Topic: New Continental Tires - Not so good

[Otto]

Just finished my 1971 HONDA CB750K1 complete restore. Trying to stay true to orignal tire design I bought some new Continentials RB2 and K112, finished the bike, went less than 100 yards down the road, I notcied something terrbly wrong. Front end was hopping and rear was darting left and right. Had the dealer check em... Both were so far out round you would not have belived it! They might as well have been oval!

Thankfully I can return them. But watch out for Contis not made in GB... These are labeled Tiwann and are pretty much junk.  I spoke with Hondaman and he experinced the same issue on a bike he built last year...


Going to order either Metzler Lazertechs or Avon Road Riders tomorrow.

Will post pix of my completed K1 soon.

Bob

 

[Gordon]

Haven't had experience with the Metzlers but I've heard good things.  I can personally vouch for the Avons, though. 

[spot45]

Be careful with the Dunlops too.  Their Indonesians have a tendancy to wear out too fast.  Damn I miss Cheng Shen and Maxxis at least I can get some mileage on those before I have to replace them.

[Otto]

The AVON A26 Road Riders are less $ than the Conti and the Metzlertoo..

and they come in 3.25 X19 and 4.0 X18.

That'll most likely be the ticket.

Hondaman runs the Avon A24 Road Rider on his bike too. Can't get a better recomendation than that!

bc

[Gordon]

The AVON A24 Road Riders are less $ than the Conti and the Metzlertoo..

and they come in 3.25 X19 and 4.0 X18.

That'll most likely be the ticket.

Hondaman runs the Avon A24 Road Rider on his bike too. Can't get a better recomendation than that!

bc

Agreed.

I was disappointed when they discontinued the "Roadrunner" line of tires (because that's what I had run for years on several bikes) and switched to the Roadrider, but was pleasantly surprised to see they were available in standard sizes now.  It's a taller sidewall which is more fitting for our bikes.   

[Otto]

I just noticed, Dennis Kirk's website has the Avon AM26 Road Ryders in :

3.25X19 Front
4.0 X18 rear

100/90 X19 Front
110/90 X18 Rear

Different prices and weights are specified too... I think the difference is that the Metric sizes show that they can be used either front or rear and the original sizes specify Front and Rear.

Any know what the scoop is with that?

I'll probably just go with the 3.25X19 and 4.0X18..

Interesting though??

bc

[jakecb420]

i just put the conti twins on my 73 750. i had swapped front wheels when i put them on. turns out the front wheel i put on was a little f'ed up. took my old wheel to National Cycle Works(very vintage bike friendly garage near rt 136 and rt 51 intersection in the pittsburgh area) and had them true it up. put my old wheel back on the bike with the new conti. smooth as glass now. i havent had it balanced yet but i will for good practice. my continentals are made in friggin taiwan but they seem to be very nice. they seem to handle quite a bit differently than the 120/90 & 100/90 pirelli route 66's. bottom line is, i dont think they are all bad. by the way, i ordered them from dennis kirk a couple weeks ago.

[Raef]

I put dunlops on my 550 last year  a 4 x 18 gold seal k 70 on the rear. It seems ok

They got the front right the first time but the rear was a dirt bike tire the first two times, it took them 3 times and 2 weeks to get it right

[TwoTired]

I'm certainly happy with the Metzeler tires in the stock inch sizes.

Cheers,

[754]

Give em a spin before riding the bike...it should have been obvious..

 Should always at least visually check that the bead is seated, all around...

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Give em a spin before riding the bike...it should have been obvious..

 Should always at least visually check that the bead is seated, all around...

+1 on the bead being seated.  It has been a common problem with my tire guy and these Honda wheels.  Rigid frames are not forgiving on tire issues and even a subtle distortion with an unseated bead will cause them to vibrate in a cyclic fashion and have a low speed, decel wobble.  Seat the bead, problem goes away.  I have 8-12 tires installed a year and have had good success with Avon, Dunlop, chen sheh, and maxxis.

[Fred T]

I´ve been using the Roadriders on my 1975 CB 400F for some time now, and I would buy them again if I had to change them. I previously had Conti Blitz, and the Avons are far superior.

[srook]

Gordon,
The old RoadRunner tires are still available in 4.10x19 and MT90x16, but they are called AM9 now.  Its the same tread pattern as the originals.  They don't make any of the 18" wheels anymore though.  I have them on my Dunstall bike.  Avon's spec sheet on the AM9 or old RoadRunner   http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/sites/default/files/18388_Avon%20MC%20Databook_Web%20PDF_v1%2011.pdf

Scott

[Johnie]

I have the Conti's on my KO, K1 & K4. All are fine. Purchased my most recent set in spring. No problems so far.

[Otto]

Thanks for all of the input guys. I just ordered the Avon A26 Road Riders from my dealer. Wasn't bad mouthing the Conti's (really), just fussing like a little girl because I finally finished my 750K1 and couldn't ride it.... I have heard of issues with the non- GB Contis though..

Hopefully the "round" tires will be here this week.

Pix of the done 750 later this week

bc

[HondaNorway]

I just bought Metzler Lazertechs on my bike, and they are the best tires I've tried. I drove through really heavy rain yesterday, and I had the best grip I've ever had in those conditions.

Go Metzler