Topic: Performance Tires for 1973 CB750K3

[earth tones]

After rear time went flat last night, on the period correct Continental that is currently installed, I have decided to upgrade the tires to a higher performance model.  I have read of other CB750 owners using the Dunlop GT501 or the Bridgestone BT45.  Do both of these tires fit onto the stock rim size of the CB750?  Are there any modifications or adjustments to be made when installing these tires? Thanks!

[Alan F.]

I recommend Michelin Pilot Activ, they come in sizes for our bikes now.

I found my best deal in the spring here:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/396/6158/ITEM/Michelin-Pilot-Activ-Rear-Tire.aspx

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/396/6157/ITEM/Michelin-Pilot-Activ-Front-Tire.aspx

[1974CB750rider]

Anyone have an opinion on the Bridgestone S11. They're priced right and H rated to 130mph, which is a lot faster than I'll ever go on my 750K4. Front and rear are less than $60.00 per tire. Just looking for some input good or bad.

[Tower]

GT501s: Old tech - early 1980s , long lasting, poor wet, interim betwen older bias and newer radials e.g. D616

Spitfires (S11): Old school and old tech - late 1970s.  Good wear, poor wet

Battlax "BattleAxe" (BT45): First of the newer compound tyres - late 1980s, wears fast, great grip, good wet. 

Pilt Activ: New tech after a long heitus from MacAdam 50E - mid 1990s , good wet, long wear, pricey and hart to get.

[earth tones]

Are all of these tires directly mountable on the stock rim?

[SanDogDewey]

Are all of these tires directly mountable on the stock rim?

I just mounted Dunlop GT501 100/80-19 and 140/80-17 on stock 77 CB 750 rims.

[333]

As mentioned in many other threads, try to stick to stock sizes when upgrading tires.  Too big of a tire will have more curvature and result in less rubber in contact with the ground.  A higher speed rating can be your friend as well.  the advantage is that a higher speed rating tire will run cooler at lower speeds.  And in most cases, a softer compound is used, creating a stickier tire.

[andy750]

Are all of these tires directly mountable on the stock rim?

Yes.

Go for the BT45s you wont be sorry.

[WHALEMAN]

333, I have always been told different about the speed ratings. To get 130 MPH speed ratings the tire has to be somewhat light so that heat build up is not a problem at 130 MPH. While a tire rated to less MPH rating can be build thicker and tougher because the heat build-up will not be a problem. Someone more knowlegable can jump in but I always thought that if your real top speed was 90 MPH that the tire rated to that was really better and safer for you. Dan

[bucky katt]

Anyone have an opinion on the Bridgestone S11. They're priced right and H rated to 130mph, which is a lot faster than I'll ever go on my 750K4. Front and rear are less than $60.00 per tire. Just looking for some input good or bad.

those are the ones i have on my k4 750. i like em

[earth tones]

I was just looking at the Dunlop GT501 and Bridgestone BT45 on bikebandit.com.  Are these tires both tubeless?  They mount directly onto stock rims?

[SanDogDewey]

I had the GT501s mounted on standard 77 CB750 rims with tubes.

[Duke McDukiedook]

I've run the spitfires S11 with no problems, don't ride in the rain though.

You can run a tubeless on your rims, but you would want to put tubes on them even if they are mag wheels.

[michrobi]

Seems like these days it's slim pickens for correct size tires. Last time I shopped for tires there were half a dozen Dunlop models and 50 other brands that were all available in 4.00/18 and 3.25/19. That can't have been more than 5 or 6 years ago. Garbage.

[Geeto67]

love my metzler lazertechs, on my thrid set now and I beat the hell out of my 75 750.

[hav150]

http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3342

 I have these Bridgestones. Period correct look with current rubber compound. Handle and stick well.  Skecty on those groved cement highways.

[andy750]

http://www.bikebandit.com/product/3342

 I have these Bridgestones. Period correct look with current rubber compound. Handle and stick well.  Skecty on those groved cement highways.

I can see why they would be sketchy on the grooved cement!! I wouldnt take corners too fast with those either, especially in the rain.....You can keep your period correct tires...me I go for modern tread that dosent track on grooved highways..upgrade to new technology - BT45s  - and you`ll feel a lot happier...

[Tower]

Be very careful with Bridgestone Accolade motorcycle tyres.  
about 4200 were recalled last year for...

"...FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE LABELING REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 119, "NEW PNEUMATIC TIRES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES WITH A GVWR OF MORE THAN 4,536 KILOGRAMS (10,000 POUNDS) AND MOTORCYCLES."

...what this means is they were speed and durability rated higher than what tests showed to be their safe operational level.

Also, beware of the claim that they are "advanced tire technology".  This does not mean they have newer rubber compounds.  Instead it means the forming process has been upgraded from when these tyres were first designed - late 1980's.  

Edit:  I don't want to imply these are bad tyres.  On the contrary, they are an upgraded, bias ply tyre that meets all North American standards and fits the older bikes, like ours, and does it better than some others on the market.  

[andy750]

And read the customer review on BikeBandit about the Accolades....