Topic: CB550 Tire Thread

[75-550]

This will probably sound stupid, but what's the difference between the 110/90 and 110/80? I just don't want to order tires that won't fit.

[Maxacceleration]

This will probably sound stupid, but what's the difference between the 110/90 and 110/80? I just don't want to order tires that won't fit.

The sidewall will be lower on the /80. The 110/90 would be gargantuan on front and may not fit.

Lower sidewall height = smaller diameter, which in turn will help with quicker steering.

[75-550]

Thanks, I was looking at the 100/90 for the front and was wondering about the difference between the 110/90 and 110/80 because it looks like the recommended rear tire for my bike is a 110/90. In the distanzia it is only offered in 110/80. I was wondering if it would be a big deal if I used the 110/80 and not a 110/90.

[jamesthiago]

i just bought my first bike. (78 cb550) and am putting new tires on. I have a real beginner question:
I am looking to put Avon Roadriders on (100/90-19 front & 100/90-18 rear) Since they are non-tube tires and my rim is tube do I require a heavier tube or different valve?
or would something like this be fine?
IRC STANDARD Motorcycle Tube: 3.25/4.10-19 100/90-19 $8.99

thanks
james

[cleveland]

Standard tube should be fine.

[j squared]

Stock rear rim sizes for the 550 are 1.85 inches front and rear.

A 120 on the rear will work ok when new, but will square off much earlier than the proper size tire and lead to undesirable handling qualities.  Thus they wear out faster because you have to run higher tire pressures to compensate for lack of sidewall support from the narrow rim.

After trying oversize tires on my 550s for several years, I went back to near stock sizes.  3.25 Metzler fronts, and 4.00 Metzler rears.

They adhere well enough to scrape the pegs.  And, they have restored the nice handling characteristics the bike had with stock tire sizes.  I'm getting better tire mileage, too.  But, haven't yet worn out a set.

I'll keep buying Metzler till they don't make the right size anymore.


Cheers,

Hey I was looking at the application chart for Avon Roadriders and noticed that the sizes you recommended (3.25-18 and 4.00-19) list a wider rim than stock on the CB550 (2.15 recommended, 1.85 - 2.50 max and MT2.50 recommended, 2.15 - 3.00 max, respectively).  Just thought Id throw that out there for the people looking at Avon tires, might want to check the chart out and maybe choose a different size.

What would you recommend for stock rims in this tire?  Here is the chart for reference. 

[TwoTired]

I think that is something you will find more prevalent as time goes on with manufacturers dropping support for the older bikes, whether it be oversight or intention.

Based on the chart you referenced, Avon no longer supports any tire for fitment onto a 1.85 rim in the rear, regardless of what size you select from their line.  If you have problems, you are on your own.  Avon can simply say you have a mis-applied their tire.

The problem is that the consumer has no way of knowing if the tire design will still function correctly with the narrower rim.  We don't know if the designer/engineer made the chart, or a front office type.  Either way, the company has narrowed their exposure to customer claims.

I have a PDF from Metzeler stating that the 3.25x19 and 4.00x18 Lasertec and the ME77 4.00x18 can be applied to a 1.85 rim width.
I'm have problems with their website that won't let me accept their agreement on line right now.  But, I got the PDF chart from their "technical"
 section previously.

There isn't much you can do when a manufacturer decides not to sell tires for your bike, except switch to another manufacturer that does.

[j squared]

Good deal, thanks for the info. I think I might pass on these tires, which sucks since they are great for what Im looking for otherwise

[BVCB650]

That is a shame. I currently run 120's on my 2.5 inch rear Comstar on my 650. Helluva tire.

[phrige]

Thats N.G. about the Avons.. i was actually looking to pick a set of those up in the next week or two.. Seems like other people have used them on their bike with little problem tho. Ill have to think about it.

Can anyone vouch for the Metzeler wet weather performance?  

What is the consensus about using 2 different brands front and back.
Say if i used Avon Venom Fronts with the Metzeler Lasertac rears? recipe for disaster or dont really matter?

[BVCB650]

It been done before, but I like to keep the same tread patter fore and aft just in case.

[j squared]

Thats N.G. about the Avons.. i was actually looking to pick a set of those up in the next week or two.. Seems like other people have used them on their bike with little problem tho. Ill have to think about it.

I know right?  That tire was perfect for me, and now Im doubting.  Thing is youre right, so many people run them and dont hear anything bad.

