Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: dividedbyzach on July 09, 2015, 10:54:38 AM
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I have a 1970 Ambassador that needs new tires and I want to put more modern, safe tires on her.
I'd love to hear what kind of tires you guys run on your old Guzzis.
It seems the stock sizes are 90/90-18 for the front and 110/90-18 for the rear. Should I run exactly that size? It seems all the ones I've found say they are tubeless, but does that just mean I have to buy the tubes separately?
I run Pirelli Dragons on my Harley and I have no complaints, so I was leaning toward them, but any suggestions are welcome!
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I've just put the first 1000 miles on a set of Shinko 230 in 110/90-18 front and 120/90-18 rear sizes on my '71 Ambassador and couldn't be happier. Excellent traction wet or dry, we'll see how long they last. They do follow deep rain grooves mildly. $120 a pair at American Motorcycle Tire.
Some prefer a slightly skinnier tire, in that instance, I'd recommend the Shinko 712 in 100/90-18 front and 110/90-18 rear. Cost right at $100 a pair at AMT.
You'll need to run tubes unless you convert the wheels to run without.
If you're not already a member, you might consider joining the Loopframe Guzzi Yahoo Group, where the discussion is focused solely on the V700, Ambassador/V7 Special and Eldorado/850 GT.
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Loopframe_Guzzi/info
You'll also find lots of good information on Greg Bender's website:
http://thisoldtractor.com/moto_guzzi_loopframe.html
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I run 110/90/18 on the front and 120/90/18 on the rear, Shinko's currently. 74 Eldorado
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Welcome to the forum :gotpics:
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Dunlop K70's 4x18 front and rear. Good wet or dry, paved or unpaved, and just look right. 72 Eldorado.
Nick
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Thanks guys - I already have the K81's on there...Are the K70's a lot different?
The freeway rain grooves in LA are brutal and I'm looking for something safer/smoother. Love the vintage look of the Dunlops, but I have a 2 year old and another on the way. Safety first!
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I run sport demon touring
100/90/18 front
110/90/18 post
not expensive and very good quality tires.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6243/i/pirelli-sport-demon-sport-touring-front-tire
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6244/i/pirelli-sport-demon-sport-touring-rear-tire
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I ran K81's exclusively on my Ambo. I didn't think there was anything better at the time.
Tubeless tires can be run on tubed rims -- just add the tube.
I agree that the more narrow tires improve the handling.
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Thanks guys - I already have the K81's on there...Are the K70's a lot different?
Quite a bit. They look more old fashioned than the K81s.
This is the K70
(https://m.canadasmotorcycle.ca/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/500x500/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/0/0000_Dunlop_K70_Rear_Tire_--.jpg)
I can't comment on relative safety /grooves etc etc. but if you're riding an Ambo, you're not likely to be in much of a hurry (or shouldn't be) anyway. Avoid the freeway - for that matter, avoid all freeways (IMHO).
Nick
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I have Dunlops on my Eldo
(http://i1304.photobucket.com/albums/s526/Kiwi_Roy/72%20Eldo/Sealing%20Wheels/H%20Mounting_zps6yxkp7vl.jpg)
And went tubeless
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I agree that the more narrow tires improve the handling.
I disagree. Other than slightly heavier steering, I've experienced no handling issues with the 110/120 combo. In fact, they offer just a bit more ground clearance - something Loops don't have an abundance of.
I can't comment on relative safety /grooves etc etc. but if you're riding an Ambo, you're not likely to be in much of a hurry (or shouldn't be) anyway. Avoid the freeway - for that matter, avoid all freeways (IMHO).
:thumb:
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My 74 850T runs very happily on Shinkos. I've been riding my 70 Triumph on K70s and love them -- much more surefooted on dirt and fine gravel.
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I have stock size 712's on my Eldo, 850T, T3 and a 130 on the rear of mt DR650 :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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I have Duro's on my eldo, they were on it when I got the bike and couldn't be happier. They surprised the heck out of me, in the mountains of NC she handled great till I started dragging the center stand and floorboards.
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I run sport demon touring
100/90/18 front
110/90/18 post
not expensive and very good quality tires.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6243/i/pirelli-sport-demon-sport-touring-front-tire
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6244/i/pirelli-sport-demon-sport-touring-rear-tire
Sport Demon Touring ? They make a touring version of the Sport Demon? Isn't that a contradiction in terms, or something ? Not that I haven't forwarded these links to my home computer...
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I've been running Conti's on my NFalcon with great results.
The 100&110 combo makes for quick handling.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/31005/i/continental-conti-ultra-tkv11-front-tire
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I ran sport demons on my Eldo, handled dandy....
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Tires, Dunlop 404F 110/90x18 and 120/90x18
Work nicely on my '72 Eldo
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I ran sport demons on my Eldo, handled dandy....
Ditto, still doing it (110 front, 120 rear).
Tempted by the Conti Classic Attacks (radial) next time though....anybody tried 'em?
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Thank you all!
I decided to try the Pirelli Sport Demon Sport Touring - 110/90/18 on the front and 120/90/18 on the rear...Will report back!