Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: kevberlin on October 07, 2024, 01:48:43 PM
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My Cb250rs requires a new rear tyre. The owners manual gives the tyre size as 400s 18 4PR. My current tyre shows itself to be 110/90/18.
I understand the 110/90/18 description, but haven’t a clue regarding the 400s 18 4PR.
Can anyone enlighten me please so I can be assured when I purchase the tyre.
Thanks a lot.
Kev
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Sorry Kev I have no idea but when I get some time I intend to look into this as the tyres on my RS250 will need replacing soon too.
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My Haynes says 4.10 S18-4PR for the rear. Mr. Honda's owners' manual also says the same.
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I'm no expert on tyre information but I believe the 4PR is 4 ply rating. This is an index that measures the tyre's capacity to withstand the load at a given pressure.
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It seems the 400 sizing shown in the manual is the imperial measurement.
In the case of the cb250rs 110/90/18 is appropriate.
Kev
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Being pre-metric I was always used to buying tyres in sizes like 3.25, 3.50 and 4.00 x 18 or 19. The 4.00 refers to the width of the tyre in inches (remember them?) and confusingly the .25, .50 etc was a fraction of an inch in metric! or at least that's what I always was told and if you measure the width of old tyres it seems to be right. In those days we didn't care about aspect ratios, the middle number of a modern tyre size, we just bought the right rim size and a suitable width for the bike and how we were going to use it. So on a 250 a 4.00x18 sounds about right and I would have expected the front tyre to be a 3.25 or 3.50.
Ian
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I prettty much agree Ian, although I would use a size lower - 3.50 for the back and 3.25 for the front. I need a back tyre for the dreaded Yam and intend to fit a 3.50x19 Mitas H01 which I've had success with in the past.
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Hi Ian
To be fair on reflection I agree with your choice of tyre sizes. I remember my 350 JAWA using a 3.50 x 18 rear and a 3.25 x 18 front. I think looking back the only time I used a 4.00 x 18 on any of my CZ/JAWA machines was when using them with trials tyres and then I used a 21" front wheel with the 18" rear.
Ian
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Kev - did you get your tyres sorted as I'm thinking of replacing mine over this coming winter and wondered how you got on?
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Hi Martin. It was all simple in the end as I had the same size rear tyre fitted as was removed. Namely, 110/90/18.
If you wish me to check what my front is size wise, I will have a look tomorrow and report back.
Phil Saunders at Ludlow fitted the tyre for me. He’s a top bloke, old school and trustworthy.
All the best,
Kev
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Thanks Kev.
What make did you go for? Everything I've seen is coming up rather expensive when you think of the relatively low loads this bike will place on its tyres.
Yes it would be a help to know the size of the front too.
I did look on the website of your local chap earlier today.
Cheers.
Martin
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I've had extreme difficulty findig a suitable tyre for the back of the little Yam and finally decided on this:
https://tyretectrading.co.uk/tyres/cst-c6017-motorcycle-tyres/
Cheap enough an given the use I'll put the bike to it will be OK. It's in my garage now waiting foir me to have the enthusiasm to fit it. It does seem very stiff....
It's 100/90x18 as I couldn't find a budget 110/90 profile tyre but is compatible with the 2.15 rim.
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Thanks Ian. That's a really useful link. They seem to have a good range and I'm sure I could find something appropriate. Prices also seem good.
My problem is it must be nearly 50 years since I last tried fitting a tyre myself and I recall the battle it was. Even in the late 70's there was a local motor cycle tyre specialist who would do you a deal and fit them.
The RS250 has DID alloy wheels with very soft rims.
I really need a local ish contact to fit them but if I buy online and not from a local source expect to be stung if not buying from them.
I looked at Wheel House Tyres (Birmingham area) but don't fancy the trip via Spagetti Junction nor could I readily find what I wanted at a reasonable price unlike in your link . I must be getting really old in my outlook!
