Topic: Dunlop vs Dunlop

[brett_bike]

I’m trying to decide between the Dunlop 404 and the k70. I like the vintage look of the k70’s but have used the 404 on previous builds and they seemed fine. I’d like to keep the OG stock look in this bike but it’s my understanding that the 404 is a better performing tire.

Is the 404 safer or more stable at highway speeds or offer better traction on twisty roads? How about wear?


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[HondaMan]

The K70 was a British tire for British bikes and matched their lean angles in many cases (except for Nortons).
The Hondas, on the other hand, lean quite a bit further over, at which point [my] the K70 runs suddenly out of grip, especially on wet roads. I didn't ride a pair of those more than 100 miles before removing them from my 750: they were entirely unsuited to riding anything but Interstates, under my butt.

[brett_bike]

I’m open to other tires. 

Hi Damian, what do you currently run in your CB?  Thoughts on the best option for the 74 CB550?


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[brett_bike]

***Hondaman*** auto corrected to Damian


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[HondaMan]

Wow, is that something cosmic? 

My faves are the Avon Roadriders, hard to beat on the SOHC4 chasses. It was said that its forerunner, the AM26 Roadrider (discontinued in 2002 or so and then reborn as a whole different tire in 2008-ish) was made FOR the CB750/CB500/550 chasses, by Britain, back when tires were not metric profiles. Today's equivalent profiles are the ones in "80 profile" shapes, and made by several manufacturers, with varying degrees of quality.

I'm a tire snob: I only run the finest tires on my bike that I can find under a given size. While the Bridgestone BattalAx is a close 2nd (but only 2nd) in my book, but you'll find there's as many opinions about tires as there are about oils. With the 500/550 chassis, the 80 series tire profile is much closer to the OEM Bridgestones: this is kind of important with the 500/550 because of its unique sidestand. With the 90-profile metrics, the tires stand about 5/8"" taller than the old Bridgestones did, and the sidestand leans the bikes over too far. This is OK if the bike isn't carrying a load like a backpack or something, but if loaded the bike will tend to fall over by levering the rear weight over the sidestand. I just witnessed it again on the 550K1 I just finished for the book.

So, with that in mind, I'd recommend getting something in the 80 series profile(s) for carefree sidestand parking?

[seanbarney41]

I think the best performing vintage tread patterns that come in sizes appropriate for a cb550 come from IRC, Also Duro's (ironically, they will not be "durable"...they are soft and sticky)  Have not tried a set of Heidenau, but many vintage race guys use them, especially on the lighter weight bikes.

[Stev-o]

I think the best performing vintage tread patterns that come in sizes appropriate for a cb550 come from IRC,

+1...I run IRC's on my 550F, great budget tire and nice vintage tread.

https://ircmoto.com/collections/street/products/grand-high-speed-gs-11aw

On my bigger bikes I like Avon & Bridgestone...

[MauiK3]

I guess there are no more Continentals available. They were ok for mileage.

[brett_bike]

The IRC pique my interest since the looks like the vintage Bridgestones currently on my bike.

The owners manual calls for a 3.75 x 18 rear and the IRC comes in a 3.5 or 4.0.

Which to choose?


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[Stev-o]

The IRC pique my interest since the looks like the vintage Bridgestones currently on my bike.

The owners manual calls for a 3.75 x 18 rear and the IRC comes in a 3.5 or 4.0.

Which to choose?

I went with the 4.00x18, it's only a 1/4" wider than your tire, no problem.

[Don R]

 I cut off a set of 404's last year. They were ancient, but the rubber was supple and not cracked anywhere. In retrospect, I wouldn't have worried about riding on them, but I had to destroy them to know that.

[Flyin900]

Wow, is that something cosmic? 

My faves are the Avon Roadriders hard to beat on the SOHC4 chasses. It was said that its forerunner, the AM26 Roadrider (discontinued in 2002 or so and then reborn as a whole different tire in 2008-ish) was made FOR the CB750/CB500/550 chasses, by Britain, back when tires were not metric profiles. Today's equivalent profiles are the ones in "80 profile" shapes, and made by several manufacturers, with varying degrees of quality.

I'm a tire snob: I only run the finest tires on my bike that I can find under a given size. While the Bridgestone BattalAx is a close 2nd (but only 2nd) in my book, but you'll find there's as many opinions about tires as there are about oils. With the 500/550 chassis, the 80 series tire profile is much closer to the OEM Bridgestones: this is kind of important with the 500/550 because of its unique sidestand. With the 90-profile metrics, the tires stand about 5/8"" taller than the old Bridgestones did, and the sidestand leans the bikes over too far. This is OK if the bike isn't carrying a load like a backpack or something, but if loaded the bike will tend to fall over by levering the rear weight over the sidestand. I just witnessed it again on the 550K1 I just finished for the book.

So, with that in mind, I'd recommend getting something in the 80 series profile(s) for carefree sidestand parking?

The Avon Roadriders MK2 are my go to tire on all my bikes now, as they handle all kinds of riding conditions. More expensive than most tires, yet I’m worth it. The size choices range into the mid 20’s count for a variety no other manufacturer can match. Some offer both front and rear use depending on the size and orientation of the said tire.

[BallAquatics]

I thought this post was going to be about Irish motorbike road racing!   

[seanbarney41]

ha ha ha!

[Kelly E]

Over half of our bikes are running Avon Roadrider II's.

[denward17]

Bridgestone just started a rebate for the spring:

https://www.bridgestonemotorcycletires.com/en-us/promotions/spring-2025-promotion-us

[simon#42]

continental classic attack , not the cheapest  not the longest lasting but the most stable hi grip tyres available for classic bikes . i have them on pretty much everything now .

[dave500]

like oil threads,#$%*?just run sport demons and never look back,#$%* how a tyre looks.