Good morning all, I'm starting on a 1950 Rapide project that hasn't seen a road for many decades. My question is a rim and tyre choice of availability and riding enjoyment. I'm considering the Devon centered painted stainless rims and input for a diameter and rubber to match. While reading some input from the other riders and thought if there was new information to help in my decisions. Thanks
H: Hubs, Wheels and Tyres Rim and Tyre choice
- Thread starter Mr. Boring
- Start date
My choice would be the WM2-19 rim front and WM3-18 on the rear. This was original fitment on the touring bikes. This gives you the maximum choices of tires. Some people will advise a 20 or 21" front rim. They think they look better. It is hard to get 20" tires though. Some people prefer the WM4 rear rim. You can then fit a wider tire with a higher load rating. I have Avon Roadrider tires. 90/90-19 front and 4.00-18 rear on my C Rapide. So far I have about 10,000 miles on them and the tires are going to last quite a bit longer. The 4.00-18 is particularly good for the Vincent since it has a deep tread and quite a high load rating, also it is meant for the WM3 size rim. My bike handles really well with these tires. Most of the mileage was two up, an often with luggage as well. I don't think any of the Vintage looking tires will work as well as these modern tires.
20 inch tires are available in a few places including the spares company
You wont find them on Coopers (Avon) web site because although they still have the moulds and still make them they are bought by a single buyer who then distributes them to his trading partners thus Coopers dont have the hassel of keeping up with who is who in the old bike market and holding stock
Its that lack of info on their web site that fosters the 'difficult to get' bit.
You wont find them on Coopers (Avon) web site because although they still have the moulds and still make them they are bought by a single buyer who then distributes them to his trading partners thus Coopers dont have the hassel of keeping up with who is who in the old bike market and holding stock
Its that lack of info on their web site that fosters the 'difficult to get' bit.
I really like the dry/wet feedback and sensitivity given by the ribbed 20" front tyre although I understand the 21" is just as good. Having a 'fatter' tyre does not necessarily mean you've got more control or grip.
Seriously thinking of 21" front and back on WM4 rims. Just done 4k miles in NZ on the "A" and front end feels very positive and reassuring it did have 20" rear when we first had it which gave it long legs (higher gearing) since 99 on 19".. Avon Trialrider 90/90 x 21" recommend WM4 better support for tire run at 10 psi lower pressure giving very much softer ride,down side is more difficult turning bars whilst stationary.
The only info I now require from AVON is can I use it as a driving tire ! Which way round I fit it arrow front or backwards. As on the "B" rear 410 x 18 Trialrider on WM5 (3") (tread 10.5mm) things clear easily but big space under guard and all ways looking for another gear with a 22 and 46 teeth sprockets.
How much tread on a rib 3.6 mm , as aposed Trailrider 5.6, double the wear mileage , no brainer as some one mentioned lately, OK for the image look and riding out for the occasional Sunday lunch out at the local.
The only info I now require from AVON is can I use it as a driving tire ! Which way round I fit it arrow front or backwards. As on the "B" rear 410 x 18 Trialrider on WM5 (3") (tread 10.5mm) things clear easily but big space under guard and all ways looking for another gear with a 22 and 46 teeth sprockets.
How much tread on a rib 3.6 mm , as aposed Trailrider 5.6, double the wear mileage , no brainer as some one mentioned lately, OK for the image look and riding out for the occasional Sunday lunch out at the local.
Thanks so much for all your input. So I'm hearing roadriders and trailriders. I've used Avon speedmasters front and safety mileage rear on other vintage bikes with okay results but haven't anyone using those on the Vincent. I understand the wider rims for the use of the newer metric sizes and what it can offer, but I tend to lean more toward the in the original look with nothing cast in stone yet. Still like to hear from the seasoned riders.
Girdraulic and it had a 20" rim on it, but it was a Jones so I'm guessing it was replaced.
Most modern tires are recommended on wider rims. I went to 2.15 front and 2.5 rear rims, both 19 inch and will certainly do same in the future.
The ugly looking but superb Continental classic attack tire comes in 90/90 for 18 inch only, so I went for 100/90/19 front and 110/90/19 rear on the afore mentioned rim sizes. Same size is easily available for the BT45 Bridgestone. Avon tires are not so easy to get here so I cannot say anything about them.
The ugly looking but superb Continental classic attack tire comes in 90/90 for 18 inch only, so I went for 100/90/19 front and 110/90/19 rear on the afore mentioned rim sizes. Same size is easily available for the BT45 Bridgestone. Avon tires are not so easy to get here so I cannot say anything about them.