I don't mind travelling a reasonable distance but the journey has to be pleasant - not stuck in traffic on the M5 / M6 / M42!
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Martin,
The front tyre is a Continental shown as a Contigo.
Size is shown as 3.00 - 18 m/c 52P
As regards my rear tyre, upon checking it I noted it was 20yrs old and unsurprisingly the ride was harsh. I bought a new tyre. My viewpoint in choosing the new tyre was that the 250rs is a lightweight bike, I’m lightweight and the bike gets ridden only in the good weather in a way that respects its 40+ yr age. I bought a Kenda simply because it came up at sensible money. I didn’t see the point of going for a “performance tyre”.
The old tyre was a nightmare for my bike shop to remove due to its age and despite him having a pnuematic tyre machine.
Hope this helps with your decision making.
Clearly, others may see things differently.
Kev
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Thanks Kev,
That's helpful.
My tyres were IIRC fitted to the bike not long after I acquired it. I think it's got a Mitas or some such on the front and the equivalent of a TT 100 (Dunlop) on the back .I've owned this RS for about 10 years although I've owned others as well over the years.
By any reckoning therefore the tyres are like me and well past their sell by date although I can't detect any cracking and the treads are IMHO well up to the legal limit. The rear though has always lost pressure when I remember to check it. I suspect and hope though that new rubber will hopefully make the ride less harsh, as along with the snatchy nature of the transmission (inherent in most singles think) this is one of the minor irritations of the model. Oh talking of which mine has always had a small oil leak from the cam cover head area in a most unHonda manner which I've never been able to cure.
As I said in my reply to Ian I'm very wary of changing the tyres myself . I know of a couple of local workshops who will supply and fit new tyres but I don't think they will offer anything like the choice that Ian's link does. I think I may also need new tubes given the age / difficulty referred to above.
Like you I only ride in good (99% dry) weather and am no heavy weight nor do I ride the RS fast or get it cranked over very far these days. I therefore consider as you did that a "performance" tyre will be excessive.
The Kenda seems to fit the bill exactly in terms of price and performance although Ian's link also offer other good priced options.
I'm going to make further enquiries and shall report back when I can.
Thanks to all.
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Martin,
My rear tyre was so bonded to the rim, that the pneumatic tyre release machine could not budge it.
Phil Saunders soaked the tyre rim in releasing agent and it still wouldn’t budge.
He eventually got it moving by clamping it into a vice and working it.
I saw a you tube video of a chap using that same technique to release an otherwise immovable tyre.
Hence, if you’ve got old tyres……………………..
Let us know how you get on.
Kev
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Hmmmmm.
It seems I'm right to be cautious then.
I've called my tyre / MOT place (Jones's in Wordsley) which I've used for years-since Jack Underwood's closed in Enville Street-you may remember them?
My other local place (QB) doesn't now open on a Monday but I may call them tomorrow.
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Is that the one in Brierley Hill Road?
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Yes that's the one. Tony Jones - I think he was the son of the original owner used to do the bike stuff and his brother did the car side. Tony retired a few years ago but used to race back in the day. I believe from my conversations with him over the years he was a contemporary of Tony Rutter. Apparently when he had a bike on the road TR was always the quickest rider by far. I could tell you a few other stories but not in print! Tony raced with a friend of mine who sold his Z1B to go racing on a Yamaha TD1 IIRC. The place is run by Tony's nephew now.
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Tony lived around the corner from you when he had his big accident, if I remember correctly.
It all seems a long time ago now!😀
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I've only lived in Norton since 2017. I used to live in Pedmore before that so I'm not exactly sure where TR lived. I recall he had a bike shop in Overend (Cradley) and on the Stourbridge Road in Lye. He was riding at one of the first road race meetings I attended at Mallory in about 1975- TZ 250 /350 Yams IIRC. He also had some success on Ducatis I think afterwards. Was it at the TT when he had his big accident?
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Tony Rutter had a big accident in Barcelona in 1985.
