Topic: CB400F Tires

[sbutler]

Finally got my CB400F out of storage (original owner) .  After cleaning, resolving some electrical problems (primarily corroded connections), and rebuilding the carburetors, I have my old bike (that always ran and looked great) back.  The last step is to replace the decade old tires.

The original tires were 3.00-18 and 3.50-18.  Currently, the bike has 3.60H18 and 120/80-18 K81 (TT100).  Looking at old post suggest the best match to stock/current tires would be 99/90-18 and 110/90-18.

Unfortunately, finding some of the tires mentioned in these old posts are hard to find and some of the tires may no-longer being manufactured. So the big question, what are others with CB400F (or CB350F) bikes using?

[grcamna2]

Finally got my CB400F out of storage (original owner) .  After cleaning, resolving some electrical problems (primarily corroded connections), and rebuilding the carburetors, I have my old bike (that always ran and looked great) back.  The last step is to replace the decade old tires.

The original tires were 3.00-18 and 3.50-18.  Currently, the bike has 3.60H18 and 120/80-18 K81 (TT100).  Looking at old post suggest the best match to stock/current tires would be 99/90-18 and 110/90-18.

Unfortunately, finding some of the tires mentioned in these old posts are hard to find and some of the tires may no-longer being manufactured. So the big question, what are others with CB400F (or CB350F) bikes using?

There are some companies that still offer 3.00-18 and 3.50-18 tires,just not as many as there were before.
The 1.85x18 rear rim is a limiting factor as it's too narrow to give metric modern/wider size tires(100/90x18)an appropriate amount of area for the sidewalls to 'sit straight' for the best handling.I think you'll need to change the front rim from it's 1.60x18 WM1 stock size up to a WM2 1.85x18 width and the rear WM2 1.85x18 up to a WM3 2.15x18 width rim.
I recommend using a pair of inch/stock size tires 3.00x18 & 3.50x18;keep searching,there are still a couple made in those sizes.

[Kevin]

Finally got my CB400F out of storage (original owner) .  After cleaning, resolving some electrical problems (primarily corroded connections), and rebuilding the carburetors, I have my old bike (that always ran and looked great) back.  The last step is to replace the decade old tires.

The original tires were 3.00-18 and 3.50-18.  Currently, the bike has 3.60H18 and 120/80-18 K81 (TT100).  Looking at old post suggest the best match to stock/current tires would be 99/90-18 and 110/90-18.

Unfortunately, finding some of the tires mentioned in these old posts are hard to find and some of the tires may no-longer being manufactured. So the big question, what are others with CB400F (or CB350F) bikes using?

There are some companies that still offer 3.00-18 and 3.50-18 tires,just not as many as there were before.
The 1.85x18 rear rim is a limiting factor as it's too narrow to give metric modern/wider size tires(100/90x18)an appropriate amount of area for the sidewalls to 'sit straight' for the best handling.I think you'll need to change the front rim from it's 1.60x18 WM1 stock size up to a WM2 1.85x18 width and the rear WM2 1.85x18 up to a WM3 2.15x18 width rim.
I recommend using a pair of inch/stock size tires 3.00x18 & 3.50x18;keep searching,there are still a couple made in those sizes.

Are you sure about those rim sizes?
I think it's a 2.15" rear rim and  1.85" front rim.



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[Kevin]

Hey Sbutler,
Good on you for hanging on to your CB400F, not many original owners still in posession of their bikes.

It's been 10 years or more since I last bought tires for any of mine, so I do not know what is available currently.

I can tell you that going to a 100/90 front tire from the original 90/90 will change the handleing dramaticly. The front end will feel heavy and the bike will not be as nimble.
I have 110/90 on the rear and it is fine.

Let's see a picture of your baby.


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[grcamna2]

Finally got my CB400F out of storage (original owner) .  After cleaning, resolving some electrical problems (primarily corroded connections), and rebuilding the carburetors, I have my old bike (that always ran and looked great) back.  The last step is to replace the decade old tires.

The original tires were 3.00-18 and 3.50-18.  Currently, the bike has 3.60H18 and 120/80-18 K81 (TT100).  Looking at old post suggest the best match to stock/current tires would be 99/90-18 and 110/90-18.

