Metzeler ME11-ME77 Classic

[exvalvesetdabbler]

Be cautious of trying to fit H rated tyres the beading is much stiffer and a right pain to get on without scuffing the chrome on the rims. S rating should be fine for a CB400F

I usually cut some strips from an old 4 pint milk container to use as a packer between the tyre lever and the rim to minimise and marks.

History has tought me that the donkeys at tyre outlets are less skilled at fitting tyres to spoked rims than they were in the past.

If youre fitting them yourself, lean them up against a radiator for a few hours first.

[flatfour]

I still fit Dunlop TT100's to the Honda and other classics that I've owned. When the 750 comes up for a tyre change, they'll be on that too (although the new Continentals that it was bought with do seem fine).

[beemsquar]

Thats good advice, do you have any other tips for scratch free installation?

I have now ordered a set of the Metzelers so I will let people know how I get on once she's up and running.

[Lynx]

I put the ME11 and 77 on my 400. Brilliant!

[Clem2112]

Seems like there's plenty of choice for these skinny rims.

I got a pair of Avon Roadriders at Stafford show for £114.
They look ten times better than the rubber that Honda fitted back in the 70's !
My trusted local tyre fitters wil get the job soon.

[Bullit]

Hey guys I'm looking into tyres at the moment and just want to revisit the subject of size if you don't mind.
The standard size is 3.00x18 and 3.50x18 or the modern equivalent of 90/90 18 and 100/90 18. I'm unsure what style of tyre I want at the moment and have the standard DID rims, are the only options of size available to me? Has anybody fitted any other sizes? If so pics would be great.

Cheers

[beemsquar]

There's plenty of options available from what I could see, just depends on what style you like.

I went for a 90/90 front and a 3.50 on the rear, as that's the closest I could get in the Metzelers and used a set of Michelin airstop inner tubes, 18ME and 18MF.

 I fitted these myself to the 18" rims using exvalvesetdabbler's idea of heating up against a radiator for a few hours on full chat. I bought these plastic rim protectors off ebay for about a fiver and two aluminium tyre levers. I put a drop of fairy liquid around the rim and partially filled the tube starting at the opposite side of the valve and working both sides finishing at the valve.  I found using my knees to hold one bit in place and levering the other side worked the best.

It wasn't, but it saved me over £100 buying the tyres online and fitting them myself and I would definitely do it myself again.

My girlfriend was rather amused when she walked in on me in the lounge while wrestling with the tyres, thought I looked like a mating gorilla!

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[Chris400F]

I went for Avon Roadriders, sizes of 90/90 18 and 100/90 18 which as you say are the modern equivalent of 3.00x18 and 3.50x18.
I bought mine from Tyre Tec (http://www.tyretectrading.co.uk/motorcycle-tyres/avon/avon-am26-roadrider/) as they seemed a good deal.
They are now listed even cheaper than I paid a year ago, at £51 for the front and £56 for the rear (+ £7.50 shipping per order).
I was replacing tyres and tubes, think I should have also replaced the rim tapes.
I got the tyres fitted by my local bike chap who charges £10 per wheel.
Subsequently I have bought a pair of tyre levers and had the front tyre off to replace the rim tape, and refitted it!
Had the wheel and tyre indoors for a while to warm it up and found it easier than I had expected.
Will have to do the rear as well sometime, just so I know it has been done.

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[Clem2112]

Now I can see the RoadRiders fitted I feel motivated to fit mine and not leave them in the shed until spring !

I think these modern radial equivalents result in slightly smaller outside diameters so the gearing will be a bit lower at the rear !
- speedo would over-read too I guess !
The gap between the front tyre and mudguard looks 1/2" bigger than with the old style 3.00 front - the photo on the front cover of the Haynes manual shows an original.
Opinions please !

[Chris400F]

I think appearances may be deceptive.
This size chart is taken from the Avon tyres web site:

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I remember back in the days of Avon Roadrunners and TT100s that 3.60 and 4.10 were the sizes used then.
I think the diameter / aspect ratio must be chosen to get the rolling diameter and other factors as close to the equivalent as possible.

[Bullit]

I like the look of the Metzeler's what model did you choose and are they on standard width rims?

The Avon has a fairly large gap around the mudguard which is what I want to eliminate. Do you think that maybe a 100/90 would be better to fill that gap?

When I picked mine up it had a 2.75 on the front

[Bullit]

I'm liking the look of the ME77 shape and tread. Now just size to decide on.
Has anybody tried 3.50(100/90) front and 4.00(110/90) rear???

[Lynx]

I stuck with the standard sizes but they looked and felt great.

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[Chris400F]

I think there is an issue with rim widths.
If I've got it right if you fit a wider tyre on the standard rim you get more curvature and thus a smaller contact area with the road.
The standard rear rim is wider than the front to cope with the wider tyre.

[Bullit]

I thought that might possibly be the case. Was hoping somebody might say, been there, done that, did/didn't work.

I haven't thrown away the old tyres yet so might try the old Dunlop off the back on the front