Skinny Tires

[Stan Lipert]

I'm looking for some opinions on tires for the Mk3/Diana/Mach 1 for a Mk3 restoration, period style treads, but still ride-able.
Looks like the original were a ribbed Pirelli front, and block pattern rear. Although some of the Pirelli's are out there, I wouldn't want a glass hard tire with sidewall cracks.

Some choices that I'm considering are:
IRC
Front NR2 2.50-18"
Rear NR21 3.00-18"
Rear NR21 3.50-18"

Avon
Front 80/91-18" Universal Roadrunner
Rear 90/90-18" Roadrunner R2, available in race compounds only. I used these on a Sebring 350 and another Mk3 a few years ago, very good riding tires, period looks but not the same as the originals.

Duro
Front 3.00-18" HF317-01 Semi-rib pattern.
Rear 3.50-18" HF314-01

Cheng Shin, NOS only. Period pattern, used some on my Honda CB77.
F/R 2.50-18" C113
F/R 2.75-18" C117
F/R 3.00-18" C180
Front 3.00-18" Rib
Rear 2.75-18" C265

Opinions?
What are you using?

Stan

[LaceyDucati]

Hi Stan
Difficult one, most of the good quality tyres nowadays are larger section. Okay for the widecases (within reason!) but look badly out of place on the Narrowcases. Avons are great but the race compound tyre may be short lived. One firm you could try is below, they make narrow tyres for road and race. the race tyres have been used to good effect in the UK, so I guess they know about tyres. Not used them myself, but I plan on giving them a try on some restorations.

K33, K39 & K40 look interesting

http://www.reifenwerk-heidenau.de/modul ... 77mhsjsfv3

Nigel Lacey

[Stan Lipert]

Nigel,
Yes. The Heidenau are another good consideration.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the Avons, as I they have been my race tire of choice for the past 16 years or so. I've roadraced with them on my CB350s, CB72, RD400s, Mk3, CB400f and Drixton 500. Good tires, but not exactly the original patterns.

Great supply of parts you have, we have just placed an order with you from Northern Ohio Ducati/Triumph. Thanks for the great service!

Stan

[neandethal]

in the same vein, i am looking for a good choice of tyre at the Mk3 size of 2.75 - 19, and dont fancy an avon deathmaster and find it hard to swallow fitting a mitas h01 but seems few other choices, any advise, cheers, Ian.