[j squared]

/flamesuit

OK, screw the spec sheet. Next question is about metric vs. standard tire sizes. I see lots of people running 100/90 and 110/90 Roadriders, which are both listed with a 2.15" wheel minimum.  While Im used to stretching tires the other way (example), a third of an inch seems acceptable.

So, what is the collective opinion on that setup vs a 3.25 and 4.00 of the same tire? It just so happens the metric sizes are about $40 cheaper in the end.

[phrige]

Yea, I think im ganna go with the avons anyway. Its not a severe miss use.

For me, the tread seems perfect for my riding conditions. Somebody previously in this thread said that the Avons were recommended by racers of the CB. And it just seems an enormous amount of people use em and abuse em.

I’m with ya they look nice, they do cost a little bit more than some cheaper tires but that’s what im looking for. Something above average I can feel safe and comfortable riding. Metzlers fit into this category as well. But they aren’t exactly what im looking for.

short of getting metric tires there doesnt seem to be a way to avoid being slightly off on your tire size.. im ganna look around for some metrics to see if theres anything i like. Ill post a link if i do.

[BVCB650]

You won't be disappointed unless you are expecting super long mileage out of them. I read that they are about a 3000 mile tire because they are soft for gripping in all weather. Works for me and my useage.

[TwoTired]

Fuel for the fire....

Why would someone continue to contribute money to a company that abandons support for the bike that you ride?

Isn't that like saying, "Please sir, slap me in the face again, sir.  I know you think that I'm not worth any bother on your part, but maybe you could just spare a little more time with the insults, OK?"

 

[Patrick]

A 3,000-mile tire? I would be changing those out about four times a year. That can't be right. If it is, you might want to investigate other tires.

[j squared]

Thats a good point about supporting companies that dont support you. I am a big believer in brand loyalty and supporting vendors, sellers, companies, etc that stand behind a specific market (especially when that market is not very profitable).  I have been through that time and time again in drifting, where it seems every new company is rebadging parts from China just to make a quick buck.  I would rather pay more for quality parts, made by businesses that care about the industry and not so much about their profit margin.  it just sucks because in this specific instance there really doesnt seem to be another option.  None of the correct tire models have the look I want.  It is somewhat petty, I know, but shoes make the man (or motorcycle, in this case).

What about some other suggestions on tires?  Anything else with an updated-yet-classic tread design that is offered in the right sizes for under $120 a tire?

[BVCB650]

A 3,000-mile tire? I would be changing those out about four times a year. That can't be right. If it is, you might want to investigate other tires.

Like I said, I love them. They are sticky and that means SOFT. Some have gotten as high as 5ooo on the rear and 8000 on the fronts. For a high mileage rider, these may not be for you....like I said. I ride less than 1200 milea a year, and at that rate, the tires will be outdated from rot before I wear them out. I do get caught out in the snow at times, and these are the Blizzak of the bike tires.

[phrige]

Thanks for the heads up BVCB, I have a feeling i may get caught in the snow a few times myself. Let alone rain and terrible roads. NJ is not known for is clear, smooth, well paved interstates. I'll take all the help i can get. I'm not putting on super high milage.. yet.. but we'll see how they stand up.

I agree with you guys on not supporting the people who've turned their back on us, at the same time I'd rather write a few letters to Avon while buying their tires. Which in the next day or two is what I'll be doing.

[BVCB650]

In winter, I stay pretty close to home up here, but even though the roads are clear when I go to the store, it can and is frequently bad when I come outside. I just have to put my feet down like training wheels and creep home, but I eventually get there.

[BVCB650]

Thanks for the heads up BVCB, I have a feeling i may get caught in the snow a few times myself. Let alone rain and terrible roads. NJ is not known for is clear, smooth, well paved interstates. I'll take all the help i can get. I'm not putting on super high milage.. yet.. but we'll see how they stand up.

I agree with you guys on not supporting the people who've turned their back on us, at the same time I'd rather write a few letters to Avon while buying their tires. Which in the next day or two is what I'll be doing.

http://www.bikebandit.com/avon-roadrider-am26-motorcycle-tire

[phrige]

Thanks for the link  

I'm ganna be pickin those up later tonite.
Thats nice that they list the inch size in there too.. mixed in with the metric sizes.

[BVCB650]

I think you will be please with them.

[famoussas1]

im years behind this post, but im new and have a 550. think im gonna go with the bridgestones and gonna try and install the tires myself. found a rear, rim strip, and tube for $85 on motorcycle superstore.com. any tips on doing this? i never have done it before. special tools i may need?

gonna go with the powder coated rims too, was gonna do em myself but i think im gonna go the prof. route, got a quote for $130 for both rims.