Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

Royal Enfield Motorcycles => Bullet with the UCE engine => Topic started by: r80rt on June 04, 2011, 09:23:33 pm

Title: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 04, 2011, 09:23:33 pm
I just put a set of Kenda K265 3.50x18's on my C5, I've never had any handling complaints about my bike, but the improvement over those stock low profile tires is very noticeable, it feels like it's on rails now. I'll never go back to a low profile tire.  :D
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Okie Enfield on June 04, 2011, 09:28:50 pm
 :o Me likey the look!  :o How much did those run? Any clearance problems? I will probably keep the stocks for awhile longer but those look real nice on that RED C5!  ;D
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 04, 2011, 09:36:54 pm
They were around $50 each, They are a Dunlop K70 knock off, I've ran K70's on all my vintage bikes and wanted to try them on the C5 but couldn't find any the right size. No clearence problems.
I found these on sale and thought I'd give them a try, glad I did.
 They look right and handle very well. it did take a bit more weight than I like to balance them but nothing horrible, I'm curious as to how long they will last. I gained nearly an inch in needed tire height on front too. I'm running them at 26psi front 28psi rear.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Andy on June 04, 2011, 09:47:46 pm
Oh, nice.  Like the look of those. 
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Okie Enfield on June 04, 2011, 09:48:40 pm
I use to run Kenda's on my Bajaj and never had an issue with them. I like the look! Keep us informed on the ride.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: prof_stack on June 04, 2011, 10:46:49 pm
Yeah, they look like "normal" tires that might give my C5 a better sense of stability at higher speeds.  Good.  Thanks.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: jjoe256 on June 05, 2011, 12:31:58 am
  My G5 has always felt on rails, but I've about worn out my original Avon Ribbed Speedmaster. I've had great luck with IRC. Has anyone tried these:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/19085/ITEM/IRC-GS-11-All-Weather-Front-Tire.aspx

  Visually, the tread is more interesting than the ribbed. I put over 8,000 on another IRC front and it still had plenty left.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 05, 2011, 01:52:04 am
Interesting!  Same size front and rear?  Are these bias ply tires or radial?

Scott
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: jjoe256 on June 05, 2011, 02:28:21 am
Bias, S rated, Tube Type, both 3.25 and 3.50 but 19 inch for G5. There is a 3.50x18,but rear but could service both, different tread:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/19086/ITEM/IRC-GS-11-All-Weather-Rear-Tire.aspx

Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 02:35:45 am
Yes I used the same tire front and rear, 3.50x18's.  It's a Kenda K265 universal bias ply tire. I just pulled a IRC Durotour off the rear, it lasted a whopping 3,600 miles.
http://www.kenda.com.tw/eng/product/mc/k265.htm
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Andy on June 05, 2011, 02:50:23 am
WANT!

What tire pressure are you using?
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 02:52:00 am
26psi front  28psi rear
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: prof_stack on June 05, 2011, 03:15:25 am
26psi front  28psi rear

Wow, "real" m/c tire pressures!   :D
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 05, 2011, 07:42:59 am
Indeed!

Makes me wonder.  I like my nimble little bike and the AM26s are good in the wet.  Just wondering more what else is out there now.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 01:17:24 pm
Here is a pic. so you can see how the 3.50 fills the gap on the front fender. According to my non scientific measurements these are the differences in the tires.

3.50x18  25.3"OD - 3.5" wide.

90/90-18   24.4" OD - 3.5" wide.

110/80-18  24.9" OD - 3.9" wide.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GSS on June 05, 2011, 01:32:00 pm
Brilliant! Sure fits the front perfectly! I haven't had high speed problems, but definitely feel like I am living on the edge whenever there are any crosswinds. C5 on rails is exactly what I am looking for and this tire also looks "right" on the bike.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Andy on June 05, 2011, 01:32:07 pm
Now that looks proper.  This just got moved to the top of my to-do list.

My only complaint with the stock Roadriders is they're not so good off of asphalt, and I do need to leave the paved surfaces from time to time.  The ones you have on there look a little more capable in that regard.  I'm more than happy to trade cornering (which my huge chicken strips tell me I'm not using anyway) for something more versatile.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Andy on June 05, 2011, 01:33:09 pm
... feel like I am living on the edge whenever there are any crosswinds.

