Topic: Lost when looking for new tires...

[Corey]

Okay so I searched the forum and found threads about generally what I want to know, but I'm still very hesitant on buying anything because I am completely new to this. Now for the fun...

So my bike is a '76 CB750k, and has the stock 1.85 front rim and 2.15 rear rim. The person I bought it from has tubeless tires on it (I'm not sure if tubes are in them) that are bald and dry rotted, and I know you need tubes and rim tape in the old spoked rims. The thing I'm still unsure of is whether or not I can put tubes in tubeless tires. After searching around the internet I keep finding opposing views on tubes in tubeless tires. Some people say "yay" awhile others say "nay." So can you do it safely or not.

It currently has a 100/90-19 on the front which I don't plan on changing. And the rear has a 110/90-18 on it, but I would like a slightly wider tire. Would a 120 fit the rim and clear the swing arm and anything else without any modification?

And finally what would be a good set of tires to put on the bike. I'm leaning towards Dunlop GT501, but they are tubeless and going back to the first question I'm not sure if they would work. Or is there a better set you would recommend? I don't plan on riding the bike in the rain/wet roads, but I guess it's bound to happen sometime.

[MoMo]

No problem using tubeless tires with tubes. You will find way too many opinions on tires(sort of like an oil thread). For the average rider who does not drag his knee around corners most any decent tire will suffice.  My .02...Larry

[LesterPiglet]

Tubes in tubeless is fine. Do we CB owners have a choice? A 120 width tyre will fit your rim ok, I have a 130/80 on the rear of my 550.

[Stev-o]

Welcome Corey, it can be difficult to decide what tires to buy. I have a K4 and purchased tires earlier this year.

Yes, you can put a tube in a tubeless tire. Period.   And I put a 120/90-18 on my stock rim and it looks good, no mods needed. 

You state that you are not changing the front, do you mean the size?

Good tires that I have and recommend are Dunlop 404 and Bridgesone BT45.  I am not familiar with the GT501.

Two good places to order tires are:

www.denniskirk.com
www.motorcyclesuperstore.com

Good luck!

[Corey]

You state that you are not changing the front, do you mean the size?

I meant size. The tire is badly dry rotted, and the rear tire is completely bald. I'm surprised I actually drove it 45+ miles to get it home without wrecking in a turn or something.

And thanks for the info I just need to decide on what specific tires to use and I can check off one thing from the list of things that need bought for the bike.

[shinyribs]

I'll put in my vote for Shinko 712's. Very affordable tire that is very grippy-wet and dry-and seems to hold up well. I only have about 4,000 miles on mine so far,so can't really report too much on tire life. They grip tons better than my Dunlop 404's and have a modern looking tread design if you are looking for that. I bought both of mine local and had them mounted,balanced and new tubes/strips installed for under $200.

[bjbuchanan]

I just put bridgestone spitfires on my 76 cb750. They are tubeless style if it is a tubeless rim, otherwise you need a tube. I used the roughly stock size equivalents. The front is a pain in the @ss if you have crappy technique(me). The rear is pretty easy tho. 97$ or so thru dennis kirk. Just make sure you get the correct actual rear style tire for the rear

[70CB750]

The word is that tube in tubeless lowers the speed rating one level. Just keep that in mind.
I was personally determinded to get BT45 - and than I found K761 and I think I will go with those when the day comes.

[LesterPiglet]

H is rated to 130mph, 1 rating lower is 124mph so I don't think CB owners need to worry about that.

[dave500]

just run sport demons,,the bt45 are the old default tyre.

[dave500]

[tmac]

Check out the road riders from avon. Nice tires, decent price. I like em on my 78 CB750

[WhyNot2]

@ Dave 

[LesterPiglet]

I thought I'd post some pictures of tyre clearance. CB550 130/80 rear and 100/90 front.




This is with a brand new chain that hasn't needed adjustment yet. As the chain stretches the clearance will increase.

[thrutheframe]

+1

Welcome Corey, it can be difficult to decide what tires to buy. I have a K4 and purchased tires earlier this year.

Yes, you can put a tube in a tubeless tire. Period.   And I put a 120/90-18 on my stock rim and it looks good, no mods needed. 

You state that you are not changing the front, do you mean the size?

Good tires that I have and recommend are Dunlop 404 and Bridgesone BT45.  I am not familiar with the GT501.

Two good places to order tires are:

www.denniskirk.com
www.motorcyclesuperstore.com

Good luck!

\
+1 On both the D404 and the BT45.  I have the 404's on my CB650 and love them.  The BT45s in my opinion are a pinch better tire with more grip on the sides. 

[Stev-o]

Thru - I agree, think the BT's are just a pinch better...

[brewsky]

I like these, and they are available in correct size.
http://www.motorcyclemaniacstore.com/category/4724/k70-dunlop-motorcycle-tires