Tires for vintage Honda?

[jviss]

Looking at a 1973 CB350. What tires should I put on this? I found some in the correct original size, of 3.00-18 front and 3.50-18 rear, but they are bias-ply. Should I look for radials? What's the correct original tire, and what's the best performing, safest tire?

 

Thanks!

 

 

[Paul Mihalka]

I don't think you can find radials in sizes close enough to original. I think any brand name tire in the right size will be much better than the bike had when new.

[94aero]

I'm running metzler lazertec's on my 75 400f.

 

Good in rain, soft to soak up the bumps.

[Michaelr11]

Did it come with radials originally? If it OEM came with bias ply, take a look at Continental, ContiGo tires. Modern compound and design and available in some of the inch sizes. They ride great on my R60/6 and R100.

[Guest Kakugo]

According to the Honda press release I have under my nose right now you can fit a 90/90-18 front and a 110/90-18 rear as well.

 

Michelin still makes the M45 in exactly your sizes though.

[jviss]

Interesting - can you share the press release, a link perhaps?

 

Thanks,

 

jv

 

[Guest Kakugo]

Interesting - can you share the press release, a link perhaps?

 

Thanks,

 

jv

 

There you go: Honda Tyres

[jviss]

Thanks!

[tvpierce]

I wouldn't be at all concerned about running bias ply tires.

 

There is no shortage of good bias ply tires on the market. My last bike was a C10 Kawasaki Concours -- 670 lbs without a rider -- and I ran bias ply tires on it. I also run bias plies (Shinko 777) on my '79 CX500. It's a very good tire, unfortunately, it's not available in an 18" rear.