He lived with his girlfriend in Belbroughton Road at that time with his girlfriend. It was a semi detached place near to Colshaw Road. Very ordinary fellah, no airs and graces.
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Ah Yes Montjuic Park I think. When I moved here there was quite a well known hill climber living at the other end of Belbroughton Road - the Poplar Road end.
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Good evening chaps. I’ve really enjoyed reading this thread. Both subjects, tyres and about Tony Rutter 👍😉
Cheers, Michael
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Evening Gentlemen,
Sorry! Mornin' all! ;)
Ducati 450 uses 2.75 x 18 on the front WM2 rim and 90/90 x 18 on the rear WM3 rim, I was running a 3.00 x 18, but was running onto the sidewall! ::)
Use Michelin City Extras, or Conti Street brands; Dunlop K82's are sticky, but only last ~2,000 miles on the rear, whilst the Michelin and Conti, about 3,000+ miles. The Michelin have relatively pliant sidewalls and can be fitted, with a tube, grip well on greasy roads and even a wee bit of farm track going. However, they will loose grip on mossy strips up the middle of some back lanes up here, I managed to remain upright! :o
Having used Heidenau tyres, they are rigid in the sidewalls, a swine to mount and unless they are the racing compound, skaty on salty/greasy/leafy roads! :( Hence, I don't use them anymore, inspite of the price. As for Chinese tyres ........ :-X
I tend to use engine braking , rather than the drum brakes and the old bird is putting out about 35HP and I'm 85Kg (12.5 - 13.0 stone).
Getting somebody else to fit the tyres to the alloy Borranis, using a tyre machine can be expensive at £15 - £20 per wheel, workshop labour rates are now at least £50 an hour, if you can find somebody competent. Hence, I do my own most times.
Tyre suppliers are either Demon Tweeks, or Two Tyres, the latter is my preferred supplier. Very quick, excellent prices and good advice if you are not sure about which manufacturer, type, size that you require, also inflation pressures.
Two_Tyres (https://twotyres.co.uk/)
Beware of buying tyres directly from Continental suppliers, prices look very appealing until you are stung, with 20% VAT and import duty and "No, I haven't!"
Another reason for the high prices for tyres is that Ukraine used to be a main supplier of carbon black, a critical ingredient in the rubber mix, and supplies now have to be sourced from elsewhere.
Good health and go canny on your first snow of the year darn sarf! Just a wee touchy of frost up here that finally did for the nasturtiums and we still have fresh strawberries in the polytunnel!
Bill
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Thanks to all contributors.
I think we all agree it's important to try and keep this forum going if we can.
They keep telling us how important these things are for our mental health and general wellbeing.
It's my 67th birthday today and while I'm somewhat glad no longer to be in the rat race 9and very glad to be in receipt of my state pension) , perversely I still miss going to work with all the demands that involves.
We are going out for lunch at a local country pub with our son and my elderly mother (nearly 89 and in supported accommodation) and my wife gave me her present last night!
I've had some money off mother so this can be spent on the tyres although I do argue with my wife as they are important safety items should not really come out of birthday funds as they are essential expenses. I also need a front radial for my GPZ500 which has a 2010 date code and has cracks in a few of the the treads which I only noticed the other day. MOT in June was passed with flying colours so these must have developed since then. My mechanic friend tells me you might get away with some deterioration on a rear but on the front is a no no.
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When you find someone to change tyres in the midlands, give us a heads up Martin. I've always changed my own tyres but neither the flesh nor the spirit is particularaly willing at the moment.....
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Aye Ian,
Never tried them, but they appear to be in your neck of the woods, Coleshill?
Wheel_House_Tyres (https://www.wheelhousetyres.co.uk/)
Good health, Bill
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See below Bill.
Thanks Ian. That's a really useful link. They seem to have a good range and I'm sure I could find something appropriate. Prices also seem good.
My problem is it must be nearly 50 years since I last tried fitting a tyre myself and I recall the battle it was. Even in the late 70's there was a local motor cycle tyre specialist who would do you a deal and fit them.
