19" tire options for Commandos

I normally read and post on the 961 forum, but I just picked up a '72 Commando and have a question for this group. The bike is in very good original condition and came from the estate of the deceased owner. It hasn't been ridden much in years and needs only minor freshening work. My question is on the tires. It's got very old tires - both 4.1 H19 - Dunlop Roadmaster TT100 on the rear and Avon GP on the front, that need to be replaced. Since I haven't purchased 19" tires for many years, I'm wondering what's being used these days for replacements? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Quite a few on the forum (myself included) are running Avon AM26 RoadRiders in 100/90-19. 'Couldn't be happier!

Nathan

I Have 2 sets of tires mounted on wheels at the moment. I have the traditional dunlop K81's (tt100's) on my spoke wheels and I just mounted Avon roadrider AM26's on the mag wheels. The bike handling is night and day from one to the other. I'm convinced that the K81's are most of the reason why I never was satisfied with my bike's handling. I don't think an uninterupted center groove is a good design for a relatively narrow tire. I would never buy a tire with that feature ever again.

Having owned my bike since I was 19, I was always interested in improving my commando. Needless to say, those stupid K81's were always a reccomended tire so I always fitted them. I'm new to the Avon's, but they don't induce any high speed wobble, unlike the K81's, which always had a high speed weave.

That's my $.02.

Nater_Potater said:

Quite a few on the forum (myself included) are running Avon AM26 RoadRiders in 100/90-19. 'Couldn't be happier!

Nathan

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+1,
cant tell how long they will last, but im happy with the handling, they feel fairly sticky.

I agree with the Avon choice, don't forget when you criticise the Dunlops they were made for the commando and at the time were hand over fist better than anything else.
Now 40 years on there is much better technology and understanding of materials, you only have to look at Moto GP tyres and the stresses put through them.

I was always happy with the Dunlops, from 1976 to 1992, yes they were a bit quirky but in my opinion absolutely predictable, loved them.

The Avons seem better but I don't throw the bike around like I used to!!

Biggest benefits seem to be the lack of white lining.

Up until recently I was a dyed -in-the-wool Avon man, they are great tires and offer 19" sizes for both front and rear fitment.

If you are comfortable with using a front tire on the rear you have many new choices: Pirelli Scorpion (I have no experience with these tires), Metzler Tourance (have used on my BMW with no complaints), Michelin Pilot Active (current Norton fitment, but not yet on road)

I also like the Dunlop GT501s, but for me the bottom line is cost. My current supplier has the Pirellis, Meltzer's and the Michelins. I was blown away by how much mark-up is built into these tires, (as much as 50%) I can only imagine that any other brand has its' dealer's margins at similar levels. I use the Michelins' for price point reasons, if cost wasn't an issue I'd go straight to Avon or Dunlop (not TT100s), although the Michelins I've put on other motorcycles easily out handle me.

I agree with previous posts egging the TT100s. When they came out in the early 70's they were touted for their "Trigonic" design; lots of rubber on the sides, but the reality is that most riders spend the majority of time riding straight up where the center channel of the TT 100s can make your front end quite nervous.

I have the Michelin Pilot Active tires front and rear on my 74 and am very pleased with them.

I love the Dunlop 501GTs, but not sure if they have the right width in 19"?

Stickiest tires I've ever had on a classic bike (my Triumph vintage roadracer)

Or Conti Classic attacks.

grandpaul said:

I love the Dunlop 501GTs, but not sure if they have the right width in 19"?

Stickiest tires I've ever had on a classic bike (my Triumph vintage roadracer)

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May not have a 19" real rear fitment. I use them on a W650 which is 3.25 x 19 front and 4.00 x 18 rear.

RoadScholar said:

grandpaul said:

I love the Dunlop 501GTs, but not sure if they have the right width in 19"?

Stickiest tires I've ever had on a classic bike (my Triumph vintage roadracer)

Click to expand...

May not have a 19" real rear fitment. I use them on a W650 which is 3.25 x 19 front and 4.00 x 18 rear.

Click to expand...

Totally agree on the Dunlop 501s. Sticky, yet excellent wear.

Thats interesting Jim, when I bought the Avons couldn't find a listing for the Dunlops for the rear, do they supply one for the USA?

Interested for the future but to be honest with the mileage I do, it will be age that dictates change rather than mileage I expect.

Tyres ar funny though as one persons preference, another won't touch!
My son races a classic Suzuki with Avons, won't touch anything else, other people rave about Hydenau, yet some people won't touch them!!

They gave away a set of Heidenau tires at the rally, they sure looked nice.

http://heidenautires.com/motorcycle-tires/

Funny how different folks like different tires. I've had my Commando since 1978 and have tried all kinds of tires. My favorite of all is the TT100 Dunlops. The bike just handles so well with them. We don't have a lot of rain grooved roads so that is not a big issue. They do follow the grooves, but I just let it go where it wants and have never had an issue. I got a friend to try them who is another long time owner and he agrees. After running the Avon's for years he has become a K-81 lover as well.

Yep, TT100's for me too. Commandos just look silly with other tyres (IMHO) and TT's were the biz when I had my first Commando back in '77 and they feel and work the same for me now. What's not to like?
Cheers, Martin

Not sure how the new K81 (TT100) are but in the 70's the K81 had a steep side angle and boy they great on curvy roads. Although I replaced them about every 3K miles. The bike wanted to corner going straight, I do like the looks of the K81 best.

Love my Bridgestone battle ax front and rear,very predictable

Be aware that Avon does not recommend the 100/90-19 AM26 for a WM2/1.85" rim and if you do mount one the profile will visibly be wrong (i.e. pinched)...that being said many do it and live to tell the tale.

Bet you wouldn't have put Bridgestones on in the 70's! Rode a Suzuki 250 Hustler, it rained, I fell off at the first bend. Tyres straight in the bin!!

Here are 2 more choices for tires. You can still find Avon AM 18 Super Venom in 19in. I received a pair from Klempf last year. Best tire I ever used on a Norton. Dunlop 591 in 19 in. are still available at your H-D dealer. They were standard on the FXDX and they still sell them. They work very well on a Norton.