Tires for a Mk3 250 NC

[Moto Chuck]

Haven't seen any discussion of tires for a narrow case bike in a while.

The narrow case Mk3 & Mach 1 take a 2.50 x 18 front and a 2.75 x 18 rear. I don't find much in those sizes these days except "moped and scooter" tires that have "L" ratings that are only good for speeds up to 74mph.

I am wondering if there are some that have good rubber that have good traction and are capable for speeds up to the Mk3's top speed of 100-110mph. Would like to be able to throw the bike into corners with assurance that it will stick. DOT certified is a plus as I am not really looking for race rubber.

What has anyone found? Prefer tires available in the U.S.

[Madman]

This might help. http://wp.me/s5xJlR-tyres

[Moto Chuck]

Madman,
That would do for the rear tire but I don't think that the 2.75 will fit under the front fender.I can't see any clearance between the front tire and the fender on the bike that is on the blog. It might work and might not.

Thanks for the link to the blog though.
Chuck

[Madman]

They have been fitted for a few months now, yes the front is close but it fits.

DSCN0849.JPG

[Moto Chuck]

Well, that pic on your bike does show some clearance so it may be worth trying. Thanks!

By the way, is that your blog?

[Madman]

Yes, my blog. There was no adjustment required to fit that tyre, the mudguard is completely standard.

[ducwiz]

In Saxonia/Germany, the "Heidenau Reifenwerk" have spezialized on tires for classic vehicles. They produce both dimensions:

2.50-18: http://en.reifenwerk-heidenau.com/modules/reifenliste/view.php?lang=en&point=2&rtyp=9&profil=167&pic=112
2.75-18: http://en.reifenwerk-heidenau.com/modules/reifenliste/view.php?lang=en&point=2&rtyp=9&profil=20&pic=28
or: http://en.reifenwerk-heidenau.com/modules/reifenliste/view.php?lang=en&point=2&rtyp=9&profil=17&pic=22

Their distributor in the US: http://en.reifenwerk-heidenau.com/modules/4_firmensuche.htm?plz=&ort=&country=US&entfernung=100&Search=start+search

My only DUCATI single is a 350Mk3 Desmo, which has different tire sizes, so I have no personal experience with these particular Heidenaus. My Guzzi V7classic handles very well with their K64 and K65 types.

cheers Hans

[dsmess]

My Mark 3 had Avon 80/90 universal roadrunners when I got it. The front fender clearance was very tight and almost rubbing.
If you want to run these tires it would be better to put on the slightly wider Monza front fender. I never did but briefly ride with these tires as the sidewalls were badly cracked. Anybody else using these Avons?
Dave

[alno]

Hello,
I'm using a bigger tire. Conti Go Front 2.75-18 M/C 48P and 3.00-18 M/C 52P. Fantastic tires. I have a about 1200 miles (2000km) with a little ware on the rear tire.

[ducwiz]

Speed rating "P" defines 150 kph or 93 mph. Maybe to low for n/c Mk3s or Mach1s.
A lot of information about m/c tires is given in this leaflet: https://web.archive.org/web/20110614221045/http://www.tyresafe.org/data/files/TS149%20Motorcycle%2012p%20Leaflet.pdf

Hans