Conti Classic Attack Radial tyres

[BevelBitsaBrighton]

I am building a 450 MK3 up from parts I have acquired from several sources. I already have a Mach1 so the 450 will be a flat bar, forward footrest bike with as much stainless steel as possible to make it a daily driver. Having used radial tyres on my Harris & seen the grip they give, I am keen to use them on my bike if possible. The gotcha is the smallest rear available in the Conti Attack range needs a WM3 rim. Anyone run a WM2 WM3 combination on a 450 single? Any clearance problems? I have a bike with lightning quick steering already so lazy slow steering isn't an issue, but don't want to fork out for a wheel build to have it undone 10 minutes later. Thoughts?

[Duccout]

I have the Conti Classic Attack facials on my 900 Desmo, and it is one of the best modifications that I have done.

I think that Eldert may be the best person to ask about rim sizes on a standard mark 3 frame.

[Eldert]

a WM 3 laced to the rear hub goes very wel on the widecase Mark3 . i run a 110 / 80 on that rim

the only thing i did is i flipped the bolts that holds the rear mudguard and the seat . the nuts are on the outside now .

you might even fit wider tyres if you turn down the head of that bolt a bit

Eldert

[themoudie]

Aye 'BevelBitsaBrighton',

My '74 450 MKIII has always had a WM2 front and WM3 rear x 18" rim, both Borrani's ( they're not that special!).

Recommended tyres are 2.75 x 18 and 3.00 x 18 and in the '70's I fitted both Dunlop TT100 and 'original' Avon Road Runners of those sizes or equivalent. Also fitted a 90/90 x 18 (89mm) on the front and a 4.10 x 18 (102mm) to the rear. I do not think that these sizes are available any longer in either brand, unless you use a 'lightweight/commuter' motorcycle tyre. The problem with tyres of a greater width was the handling was not as sharp as with the narrower tyres, yet the bike picked up on rain grooving and overbanding and the whole bike 'wallowed' in corners. Also, with the Marzocchi forks the distance between the mudguard and brake torque arm studs on the sliders is 78mm (so a 2.75 (77mm) or 80/100 (78mm) passes through, whilst the approximate width of 3.00 x 18 (82mm) tyres exceeds this by 4mm. Doesn't sound a lot, but it means to fit the front wheel the tyre has to be deflated. My solution to the extra width at the rear was to use the Eldert trick of reversing the bolts and slimming the head. In fact I still have them that way now. Again, be carefull, because some wheel builders build the rear wheel with an offset to the centre of the rim. It is only slight, but may make all the difference to the wheel fitting and the 4.10 (102mm) was definitely tight especially in the diameter rather than the width. Rear suspension on full compression had the tyre rubbing the underside of the mudguard!

Personaly I prefer the slimmer tyre sizes, as original or 3.00 x 18 (82mm) and 3.50 x18 (92mm) and the ability to 'think' the machine round corners, rather than having to push and feel the wandering about.

Radial Metzeler Tourance tyres on a 1994 BMW Funduro are the only time I have used radial tyres on a motorcycle and I was very impressed with their ability to grip in all weathers and temperatures and their ability not to wear! However, I had a rear tyre blowout, two up on a slow 90° corner and managed to stay on and I am not sure why or how? The tube was shredded and if I remember, they may not be the easiest to fit on the rim. But that was a wee while ago!

Good health, Bill

[Duccout]

The rims on my 900 are WM3 front and WM4 rear, and Continental recommend 90/90 on a WM3 and 110/90 on a WM4, to allow the tyres to spread to their correct profile, BUT, they were adamant that I must fit 100/90 front and 120/90 rear, going against their own technical advice.....

[BevelBitsaBrighton]

According to Conti's website I can get the 90/90 front on a WM2 rim & the 110/90 rear on a WM3, so thats where I will go! Thanks for your input chaps!
I am a long way from having the bike running, but need the wheels building to stand the rolling chassis up.

[Duccout]

You won't believe the difference in smoothness. The radials act as extra suspension and absorb the road bumps, plus they roll through the corners beautifully. We look forward to hearing your feedback!