I thought that was just me.  Glad I'm not alone!
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 01:43:11 pm
I've never had any stability problems with mine, and it's still nimble and quick steering with these tires, I'm not an agressive rider so I take the same corners at the same speeds that I did with the Avons, it just feels Better if that makes sense. I ride a lot of gravel roads here, that's another reason I like the Kenda's.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 04:17:18 pm
Ok, I just came home from giving the new tires a real test. I rode a 70 mile circle. Some at 70mph on the highway, some on steep twisty roads and about five miles of gravel. The bike is Very stable, Very solid, and Very sure footed with the 3.50's mounted front and rear. I am extremely happy with the change. I've always thought my C5 handled really well, and now it's even better.  I haven't ridden a G5 but I have ridden a AVL and now my C5 feels very much the same. ;D
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 05, 2011, 04:48:31 pm
Wonder what a G5 on AM26s would feel like?

Scott
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: 2bikebill on June 05, 2011, 05:27:35 pm
A G5 on AM26s feels glued to the road! At all angles. And no wobbling at 80mph.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 06:15:32 pm
Will. what size AM26's did you use,  80 or 90 series on the rear?
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: 2bikebill on June 05, 2011, 06:23:58 pm
90/90 v19 rear, 100/90 v19 front - stock size.
I like them a lot  -  I've just ordered some for the Kawa.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 07:00:49 pm
Stock rear on a C5 is 110/80 and I think the low profile may be problematic, just my guess.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: 2bikebill on June 05, 2011, 07:36:52 pm
Could be. It's always puzzled me why the C5 - the more retro looking bike - comes with the modern tyres and no kickstart, yet the G5 gets the old style death-wish tyres and a kickstart too. (No complaints about the kickstart - but I got shot of those skidmasters as soon as I could  :D )
Sounds like you found something good there with those Kendas.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 07:51:22 pm
I just ordered another pair to have ready for next time :D
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 05, 2011, 07:57:24 pm
r80t, did you happen to measure the inside rim width while things were apart?  Just wondering so I could pick the widest tires next time.  And yeah, maybe a higher profile on the rear would be nice.  Couldn't hurt the tail end comfort.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 08:14:36 pm
The rim width is stamped on the wheel. 1.85 front and 2.5 rear.
A 120/90 on the rear and a 100/90 on the front might be the limit on size, I don't know if you'd run into Clarence issues with them or not..
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 05, 2011, 09:18:34 pm
I'm never good at reading the manual   ::)
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: singhg5 on June 05, 2011, 10:03:58 pm
r80rt:

These tires look very nice on your red C5 - as if they were made for it  ;).


90/90 v19 rear, 100/90 v19 front - stock size.
I like them a lot  -  I've just ordered some for the Kawa.

Will:

How many miles do these AM26 Roadriders last ?  Better road grip at the cost of longevity ?

My G5 OEM Speedmaster front tire lasted 10,000 miles and rear is still running after 14,000 miles -that is pretty good for long lasting tires !
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 05, 2011, 10:36:50 pm
I've got 6k on my AM26s, plenty left.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 10:39:14 pm
My rear AM26 lasted 6,700 miles, the front had over 10,000 miles on it and still had good tread left when I pulled it off.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: singhg5 on June 05, 2011, 10:44:06 pm
WillW has written 90/90 v19 as rear tire on his RE Electra (G5 equivalent).

Hoohoohobilin has used Avon Roadriders of slightly different size - 100/90 v19 as rear tire for his 2001 RE !

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftBURuvVO3Y&feature=related
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 05, 2011, 10:47:35 pm
I think Will my have made a typo with that, I think he meant 90/90 front and 100/90 rear.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: singhg5 on June 05, 2011, 10:52:31 pm
I think Will my have made a typo with that,

Gt it - I mean got it  ;).
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Andy on June 06, 2011, 12:56:39 am
I've got 6k on my AM26s, plenty left.

Scott

I have over 13,000 km on the odo (but I rode maybe 1,000 km more with a broken speedo cable), and i would say they're good for at least that much more.

