Topic: Tire sizes

[BoCoJohn]

I have a 1973 cb500 I'm buying new tires for.  Any suggestions? I'd like to keep with the vintage look.  I really like the Bridgestone Accolades but can't find them in the correct sizes.

The manufacturer calls for 3.25 -19's on the front and 3.50 - 18's on the rear. 

My old tires say ML90-19 and MN90-18.  They are Goodyear Eagles and seem to fit the bike pretty well. The tires look almost new but are about 30 years old.

What metric sizes would you guys suggest?  Any suggestions on manufacturer/model?

 

[q2418130103p]

Metric sizing according to Avon, probably 90/90 and 100/90: http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/tyre-size-information

A lot of people seem to like Avon Roadriders, but you will find a lot of threads on here about what people like: http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=sit:sohc4.net+what+tires#sclient=psy&hl=en&q=site:sohc4.net+tires&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=94fb864a6b447b62

[BoCoJohn]

I think I'll be going with the Dunlop TT100 100/90 - 19 on the front and the Dunlop K81 4.25 x 18 on the rear.

[mjstone]

Shinko 712 Front 100/90H - 19
Shinko 712 Rear  110/90H - 18

www.motorcycle-superstore.com

I paid something like $100-115 for tires, tubes and rim strips.  Free shipping over $90.

Great tires.  Have close to 800 miles on mine so far.  Put them on my '72 CB500.  Very impressed with how they handle grooved roads.  Good on wet or dry pavement, as well as dirt roads.

MJ

[BoCoJohn]

Thanks MJ - I'll check them out

[HondaMan]

Don't be tempted to go oversize: the 500 will suffer from heavy handling characteristics with too-big rubber. If it were mine, I'd be installing the 90x19 front and at most, a 100x18 rear. A 90x18 rear will let the bike accelerate quicker and feel more nimble, unless your weight is over 200 lbs. In that case, go for the 100x18 rear. Either way, run about 36-40 PSI in the rear, 35 PSI in the front, as today's tires need more air PSI than the old ones that matched the label on the rear fender. 

[singedebile]

resurrecting a slightly older thread,

Hondaman, you recommend a 90 sized rear.. what manufacturer makes the best tire in this size?, for example the Bridgestone BT45's that everyone seems to like, at the smallest come in a 110. Especially as I am a lighter rider at 165lbs I would love to give this smaller size a try.

It does seem you can get them in the right size but then they are labeled "front" ... does this really matter much?

[mjstone]

Hondaman does not mention the profile of the tires he mentions.  The Shinko's that I mentioned are 90% profile tires, so the 100/90H-19 will be similar in diameter to a 90-19 and a 110/90-18 will be like a 100-18.
MJ

[Kevin400F]

Unless you find what you like in one of the brands that offer "inch" sizes, you will be happy with a 90/90-19 front and a 110/90-18 rear

[MCRider]

resurrecting a slightly older thread,

Hondaman, you recommend a 90 sized rear.. what manufacturer makes the best tire in this size?, for example the Bridgestone BT45's that everyone seems to like, at the smallest come in a 110. Especially as I am a lighter rider at 165lbs I would love to give this smaller size a try.

It does seem you can get them in the right size but then they are labeled "front" ... does this really matter much?

I will make a broad sweeping general comment here and am open to dispute, correction, etc...but... a rear tire is so constructed that the plies lie in such a way as to withstand the forces of acceleration and the front they are laid just the opposite, to withstand the forces of braking. So, no you should not run a front on the rear and vicey versy.

[kck3]

Shinko 712 Front 100/90H - 19
Shinko 712 Rear  110/90H - 18

www.motorcycle-superstore.com

I paid something like $100-115 for tires, tubes and rim strips.  Free shipping over $90.

Great tires.  Have close to 800 miles on mine so far.  Put them on my '72 CB500.  Very impressed with how they handle grooved roads.  Good on wet or dry pavement, as well as dirt roads.


I have the same size shinkos on my '77 cb550 and am quite happy.  I was a little hesitant to purchase the shinkos, but am glad that I did.  I have put 1200+ miles on them and am enjoying every mile.  Dont over look shinko when looking for tires, they make a good product.

MJ