needing tires - i thought this would be easy...(2020)

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joe czech

joe czech

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I noticed some cracking in the rubber on my 74's avons roadrunners. they have a 1996 date code - :eek: - probably don't have but a couple hundred miles on them - just old. while they still look new, but there's no way i'm riding around on these things. new territory for me - i'm sure the technology changed over the last 20-25 years, so, where to start, brand, sizing, etc.. (right now, 100/90H19 4.10H19 front/rear). trying to search, but getting into information overload. the only thing i'm finding are these - Avon Roadrider AM26 Universal Classic/Vintage Motorcycle Tire -100/90-19. i'm guessing these will work OK, but others, options, ???? - just looking for a quality street tire. suggestions....
 
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I have just had 2 new tyres fitted to my 73 850, firstly I went onto the Avon website and used their lookup tool to see what they offered to suit my wanting to replace the existing old 4.10x19 TT100.
They suggested Avon RoadRider mk2 100/90x19 so that is what I’ve got.
 
The AM26 has been a favorite for some time now. There are lots of threads here discussing alternatives, very much dependent on rim width.

My 74 came with a ribbed Avon Roadrunner up front and a Dunlop K81 in the rear. As for dried out old tyres, I had an AM20 Super Venom up front that "scalloped" with age and the handling improved immensely when it was replaced.
 
The Roadrider 2 is a new tyre, so US availability will be behind the UK and may currently be the Roadrider in the US.
 
I believe the majority of riders are using the Avon Roadrider AM26. They handle great. Very easy to fine on-line. Purists still use the Dunlop K81 TT100.

I have the 90/90-19 on the front and 100/90-19 on the rear.

Prepare for way more information than any normal human can absorb. This is like an oil thread. Lots of passionate opinions.

racing/wet weather/18" rear wheel/handling/rim width/swing arm clearance/etc.

Buy new tubes and rim strips too.
 
+1 on everything Lazyeye6 just said. I have about 700 miles on the Avon AM26 in those sizes and they handle great.
 
lazyeye6 said:
Buy new tubes and rim strips too.
Click to expand...

Make sure they are decent ones, I inflated a new inner tube to power my Gunson Eazibleed back in January. It appeared that the tube wall was inconsistent, after initially expanding symetrically the weakest part of the tube began to enlarge like a massive canker on the tube - I can't remember the name (black, white & red packaging in UK) Michelin it was not!
 
Go for road riders
90/90 19 on the front 90/100 19 on the back
The only issue is they wear out very quickly
 
thanks for all the replies. looks like i'm going with the avon roadrider am26's. would like to have gone with the dunlops because of the more classic thread pattern, but the avons seem to be the more popular, and the better of the two (and a bit less expensive). baz and lazyeye6 mentioned going with 90/90-19 on the front vs 90/100-19 front/rear. got to ask why? is a slightly narrower tire better for handling or is it a fitment-clearance issue? my application is strictly local street riding.
 
The smaller tire in the front simply steers a bit more easily than the larger size, though there is nothing wrong with
the bigger size on the front as well.
 
If you want to stay with Dunlop's you can go to what I have on the Mk2A which is a 100/90x19 TT100GP on the front and a 410x19 TT100 on the back the 100/90x19 'GP is slightly softer and in between a 360x19 and a 410x19 in width.
 
The 90/90 on the front takes a little getting used to but I like it now and pretty sure I'm faster in the twisties with it. The only drawback is there is a larger gap between front fender and tire and this may bother some.
 
...and you guys thought this was over and you were off the hook. forget that....

OK, I've got the tires, NOW, WHAT ABOUT TUBES? researched a few threads, and one thing I found out is you don't want to save a buck on tubes. I get that - same as using a quality, top shelf motor oil with a cheap oil filter. also reading not to use heavy duty because the tend to heat up too much with extended highway riding. so, how about some suggestions. someone recommended Michelin tubes, but didn't find the 100/90-19 size. ONE QUESTION - OK to use a 100-90-19 with a 90/90-19 tire? i'm seeing several name brands, that I haven't heard of - kenda, protrax, MMG to name a few. also seeing bridgestone, and Dunlop, and assuming they should be a good choice. a little feedback - suggestions. looking more for what NOT to buy.

sorry for the noob questions - one thing I don't want is tire issues on two wheels at 70mph.
 
I now use only Michelin airstop tubes 19mf
They seem to actually hold the air reliably for me
 
joe czech said:
someone recommended Michelin tubes, but didn't find the 100/90-19 size.
Click to expand...


needing tires - i thought this would be easy...(2020)
 
baldy said:
I use irc tubes for years. They are cheap and nice and thick. No problems.
Click to expand...
+1 on IRC.
Bought another last week for for TX750.
“Made in Japan” still means quality to me, versus many other “lowest bidder” destinations dujour.
I’ve used them for decades.

I can’t post pictures anymore, the server has changed it’s mind. “I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t allow you to do that.”

needing tires - i thought this would be easy...(2020)
 
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