I'm still planning to change them out with the Dunlop K70 (or equivalent) though. 
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: 2bikebill on June 06, 2011, 08:16:50 am
Oops  -  yep  -  my mistake. 90/90 front and 100/90 rear of course.
I'm getting old and dycsel dislext dylsexic  stupid.... ;)

I've only done 3000 miles on them so far Singh. That said, I'd trade a bit of longevity for more grip - a lot of whoah  :o leaning opportunies down here on these Devon roads..... :D ;)
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 06, 2011, 03:48:18 pm
I should say that with the 3.50's mounted I gained some seat height, if you are short like me that might be a concern, but the improvement was well worth it. It pops up on the centerstand even easier than it did before too.
The 3.50  is very near the same height as the stock rear.  The 3.50 on the front is almost an inch taller than stock, and I believe that's where the improved handling comes in. I've got 200 miles on them now and I'm very happy that I made the swap.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: gashousegorilla on June 06, 2011, 06:06:14 pm
Oooooo....Very Nice r80rt. That front tire fills that fender nicely. You should definitely benefit with those nice tall side walls.  Beautiful, Great find !
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Ducati Scotty on June 06, 2011, 07:26:14 pm
Wow!  Kenda has a nice selection of tires:
http://www.kenda.com.tw/eng/product/mc/standard_street.htm

r80t, please let us know how these handle in the wet.  I'm very happy with the wet weather performance of the AM26s.

Scott
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 06, 2011, 07:27:28 pm
 Thanks! it's by far the best thing I've done to my little red bike!
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 06, 2011, 08:21:07 pm
Wow!  Kenda has a nice selection of tires:
http://www.kenda.com.tw/eng/product/mc/standard_street.htm

r80t, please let us know how these handle in the wet.  I'm very happy with the wet weather performance of the AM26s.

Scott
Kenda's were standard equipment on just about all the Japanese bikes for years, I remember having good luck with them as a kid. The dry season is here in Arkansas, and I avoid riding in the rain, it could be a very long time before I know how they'll be in wet conditions.
I'm not knocking the AM26, I think it's a good tire, I am knocking the size. If I were to use them again I'd use the 100/90 on the front and rear, the metric equivalent of the 3.50.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GreenMachine on June 06, 2011, 09:43:57 pm

I'm not knocking the AM26, I think it's a good tire, I am knocking the size. If I were to use them again I'd use the 100/90 on the front and rear, the metric equivalent of the 3.50

i'll keep that in mind...
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 06, 2011, 09:44:31 pm
 I'm convinced that a tall front tire benifits a C5 :D
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Okie Enfield on June 06, 2011, 09:46:18 pm
deja vu!  ;)
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GreenMachine on June 06, 2011, 09:59:51 pm
u would know...
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Okie Enfield on June 06, 2011, 10:14:35 pm
Hey r80rt! noticed you dont have those SWEET saddle bags still on there and looks like you also mounted the rear rack. How is the rack? Hard to install? Know your a one up guy, but can ya mount a pillon on that?
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 06, 2011, 10:36:20 pm
It's the pillion mount for a C5, I tossed the p-pad and put an Electra rack on in it's place. Not too hard to do, I use the rack and a bunji net every day, I stick the bags on when I think I'll need them. There is a P pad that will go on the Electra rack too.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 06, 2011, 11:16:27 pm
Remember if you go wider on the rear with a metric tire you also go higher because of the aspect ratio. A 110/80 is 110mm wide but not 80mm high, It's 80% of 110mm high. So if you go to a 120 wide the aspect ratio changes to 80% of 120mm. Going taller in back without going taller in front will shorten the rake angle, I wanted to avoid that.
 I wanted to stay close to stock height on back and raise the front. A 3.50 is just slightly taller than stock on the rear but nearly an inch taller than stock on front. The 3.50's gave me exactly what I wanted.  Do your homework ;)

