Need help with tires

Russell · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 4:45 am Post subject:

The older approach to the front tyre of having the longitudinal ribs,like the Avon Speedmaster and various copies from Bridgestone and others, made the bikes nice and stable running straight but they are slowish to turn and react badly to longitudinal seams in the road surface. Going to a block pattern on the front like the Spitfire SS will immediately give the bike a more responsive and lighter steering feel. I remember switching from the original rib front on my new CB450 in the early 70's to a block pattern and being delighted by the improvement in steering feel.

Barchetta · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 11:01 am Post subject:

"longitudinal seams in the road surface." That is true with the spitfires, Russell. Cracks, and long strips of tar. But my first bike had nobbies and didn't like those seams either. I avoid them and streetcar tracks when I can.

Meat, Mine was a Triple A for cb350 K4, the original aftermarket rack. (Thanks for the complement)

If you have a 72, and MR.CHocko has the "Triple A rack", grab it fast! Verry Rarreee in hot condition. Might fit 71-73, but don't quote me on that. Other racks are available cheaper, but I don't know about the fit.

As for pics MopeHead, http://www.vjmog.com/ftopict-3407-.html

I ran out of money, so the above link is what I'm riding for now. Only 300 miles, because it's been so cold or wet, or both. I do need a new battery. And because of the electronic ignition, I'll get coils with insulated wires, (dyna coils) when I get some cash. I made a CD of my build to give to a 350 racer buddy who has helped me out for about a year and a half by email. I'll pull a few more pics off the disk and post them to the above link. Very Happy

pcloudy · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 3:12 pm Post subject:

MopeHead · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 4:03 pm Post subject:

Russell · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:11 pm Post subject:

Reflecting on Mopeheads comment about his bike initially feeling a little 'tippy' on the new tyres. Possibly more to do with the type of tread on the front than the profile.That 'tippy' willingness to initiate a turn is exactly why I was pleased to ditch the rib tyres on the front wheel back in the early 70's.One of the alternatives the conservative, largely British bike riding, brigade pushed us towards were English Dunlops described as 'trigonic' in section.From memory TT100 was one of the favoured models.Where your Spitfire SS has a nice even crown the 'trigonic' ones actually did feel like the edges were flat and the feeling was one of the bike falling over quite abruptly, off the narrow centre section, then settling on this very grippy edge.Once heeled over it felt secure but the transition was a bit worrying initially.
Musing also that back when I rode Suzuki 2 stroke twins with the rib front tyres,and in the case of the Titan the thing being long enough to seat three easily, I thought handlebars were just somewhere to put your hands. The rib tyres didn't encourage any turning of the bars.
Years later between thousands of kilometers manhandling a sidecar and riding with non-rib front tyres I've learned that it is remarkable how far you can turn the handlebars and not end up an embarassed heap on the ground.

MopeHead · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 5:39 pm Post subject:

Here's an interesting article about the physics of tire profiles and the drag produced. It even mentions your "Trigonic" front tire, Russell.

http://www.soundrider.com/archive/safety-skills/coming_unglued.htm

meat · Posted: Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:21 pm Post subject:

hanly2 · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 1:22 pm Post subject:

I have the 100/90 and 110/90 on my cb360 and they fit great.

PaulW · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:12 pm Post subject:

Mopehead,

Nice bike and thanks for the scoop on the tires. They look a lot like the TT100s I shoehorned onto my 350 back in the summer of '74. I too had to bend the fender stays out a bit for clearance but there was a good 1/8" on each side.

I was wondering what exhaust you have on your bike. My original pipes are pretty cancerous inside and as much as I hate it they are going to need replacing.

MopeHead · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject:

I'm using the Dunstall Megaphones from JC Whitney:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2006467/c-10101/Nty-1/p-2006467/Ntx-mode+matchallpartial/N-10101/tf-Browse/s-10101/Ntk-AllTextSearchGroup?Ntt=dunstall+megaphone

They sound great and are pretty inexpensive.

Barchetta · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 1:24 pm Post subject:

I think I got dunstall reverse megaphones, or clones. The look pretty original. $50 each locally.

tjjkc · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 3:12 pm Post subject:

Tires.....I put a set of Avon RoadRiders on my 78 Cb550k,new technology,with classic sizing so far I like them ,never been in the rain so no comment there, grip the road quite well and no squirm on Tar snakes,the tread pattern will not work on 100% restoration but for a daily rider..I like

Barchetta.......when you say locally where did you mean(pipes).I'm east of Toronto

Barchetta · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 3:56 pm Post subject:

I got em real local, Kipling and Lakeshore, west end. T.O. cycle, couple blocks from my house. I got my tires and mufflers at T.O. cycle.

I'm selling my mikuni carbs on craigslist for $200. Got a guy coming over tomorrow. The weekend is supposed to be nice so I'm riding to Sarnia Friday, and back on Saturday.

We should hook up for a coffee somewhere, I've gone to Bolton a couple times so far this spring just to hit the Tim Hortons. I've gone to Barrie just to have a coffee and turn around. I used to moderate on ChinaRiders (yes my first bike was chinese) and had members say they were gonna meet, but never showed up. Sure would be cool to see your bike. Very Happy

tjjkc · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 6:52 am Post subject:

Barchetta....my 360 is not even close to being on the road yet,still trying to chase down the holder of the ownership,and my 550 has a couple issues..maybe later on.have you ridden out to Stoufville to Famous Sam"s on Sun Mornings,I have heard lots of Caf's and classic bikes there

Barchetta · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:18 am Post subject:

They switched spots I think? That's the greater Pine ridge chapter I believe. I rode with them and Old fort york chapter last year. Kickstands up at 8AM for the rides on sunday mornings. It takes me 45 minutes to get there. That's just too early for me.

When you're up and running give me a PM. Pick a Tim Horton's and I'll be there. Mike.