Tires for my CB77

fallingpines305 · Post by **fallingpines305** » Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:42 pm

Hi, I am looking for some correct sized sport tires for my CB. I currently have some older style Cheng Shins, however am looking for a more modern sporting set of tires. Any recommendations?

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 3:37 pm

Have you looked at Dunlop K82's (also called TT100 Lightweights)? I switched to them from Cheng Shin a couple of years ago, and I just love them. They look appropriate and they stick like glue -- very confidence inspiring. Of course, they are more expensive than Cheng Shins, but I think they're worth it.

The big problem in the U.S is that 3.00x18 and 3.25x18 aren't popular tire sizes, so you're limited if you're srictly looking at U.S vendors (someone please correct me if I'm wrong here!). I've also seen praise for IRC tires elsewhere on this Forum.

Wheel House Tyres in Birmingham (UK) has the K82's, and I usually get them in a week via Fed Ex. www.motorcycletyres.com, or 011 (44) 1675 464221 (if calling from the U.S).

The photo shows the tread of the K82.

fallingpines305 · Post by **fallingpines305** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 8:34 pm

Thanks Vince,

I used to ride TT's back like yours in the late 70's on my CB400F and CB550. I was really looking for a modern looking performance tire with 'confidence inspired handling results' if that makes any sense for this old bike. I'm having a hard time finding anything like that in the correct sizes for my Hawk. I haven't had this bike out of the garage for 5 or 6 years now and I don't trust the 15 year old tires on it even know they have very few miles on them for fear that the rubber has gotten hard over time. Sorta like 'Tire Viagra'.

So, anyone other suggestions?

Thanks,

Pat

Superchicken · Post by **Superchicken** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 9:50 pm

I found a couple of IRC tires that look interesting, and are in small sizes. I am currently running a
chien shing size 80, witch is too small, on the front. My rear is a BT 45, front tire, that was run- out on my other bike. Too shot for on the front, but plenty good for the back of a cb77. I think,if they still made them, I would get Avon Road Runners. Personaly I would use a 100 on the back, and a 90 front.
Chien shing, aren't bad. You can have a lot of fun, on these bikes, Ours has been ridden a bunch, I live were riding is perfect, and it is our duty to ware out these tires. Just make sure, you plan ahead, on the brakes! Dave

Mike Mullins · Post by **Mike Mullins** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:08 pm

I am using IRC tires on my RD 400 cafe racer, and I like them, FWIW. No complaints.
Moneypits

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Thu Dec 06, 2007 11:30 pm

I haven't tried anything other than the Cheng Shin's and these Dunlops. One of the things that sold me on them was a tire test that Classic Bike Magazine did a few years ago, and the Dunlops were rated by them as the best all round tire, particularly for their cost, performance and looks (their least favorite were a pair of Mitas (formerly Barum, I think), which I think would be in line with the Cheng Shin's). As I say, in the United States you'll be limited by the available tire sizes offered by U.S distributors, so a look overseas may offer some wider possibilities.

Superchicken · Post by **Superchicken** » Fri Dec 07, 2007 7:55 am

I used nothing butt K 81 Dunlops, on my 1972 cb500. I club raced them, they also came in an R compound. When I see them listed nowdays they show only one size or something. I liked the feel of those tires, the triangle shape feels excellent, leaned over. I couldn't get that Link on those tires to come up.