The RS250 has DID alloy wheels with very soft rims.
I really need a local ish contact to fit them but if I buy online and not from a local source expect to be stung if not buying from them.
I looked at Wheel House Tyres (Birmingham area) but don't fancy the trip via Spagetti Junction nor could I readily find what I wanted at a reasonable price unlike in your link . I must be getting really old in my outlook!
I don't mind travelling a reasonable distance but the journey has to be pleasant - not stuck in traffic on the M5 / M6 / M42!
Although they aren't too far away it's a hellish journey from where I am . I think they are or were linked to central Wheel Co.
I've had some feedback from my local guy and am awaiting more details.
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Thanks to all contributors.
I think we all agree it's important to try and keep this forum going if we can.
They keep telling us how important these things are for our mental health and general wellbeing.
It's my 67th birthday today
Hear hear Martin. I remember when I was in a pretty bad way after my accident, which unbelievably is 9 years ago 😮. This forum definitely helped me in a BIG way with my mental wellbeing, so I for one would be gutted if it folded. I usually log on at least once a day and generally just read any new posts.
So yes, let’s try and keep it going 👍
Ps... many happy returns for the day Martin. Hope you had a good one 🍾🎂
Cheers, Michael
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Thanks to all contributors.
I think we all agree it's important to try and keep this forum going if we can.
They keep telling us how important these things are for our mental health and general wellbeing.
It's my 67th birthday today
Hear hear Martin. I remember when I was in a pretty bad way after my accident, which unbelievably is 9 years ago 😮. This forum definitely helped me in a BIG way with my mental wellbeing, so I for one would be gutted if it folded. I usually log on at least once a day and generally just read any new posts.
So yes, let’s try and keep it going 👍
Ps... many happy returns for the day Martin. Hope you had a good one 🍾🎂
Cheers, Michael
Thanks Michael.
November's not the greatest month to celebrate a birthday but it's another year gone by. Why do they seem to go more quickly each year as you age?
There used to be a lot more activity on these type of forums years ago but not so much nowadays which is a shame.
I suppose it's social media and other platforms that's to blame. To be honest a lot of the time I feel so out of touch with what's going on in the world it can be difficult to stay grounded and remain upbeat. Sorry I seem to be going off topic again somewhat.......... :-\
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Apologies Martin, enthusiasm ........! ::) I had read your post, but the day before I went raking about, my apologies.
However, these men come to you, rather than you going to them.
Trusted_Tyres (https://www.trustedtyres.co.uk/)
Tyre-medics_Motorcycles (https://www.tyre-medics.co.uk/motorcycles/)
Good health, Bill
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I've used wheelhouse several times and always been happy, however they aren't showing any stock of the tyres I'm looking for. I've asked them if I can fit the one I've bought......
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Apologies Martin, enthusiasm ........! ::) I had read your post, but the day before I went raking about, my apologies.
However, these men come to you, rather than you going to them.
Trusted_Tyres (https://www.trustedtyres.co.uk/)
Tyre-medics_Motorcycles (https://www.tyre-medics.co.uk/motorcycles/)
Good health, Bill
No need for apologies Bill. I find with advancing age my attention span / attention to detail and short term memory declining rather faster than i had hoped.
Thanks for the suggestions which are gratefully received-yours too Ian.
I'm having real difficulty with these tyres.
I've been on both the websites you suggested and really struggled to find the tyres I need in the sizes and price I would like to pay.
The 17 inch tubeless I need for my GPZ500 is no problem but the RS tyres are a bit of a nightmare.
I've also tried ebay, M & P , Busters, WE Moto etc to no avail.
My local MOT tyre outfit have got me 2 of the 3 tyres I need but their supplier sent him a rear Knobbly type for the RS!
Anyway I've had to pay through the nose for a rear Bridgestone for the RS but the other 2 have come in at a good price and they only charge £10 for fitting to a loose wheel.
