[ol55]

I found out from the PO that my are about 30 yrs old. Jason supplied me with a link to Avon & Bridgestone tires. Questions: Should I buy over the internet or at the dealer?
Is there a crossover chart for old tire sizes to new tire sizes?
Is there any brand to avoid? Seems like there are about 4-5 choices
Is the dealer the best place to have them put on or is it a DIY job?
Same question for truing(?) the wheel?
What else should I do "while I'm at it?

NooB Thanks,
Larry

 

[66Sprint]

If you have the correct tools, (tire spoons, compressor) and are going to install them yourself, Buy where it is most convienient...... BUT, SOME dealers won't install a tire unless they sold it, IF you need them to do it.....
Get new tubes as well and possibly rim-bands..... Old to new notation is simple....a 3.50 x 18 would be closest to a 90/90 x18... (the first number is the width in mm, /the second number is the PERCENTAGE of the first number that gives height) a 90/90 x18 would be 90mm wide, and 90%of 90 =81mm high.....

Truing is a learned skill and must be combined with patience... (and a truing stand, and dial indicator)...Tools make or break almost any job.....

Good luck in this quest.... Steve

 

[WOZERD]

If you do a search using the term "motorcycle tire size conversion" you should find numerous sites. I think calsci.com has a chart also.

I used 100X90/18 front and 110X9018 rear on my 450 and really, there is plenty of room. Rim width is your only worry.

I used Pirelli Sport Demons with new tube and new bands. Mounted myself and had balanced dynamically (spin balanced) at the place where I bought the tires.

You can (if you know how) true the rims pretty dang close right on the bike with either the front or rear wheel elevated. The best way is with a truing stand and a dial indicator (of course) but, a wood pencil, or magic marker between two red (red ones are the best :roll: ) bricks will get you pretty close using the squinty eye method!

 

[tbpmusic]

Tire changing is not a big deal.
I usually buy them at DennisKirk - free shipping on orders over $100 (last time I checked, anyway), it can save a lot of money. They have a conversion chart on their website to help figure out what size to get.

Wheel truing is an art, like Steve said. If they're not too bad, you may be able to pull it off.
If they're bad, then get someone to do it, because you can really nake a mess out of it.
Believe it or not, Olde Fartes in bicycle shops are a good option here. They do it all the time, and if they're experienced they can whack it out quickly.

 

[ol55]

I did check with the local bike shop and he said no to mounting my wheels.

Narrowed down to two tires that the local shops carry- Dunlop and IRC and would like any opinions on these:

The IRCs will be the stock size (3:00 and 3:50) and are S rated (112mph)

The Dunlops would be larger width 100/90 front and 110/90 rear (current rear is 4:25/85) and are H rated (130 mph)


Mark up from denniskirk seems to be proportional. The Dunlops are only a liitle more ($5) but the install cost is higher.

One dealer uses duct tape instead of bands as the bands may break - Ok?

 

[tbpmusic]

I did check with the local bike shop and he said no to mounting my wheels.

One dealer uses duct tape instead of bands as the bands may break - Ok?

Unbelievable - they just don't want to do it.
Takes just a couple of minutes to change a tire, for cryin' out loud.

I'd say a big NO to duct tape......

 

[66Sprint]

I have used duct tape IN A PINCH and ON A DIRT BIKE (Just so I could go play)...But, NOT on a street bike!...The dealer just doesn't have the correct band in stock, and can't be bothered to get one..... I wouldn't bother to spend ANY of my money there!.....
For what he'd probably charge, you can buy spoons, and the 7-Eleven has a $.50 air pump........A little dish soap in warm water is a good lube for the process.... Wipe it on the "bead" (both sides) with a rag so you don't get a puddle inside.....

 

[ol55]

Another question: Bias ply vs radial . Seems most of the (older) bikes are still on bias ply when radials are available- Is there a reason for that?
I looked at the Pirelli's on Dennis Kirk - really nice but $$ -now I'm looking at the Bridgestone Spitfires (seems by the time I decide on tires most of you have rebuilt 3 bikes )

 

[tbpmusic]

Another question: Bias ply vs radial . Seems most of the (older) bikes are still on bias ply when radials are available- Is there a reason for that?
I looked at the Pirelli's on Dennis Kirk - really nice but $$ -now I'm looking at the Bridgestone Spitfires (seems by the time I decide on tires most of you have rebuilt 3 bikes )

I don't think so, Tim (best Al Borland voice)...
No one is slower than me !!!

Anyway, aren't most of the radials tubeless by design??

 

[ol55]

I asked the sales rep at Dennis Kirk and she said she didn't know :?: .

Are the $24 tubes worth it over the $9-12 tubes? Thicker rubber?

Thanks
Larry