Topic: Tires, clip-ons and sidecovers, question bonanza!!

[GroovieGhoulie]

I have a few wildly different questions, and I'll put them up at once instead of clogging the board with three different threads:

1. The factory tire size for my bike is 3-inch on front and 3.5-inch on the rear.  Would going to a 3.25" front and 3.60" rear make a big difference?  How would the combo of a 3.60 K81/TT100 on the rear and a 3.25 Avon Speedmaster Rib up front be?  I would go with K81s at each end, but can't find an 18" narrow enough for the front.  How would 3.60 K81 up front with a 4.10 K81 at the rear be?  I want to be as close to correct (regarding handling and feel) as I can.

2. How do clip-ons get that down-turned angle?  It seems that when they are on the forks, even if they are sloped back, they would still not get that "clubman-style" downturn to them, and would stay kinda parallel to the ground.  I know some clipons are wildly adjustable, but I don't like the look of them and am wondering if "regular" clip-ons can get that downturned look.

3. DSS sells modern repro sidecovers for my bike (400F).  They are matte black and being that I have a '76 all I would have to do is spray a gloss clearcoat on them and they would look correct.  They aren't that expensive and are reportedly made of better plastics than the originals.  Should I pick up a set to use and preserve the originals?

[Chris Liston]

clip-ons usually have a 7-10 degree down angle from the brands that I have seens.  I know the Pro-Flo that I want are 10 degree.

[motorcitypowow]

Some clip ons come in varying degree angles. Tommaselli makes different degree angled bars available for many fork tube diamaters. I run Menani 20 degree on my cb750. These are only available from italy, but they are available in many flavors as well.

[Zane]

I have a few wildly different questions, and I'll put them up at once instead of clogging the board with three different threads:
DSS sells modern repro sidecovers for my bike (400F).  They are matte black and being that I have a '76 all I would have to do is spray a gloss clearcoat on them and they would look correct.  They aren't that expensive and are reportedly made of better plastics than the originals.  Should I pick up a set to use and preserve the originals?

I can't find the DSS site - what's "not that expensive".  Don't forget, you need to add in the decals and the paint too....

I've chatted with this fellow, and he seems like a great guy.  His side covers look pretty good, and the price ($75 US for both) includes the decal(s).  I'm sure you're familiar with his site....

http://www.eaglescall.com/KSM/sidecovers_1.html

I've actually taken up collecting side covers as a (very) minor hobby     (I have four now; three lefts and a right.)   I watch ebay and when I find one for 10 bucks or less (with reasonable shipping) I buy it and add it to my collection.  I don't know what it is about side covers that appeals to me, but they do, somehow....