New tires with vintage looking tread?

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luigipasto
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New tires with vintage looking tread?

#1

Post by luigipasto »

I've been looking for a set of tires for my GL1000 1976. Would like to get tires with a more vintage look, but of course modern performance. There are several makes such as shinko, avon, continental, etc. Problem is I've been unable to find a matching front/rear set with the specs for the bike. The rear seems particularly difficult to find (130/90 x 17). Wondering if someone else has gone through the same turmoil and found a solution?
1975 GL1000, on the road but patiently awaiting restoration
1976 GL1000, in the middle of a frame-off restoration.
cfairweather
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Re: New tires with vintage looking tread?

#2

Post by cfairweather »

Here is a good article.
https://www.randakksblog.com/tire-recommendations/

I like the Shinko 230 tires and also use the Shinko 712 tires. Continental still makes the vintage front with the ribbed look, but they don't make the 4.50-17 for the rear. I have used Bridgestone Spitfire tires and they are nice, but pricey. Get a set of the Shinko 230 tires and you will be happy.
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Lucien Harpress
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Re: New tires with vintage looking tread?

#3

Post by Lucien Harpress »

I'm currently running Shinko Tourmasters on my '76, and I think that's about as vintage as you're going to get (with the added benefit of being rather affordable). Dunlop 404s are another popular choice, but I have no idea of the size availability of those.

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Another thing to think about- mixing and matching tread patterns is a topic that usually inspires some spirited debate, but a lot of bikes of similar vintage (looking at you, CB750) liked to run a straight ribbed front tire with a more aggressive tread on the rear. Again, have no idea what's available in GL1000 sizes and take what you will from other people's opinion on tires (sorry, puppies), but that's the advice I have to give.
1997 Valkyrie- Light Cutomization, but Too Busy Riding
1980 KZ1300- Bike's Haunted
1976 GL1000 (Yellow)- It Runs (Poorly) and Doesn't Leak (Mostly)
1974 Velosolex 3800- Better Than Walking
1972 CB750- Broke the Chain And Ate the Motor
1969 CT90- The Most Fun You Can Have on 90ccs.
1965 CA77 Dream- Needs a Full Teardown, but Complete

All advice I give is only valid until an expert corrects me.
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pidjones
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Re: New tires with vintage looking tread?

#4

Post by pidjones »

If you want modern performance, you will have to go with modern tread patterns. Having ridden on the old bikes in the '70s, I sure don't want to go back to their short life, poor cornering, sketchy braking. If it is just a show bike, go for appearance retro like Coker.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
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Whiskerfish
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Re: New tires with vintage looking tread?

#5

Post by Whiskerfish »

Yea I ran the IRC's for several years then the Dunflop 404's. Once I switched the higher grade Metzlers I would never go back. The life and stability difference is considerable.
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redglbx
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Re: New tires with vintage looking tread?

#6

Post by redglbx »

I wouldn’t run the ribbed OE front ! If you’ve never ridden on the ribbed front you’ll find that the ribbed front tires tend to follow any grooves in the pavement causing the bike to wander uncontrollably. Rain grooves are really a pucker event, I won’t use them !
Red 1976 oe owner
1976 LTD restored
1980 CBX , in the que, to fix the ignorant heavy handed owner
1981 CBX
1977 CB750 K7
2014 FJR OE owner, sold
1980 GL1100
1984 GL1200 naked
1969 CL350, in the que
Don R
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Re: New tires with vintage looking tread?

#7

Post by Don R »

I'm a real outlaw, Michelin Pilots.
78 GL 1000, 70 CB750 sandcast, 70 CB836 hot rod, 1124cc 750 dragbike resto project.
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luigipasto
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Re: New tires with vintage looking tread?

#8

Post by luigipasto »

A lot of suggestions! Thanks everyone. I'll continue my research.
1975 GL1000, on the road but patiently awaiting restoration
1976 GL1000, in the middle of a frame-off restoration.
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