Author Topic: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)  (Read 2199 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline jeffcampagna

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« on: July 24, 2016, 12:33:47 PM »
Hey folks,

Just noticed these cracks on  my 1977 CB550's front Dunlop Qualifier. Looking for some guidance from all you more experience riders out there. Are these cracks worth putting off riding until I get a new front? Or should they be fine for a few more weeks?

Thoughts?

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,512
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #1 on: July 24, 2016, 12:48:40 PM »
  I've rode worse on some new project bikes but don't tell anybody please  ;)   Time for some new rubber though in the near future. Any idea how old those are, may be a date code on the sidewall.
   Your the one though that needs to make the decision to take the risk or not and what value to place on your well being.
« Last Edit: July 24, 2016, 12:59:24 PM by ekpent »

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,054
  • I refuse...
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #2 on: July 24, 2016, 01:28:58 PM »
I wouldn't push my bike with tires on it like those, let alone ride it. Your neck, you decide if the only piece of safety gear on your entire bike in touch with the road looks like that.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline jeffcampagna

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #3 on: July 24, 2016, 05:54:28 PM »
Thanks for the advice guys! Was looking at new rubber anyway. Just means I'll have to go about it sooner. Wife won't be pleased.... ;)

Offline jonda500

  • I may be crazy but I'm not stupid!
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,804
  • With our thoughts we make the world (Monkey Magic)
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #4 on: July 24, 2016, 06:09:25 PM »
No-one will recommend riding on that tyre! I think everyone loves having nice new safe tyres!
My second 500 had old cracked Dunlop Qualifiers on it when I got it (they sure looked kool!)- I took it up to 80mph on those, but only on test rides - I was far too too excited to wait. But then I do have more of a death wish than most, so please avoid riding it till you replace that tyre or at least don't push hard it around corners!
John
Remember that an ignoramus is only someone who doesn't know something you just learned yesterday!

A starter clutch thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,122084.0.html
1972 CB500K1 original 4 owner bike
1972 CB500K1 returned to complete/original condition
1975 CB550F built from parts - project thread:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,149161.msg1711626.html#msg1711626
197? CB500/550 constructing from left over parts
1998 KTM 380 (two stroke) recent impulse buy, mmmm...

Offline scottly

  • Global Moderator
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *****
  • Posts: 16,301
  • Humboldt, AZ
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #5 on: July 24, 2016, 09:40:52 PM »
  I've rode worse on some new project bikes but don't tell anybody please  ;)   
I have, too... ::)
Jeff, explain to your wife that the tire is unsafe; if she loves you, she will encourage you to purchase a new, safe tire. If she refuses, get a new wife, since she obviously doesn't love you and has no concern for your safety. ;D   
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
Helmets save brains. Always wear one and ride like everyone is trying to kill you....

Offline dhall57

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,674
  • The 70's! SOHC4 Honda's & Marcia Brady of course.
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #6 on: July 24, 2016, 11:56:42 PM »
I wouldn't push my bike with tires on it like those, let alone ride it.
I agree cal. That's pretty bad. I just replaced tires on my project K4 with Continental's. The 40 year old tires that came on the bike looked in better shape than what is on yours Jeff. But wasn't going to ride around of 40 year old tires though. I value my life to much ;)
1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Offline PeWe

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,595
  • Bike almost back to the 70's 2015
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2016, 03:21:01 AM »
The users guide to my car recommend replacement of tires before 6 years old when reduced speed should be used...
CB750 K6-76  970cc (Earlier 1005cc JMR Billet block on the shelf waiting for a comeback)
CB750 K2-75 Parts assembled to a stock K2

Updates of the CB750 K6 -1976
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180468.msg2092136.html#msg2092136
The billet block build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,49438.msg1863571.html#msg1863571
CB750 K2 -1975  build thread
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,168243.msg1948381.html#msg1948381
K2 engine build thread. For a complete CB750 -75
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,180088.msg2088008.html#msg2088008
Carb jetting, a long story Mikuni TMR32
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,179479.msg2104967.html#msg2104967