http://www.heeters.com/tirechart.shtml

http://www.maxxis.com/MotorcycleATV/Motorcycle-Tire-School.aspx
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GSS on June 08, 2011, 02:11:11 am
This definitely fits with my idea of a cost effective upgrade. A 19" rim with a 90/90x19 Avon AM26 would give you 25.5" OD(up from 24.4 OD with the OEM), while your 18" Kenda has taken you to 25.3" OD with the original rim. Thanks for sharing......I am going to try the same.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 08, 2011, 02:17:28 am
I did a little research on it and this made more sense than changing the wheel. I'm amazed at the improvement,  I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GSS on June 08, 2011, 03:50:50 am
How does the width look visually for the rear tire?  On paper the Kenda is 3.4" wide while the OEM is 4.4"? Your side view of the rear doesn't look bad. Thanks.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 08, 2011, 04:25:58 am
Looks fine to me, I'll try to get a picture tomorrow. it is narrower but it sure doesn't hurt anything, handling is much better.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 08, 2011, 02:06:25 pm
Here are the pic's, Remember the 3.50 is the standard rear tire size on all RE's other than the C5.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: Okie Enfield on June 08, 2011, 03:15:30 pm
looks good! I wonder if you could put the kenda 3.50 on the front but keep the Avon on the back for even more rake without effecting the handling?
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GreenMachine on June 08, 2011, 04:27:27 pm
its looks great...unrelated to your c5 but i was considering puting a 3.5 on my front 06 iron vice the 3.25 that is the standard.....you don't think their any clearance issues bewteen the top of the tire and the fender ?  I'm not sure that Kenda have the 3.5 in 19 inch..i know I could go with the Dunlops k70's for the same result....
What bugs me is alot of manufactuers call some of the tires (front) and as u are aware the k70's are sold as a package (rear/ front) if u looking to replace both...Are the Kenda tire sold the same way and if not do u really care if the tire pattern is identical...I get confused as why wouldn't u want the same exact tire pattern anyway...The bike looks great and glad to c u happy with the change,,
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: prof_stack on June 08, 2011, 04:30:04 pm
Sorry if I missed this, but does the larger diameter in front affect by much the accuracy of the speedometer?

I would think it would be more accurate with the larger wheel.  Truth?
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 08, 2011, 04:31:38 pm
Okie, Possibly you might want to check around for a 3.50 that has a more modern tread so it would be a closer match. Avon makes the AM26 in 100/90-18 that is the same height as a 3.50 but it's wider so there could be clearence problems with it.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 08, 2011, 04:42:46 pm
its looks great...unrelated to your c5 but i was considering puting a 3.5 on my front 06 iron vice the 3.25 that is the standard.....you don't think their any clearance issues bewteen the top of the tire and the fender ?  I'm not sure that Kenda have the 3.5 in 19 inch..i know I could go with the Dunlops k70's for the same result....
What bugs me is alot of manufactuers call some of the tires (front) and as u are aware the k70's are sold as a package (rear/ front) if u looking to replace both...Are the Kenda tire sold the same way and if not do u really care if the tire pattern is identical...I get confused as why wouldn't u want the same exact tire pattern anyway...The bike looks great and glad to c u happy with the change,,
I don't know if you would have clearence problems or not with your bike, you'd have to measure it and see, Someone on thes board has done that, but I can't remember who. The kenda is a universal tire for front and rear but you can buy them seperately. I got the Kenda cause I like the tread, but any 3.50 would give the same height. I used the same tire front and rear on my Vintage bikes and like it that way, it was common in the 40's and it's just easier for me when I replace them.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 08, 2011, 04:44:30 pm
Possibly, you might want to check around for a 3.50 that has a more modern tread so it would be a closer match. Avon makes the AM26 in 100/90-18 that is the same height as a 3.50 but it's wider so there could be clearence problems with it.
To be honest I can't tell if it affected the speedo or not, I suspect that RE uses the same speedo drive on both C5 and G5, can't prove it though :D
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: JesterNT on June 08, 2011, 05:07:54 pm
Did you have to replace the tubes also?
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GreenMachine on June 08, 2011, 05:32:55 pm
jesterNT: That's a good question..I would say no but I've heard some people replace  it anyway..I have two spare heavy duty dunlop 3.25/3.5 spare tubes in the garage..Actually if I remember correctly, I thought u were suppose to get a spare tube along with your tool kit and owner manual..Don't quote me on that....If you get a tube, make sure it has the metal tip that protrudes out (can't think of the name of that dam thing)...
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 08, 2011, 05:49:42 pm
No I didn't change the tubes, they were both marked 3.25-3.50, I inspected them carefully, put a little talc on and stuffed them back in. To be safe I don't recomend re-using them, as always use your own judgement.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: GSS on June 09, 2011, 03:59:06 am
Thanks for posting the rear tire pictures. I think the width looks just fine. I am ordering a set tonight :)

Sorry if I missed this, but does the larger diameter in front affect by much the accuracy of the speedometer? I would think it would be more accurate with the larger wheel.  Truth?
My C5 is off by 4-5 mph...the Kenda will undoubtedly improve the accuracy.
Title: Re: C5 on rails
Post by: r80rt on June 09, 2011, 04:17:34 am
I don't think you'll be disappointed, let me know what you think of them.