Topic: Are original tires worth anything?

[Doobie]

I bought a CB750K6 with only 3600 miles on the original Bridgestone tires.  The tires are not useable but they're in excellent condition and would look great on a restoration/show bike/museum piece. Now I'm wondering if they're worth anything because they're no longer made. What do you think?

[RAFster122s]

Contact Barber MC museum and ask them…

[CycleRanger]

Heh, I've got an original '73 Bridgestone Super Speed with a little tread left.
Still on the rim. 


Huh, so googling around a bit apparently there are some folks out there who might want vintage tires for display bikes but they don't appear to pay much for them.

[jlh3rd]

my original tires on my '75 550F are priceless to me.........but I'm sure they aren't "worth" much...

maybe makes a bike worth more than the sum of its parts....

barber, good idea...

[Doobie]

Huh, so googling around a bit apparently there are some folks out there who might want vintage tires for display bikes but they don't appear to pay much for them.

That's what I wanted to know, thanks.

[Shtonecb500]

I have original tires on my 500 k0 with no dry rot- just put 414 miles on them so far this season. I left them on in case a collector wants them. I should just pull the wheels and pop replacement wheels on for the time being.

Anyway, I’m wondering the SAME THING.

[rocket johnny]

i'd really like to see some photos of your low milo  k-6       thanx !

[simon#42]

I have original tires on my 500 k0 with no dry rot- just put 414 miles on them so far this season. I left them on in case a collector wants them. I should just pull the wheels and pop replacement wheels on for the time being.

Anyway, I’m wondering the SAME THING.

from memory those tyres were rubbish when they were new , they must be truly awful now

[Doobie]

i'd really like to see some photos of your low milo  k-6       thanx !

[PeWe]

All labels are interesting on such untouched bike. Which ones and where placed.

[jlh3rd]

I have original tires on my 500 k0 with no dry rot- just put 414 miles on them so far this season. I left them on in case a collector wants them. I should just pull the wheels and pop replacement wheels on for the time being.

Anyway, I’m wondering the SAME THING.

I'd be curious to know the date code on the tire...

[Quattrocilindri]

Interesting post.
 I kept my original Bridgestone tires and tubes, with less than 3000 miles on them on my 350F. I bought the bike 3 years ago, and those tires and tubes still held air in fine after all this time. I replaced them with a set of same size Duros that have the same thread pattern, and I am OK with them on.
I kept them for mostly bragging rights to give to the new owner if I sell the bike.....

[Shtonecb500]

I have original tires on my 500 k0 with no dry rot- just put 414 miles on them so far this season. I left them on in case a collector wants them. I should just pull the wheels and pop replacement wheels on for the time being.

Anyway, I’m wondering the SAME THING.

I'd be curious to know the date code on the tire...

it says feb of 1971

currently rebuilding two front wheels to put new rubber on and will pull off the original wheels - prolly pull the original sprockets and chain as well if i end up keeping the bike.

[Don R]

 I kept the original 7,000 mile front tire off of my sandcast. It had a big old lump from sitting flat but I rode it around the neighborhood.

[jlh3rd]

I have original tires on my 500 k0 with no dry rot- just put 414 miles on them so far this season. I left them on in case a collector wants them. I should just pull the wheels and pop replacement wheels on for the time being.

Anyway, I’m wondering the SAME THING.

I'd be curious to know the date code on the tire...

it says feb of 1971

currently rebuilding two front wheels to put new rubber on and will pull off the original wheels - prolly pull the original sprockets and chain as well if i end up keeping the bike.

nice...the US 500 KO was released in 6/01/71......THE original tire .....
If the chain does not have a master link....It is probably the original  chain.....at least for the '75-'76 US 550F's, I know that is a fact.....check the owner's manual...

[Shtonecb500]

ya there is no master

[jlh3rd]

that is an original chain.....it's called an endless chain..factory equipped.....most ended up with a link peened out and a master put in.....way much easier to remove a rear tire and patch a rear tube .....

[ekpent]

My 1971 Suzuki T500 still has the original tires also and are in good condition cosmetically but wouldn't want to go cross country. What makes these kind of special is they used a "redline" tire on these back in the day. Bike shows 2291 miles. Would definitely save them if I ever take them off.

[jlh3rd]

didn't know that...now i do....
nice...

[PeWe]

Good looking Suzuki, Eric.
Tires must be hard to remove.
I had to saw my old rear tire off my K6 it got 1988, removed 2010, 2011.

A tire shop with pro tools make it quicker I suppose.

[CycleRanger]

Good looking Suzuki, Eric.
Tires must be hard to remove.
I had to saw my old rear tire off my K6 it got 1988, removed 2010, 2011.

A tire shop with pro tools make it quicker I suppose.

Been there. This was off the front of my K5 when I got it. Rim cleaned up ok.
I'm working on my CL350 now and I expect to have to do the same with those tires.

[Stev-o]

My 1971 Suzuki T500 still has the original tires also and are in good condition cosmetically but wouldn't want to go cross country.

I love that Suzi, Eric, would love to have that in my garage.  Is it a runner?  Ride it down, those tires are fine!!

[MauiK3]

Love the T500
Back in the day my best friend and I did a heat run from Jacksonville, Fla to Northern California and back, he was on his 500 and I was on my K1 750. Great trip, no breakdowns at all in spite of some pretty bad weather in a few places.