Vintage style tires

A

AnxiousCowboy

Active Member
I really like the look of vintage tires, but I heard things like Firestone Deluxe are garbage. I was checking out Modern production vintage tires like Dunlop k81, K70s and IRC GS-11s and those look great. Does anyone have any more recommendations or comments on these tires?

I'd also like to get taller tires. Like I said before I like the look of the tires on most wrenchmonkees bikes, but I want something functional. Will I have to raise the fenders and do any modifications in the rear to get taller style tires like those on my KZ440?
 
hey mate, not sure about the firestones but i used to work for the dunlop importer here in australia, we used to do K81s as well as the race compound version (which i think were called TT100GP)
we sold loads of them and they worked far better than the original models from the 70s, one of the guys there had them on his 650 triumph and he was more than happy with them, even in the wet
no reason you couldn't use the GPs on the road too

best name ever for tyres - Avon Skidmaster.............confidence inspiring or what?
 
K70s seem like a great all-around tire and value, for my money. Coming off Avon AM26; the Dunlops don't lose anything to them on smooth pavement up to 60mph (max speed you're gonna get on my 350 where I live...) and the Dunlops are far more versatile for dirt and rough slippery stuff.

The Heidenau K34 and K44 do look intriguing, though, and there's a supposedly DOT-approved K34(r) vintage race version.
 
Yeah good question. I too like the look of the vintage style firestones (balloon style tyre), but I would rather forgo the look if it means I don't fall off the damn thing through lack of grip.

Just planning a CB360 cafe/brat style at the moment and thinking about tyre choice. I know cafe's and brats are different bikes but I haven't decided which route to go down yet. Obviously Firestone deluxe style for brat and Avon/Dunlop performance type for cafe.

As I type this I have realised that go is more important than show for me so have probably just made up my mind.

I don't mind spending on decent rubber as I am attached to my skin, so cost not really an issue...
:)
 
Yeah, I'm not running K70s because they're better than a modern tire or because of the way they look...I have 19" wheels and my tire selection is really limited. If you're on smaller hoops, you have all the good tires in the world to choose from.
 
Yep, after taking some advice, and reading the 'Avon Road Rider AM26 - Thumbs up!' thread looks like that will be my choice.

Quite nice to have a choice of tyre after having to buy what I can get to fit the old british rims...
 
sifty said:
Yep, after taking some advice, and reading the 'Avon Road Rider AM26 - Thumbs up!' thread looks like that will be my choice.

Quite nice to have a choice of tyre after having to buy what I can get to fit the old british rims...
Click to expand...

Personally, I like my K70s more than I liked my AM26. Cheaper, too. But that's on decent-to-chunked-up Indian roads at under 60mph. Maybe the AM26s shine at speed. (I'll never know...)

The Heidenaus (k44/k34 combo) get rave reviews from former AM26 riders on the Enfield board. They look more "vintage" at rest, too. I'll be trying them next. They are pricey, however.
 
AgentX said:
The Heidenaus (k44/k34 combo) get rave reviews from former AM26 riders on the Enfield board. They look more "vintage" at rest, too. I'll be trying them next. They are pricey, however.
Click to expand...

Those look nice. Too bad I need a 16" for my rear. I think I may go with the Avon Roadriders...
 
My Dunlops never done me wrong, rain or shine. Have heard a lot of good about Avon, here and on some review.
 
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