Bridgestone Spitfire Tires

Scud · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 8:47 am Post subject: Bridgestone Spitfire Tires

I've been reading about the Spitfire tires on the other Tire thread. However, I have a question. I know my 1974 CB550 needs to have "Tube Type" tires. Some of the tires I've researched say "Tube Type", but the Spitfire S-ll (the tires that have been recommended) don't say tube type, that I've seen. How did you guys make them work? Did you use tubes (with spoked wheels)? I'm assuming you did. Am I missing something? Do I have to order tubs seperately? Thanks a million.

Scud

Barchetta · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 12:15 pm Post subject:

I got the spitfire's 11-F on the front, 11-R on the rear. I am using tubes, with a rubber strip covering the spoke nipples on the bottom. Very Happy

The bike is a 72 K4 cb350.

Scud · Posted: Sun Apr 19, 2009 12:26 pm Post subject: Spitfires

Thanks for the response. That is what I was thinkin' and Hopin'. Looks like it's spitfires.

Scud

PaulW · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 7:40 pm Post subject:

Hope you guys are right cause I just ordered a pair today

Barchetta · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 8:13 pm Post subject:

PaulW:

I think it was stated before that the front tire is a close fit. It will fit, but it's close. I rode with it for 1000 miles before I bent the fender brackets 1/8" on each side. Using wood to protect the chrome, I vice-gripped it. I didn't scratch the chrome, and the fender bracket still looks stock. Just some extra space in case of a flat tire. I think it was edy that did the same thing and came up with perfect results as well. You don't have to bend the bracket, but you can... well you will see for yourself.

****I think that mounting the tire with out air, gets it in there easier. ***

I think you'll be very happy with the tires, and glad you got them. Wash em with water before you ride. I know my shop uses dish soap to reduce friction when mounting my tires to the rims. It can get on the treads and make your first ride tricky. Evil or Very Mad

PaulW · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 7:22 am Post subject:

In 1974 when I had my first 350 I bought a set of Dunlop TT100s (the Spitfire tread pattern reminds me of them). I had to bend out the fender brackets a little just as you say and all was well. The difference in the bike was amazing. At that time I bent them out using a gear puller and a wood block and aluminum plate on the fork leg to prevent damage. Now if I can just find where I put that gear puller 35 years ago.....lol

Barchetta · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 8:30 am Post subject:

This is part of what I wrote for MopeHead in a PM, he took the fender off also to straighten the bracket using almost the same method before he read what I wrote. LOL

"I used a magic marker to mark where the sidewall comes closest to the bracket, on both sides, then I pulled the fender off the bike. The bracket bows inwards in exactly the wrong spot. I got two pieces of oak wood plank. 2 inches long, an inch wide and 3/8" deep. Just 2 small pieces of wood, but oak worked well cause it's strong. I used the wood so clamping didn't mar the chrome. Then I clamped each side of the bracket with vice grips, till I saw the bracket straighten a bit.

The first time I re-mounted the fender there wasn't much change, so I did it again. I was a little worried that the 8 fender bolts wouldn't line up, but there is a lot of play, all fit perfect. "

Any method you use, you'll have use some force, the bracket is very strong.

tomfarr · Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 10:52 am Post subject:

I have been running Spitfires with tubes for over 5 years now (2 different sets).
They are a great tire, and they don't seem to mind the tube being in there!