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Tyres Help

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Nashfly:
I've been using the Avon Roadrider tyres for years, but they are no longer available.

I'm now using Michelin Road Classics on my CB500 four. I contacted Michelin regarding oressues and the original Honda settings (26f 28r) worked perfectly for me 11 1/2 stone (161lbs)

K2-K6:
I usesilicone grease (silicone historically used as release agent in tyre manufacturing) on the beads when installing them.

Making clear ..... this is absolutely the minimum and sparsely applied to only bead, both inside (air void) to help then slide onto rim, and the internal/external "active" bead area to  give movement and alignment when pressure is established.

Firstly it makes them much easier to install if doing this yourself. Secondly, it then pops onto it's location with far greater consistency and ultimately with very accurate alignment of the carcass. I typically see less than 1/2 mm in lateral or radial run out when checked afterwards. They will usually finally locate under 40 psi pressure too.

Silicone has the benefit of being non corrosive promoting too, in comparison to some ad hoc soaps used in this application.  With tyre manufacturers producing tight tolerance for tubeless tyres, that seems to have followed into manufacturer of tubed type too, whereas a long while ago there was more variation in product.

It only needs a small hangup on beed in one location (usually the  final pop on location on installation) to give the carcass a distinct wobble in it's section, that's regardless of the alignment mark concentricity in relation to rim edge. Using the above method, theresfar more reliability to installation process in accuracy.  Just a small waver in centering alignment will give problems in steering wobble.

florence:
Would red rubber grease work in this instance?

Bryanj:
Go to your local tyre place and ask to buy a small amount ofvtyre soap, chances are they will give you some

K2-K6:

--- Quote from: florence on October 06, 2026, 11:56:08 AM ---Would red rubber grease work in this instance?

--- End quote ---

I've not tried it, but qualities suggest it would be of interest.

Comparison here between the two

"Red rubber grease is a specialized, vegetable-oil-based lubricant made for assembling rubber brake components, while silicone grease is a versatile, synthetic waterproof lubricant safe for a wider range of materials, temperatures, and electrical uses.

Red Rubber Grease
Composition: Usually vegetable- or clay-based and designed to avoid degrading natural and synthetic rubber.

Temperature Range: Useful from roughly -20°C to 180°C.

Best Uses: Assembling rubber brake seals, hydraulic cylinder parts, dust boots, and suspension bushes where compatibility with brake fluid or specific rubbers is critical.

Key Advantage: Biodegradable and prevents rubber from swelling or cracking when matched with compatible systems.

Silicone Grease
Composition: Made from silicone oils combined with thickeners like amorphous silica.
Temperature Range: Wider range from -40°C to 200°C.

Best Uses: Lubricating O-rings, plastic-on-plastic parts, rubber gaskets, and electrical connectors (as a dielectric seal against moisture).

Key Advantage: Highly water-resistant, electrically non-conductive, and chemically inert, meaning it will not break down plastics or dry out rubber over time.

And so there's no contention, I use the absolute minimum in application, such that you can see it on surface reflection, but almost completely dry to touch.

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