Topic: Firestone Deluxe Champions for 1976 Honda CB550

[Lostboy Steve]

Are the Kendas really crap? I have Kendas on my ATV and CM400A. Neither one was cheap. They were actually around the same price as any other decent tire in the same size. No I haven't had avons. A few of my friends have and they say they wear fast, which probably means they are soft and have great grip. Again I'm not in he market quite yet. I'll give my spitfires another run this season.

[dave500]

you can run cheap knobbies on dirt bikes,a road going bike needs a little more precision in the tyre depending what you expect out of it,i ran heaps of IRC knobbies and found them every bit as good as anything,ive seen a few cracked up metzler knobbies that wernt old!

[Geeto67]

Twisted, kendas are not crap despite being made in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Most of their modern quality standards came from the joint venture with cooper tires. I know guys in vintage racing that use kendas. I had a set of kenda car tires that rank among the best set I ever had on a car. I think Steve-o is just assuming they are crap because they are Chinese.

Cheng shin is actually cheap Chinese crap. Never had a set I liked or felt confident on.

Kenda has huge ties to ohio for some reason. They sponsor all the sports teams from the majors to the minors. I think their distribution center is here.

[Lostboy Steve]

Twisted, kendas are not crap despite being made in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Most of their modern quality standards came from the joint venture with cooper tires. I know guys in vintage racing that use kendas. I had a set of kenda car tires that rank among the best set I ever had on a car. I think Steve-o is just assuming they are crap because they are Chinese.

Cheng shin is actually cheap Chinese crap. Never had a set I liked or felt confident on.

Kenda has huge ties to ohio for some reason. They sponsor all the sports teams from the majors to the minors. I think their distribution center is here.

Yeah man, my brother ate pavement with a set of cheng shins on his ninja 500. Will never go near them.

[Stev-o]

 I think Steve-o is just assuming they are crap because they are Chinese.

I've had a set of Kendras, they were on a 750 that I bought. That is my opinion of them and you are entitled to yours, no offense intended.

There are many threads on here that ask for recommendations on what tires to get, I don't recall Kendra ever being mentioned.

Let's just say there are better tires out there.

[cocinero196]

When I rebuilt the wheels on my CB550, I used a 2.15" rim from a CB750 for the rear...

Dave - I intend to do the same on my 550, what did you use for spokes? Thx

The only difference between the 1.85"x18" CB550 rear rim and the 2.15"x18" CB750 rear rim is the width, so the stock spokes are the correct ones to use, from either a CB550 or a CB750, as they are the same length, even if the part numbers may be different.  Knowing this, I bought a complete of set of front/rear spokes/nipples packaged for a CB750, and they fit perfectly.

Hi Dave,
Would you or anyone know if a 4.50-18 Firestone Champion Deluxe tire would fit into a stock rear rim of a cb550 which is 1.85x18? (love the look!!)
Would this be okay?
Or would it be better to use 4.00-18 for the rear and a 4.00-19 for the front? for cb550 stock front & rear rims
I really hope someone can help me out with this.

TIA!

[Bodi]

Yes, the tire will technically fit on the rim. You could probably jam it onto a bicycle rim if you wanted to. I'm not sure what the limit is for making a tire fit on a 1.85 rim but you will run out of room between the swingarm legs before you find out. I'm not sure if a 4.50 Champion will fit in there or allow full suspension travel without hitting the fender (they are tall tires).
The 4.50 is, however, well over the recommended size for your WM2 (MT-1.85) rim.
The tire will be squeezed in at the rim and the profile distorted - the tread meant to be used for tight cornering will be rolled in and absolutely unusable. Handling will not be as intended by the tire designer since the profile is so distorted.
These are "old style" round profile tires so maybe that isn't such a problem... plus if you're considering these tires then performance is definitely not your goal. They are not good tires: often made badly out of round and balance (check for this on installation!) and known to be slippery and unpredictable - they have a look that appeals to some riders but be very careful in corners or on wet pavement.
The largest tire recommended by any reputable source for a WM2 1.85 rim is a 4.00-18 round profile tire or a 4.10-18 low or trigonal profile tire - metric 100/90-18 or 100/100-18.

[cocinero196]

Yes, the tire will technically fit on the rim. You could probably jam it onto a bicycle rim if you wanted to. I'm not sure what the limit is for making a tire fit on a 1.85 rim but you will run out of room between the swingarm legs before you find out. I'm not sure if a 4.50 Champion will fit in there or allow full suspension travel without hitting the fender (they are tall tires).
The 4.50 is, however, well over the recommended size for your WM2 (MT-1.85) rim.
The tire will be squeezed in at the rim and the profile distorted - the tread meant to be used for tight cornering will be rolled in and absolutely unusable. Handling will not be as intended by the tire designer since the profile is so distorted.
These are "old style" round profile tires so maybe that isn't such a problem... plus if you're considering these tires then performance is definitely not your goal. They are not good tires: often made badly out of round and balance (check for this on installation!) and known to be slippery and unpredictable - they have a look that appeals to some riders but be very careful in corners or on wet pavement.
The largest tire recommended by any reputable source for a WM2 1.85 rim is a 4.00-18 round profile tire or a 4.10-18 low or trigonal profile tire - metric 100/90-18 or 100/100-18.

