Topic: CB550F tire recommendations

[rlarkin70]

hi all- Im just starting to dig back into my bike after getting it running well. one of the first things I want to do is put new tires on it. This is a not a daily rider by any means. Just short rides on the weekend, maybe take it to work once a month or so. I want to get a soft, sticky compound. I dont care about wear, just performance. From what I understand I should go with a 100/90-19 front and a 120/90-18 rear.

Does anyone have anything they would recommend? My plan is just to call around and talk to some tire shops, local and online, and ask what they recommend.

-Ron

(here is a picture of the bike, making some modifications to it now, like chopping the back fender.)

[jsaab2748]

Avon road riders. VERY good all around. Good in the rain too if you happen to get stuck in it.

[bhppy101]

I've got Avon Vintage race compounds on my YDS-3 250 2 stroke.....stickiest street tires I've used on my older bikes....just remember...the stickier they are....the warmer they have to get before they become sticky! 

[TwoTired]

Whatever you get, make sure they are designed to work with the stock 1.85 width rim.  I don't know of any 120's that are.

Cheers,

[rlarkin70]

oh yeah I might have made a mistake. I copied those sizes from another post.

the bike has a 110/90 R18 at the rear, and a 3.25x19 on the front. not sure what that equates to in a metric size.

-Ron

[rlarkin70]

Avon road riders. VERY good all around. Good in the rain too if you happen to get stuck in it.

Thanks. I checked their website and they recommended the following tires. I will do some price shopping online.

CB 550 F, K (1974 - 1978)
Front Tyres
» Roadrider
Size 100/90-18 56V
2.3 bar (33psi)

Rear tyres
» Roadrider
Size 110/90-18 61V
2.7 bar (39psi)

[TwoTired]

If your Cb550 front rims are stock, they would be 19" not 18".

Cheers,

[rlarkin70]

yeah I noticed that after I posted it, they make a mistake with the front. Mine is definitely a 3.25x19.  I see the Avons come in that size.

-Ron

[cbass*gxc]

What do you guys think about the maxxis classics?  I want to get the whitewalls for my bike.

[rlarkin70]

What do you guys think about the maxxis classics?  I want to get the whitewalls for my bike.

hmmm, not sure about whitewalls. looking for a racing tire here, but have noticed places that sell those style, try the bobber and chopper mags like Iron Horse. I have seen those kind of tires, and on the right bike would look good.

for me, I am almost ready to buy the Avons, after doing a lot of reading. I like these Michelins...but....

http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004103801&codePage=2092004103801_25012006153838&lang=EN

they aren't available in the sizes I need. bummer, they sound sweet.

[AOD]

I have the same Avon tires on my GS1100E and they've been pretty good.  Nice tread pattern, good grip dry and wet.  Overall, no complaints and 2/3rd's the cost of Metzeler's!

~Adam