These tryes should now last me for the rest of my riding life...........
Thanks again.
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Hi Martin,
M and P have a number of rear tyres in stock that fit the rs rear as 110/90/18.
They also show plenty of 90/90.18 for the front.
Free delivery too.
Kev
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I got a reply from Wheelhouse who will fit my tyre to a loose wheel for £29.50. Not sure if that includes VAT. I also tried Bill's first link. Yes they'll come and do it - for £80. I think not. £60 call out £20 fitting.
I'll also try my local Stealth Motorcycles. I've know Lee there for years since I bought a used Tiger 955i from him nearly 20 years(!) ago....
Had a look at M&P - mostly premium tyres at £120+ but one "buf=dget" model.....
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Martin/Ian,
If you have access to eBay, then check out M & P Direct. Plenty of cheaper tyres on there, both front and rear for the Cb250rs.
Hope this helps,
Kev
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Thanks but I think I'm sorted now.
I took the GPZ wheel out and popped it in to the local tyre place this afternoon and have upon my return removed the RS rear wheel to take when I pick up the GPZ wheel tomorrow.
I don't want to remove the front and back wheels at the same time . The bike is currently in our summer house and there's not much room to work so to ensure the bike remains stable I'll do a wheel at a time.
The rear tyre is a 4.10 18 K181 TT 100 with a date stamp of 2012 on. The tread while legal is now well down. I don't know the mileage because I keep having to change speedos due reliability issues.
I think the front is a Mitas whcich is what I'm going for as the replacement. Same make is going on the GPZ Ffronnt).
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Excellent. What is so easy on a car, is not so easy on a motorbike.
Glad you are sorted Marin.
Kev
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Aye Martin,
Pleased that you have something sorted to your liking. I wish you many more years of getting out on two wheels for some "therapy".
Good health, Bill
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Well thanks to all for the advice and guidance.
I'll update when the tyres are fitted.
Looking at the weather forecast I shan't need a bike for at least the next few days.
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Sorry for high jacking your thread Kev BTW!
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Not at all Martin.
It’s interesting to read what people say about all kinds on motorbike stuff.
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Not at all Martin.
It’s interesting to read what people say about all kinds on motorbike stuff.
Agree with you there Kev :)
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Where's your local tyre place Martin?
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They're in Wordsley (Stourbridge) . As I alluded to earlier in this thread the keen motor cyclist who was a director (Tony Jones)has now retired. They do MOT's , a fellow comes in once a week - Wednesday IIRC . i'VE JUST PICKED UP my GPZ front wheel and dropped off the rear from the RS250.
From the help I've had on here from our members I've realised how complex the issues of motor cycle tyres now are. Back in the day there weren't so many options but now there are multiple bike types, tyre types etc etc I remember when I started out on bikes when there was only really Dunlop and Avon in the main with very little choice. Then more European manufacturers came in to the market and then the Jap tyres improved.
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Where's your local tyre place Martin?
They're in Wordsley (Stourbridge) . As I alluded to earlier in this thread the keen motor cyclist who was a director (Tony Jones)has now retired. They do MOT's , a fellow comes in once a week - Wednesday IIRC . i'VE JUST PICKED UP my GPZ front wheel and dropped off the rear from the RS250.
From the help I've had on here from our members I've realised how complex the issues of motor cycle tyres now are. Back in the day there weren't so many options but now there are multiple bike types, tyre types etc etc I remember when I started out on bikes when there was only really Dunlop and Avon in the main with very little choice. Then more European manufacturers came in to the market and then the Jap tyres improved.
They are in the main car folks.
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I've just popped in to see Lee at Stealth and he fits your own tyre to a loose wheel for £20. So when I have the wheel off I'll drop it in to him.
https://stealthmotorcycles.co.uk/
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I've just popped in to see Lee at Stealth and he fits your own tyre to a loose wheel for £20. So when I have the wheel off I'll drop it in to him.
https://stealthmotorcycles.co.uk/
That doesn't sound too bad.