Hi bodi, i won't be using any fenders. Will both 4.50 and 4.00 rear tire hit the swingarm? I have a friend who use these tires and said they're not that bad...The bike i'm building will not be used in the rain nor will it be used for high speed. Would it be okay to use 4.00 for both front and rear?

[Powderman]

Of course you won't be using a fender, because one won't fit on a 550 with Firerock on there, nor will a fork brace., chances are you won't be able to fit a chain guard either. But whats a little grease all over you. But since you're throwing safety out the window why would you need a fork brace. 4.5 and 4.0 will probably go on the rims.
I love it when I hear "I never ride in the rain", as though you are a weatherman and know they will never be caught out in a storm that just blew in half way home from a 100 mile ride. What do you mean by "okay" when you ask will it be okay to use 4.0 front and rear? You just read 2 pages of reasons why it is not okay to use them on a bike at all. They were designed for bikes in the 50's when no one knew how good a bike could handle. I believe those who say "they are not that bad" have never experienced an exceptional handling tire to know the difference. When was the last time you were riding with your buddies and you decided to hang back when they were running at a decent clip? So much for "it'll never be used for high speed. It doesn't take much to get in over your head with a crap tire, they bite without warning sometimes.
I agree they should only be used on art bikes that are not ridden. Sometimes cool looks are just not safe to ride.

[Bodi]

I don't know if they will fit. I have used a 4.10 K81 but it's a trigonal tire and lower profile. The big balloon Champion tires will end up wider than those.

[cocinero196]

Of course you won't be using a fender, because one won't fit on a 550 with Firerock on there, nor will a fork brace., chances are you won't be able to fit a chain guard either. But whats a little grease all over you. But since you're throwing safety out the window why would you need a fork brace. 4.5 and 4.0 will probably go on the rims.
I love it when I hear "I never ride in the rain", as though you are a weatherman and know they will never be caught out in a storm that just blew in half way home from a 100 mile ride. What do you mean by "okay" when you ask will it be okay to use 4.0 front and rear? You just read 2 pages of reasons why it is not okay to use them on a bike at all...

Hi powderman, when I say "it will not be used in the rain", i meant it, if it rains...i'll leave the bike wherever and just pick it up when the sky clears up, i've done that several times, fyi. I don't do long rides and it will only be used in the city. The bike won't be my main means of transportation and yes, i've read almost all the cons re: this tire. I don't want to sound hard headed, don't get me wrong...I appreciate all the advice.

For the sake of argument...What tires would you suggest i get then? i like fat vintage looking tires, 4.00-4.50 in the rear and probably a 4.00 in the front. I'm also considering Dunlop K70's.

Thanks!

Thanks also to @bodi

[mrfish2]

Many members have already told you the correct size tires for stock 550 rims, 3.25 front and 4.00 rear. If you want a bike that handles like crap then by all means go ahead and squeeze whatever you want on those rims. If you value your health and your bike then get the correct sized tires! And please please don't put the same width tire on the front and rear. Look around, have you EVER seen a bike come from the manufacturer with the same width tires front and rear? NO! Because it makes the bike handle, again, like crap.

[Powderman]

Of course you won't be using a fender, because one won't fit on a 550 with Firerock on there, nor will a fork brace., chances are you won't be able to fit a chain guard either. But whats a little grease all over you. But since you're throwing safety out the window why would you need a fork brace. 4.5 and 4.0 will probably go on the rims.
I love it when I hear "I never ride in the rain", as though you are a weatherman and know they will never be caught out in a storm that just blew in half way home from a 100 mile ride. What do you mean by "okay" when you ask will it be okay to use 4.0 front and rear? You just read 2 pages of reasons why it is not okay to use them on a bike at all...

Hi powderman, when I say "it will not be used in the rain", i meant it, if it rains...i'll leave the bike wherever and just pick it up when the sky clears up, i've done that several times, fyi. I don't do long rides and it will only be used in the city. The bike won't be my main means of transportation and yes, i've read almost all the cons re: this tire. I don't want to sound hard headed, don't get me wrong...I appreciate all the advice.

For the sake of argument...What tires would you suggest i get then? i like fat vintage looking tires, 4.00-4.50 in the rear and probably a 4.00 in the front. I'm also considering Dunlop K70's.

Thanks!

