Tires for CL450 On/Off Road

[aaronf]

Hello all!
Been using the forums as a reference for a while now, guess I'm ready to come out of the shadows. Not too new to the world, but new to the bike world. My first ride is a '71 CL450 that I picked up in a partially flat trackered state, average condition, "running when parked". Looking to do sort of a flat tracker with café seat. I'd like to start a build thread when I get it to where I'm ready to start really working on it.

For starters, it's sporting some ancient Dunlops. So I'd like to get some recommendations as far as tires go. I live in the country on a dirt road and commute thirty highway miles. So I want a tire that doesn't suck in the mud, but is well suited for the highway. I pretty much drive like your granny, so take that into account. But I want a tough looking tire.

I actually like the existing tires cosmetically, and the sizing is almost right. Been thinking about the Shinko 705's. Good price, good reviews, radial fronts available. Any other suggestions?

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[Big R]

What size are the wheels? 1.6*18 front and 1.85*18" rear?

 

[crazypj]

I just got these off eBay, Chapperal motorsports

You'll need narrower tyres for stock 450 rims (probably 3.25"~3.50" front and 3.75~4.00 rear)
Is that 19" or 21" front wheel?
Lot of people like Dunlop K70's.
I've used them and they are good but didn't 'fit' what I'm building so I got Bridgestone Trail bike 'clones'
BTW,
1. It will be a lot better with a fork brace
2. Lot of flat track and ice racers used cafe seat in the early/mid 70's

 

[aaronf]

Thank for the feedback. Duly noted on the fork braces.

The rims are stockers, 3.25x19 and 3.5x18. I'm now considering the Bridgestone S11 Spitfires, since most of my driving is road, and I want a higher mileage tires. Anyhow, keep it coming.

 

[Big R]

Those are your tire sizes - the wheel size is usually stamped near the valve stem.

You may have a hard time finding front and rear dual sport tires. I have a 19" front and 18" rear on my GR650, but have wider wheels than your stock wheels. Bridgestone Trail Wings might have something though.

Google "bridgestone spitfire reviews" before buying them - I think there were some folks that had the rubber chunking off.

 

[DrJ]

I'm using Kenda K761 tires on my SL350, available in 18" rear and 19" front.

 

[aaronf]

Yeah, I don't think sizing tires will be a problem.

Thus far I know that I have several options as far as tires offered in sizes that I want. I've read numerous good reviews about the Spitfires, and I think I may end up going with those. At least a road tire as opposed to a dual sport, since I want good wet traction on the road. If I decide I need more off road traction, I'll look at the 705's or K761's.

 

[JohnnyCB650]

I have the bridgestone spitfires on my 650 and I have no complaints. I've got ~3k on them and they still look almost new with very little wear.

 

[aaronf]

Thanks for the feedback! That's about what I've been reading about them in general. How do they handle wet?