Triumphrat

jdvanhof · 11-19-2009, 01:35 AM

Wondering if it is a good idea to put newer tires, ie Avons or the like on a 69 Bonny? Should i stick with the Dunlap's?

GrandPaulZ · 11-19-2009, 01:42 AM

The Japanese made original pattern Dunlops are nice, but 501 GTs are the best, stickiest tires I've ever used, (on my vintage roadrace Bonnie)

texjj · 11-19-2009, 02:12 AM

I have the same question. Agree with GrandPaulZ that new tires have amazing rubber. To me it boils down to: "vintage look or not"?

Is there an issue with vintage ribbed tires:
- do they follow lines in the pavement?
- do they corner improperly?

A lot of the restoration pics on the forum show new patterned front tires. I am refurbishing my '68 650 Trophy, since it was parked in garages for the past 27 years. Incredibly it has almost no new rust including the gas tank. Attached is a picture of the front tire which is original, and it still worked fine until 1982 when it was parked. But now it is just too old to be usable.

GrandPaulZ · 11-19-2009, 11:32 AM

Yes, the old pattern Avon ribbed tires are still a good option.

I really like that green with gold stripe; have you posted a photo of the whole bike?

texjj · 11-19-2009, 10:03 PM

Thanks GrandPaulZ. Unfortunately that "green" fender is offcolor and has always been offcolor. See the pics in the new restoration thread here:
texjjs 68 650 trophy refurbish project

Red1959 · 11-21-2009, 12:35 AM

texjj " Is there an issue with vintage ribbed tires:
- do they follow lines in the pavement?
- do they corner improperly?"

My Cheng Shin vintage pattern replicas have been doing me well for the last five years. Plus they were five years old when I finally got the bike running in 2004! I have a 4.5 x 18 on the rear and 3.25 x 19 front. They were recomended by a Kawasaki salesman who put a set on his old Triumph. These are pretty cheap tires. Ive been caught out in the rain and they did well. They were 'hard' at 28lbs and wanted to follow lines in the road.However at the 18-20lbs recommended for a '59 they make for a comfortable ride. They look the part. I'm sure these would be the last choice for riders with more 'scratch' to spend on tires, but they surprised me!

texjj · 11-21-2009, 01:43 AM

Great info Red1959. I want the vintage look and will probably not ride it more than 500 miles/year. Those tires and the psi settings sound like exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

The good news is the Missus was looking at my current progress today and asked me when we were going to do the first buddy ride! The buddy ride will obviously have to wait for tires and now all I have to do is order them.

Red1959 · 11-21-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by texjj

Great info Red1959. I want the vintage look and will probably not ride it more than 500 miles/year. Those tires and the psi settings sound like exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

The good news is the Missus was looking at my current progress today and asked me when we were going to do the first buddy ride! The buddy ride will obviously have to wait for tires and now all I have to do is order them.

The 4.5 x 18 rear, barely cleared the chainguard, but everything squared up okay! I believe the factory tires are 4x18. You can see the bike on some of my you tube flicks. The 'bouncy' videos are not the fault of tires, It just took me 15 or so videos before I got the hang of the camera. Check out Triumph Vision Soundtrack video on youtube

texjj · 11-21-2009, 11:00 PM

Nice vids Red. I'll get the stock rear tire 4.0x18. Not planning on any hard cornering anyhow. Thanks for the tips.