wider tire took but I also know that the room I have to work with is limited so if I can get some opinions on tire sizes it would be helpful

[chickenman_26]

Were those folks interested in best handling, ride, and grip?  If so, their advice was ignorant. Or were they going for a particular look as you are? If looks are the primary goal, then let your own tastes be your guide. Just be aware that your bike's skinny wheel rims will pull the tread profile of those fatter tires sharper than designed, alter the steering geometry, and generally degrade the bike's handling.

Stu

[73 cb500]

I understand what your saying, im looking for something that would allow the bike to handle well and ride smooth but i would like something a little wider than stock but wouldnt rub on the forks or the swing arm. i know the tire i want to run but just want something wider than stock because the bicycle tires dont do it for me and im kind of a bigger guy. i understand the tires might roll but from everything ive read the 3.5 and 4.0 tires are the desired size for these bikes, just wondering if something wider would fit than a 4.0 rear tire. Plus if someone knows of a place to find aftermarket wheels for my 500 that would be greatly appreciated or am i going ot have to make my own custom wheels?

[Bankerdanny]

Given the age of the 500 there just aren't any companies making whole wheels for the SOHC bikes. Back in the day there were a couple of aftermarket alloy wheel options. But today those wheels are rare and highly prized and therefore very expensive. They are also the same width as the stock wheels, so really don't solve the issue of narrow wheels limiting tire size.

One option is to go to Buchanan spokes to get a wider rim for your wheel that would allow you to fit a larger tire. They will also build the whole wheel for you.

[sethdhawkins]

I've been on both ends of the conversation. Do what you want. I have stock sizing and a fork brace on my CB750, which I ride hard. I have 4.0 front/4.0 rear and no fork brace on my cb360, which I also ride hard. The 750 handles great and is a lot of fun, the 360  handles like crap and is a lot of fun

Balloon tires:


Just be careful that the tires will clear your fork lowers, and also realize that most of the larger sizes won't allow for your stock fender/fork brace.

[73 cb500]

thank you sir for your honest input. I will take that in to consideration, just trying to get everyones opinions on what works and doesnt for real world riding not just going to stock format