Unfortunately, finding some of the tires mentioned in these old posts are hard to find and some of the tires may no-longer being manufactured. So the big question, what are others with CB400F (or CB350F) bikes using?

There are some companies that still offer 3.00-18 and 3.50-18 tires,just not as many as there were before.
The 1.85x18 rear rim is a limiting factor as it's too narrow to give metric modern/wider size tires(100/90x18)an appropriate amount of area for the sidewalls to 'sit straight' for the best handling.I think you'll need to change the front rim from it's 1.60x18 WM1 stock size up to a WM2 1.85x18 width and the rear WM2 1.85x18 up to a WM3 2.15x18 width rim.
I recommend using a pair of inch/stock size tires 3.00x18 & 3.50x18;keep searching,there are still a couple made in those sizes.

Are you sure about those rim sizes?
I think it's a 2.15" rear rim and  1.85" front rim.



Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

The CB400F's that I had did have the 1.60x18 front and 1.85x18 Rear DiD stock steel factory rims.

[Kevin]

Finally got my CB400F out of storage (original owner) .  After cleaning, resolving some electrical problems (primarily corroded connections), and rebuilding the carburetors, I have my old bike (that always ran and looked great) back.  The last step is to replace the decade old tires.

The original tires were 3.00-18 and 3.50-18.  Currently, the bike has 3.60H18 and 120/80-18 K81 (TT100).  Looking at old post suggest the best match to stock/current tires would be 99/90-18 and 110/90-18.

Unfortunately, finding some of the tires mentioned in these old posts are hard to find and some of the tires may no-longer being manufactured. So the big question, what are others with CB400F (or CB350F) bikes using?

There are some companies that still offer 3.00-18 and 3.50-18 tires,just not as many as there were before.
The 1.85x18 rear rim is a limiting factor as it's too narrow to give metric modern/wider size tires(100/90x18)an appropriate amount of area for the sidewalls to 'sit straight' for the best handling.I think you'll need to change the front rim from it's 1.60x18 WM1 stock size up to a WM2 1.85x18 width and the rear WM2 1.85x18 up to a WM3 2.15x18 width rim.
I recommend using a pair of inch/stock size tires 3.00x18 & 3.50x18;keep searching,there are still a couple made in those sizes.

Are you sure about those rim sizes?
I think it's a 2.15" rear rim and  1.85" front rim.



Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

The CB400F's that I had did have the 1.60x18 front and 1.85x18 Rear DiD stock steel factory rims.

My bad, I stand corrected.
When I replaced my stock steel rims with Sun aluminum rims I went up a size in width and that is what's on there now.


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[grcamna2]

Finally got my CB400F out of storage (original owner) .  After cleaning, resolving some electrical problems (primarily corroded connections), and rebuilding the carburetors, I have my old bike (that always ran and looked great) back.  The last step is to replace the decade old tires.

The original tires were 3.00-18 and 3.50-18.  Currently, the bike has 3.60H18 and 120/80-18 K81 (TT100).  Looking at old post suggest the best match to stock/current tires would be 99/90-18 and 110/90-18.

Unfortunately, finding some of the tires mentioned in these old posts are hard to find and some of the tires may no-longer being manufactured. So the big question, what are others with CB400F (or CB350F) bikes using?

There are some companies that still offer 3.00-18 and 3.50-18 tires,just not as many as there were before.
The 1.85x18 rear rim is a limiting factor as it's too narrow to give metric modern/wider size tires(100/90x18)an appropriate amount of area for the sidewalls to 'sit straight' for the best handling.I think you'll need to change the front rim from it's 1.60x18 WM1 stock size up to a WM2 1.85x18 width and the rear WM2 1.85x18 up to a WM3 2.15x18 width rim.
I recommend using a pair of inch/stock size tires 3.00x18 & 3.50x18;keep searching,there are still a couple made in those sizes.

Are you sure about those rim sizes?
I think it's a 2.15" rear rim and  1.85" front rim.



Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

The CB400F's that I had did have the 1.60x18 front and 1.85x18 Rear DiD stock steel factory rims.

My bad, I stand corrected.
When I replaced my stock steel rims with Sun aluminum rims I went up a size in width and that is what's on there now.


Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

Kevin,which tires do you run ?

[Kevin]

I have some AVON SUPER VENOM's on a couple of bikes and AVON ROAD RIDERS on the bike I was riding most recently.
I think a couple of my bikes may still have the original tires on them too, but since they never get ridden I don't see a point in replacing the tires.

My Suzuki Intruder 1400 has Metzlers. I think ME88's.

[Quattrocilindri]

On my 350F I bought these from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031B7SJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031BDDZY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZPF3L60/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ZPF3L60/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All reasonably priced, and thread pattern similar to original. Good grip and overall performance.

[Robbo]

On the CB350four I have Avon Roadrider tires.

90/90-18 front
100/90-18 rear

I did a search in late April.  You can find the front size no problem.  It’s the rear size where there is limited options from other quality brands.

The replacements I will be ordering are Avon Roadrider MKII .


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[Dunk]

Not a lot of selection in those sizes. I'm using IRC GS-11 on a '71 CB350 (twin). They are a cheaper tire and a vintage pattern, but seem pretty decent on my and clean pavement as I've rubber some bits and not felt super sketchy. Haven't pushed it in the rain or anything and I don't ride that bike much, but while the GS-11 is serviceable for a period correct look and spirited riding I'd much prefer if BT46 were available in this size as I run BT46 on my daily rider and am pleased with the level of confidence they inspire scraping pegs in both dry and wet weather.

[Erwin83]

I'm running Heidenau K36 tires in 3.50-18 front, and 4.00-18 rear.
However, I have installed a 1,85 size rim on the front wheel.

[grcamna2]

I run an Avon Road Rider 90/90x18 on a 1.85x18 rim;I wouldn't go wider than that size tire on the 1.85 width rim.I get excellent mileage with that set-up without the tire being too pinched on the rim and it has excellent road feel and cornering.

[Stev-o]

On my 350F I bought these from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031B7SJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I dont recommend Duro tires [china], they were on my '67 CB450 Bomber when I bought it.  The bike did not handle very well and I replaced them with IRC [Japan] and the bike handles so much better. 

Japanese tires on a Japanese bike!

[Quattrocilindri]

On my 350F I bought these from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031B7SJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I dont recommend Duro tires [china], they were on my '67 CB450 Bomber when I bought it.  The bike did not handle very well and I replaced them with IRC [Japan] and the bike handles so much better. 


Japanese tires on a Japanese bike!

2 years ago, when shopping for tires for my 350F, I would have picked IRCs as well, but could not find them online with 3.00 and 3.50 size. My bike, with less than 4000 original miles on the odometer, still had the 47-year old tires and tubes from the factory, which held air well, BTW,  but I was uncomfortable riding with such old rubber. One of the problems I experienced  going with modern metric sized tires on classic old bikes I have had in the past, is that they may interfere with  the clearance in the fenders or swing arm, due to their lower aspect ratio. 

So, the Duros came in the proper inch size and fit easily.
And, since my riding style has always focused on general cruising around town, on straight roads that do not invite dragging knees, I would say the Duros do the job adequately, while maintaining the bike's original charm.

[newday777]

Finally got my CB400F out of storage (original owner) .  After cleaning, resolving some electrical problems (primarily corroded connections), and rebuilding the carburetors, I have my old bike (that always ran and looked great) back.  The last step is to replace the decade old tires.

The original tires were 3.00-18 and 3.50-18.  Currently, the bike has 3.60H18 and 120/80-18 K81 (TT100).  Looking at old post suggest the best match to stock/current tires would be 99/90-18 and 110/90-18.

Unfortunately, finding some of the tires mentioned in these old posts are hard to find and some of the tires may no-longer being manufactured. So the big question, what are others with CB400F (or CB350F) bikes using?

Welcome to the forum sbutler
Be sure to reply back your findings and results in handling.
And do an introduction of yourself and your bike in the new members section.  Pictures are always welcome. I'm going to an open house today which my friend is selling 5 400s and thinning his herd of other collection bikes in NH.
Hondarestoration.com is his website of parts he is also liquidating.

[sbutler]

Everyone,

Thanks for the input, especially on rim-tire size limitations. 