Thanks also to @bodi

I refuse to make recommendations for mods that deteriorate from the performance of the bike. Put a stock size recommended for your bike or one size larger. Anything larger is just going for a poser art look and should not be used on bikes that are ridden.

[Lostboy Steve]

Of course you won't be using a fender, because one won't fit on a 550 with Firerock on there, nor will a fork brace., chances are you won't be able to fit a chain guard either. But whats a little grease all over you. But since you're throwing safety out the window why would you need a fork brace. 4.5 and 4.0 will probably go on the rims.
I love it when I hear "I never ride in the rain", as though you are a weatherman and know they will never be caught out in a storm that just blew in half way home from a 100 mile ride. What do you mean by "okay" when you ask will it be okay to use 4.0 front and rear? You just read 2 pages of reasons why it is not okay to use them on a bike at all...

Hi powderman, when I say "it will not be used in the rain", i meant it, if it rains...i'll leave the bike wherever and just pick it up when the sky clears up, i've done that several times, fyi. I don't do long rides and it will only be used in the city. The bike won't be my main means of transportation and yes, i've read almost all the cons re: this tire. I don't want to sound hard headed, don't get me wrong...I appreciate all the advice.

For the sake of argument...What tires would you suggest i get then? i like fat vintage looking tires, 4.00-4.50 in the rear and probably a 4.00 in the front. I'm also considering Dunlop K70's.

Thanks!

Thanks also to @bodi

I refuse to make recommendations for mods that deteriorate from the performance of the bike. Put a stock size recommended for your bike or one size larger. Anything larger is just going for a poser art look and should not be used on bikes that are ridden.

Again, I've never used a FDC, however I have a friend with a hardtail sportster who runs one on the rear. Hes a maniac and rides THE #$%* out of that tire. The whole bike in general seems unsafe, but he makes it work and has for many years now. Btw, not trying to contradict you powderman, obviously the firestone isnt in the best interest of the rider!

My actual input here is, why not run a trials type tire? More specifically the Pirelli MT43? It'll give that vintage block look and actually perform quite well on the street. Dual Sport guys write RAVE reviews of this tire. I'll be buying them for my WR250r come spring time. Also, they are tall, but they come in sizes which better fit narrow rims.

[jamesbekman]

Is this the new oil thread? 

[BollarNPS]

well while your all at it! anyone ever run continental tkc 70s?

[romeyd]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this thread.  What are peoples thoughts on the AM44 Distanzia for the rear?

[Lostboy Steve]

Hi Guys,

I am new to this thread.  What are peoples thoughts on the AM44 Distanzia for the rear?

Sure why not? I had Perelli Scorpion Sync's on my Buell and they were ok. These look similar.

[socal1200r]

Just read thru this thread, and here are some KEY takeaways for the original poster:

1.  Don't get the Firestones.
2.  Don't go larger than one size bigger on the tires.
3.  Plenty of good tire choices out there, to include off-brands like Kenda (me personally, I won't run a Chinese-made tire on anything I own).
4.  Do not sacrifice safety and handling for "looks".  When you think about how small the contact patches are that are keeping you upright, it would be foolish to get the wrong type/size tires that would jeopardize that.
5.  There are other "vintage"-looking tires available other than the Firestones that won't sacrifice safety and handling, like Dunlops, Metzelers, Pirellis, etc.

Now, with all that being said, here's my two cents' worth.  I'm running Avon Road Runners on my '79 CB650, I believe in the stock sizes front and rear.  Also running Avon Cobras on my 2014 Yamaha Bolt, but a couple sizes larger than stock (120/70 front and 180/70 rear).  The Avons are great tires, certainly comparable to the big names like Michelin and Dunlop, but usually less expensive, while not sacrificing handling or wear.  Running Pirelli Sport Demons on my '87 Cagiva and '84 Honda Ascot, which were already on the bikes when I bought them.  Will replace them with Avons as well when the time comes.  Tires are one thing you don't want to go cheap on a motorcycle.   

[carnivorous chicken]

Nobody asked, but I'll throw my $.02 in here...

I've used Kenda tires for all around riding for years with no problems. For general street riding they have been great, and I've put a few through some paces and they held up. A lot of Chinese components for Japanese bikes are crap, but I've had great luck with them.

[MGPTWEGB]

ok trying to understand tire sizes .....
I have the ODD BALL 79 Honda CB650
with that said I believe the stock size is REAR @ 120/90-17 and the front @ 100/90-19
witch I have found the Metzeler Tourance in those sizes...
But if I change to 1 size up would this be ok   130/80-17 Rear and a 110/80-19 or I'm I just not understanding .
So going a little wider but shorter as well...
Any help is great ...   just wanted a little wider tire 

[scunny]

AFAIK, changing the aspect ratio of your front tyre will affect the speedo.