Advice on tyre choice and a supplier please

BlackLightning998

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Hi All,

I've got a 20 inch front rim and 19 inch rear, the front tyre is currently a Dunlop MR2 300 by 20 (looks very old to me, the rubber looks perished/fatigued and the sidewall is cracking) and the rear looks new on the bike when I got it 1600 miles ago, Dunlop Gold Seal K70 350 by 19 - but it says NYLON on it - I remember those from my early Japanese days - didn't do too well in the wet!!

Has anyone got a suggestion on what I should think of replacing them with - I don't want to change the rims thanks?

I plan to do circa 2500 miles per year, mostly nice A and B roads, 50 - 70 mph and I would sacrifice lengevity for additional grip any day of the week.

Also then, where should I go to get them from?

Recommendations hoped for and welcome.

Many thanks

Stuart
 

A_HRD

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Tyres

Stuart,

You don't have too much choice with those rim sizes. But then again the std front ribbed Avon Speedmaster is well tried and tested; and I've never had a problem with it. Remember, they are made with modern compounds these days so much better than 50 years ago. Again, on the rear, you can use the Avon SM Mk2 350x19 - same comments apply. Alternatively, you can use the 410x19 Dunlop TT100 which has a rounder profile, so theorectically at least, it should offer better grip when in the twisty bits. There are others too for the rear, but I've never used them so won't comment.

But my best advice is to have fun and up the speeds a bit :) Blimey, I don't change into top until I reach 60mph... :D

Cheers,

Peter B
Bristol, UK
 

biggles

Forum User
Non-VOC Member
Hi Stuart.
I have found that I have had good results using Avon SM Mk 2 3.50x19 on the rear and Avon Speedmaster Mk2 3.00x20 on the front. tyre pressure 28psi. (rear) 26psi (front) these recommendations are courtesy of Avon.
Who also say that although the tyres are of an old pattern they were eminently suitable for the bikes of the period. The compounds however are bang up todate giving good wet weather grip and reasonable mileage.
Your worry about Nylon refers to the cord material and not the tread compound which won't affect grip.
Hope this is of assistance.
Cheers.
Biggles
 

BlackLightning998

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Stuart,

You don't have too much choice with those rim sizes. But then again the std front ribbed Avon Speedmaster is well tried and tested; and I've never had a problem with it. Remember, they are made with modern compounds these days so much better than 50 years ago. Again, on the rear, you can use the Avon SM Mk2 350x19 - same comments apply. Alternatively, you can use the 410x19 Dunlop TT100 which has a rounder profile, so theorectically at least, it should offer better grip when in the twisty bits. There are others too for the rear, but I've never used them so won't comment.

But my best advice is to have fun and up the speeds a bit :) Blimey, I don't change into top until I reach 60mph... :D

Cheers,

Peter B
Bristol, UK
Hi Peter,

Give me a break (for now) - I'm still running in!!! I let it sprint up to 90 the other day now that I have done 1600 miles, and thank goodness I've fitted the heavier front brake cables and after a month of fiddling finally tuned the brakes to stop the bike on the front end - more confidence inspiring.

It was thirty years ago when I last rode this bike (the only Vincent I have ever ridden) and I was only 14 then (shouldn't really have been out on the road then I guess!) so I'm still finding my way on her.

I've had my riding coloured by my CBR1000FL which I've owned for 18 years since new - ballistic speeds but it can't half stop too. Ohh and it has got one of those funny bent plastic things on the front that stops my arms getting ripped off!

Cheers

Stuart
 

BlackLightning998

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Hi Stuart.
I have found that I have had good results using Avon SM Mk 2 3.50x19 on the rear and Avon Speedmaster Mk2 3.00x20 on the front. tyre pressure 28psi. (rear) 26psi (front) these recommendations are courtesy of Avon.
Who also say that although the tyres are of an old pattern they were eminently suitable for the bikes of the period. The compounds however are bang up todate giving good wet weather grip and reasonable mileage.
Your worry about Nylon refers to the cord material and not the tread compound which won't affect grip.
Hope this is of assistance.
Cheers.
Biggles
Thanks Biggles, very helpful,

I have always liked Avon Tyres - run roadmasters on the CBR1000. Any thoughts on where I can get them from for the Vincent?

Cheers

Stuart
 

johncrispin

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
tired out

Stu,
Nice to meet you last Sunday and sorry i did not get more time to chat. Suggest the Avon combination is good as in the speedmaster and SM rear, but I fancy a rounder profile next time on the back.Might try the Venom series or the new one ??as reviewed in this months OBM. You can definitely feel the 'edge' on the SM . So next time you are down our way i can show you round the bends over Ash ranges and you can 'run in' the sides.
It is nice to get a reality check on a modern bike every now and then, but I still prefer the old 'uns, praps its my age !
 

BlackLightning998

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
Stu,
Nice to meet you last Sunday and sorry i did not get more time to chat. Suggest the Avon combination is good as in the speedmaster and SM rear, but I fancy a rounder profile next time on the back.Might try the Venom series or the new one ??as reviewed in this months OBM. You can definitely feel the 'edge' on the SM . So next time you are down our way i can show you round the bends over Ash ranges and you can 'run in' the sides.
It is nice to get a reality check on a modern bike every now and then, but I still prefer the old 'uns, praps its my age !
Hi John,

Thanks for the hospitality - first time the Vincent has been in the company of others since she returned to the UK, so over 30 years.

Vic and yourself plus a goodly number of other members made me feel welcome, thanks for that - and Bryan and Paul were there from West London too - not too far for us really.

I got "lost" taking the long way over to you, and found the Ligh****er Road - lovely, looks like you have some nice biking roads around your way and I look forward to taking you up on the offer - I may make it over for Club Night one month.

I think the edge will be helpful - stop me falling off!

I took the Ducati out at Mallory Park on Michelin Pilots and found there were no "chicken strips" left when I came back in and I needed a new back tyre - sticky or what...

Thanks again - I think I will go for Avons, I know and like them.

Cheers

Stuart
 

Len Matthews

Well Known and Active Forum User
VOC Member
:)I find the most suitable rear tyre to be the Avon 4.10x19 Roadrunner. the SMs wear to a rather flat profile (OK for sidecar outfits). Len.
 
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