which tyres to go for

[MIKE550/4]

honda cb550 k3

hi all

can you guys recommend a set of modern day  tyres to go for , plus what i should be paying roughly ?

thanks

[matthewmosse]

I prefer classic Avons for the 500 myself. Avon SM MK2 is my preffered rear tyre, Mostly as it's quite square in profile and I have a likng for sidecars but also superb in solo format (had one on my bmwr80rt(solo) and was rock solid even in snowy conditions. Made my bmw hating mate quite inpressed going round roundabouts on pillion when he saw how far it would lean. (very far indeed apparently - footpegs touching down) I could also slide the back end out with a downchange on one particular hairpin allowing me to corner stupidly fast compared to my mates bikes. I had Avon Roadrunners at the front which just fitted but had to go on deflated to get past the caliper bolts. both the cb550 and bmw handled very well in all weathers with that tyre combo. They arten't modern but with space so limmited not much modern rubber will fit without messing. I almost always run part worns to save money but when needed a pair of new Avons normally comes in at

[Bryanj]

Handling Dunlop TT100 but the rear wont last

Original look Metzeler or Continentals

Prices vary wildly but try googling Central Tyre

[UK Pete]

I put these on my F2, and i am really impressed, they give me real confidence around corners








Pete

[UKROBK7]

I wanted "modern rubber" for my 750 and my wheel rebuilder recommended Avon Roadriders , he said he had never had any problems with them and they rode great.  I contacted Avon for their recommended fitment size ( they have a different profile to the original tyres) for the K7 and they replied straight away.

Rob

[z1100r]

 Dont take this as a recommendation, I normally would go with the RoadRiders or BT45's but I just wanted something cheap this time. I'm not using it everyday and when I do use it I wont be taking it on a trackday so I've been a cheapskate.

 I bought a pair of Cheng Shin tyres and new rim tapes for less than hundred quid delivered from Busters.

 I got front 100/90/19 and rear 110/90/18. The sizes appear spot on, the tyres look kinda cheap and nasty, but they are so what did I expect..??

 The tread patterns are weird copies of old 70's tyres by the looks of them...the fronts a Metzeler (ME33 was it.??) copy and the rears a Dunlop TT100 copy.

[florence]

I use Avon SM MK2 on the rear and the matching Avon Speedmaster on the front and I must say I'm a convert.  I was very sceptical to begin with but re-assured by my tyre man who is also a motorcyclist.  When he recommended them to me I had previously been using more modern style tyres which were always wearing out rather quickly.  The Avons, he assured me, were exactly suitable for this type of rim and suspension etc. and he was completely right.  Despite the square looking profile on the rear, the handling is excellent in all weathers and I am the sort of chap who is happiest when pushing the bike really hard on the corners of our rural roads.  The tyres are priced at an affordable level for practical motorcycling.

[mickwinf]

glad to hear recomendations for the avon sm and ribbed as these are fitted to my k3, mainly as i wanted the vintage look and i remember them as being good tyres back in the 70s.Not on road yet so dont know how they handle!

[Bryanj]

Ah good old Avon Square masters----Dunlop K70's were about the same but I don't think you can get them now

[MIKE550/4]

cheers all i think the avon sm2  gets most votes for rear, so will go with majority

thanks all for input


right central tyres... google 

[fazer1k]

I also need to replace the tyres on my K3 (with comstar wheels), was going for BT45s but now not so sure, decisions.....

Assuming comstar wheels are normally a tubeless fitment ?

[Bryanj]

Not necessarily some were some wern't