Offline strynboen

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 4,883
    • http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?PHPSESSID=33vrh4ep08qgigvv9luateaum4&/topic,60973.0.html
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #8 on: July 25, 2016, 03:21:17 AM »
its not only the cracks...the rubber is( stone? stoned.) mean ).hard..and give a bumby ride..specily on the road lines(stripes)..you vill hang ,on them..like the bike dont vant to go over ,,and steer you aut in the dirt.(.a soft new tire..vill steer like you demand)..and wobbel can be direkt konsekvens of old hard tires vho not follovs the road konture..and ..yes they can explode too......
i kan not speak english/but trying!!
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=60973.0
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=144758.0
i hate all this v-w.... vords

Offline jeffcampagna

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #9 on: July 25, 2016, 04:10:23 AM »
Interesting Strynboen. I have noticed this bike has a serious wobble at times and yeah, when I get caught in one of those black tar lines in the asphalt, it feels like I'm going to eat #$%*. Didn't know it was caused by hard tires. Thanks for the input.

Offline ekpent

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 13,512
  • To many bikes-but lookin' for more
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #10 on: July 25, 2016, 04:50:21 AM »
  While you have the front tire off and the bike on its center stand or other means check your steering bearings for notchiness and smoothness. Most old Honda's benefit from the more modern tapered bearings. Might make a good weekend or winter project if you feel something abnormal and help the handling.

Offline jeffcampagna

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 10
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #11 on: July 25, 2016, 07:25:58 PM »
Well, just pulled the trigger on a set of Dunlop k70s. Can't get em in Canada so had to get em off ebay and ship them up. Shipping was almost as much as the rubber. But there's only one place in Canada that sells k70s online and they're out of stock apparently.

I know the k70s have their critics but from what I read, they're a great combination of performance and vintage tread pattern. The k81s just don't do it for me.

Thanks for the advice guys.

Offline Gene

  • Chat enuf you too can be a
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,041
  • One bike is enuf, change my mind
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #12 on: July 25, 2016, 08:07:01 PM »
If you have to go with Dunlops (I don't know why, to be honest, but I hate 'em) the k70's are the ones to go with.

Actually, I do know why . . . Dunlops tend to be on the soft side, they're racing tires, or at least were forever, so they're meant to grab-n-go.  They wear out faster.  That's been my experience on cars anyway, not bikes, got such a bad taste I swore I'd never use them.

Anyway - good for you, new tires are always a blessing.
*1973 CB750K3 (Bow)

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,349
  • Central Texas
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #13 on: July 25, 2016, 08:29:38 PM »
  I've rode worse on some new project bikes but don't tell anybody please  ;)   
I have, too... ::)


+1.  Guess thats why the wifey upped my life insurance policy last year!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline cb650

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,864
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #14 on: July 26, 2016, 02:50:58 AM »
They havent even been made in 15 or so years.    Being on the front   Has to go.
18 grand and 18 miles dont make you a biker

Offline brewsky

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,110
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #15 on: July 26, 2016, 03:19:13 AM »
  I've rode worse on some new project bikes but don't tell anybody please  ;)   

I picked up a fresh barn find F650 BMW with tires that looked exactly like that. After getting it running, I was too eager (stupid) to wait for the new tires to arrive to see if it would do the advertised 100 mph top speed. (it did)

Slowing down, I heard and felt a "thump, thump, thump", and discovered the tube was coming thru one of the cracks in the tread.
66 CA77
78 550K
78 CB750K
02 FZ1
09 GL 1800

Offline 70CB750

  • Labor omnia vincit improbus.
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 14,805
  • Northern Virginia
Re: Dunlop Tire Cracks, Should I Be Worried Yet? (pics)
« Reply #16 on: July 26, 2016, 03:41:08 AM »
Wheels for Red came with 404 Dunlops, by the stamp the tires are 2004.  I put 3000 miles on them and I am about to replace them now.  ;D
Prokop
_______________
Pure Gas - find ethanol free gas station near you

I love it when parts come together.

Dorothy - my CB750
CB750K3F - The Red
Sidecar


CB900C

2006 KLR650