New Tires for Stock T3?

[ratguzzi]

Bridgestone spitfires are a good choice, they stick well and last longer than a BT45, I just don't run much other than Bridgestone since they always make me happy and others haven't

Totally agree. Rocky Mountain ATV always a good place to buy these.
JB

[ratguzzi]

Totally agree. Rocky Mountain ATV always a good place to buy these.
JB

[Carlo DeSantis]

Thanks again, everyone, for the replies.

Bottom line seems to be that there are a bunch of good choices out there.

Best,

Carlo

[Ncdan]

I also would go for the Shinko 712. I have them F&R on both my Jackal and calvin. 100/90 on the front of both and 130/90 rear on the Jackal and 140/80 for the calvin. They ride and handle good and the price is right. I just replaced both on the Jackal about 1K mikes ago and it took no weight to balance the rear and not much for the front. Check your rim first without the tire to find the true heavy spot. You will need a bit narrower on the rear for a T3, like a 110/90.

Shinko offers a set pack with the 150-70-17 but not the 140- 80 or 140-70, is there enough difference in the three mentioned to make a difference on the Calvin as I'm about ready for a new rear and in this dilemma not.  Thanks ant

[tonyduc]

I'm reviving this old thread because the last step in my restoration is new tires. Most of the tires mentioned in this thread are tube type. The old tires on the bike now are Metzeler tube type. Doesn't the factory specs require tube tires on the Borrani's ?  I now there have been posts and debates on converting spoke rims to tubeless but I just wanted to know if those that have posted in this thread are using Borrani spokes for these tubeless tires. Very poor selection I am finding out there for tube type tires.

[rodekyll]

You have tube type rims.  You need tubes regardless of if you are running tt or tl tires.  Also, skinny tires handle better in the curves.

[injundave]

I have a '75 T3 and have been running Shinkos with good results. Recently a friend talked me into trying Mitas tyres. They are, if I remember correctly, a Michelin recipe and pattern. The pattern is very much a classic one and is totally fitting with the age of the bike. Mitas have 2 factories, one in Slovenia and the other in the Czech Republic.

So far I am really impressed. The tyres were more expensive than the Shinkos by about NZ$20 each but are holding well and showing a small amount of wear after 4000km (2500miles).

[Turin]

 :1: for Bridgestone Spitfires. Cheap and perform more than well enough.  I like Conti's when I'm looking for a premium tire. I'll try the classic attacks next time my ambo or 850T need tires.

[Guzler]

So, what do you suggest -- and why?

Thanks in advance for any insight.

Best,

Carlo
Sport Demons are the cat's meow.
But due to finances I ordered a Pirelli MT 66 Route today for the rear.
The Demon doesn't come in 120/90 which the 66 does. Hope it helps me get it on the center stand.

[Matt Story]

You have tube type rims.  You need tubes regardless of if you are running tt or tl tires.  Also, skinny tires handle better in the curves.

Is this to say that the Borrani rims on the T and T-3 are not candidates for tubeless conversion - i.e. safety rib not present on these rims?

[tonyduc]

Yes, the question really was are the tubeless tires mentioned compatible with Borrani rims. Whether a conversion by sealing the spokes or inserting a tube in a tubeless tire. As far as the latter, my research turned up that it is safe to use tubes in tubeless bias ply tires, but not radials (in fact Dunlop says this). I am going to therefore do the Dunlop recommendation.

[Matt Story]

I have run the Spitfires and the BT-45's with tubes on my T since mid 90's.  I've always had someone else mount them so I haven't noticed if there is a safety ridge present on the rims.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I'd been running Bridgestone S11s until the price went up past my "comfort zone", so I then switched to Shinko 230s. The Shinkos are a fine tire, they remind me very much of one of my old favorites: the Continental Conti Blitz. Feel, traction and tread life are almost exactly the same as the Conti Blitz. Price is even about the same as the Blitz was 12 years ago. $135 a pair delivered makes them a very good deal IMO.

[wirespokes]

I also used to run the S11s - probably 15 years, until the price doubled. I've been running the Shinko 712s the last couple years, except for the R100GS that runs Michelin Anakee III. Maybe I'll have to try the 230s.

[perter]

Avon Roadriders for me too on my SP1000. Wear is obviously depending on riding style and temperature,

I ride in relative cold conditions from 5c to 30c with average in 20-22c. I have so far got 7000km on a set, the front is good for another 5-7k I think and the rear perhaps 3000 more.

I run them one size bigger than stock, so 110/90 on front and 120/90 on back, mostly because I like the look of a bit wider tire better than the "bicycle tires" in stock dimensions. 120/90 clears the shaft drive with less than 5mm but I have not seen any touching marks

I was on a ride with a bunch of guys to a rallie yesterday, mostly Yamaha FJ1200 and a BMW and even a very nice ducati 898 and had no problems keeping up with them on the twisty roads.... I was riding second last i a row of 6 and in fact I need to slow down not hitting the guy in front of me a couple of times. I'm not a racer but clearly the tires were not the limiting factor.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I also used to run the S11s - probably 15 years, until the price doubled. I've been running the Shinko 712s the last couple years, except for the R100GS that runs Michelin Anakee III. Maybe I'll have to try the 230s.

S11s have recently come back down in price, a pair is ~ $165 now. I run Shinko 712s on my Morini, but like a 120/90-18 on the rear of my Guzzis and the 712 isn't available in that size, the 230 is.