Topic: Old tires Q's

[TwoTired]

Yeah but even in the car tire world anything chinese seems to skid instead of stop. I feel like their rubber is hard to begin with.

It probably is.  Rubber tires on unimproved roads wear fast unless they use a harder compound.  Gravel/rock chew them up pretty quickly.  Longevity is sometimes more important than traction.  Not all countries have an extensive improved road system.

My original Toyota tire's from 1984 lasted 70,000 miles (Toyo, I think).  Squealed in just about every corner, pretty hard compound.  The replacements were softer, didn't squeal nearly as easy as much and lasted 40,000 miles.
The supper wide/soft tires that came with my 89 Camaro (Goodyear, I think), lasted 15,000 miles.  I've already surpassed that with the Michelin Pilots on there now.  But, I don't think it corners as well with them.

Match the tire to the task.  I'm still happiest with the Metzelers I have on my bikes. 

Cheers,

[CBGhia]

I have been running a new (when they were put on) set of cheng shin tires for a few years now. They actually do a pretty good job.  I will be replacing them this winter.  I think the biggest problem with the chinese tires is that people get old ones and they are already hard because of it.  I would much rather have a brand new set of chinese crap than a 10 year old tires made by anybody.  JMHO

[bollingball]

Gordon: Yes I do like my Honda I changed over from Harley when AMF took over and the QC went to crap
Think about it this way I don't know what you do for a living but if I needed a service that you offered would you what me or any one else to get it from you or from some one in China. I will pay 10 to 15% more to support the people here if there product is as good or better. Hell maybe I'm crazy.


             Ken served in the Army for my country and proud to support its people

[dergs713]

Guys thanks for your imputs. I really appreciate the help. You are right, it aint worth goin down on thed road due to some old rubbers. And thanks for the links man! I really appreciate it. Im going to have to do some research.

Anyone know the sizes of the top of their heads? Front and rear for a 75 550.

(I can open the shopbook, but not home right now.)

[TwoTired]

Anyone know the sizes of the top of their heads? Front and rear for a 75 550.

3.25x19 Front
3.75x18 rear  Hard to find that size, but 4.00x18 is easily available from the manufacturer and works quite well.  Local dealers seldom stock the inch sizes and will happily sell you a metric "conversion" which is close but the aspect ratio will be different than what the rim and bike geometry is set up for.

Inch sizes are 95-100% aspect ratio.

I feel it is worth waiting for a special order to come in.  Most places, it only takes 1 or 2 days, unless the salesmen is pressing for immediate sale.

Cheers,

[dergs713]

Thanks TwoTired, That helps out a bunch!
 Matt

[cb550inct]

I just went through this.  After being installed in 1973, the Dunlop TT100s weren't excessively cracked and held air, but they were hard as a brick.  I wouldn't even consider gettting the bike out on the streets on those tires.

I replaced them with Bridgestone Spitfires from Motorcycle Superstore.  Money well spent!

Rusty

Same tires same store here.

[Gordon]

Gordon: Yes I do like my Honda I changed over from Harley when AMF took over and the QC went to crap
Think about it this way I don't know what you do for a living but if I needed a service that you offered would you what me or any one else to get it from you or from some one in China.

Obviously, in that hypothetical scenario, I would want you to buy from me because it would be in my best interest.  But we both know that the best interest of the manufacturer is not the main concern for the consumer in the same way that the best interest of the consumer is not the main concern for the manufacturer.  Where the best interests of both parties overlap is the money spot for all concerned.  For better or worse, we're in a worldwide economy. 

You made the choice yourself to switch to Japanese when the domestic manufacturer no longer provided what you wanted for your dollar.  As a manufacturer from any country, I would want you to buy my products because it would mean profit and longevity for me, but as a fellow consumer, I will buy from whomever will provide me with what I want for what I can afford to spend.  If one of those options is a domestic supplier, I will choose them every time.

[mjstone]

The Shinko 712 metric size is:
Front - 100/90-19
Rear - 110/90-18

The /90 means 90% profile. 

MJ