Finally decided to order a pair of SHINKO 712s (including new inter tubes and rim tapes) from 4into1.  It is likely one could find these tires for a bit less somewhere else but assumed there would be less chance getting old tires from a site that deals with a lot of old Honda's (plus, I needed a few more parts that got shipped for free).  The tires 4into1's pick (shipped) for the front tire was 3.00X18 (exact factory size) and 100/90X18 for the rear (slightly wider than the factory 3.5X18).  The rear mounted without any problems but I pinched the tube on the front.  Second try with a new tube was successful.

Overall, the bike handles very well on the new tires but to be honest I have not pushed it in the curves.

Cheers,
Steve
 

[grcamna2]

Everyone,

Thanks for the input, especially on rim-tire size limitations. 

Finally decided to order a pair of SHINKO 712s (including new inter tubes and rim tapes) from 4into1.  It is likely one could find these tires for a bit less somewhere else but assumed there would be less chance getting old tires from a site that deals with a lot of old Honda's (plus, I needed a few more parts that got shipped for free).  The tires 4into1's pick (shipped) for the front tire was 3.00X18 (exact factory size) and 100/90X18 for the rear (slightly wider than the factory 3.5X18).  The rear mounted without any problems but I pinched the tube on the front.  Second try with a new tube was successful.

Overall, the bike handles very well on the new tires but to be honest I have not pushed it in the curves.

Cheers,
Steve

Thanks for this information;I'm surprised 4into1 had the front 3.00x18 tire:will it work for front or rear ?
What brand name is the 3.00x18 front tire ?

[sbutler]

Grcamna2

Both tires are SHINKO 712, and like the old K81, I don't think there is a front vs rear design.  The only difference is the size.

According to SHINKO's web site the 712s are also available in 3.50X18 but finding this size maybe difficult.  Not sure why, but the SHINKOs were out of stock for a while on 4into1.com.  I suspect one of the sizes was not available.

[grcamna2]

Grcamna2

Both tires are SHINKO 712, and like the old K81, I don't think there is a front vs rear design.  The only difference is the size.

According to SHINKO's web site the 712s are also available in 3.50X18 but finding this size maybe difficult.  Not sure why, but the SHINKOs were out of stock for a while on 4into1.com.  I suspect one of the sizes was not available.

ok thanks,I'm just curious if the front 3.00x18 Shinko 712 you have on your CB400F has an arrow as far as the correct rotational way to install it on the front;does it have any other directional rotation arrows molded into the sidewalls ?
I would like to get one of those Shinko tires.

[sbutler]

Grcamna2

Correction,
The front Shinko 712 tire (3.00X18) has an arrow on the sidewall with the text front tire rotation (nothing about rear tire rotation)
The rear Shinko 712 tire  (100/90X18) has an arrow on the sidewall with the text rear tire rotation (nothing about front tire rotation)

So it appears the Shinko 712 tires are designed for a specific location (front or rear)

Cheers

[grcamna2]

Grcamna2

Correction,
The front Shinko 712 tire (3.00X18) has an arrow on the sidewall with the text front tire rotation (nothing about rear tire rotation)
The rear Shinko 712 tire  (100/90X18) has an arrow on the sidewall with the text rear tire rotation (nothing about front tire rotation)

So it appears the Shinko 712 tires are designed for a specific location (front or rear)

Cheers

Ok,thanks sbutler 

[Bankerdanny]

Everyone,

Thanks for the input, especially on rim-tire size limitations. 

Finally decided to order a pair of SHINKO 712s (including new inter tubes and rim tapes) from 4into1.  It is likely one could find these tires for a bit less somewhere else but assumed there would be less chance getting old tires from a site that deals with a lot of old Honda's (plus, I needed a few more parts that got shipped for free).  The tires 4into1's pick (shipped) for the front tire was 3.00X18 (exact factory size) and 100/90X18 for the rear (slightly wider than the factory 3.5X18).  The rear mounted without any problems but I pinched the tube on the front.  Second try with a new tube was successful.

Overall, the bike handles very well on the new tires but to be honest I have not pushed it in the curves.

Cheers,
Steve
 

I like the 712's and have run them on a couple of my 550's. I think they offer good performance for the money.