Topic: 1978 cb550k tires does anyone have bridgestone spitfires

[cb550inct]

The 1978 CB550k I bought recently came with brand new Dunlop K70 tires 3.25x 19 in the front, 4.0  x 18 in the rear. One problem the bike sat so long that the tires were full of dry rot. Its a shame the tread was brand new, the stamps were barely worn.  Another rider told me his tires were in the same shape and one blew out on him, so I got nervous. Last night after researching this sight and reading as much as possible I went tire shopping on line. I found the Bridgestone Spitfire 11's on sale.

S11 Spitfire Sport Touring Blackwall Front Tire
Color- --, Size- 100/90H-19
SKU#51534 Approved $60.99 1 $60.99
S11 Spitfire Sport Touring Blackwall Rear Tire
Color- --, Size- 110/90H-18
SKU#51508 Approved $65.99

I'm having second a little buyers remorse. I got caught in the rain last week and the Bike had exceptional handling in the rain.

Was it the tire or the bike...this is my first sohc, and only having Harley softails previously i felt really safe.   So bike or tires and how do the bridgestone handle.

[cb550inct]

so how are these tires in wet weather.

[dave500]

i had a spitfire rear last tyre,i liked it,i always err on the side of caution when its wet and try to ride as vertically as i can,its a good tyre,im told they are discontinued here in australia now so im on the pirrelli sport demons which i think are a little better,still not a race tyre but not a cheap "wing whaa woo"brand either,the spitfires are fine.

[MoMo]

Have old Spitfires on my Silverwing-fine tire for the type of riding a 64 year old man does .  I try not to ride in rain and temps under 32 but the tires are OK. I have a new set on the Silverwing that is for sale, if I am  ever sell to it ...Larry

[Stev-o]

I had Spitfires on my 550F that was just sold. I bought them 'cause of all the positive reviews on this site. I never did ride them in the rain but you really can't compare your 550 to your softail. The 550 is a relatively lightweight bike and a heavier bike will feel more stable in the rain (I previously toured on a Kaw 1000 in the rain countless times).
The Spitfires are good tires, I'm sure you will get more confident with them in time.

[BobbyR]

All lot of people here use Spitfires and Battleaxes and are very happy with them.  If you have tires that have sat so long they are dry rotted, clear your mind of all remorse. Your going to be much safer with the spitfires.

[cameron]

I have spitfires on my 76. Love them.

[TrueSpin]

My rear is a Spitfire. I like it. No traction issues here. I do, however, have the 120/90/18 Spitfire.

[db22]

I have Spitfires on my '75 CB550K, and have had good service and fine handling with them.  As another member noted, an older rider will usually not test a tire's limits.  Antique rider on an antique bike. . .

[2wheels]

I just put Spitfires on my 750 F3 in April.  We have had a lot of rain this spring and I have had no problems.

As above thou, I'm vintage and don't test the corners when the road is wet.  I have had the opportunity to test the stopping in the rain and had no problems.

[wookie]

+1 for the spitfires in the dry.  Great in corners.  Don't know about the rain though.

[cameron]

I ride year round in Seattle.
I ride SANE, but havnt had even a hint of a slide.

[wingman1946]

I put new Spitfires on my 650 last fall and rode all winter on them. Here in Oregon I don't leave the house when it's raining but often return wet. No problem with stopping or cornering but like the other senior riders I don't test them too hard either. I do love the way they corner on the dry pavement though.

[Stev-o]

I ride year round in Seattle.
I ride SANE, but have had even a hint of a slide.

Did you mean "have not had..."?

[cameron]

yes, i do.

[Damfino]

I have spitfires on my 76. Love them.

Me too!!!