[Chiefharlock]

Hey everyone.  I was wondering if anyone out there knows of any vintage style tires with that retro universal style tread available out there in 3.50 x 18.  Seems like these sizes are only available in Canada and the UK!  Any help would be totally awesome!

Jason

[GlennF]

The Dunlop K81 4.10/18" has a vintage tread and is the same height as a 3.50/18" (it's a wider profile).  

It was common on bikes like Nortons in the mid 70's and seems listed as available in the US.

Check out this thread ...

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,10916.0.html


This is a very good read:

http://www.nocnsw.org.au/tyres.html

[Chiefharlock]

Hows that gonna do on a front wheel tho?

[GSS]

Hows that gonna do on a front wheel tho?

Here is a picture of Kenda 3.5x18 on my C5. Similar style to a Dunlop K70 and fills the front fender quite nicely. Several sites sell this in the US for $55-65 each.

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,12379.0.html

[Chiefharlock]

Glenn,

Do they still sell that particular model?  I'm having a hard time locating it.  How does the tire wear and how does it handle and grip?  Any quirks at this point since you made that post?

Jason

[Chiefharlock]

Actually, a better question would be which model of tire is it?

[Chiefharlock]

HA! Found it!!! 

[Maturin]

Heidenau sells in the States aswell:
http://www.moto-amore.com/heidenau/new/dealersnew.html
I´ve just fitted a K44 fore/K34 aft on my G5 and am more than satisfied with it´s performance. In 18´ you could use the K34 on the front & rear, it´s a old fashioned treat and looks quite nice.
However, I have to add that the Bridgestone BT45 is available in the right size for the C5. Apart from optics, this tyre probably beats anything else in terms of performance by far. So if you could do without period-correct rubbers this is a prime recommendation.
Best regards

[GlennF]

Hows that gonna do on a front wheel tho?

The matching front would be a Dunlop 3.60H19 K81 .

[Ducati Scotty]

Maturin,

Nice to see you can get the BT45 in a matched set that will fit the C5 rim widths.  Ever ridden these in the wet? 

I had the BT-020s on a bike a long time ago, they were ok but not great tires.  I'd love to get some Michelin Pilot Roads because they were so good in the wet but I think I'd have to mount a front on the rear to do it and I'd prefer not to.

Scott

[Maturin]

Maturin,

Nice to see you can get the BT45 in a matched set that will fit the C5 rim widths.  Ever ridden these in the wet?  

I had the BT-020s on a bike a long time ago, they were ok but not great tires.  I'd love to get some Michelin Pilot Roads because they were so good in the wet but I think I'd have to mount a front on the rear to do it and I'd prefer not to.

Scott

There is a Michelin Pilot Active in 90/90-18, but no rear tyre. I prefer fore & aft from the same maker, so probably the Bridgestone BT45 combo is the best in terms of stability. I must add that nearly anybody I know with a bike from the 70ies or 80ies is running these, these are very popular in Germany.
I ran these on my BMW R90 about 12 years ago when they were new and I remember well I was delighted by their wet performance aswell. However, I don´t think they can keep up with the Pilot Roads. These are about 10 years younger and probably technology is a little more advanced in the meantime. But certainly the Bridgestones were among the top wet-performers back then. I really wish they were available in 19´ aswell, but again there is no rear tyre. Well, these Heidenaus aren´t too bad and they´re obviously doing the trick by using very soft rubber. Probably gone soon though, but then I can at least test some other rubbers  

[Ducati Scotty]

I like to match front and rear as well so I may check them out when I'm due.  I like the AM26s but the rear seems to let goo too easily, especially in the wet.  I did see that many older BMWs were running these.

Scott