Author Topic: new rim / tyre combo for 550?  (Read 10227 times)

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Offline flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #100 on: March 22, 2021, 02:13:23 AM »
let me just fill the brakes with fluid first, otherwise i may not be back to write about the experience  8)

Online PeWe

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #101 on: March 22, 2021, 02:36:37 AM »
Photo of rear wheel on bike too?
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 brewsky

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #102 on: March 22, 2021, 02:56:54 AM »
it all fits, and easier to install than expected. just had to loosen both caliper holders at the fork, didn't need to remove any of them completely.
so far no real disadvantage to the 2.5" rim upfront. i'll report back when i get a chance to try it on the road.



For some reason, I can't get past the tread pattern looking backwards on the front Avons. Looks like it channels water towards the middle instead of the outside.........not that I ride in the pouring rain anymore, but hydroplaning on 2 wheels tends to stick in my memory!
66 CA77
78 550K
78 CB750K
02 FZ1
09 GL 1800

Offline robvangulik

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #103 on: March 22, 2021, 05:13:23 AM »
All V shaped frontwheel treadpatterns run that way

Offline flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #104 on: March 22, 2021, 05:40:22 AM »
they're optimised for applying braking force, therefore they run the opposite direction than the rear where it's for accelerating force.

Online PeWe

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #105 on: March 22, 2021, 07:30:35 AM »
Here more "normal" CB sizes ;D
Metzeler Roadtec 01
Arrow show correct installation on front wheel.

Rear wheel


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 Stev-o

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #106 on: March 22, 2021, 03:25:20 PM »
Looks great FL! I would bet you like the Avons...but remember, they need to be "broken in" to rid the tread of parting agents applied during production
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #107 on: March 23, 2021, 04:09:18 AM »
yes that, and also for the new brake pads.
i had BT45 before, look forward to how the avons compare. only hope a jap bike won't be offended running on tyres that show a brit flag!

Online PeWe

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #108 on: March 23, 2021, 05:56:13 AM »
Have you tried the Avon's previous model before?
Good to know if the later model differ much to the better.
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 flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #109 on: March 23, 2021, 07:47:02 AM »
nope can't help there, sorry.

Offline flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #110 on: April 05, 2021, 03:54:58 AM »
still breaking in the new tyres and brake pads but i can already tell that the avon's are great. handling is very neutral and nimble with these sizes, and they really turn in nicely. my initial impression is that their cornering and grip is better than the BT45s i had before. they still need a few more km before i use them in anger but so far it looks like this was a good change.

Online PeWe

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #111 on: April 05, 2021, 06:24:48 AM »
I hope you can ride your bike a lot, report how good the tires are and when rear tire is worn to replacement, (how many km) ;D
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 flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #112 on: April 05, 2021, 07:21:04 AM »
I hope you can ride your bike a lot, ...

so do i  ;D

Offline Stev-o

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #113 on: April 07, 2021, 04:35:33 PM »
still breaking in the new tyres and brake pads but i can already tell that the avon's are great. handling is very neutral and nimble with these sizes, and they really turn in nicely. my initial impression is that their cornering and grip is better than the BT45s i had before. they still need a few more km before i use them in anger but so far it looks like this was a good change.

Good to hear FL...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline andy750

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #114 on: April 07, 2021, 05:58:00 PM »
FL this is good to hear...I just installed new Avon Roadriders for my K2 CB750 - looking forward to trying them.
Current bikes
1. CB750K4: Long distance bike, 17 countries and counting...2001 - Trans-USA-Mexico, 2003 - European Tour, 2004 - SOHC Easy Rider Trip , 2008 - Adirondack Tour 2-up , 2013 - Tail of the Dragon Tour , 2017: 836 kit install and bottom end rebuild. And rebirth: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173213.msg2029836.html#msg2029836
2. CB750/810cc K2  - road racer with JMR worked head 71 hp
3. Yamaha Tenere T700 2022

Where did you go on your bike today? - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=45183.2350

Offline txwheels

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #115 on: January 26, 2022, 05:10:51 AM »
Flatlander - curious to hear your impressions after getting some more riding time in?

I've got a 79 750K (DOHC... don't shoot me!) that has the same 19x1.85 and 18x2.15 rims, and came across this thread while Googling tire size options.

Offline flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #116 on: January 26, 2022, 07:17:12 AM »
i got avon roadrider mk2 19-3.25 front and avon roadrider mk2 18-4.00 rear.
rims both front and rear are 2.5 wide. but they will fit our rims as well.

it's all great. steering and leaning into corners is smooth, predictable and stable. i really like the avons, their compound is nice and sticky. may not last as long as BT45 but i don't mind that.
also the tubeless conversion is holding up well.
i think a lot of the added "confidence" is not only down to the tyres but to a great deal the new rims and spokes. the entire wheel is just a lot stronger than the old ones.

honestly all of last year i was buzzing around corners with a big smile, just enjoying these new wheels. they make such a difference  :D

Offline Jimcg

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #117 on: January 29, 2022, 06:58:31 AM »
Do you have any pictures showing the entire bike, not just the front tire?

/Jim
1982 CB650Z RC03 owner in Eskilstuna, Sweden

About my bike:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,183848.0.html

Just the pictures and no text:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189154615@N04/?

Offline flatlander

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #118 on: January 29, 2022, 11:24:32 AM »
here's one from a camping trip last year.
that reminds me, i should take some glamour shots when the weather gets decent again.


Offline Jimcg

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Re: new rim / tyre combo for 550?
« Reply #119 on: January 29, 2022, 11:36:14 AM »
Thanks, very nice looking bike! I always appreciate when not looking exactly like all the others. 🙂👍

/Jim
1982 CB650Z RC03 owner in Eskilstuna, Sweden

About my bike:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,183848.0.html

Just the pictures and no text:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/189154615@N04/?