Topic: Yet another tire question

[dustyc]

What are you folks with K7/K8's running?   I'm about at my wits end.

I've been searching and read the FAQ.  I'm looking for tires for my K7.  It seems a real pain to find a selection of tires online.  I figure I'll even less selection at the local shops.  Here's what I've found.

Which of these combinations would be better?  I'm still trying to understand tire selection.

AVON ROADRIDER 3.25B-19 FRONT                 $66.32 
AVON ROADRIDER 100/90B-19 FRONT/REAR        $65.29
AVON ROADRIDER 120/90B-17 REAR                 $66.32
   
DUNLOP D404 100/90HB-19 FRONT                $56.78 
DUNLOP D404 110/90HB-19 FRONT           $68.54 
DUNLOP D404 130/90HB-17 REAR                 $70.74

17" Dunlop GT501's are listed with 140 as the narrowest on the sites I looked at, so I don't think they'll work.

I'm looking for something that takes curves good.  I'd prefer a tire made for tubes since I'll most likely be putting them on myself.  Not interested in a pure vintage look, just good performance.  Recommendations anyone?

Thanks in advance.

[joeb]

If it will help I'm running the Avons and really like them. 100 up front 120 rear

[dustyc]

Yeah that helps.  I'm not sure what's going to be too wide.  I figured 120 would fit, but I'm not sure about above that.  Thanks.

[smccloud]

I'm wondering where you can find that price on Avon tires.  Only resource I know of is Dennis Kirk (not that far from me either), but they want 80+.  I am wondering what people think of Kenda tires.  $42 for a new rear sounds kinda nice (I use my '72 for mostly transportation to and from work).

http://denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/tire/product.jsp?skuId=641304&store=Main&catId=404&productId=p642220&leafCatId=&mmyId=

[dustyc]

I found them here http://www.americanmototire.com  Recommended by several folks here.

[hapsh]

I am very happy with my Kenda Challengers I got at http://www.americanmototire.com .  I was able to get then in 100/90 front and 110/90 rear.  They are within spec of stock tire widths so they fit and handle quite well.  They are sport tires that are very soft and grippy.  I have not been able to find another sport tire that is as grippy within that size range.

[Tower]

Start with fitment for the K7/K8.  Fitment is shown in "best" performance first.  Tyres outside this range will perform more poorly as the bead "pinch" starts to be pronounced.

FRONT (2.15 x 19 rim)
 --Size-- Height
  3.50-19    25.8" (recommended, speed rating S or better preferably)
 90/90-19     25.4"
 90/80-19     24.7"
100/90-19 26.1"
110/90-19    26.1"
100/80-19    25.3"
Note: Selecting a tyre of different height than the recommended will alter your speedometer reading

REAR (2.5 x 17 rim)
 --Size-- Height
  4.50-17    25.6" (Recommended, speed rating S or better is preferred)
120/90-17    25.5"
110/80-17    23.9"
130/90-17 26.2"
120/80-17    24.6"

I've highlighted a closely fitting wider alternative to the recommended sizes.  You can select other combinations for your particular performance needs.
 
Note, for example, as the height of the front tyre increase, relative to the rear tyre height, cornering is adversely effected in favour of more straight-line front-end stability.  Conversely as the rear height increase, the bike will turn into corners better, but will be less stable in straight-line tracking.  Since the recommended combination is fractionally lower rear, it suggests the designers had improved straight-line tracking in mind.  Shock height and other settings can/do offset tracking and cornering in a similar manner.

Some of the fine brands that make the ones I've highlighted (and more) and available on the net are:

* Metzler Lazertec  M/CTL (100/90-19 57H Front) (130/90-17 68H Rear)
* Avon Roadrider (~90/90-19 Front) 52V  (120/90-17 68V Universal/Rear)
* Bridgestone BT45 (100/90-19 M/C 57V/H Front) (130/90-17 M/C 68V Rear)
* Dunlop Elite II (MM90-19 61H Front) (MT90B17 76H Rear)
* Continental TKV 11/12 (100/90-19 M/C 57H Front) (130/90-17 M/C 68V Rear)
* Michelin Macadam 50E/50 (Hard to get) (100/90-19 57V 50E Front) (130/90-17 68V 50 Rear)

^~ closer to recommended

Edit:  As per your original post/question - Avon Roadriders are closer to recommended, but the Dunlop 404s would be a better looking fit.  Also, I believe the 491 Elite's are newer design and compound. (I didn't know you could still get D404s).