My place quotes £10 each but I'm sourcing the tyres through them of course.
I don't know what the mark up per tyre is. It would be interesting to know.
I didn't want to get the tyres elsewhere in case they were the wrong size and had to be sent back + any problems with tubes, valves, balancing etc...
I picked up the GPZ wheel yesterday and dropped off the RS rear. Re-fitted the GPZ in the afternoon and whipped out the RS front which was a bit tricky as I don't have room to use my paddock stands in our summer house but the RS is no heavyweight so I was able to jack up the front slightly to gain enough clearance to remove the wheel while the rear remains supported on the centre stand on of timber. It's all quite secure . Amazing how much simpler it is with a light weight.
Later I picked up the RS rear wheel and dropped off the front. The rear now has a nice Bridgestone Battlax. The old front was not a Mitas but an IRC with a 2010 date so I'm best shot of it. Tyre looked to be in OK condition though with plenty of treads and no cracking I could see,
Planning to pick up the new front for the RS later this morning.
I've pulled my back with all this activity and the cold weather (serves me right- I should know better at my age) so I may have to wait for the warmer weather / back rest before I refit the RS wheels. I aim to do the front first and then the rear after I've cleaned off 10 years of grime / chain lube / oil etc.
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Ok so I've just picked up the last tyre.
On the plus side they have only charged me £10 + VAT to fit each one to the loose rim.
The Battlax cost £90, the GPZ Mitas was £550 and the RS Mitas was £45.
I chose to pay £2 to dispose of each old tyre environmentally when I could just have sawn them up to go into landfill.
The VAT element was £45.20.
Grand total £271.20 which didn't please the wife at all!I set off £100 birthday money and £82 I had in my Ebay account to try to retain marital harmony.
Nothing comes cheap these days but as I get older safety rises up the list of priorities.
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Ok the GPZ Mitas was £550 and
I chose to try to retain marital harmony.
Wowsers Martin. That’s one expensive tyre. I don’t blame you for trying to retain some marital harmony after that bill 😉
Ps.... should you ever think of parting with the RS250 ...please give me first refusal on it. Had one new back in 1981, had it for 5 yrs then sold it to big brother as his go to work bike and I bought my first shiny new XBR.
Cheers, Michael
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Pps..... Having been a sufferer of two slipped, now prolapsed discs Martin you have my sympathies.
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OOpppps £50 NOT £550. Check your spelling Martin. Idiot! :'(
Yes I will give you first refusal ...if I remember! However I've always been of the view I will keep the RS250 for as long as I can keep riding as it's so light and manageable.
I seem to recall either you or Andrew ? sold me one in bits you had part restored with a load of powder coating done. This would have been back in 2018. I know because we'd just moved into our bungalow. We met on a service station on the M6 North one Sunday morning IIRC? I had to move that on when I found myself with too many bikes / projects but I know for a fact the guy I sold ot to completed the resto. I seem to think he'd previously done a Cateram 7 so an RS would have been easy! My current one was a part resto when i got it but it had been cafe racered so I put it back to standard as I had a load of parts at the time.
I've always suffered with my lower back. There's a family history on both sides but fortunately so far I just need to take it easy for a few days and not do too much heavy lifting or bending. Fingers crossed .You have my sympathy with your serious back problems. They are very common. When I worked in law I was often consulted by people with physical manual jobs whose backs had a congenital weakness and often they were not able to continue in that type of work.
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Afternoon Martin.yes it was big brother Andy who sold you the RS I think, certainly wasn’t me.
Please don’t think I was hankering after you selling yours, I know you’re more than happy with it, I meant IF you do ever think, “it’s time for it to go” then just let me have first refusal on it before you advertise it anywhere.
Cheers, Michael
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' Evening Michael.
No don't worry I didn't think you were hankering after my RS. It's always worth putting feelers out if there's something you want.
I'll certainly bear you in mind if I do decide to sell but as I said my plans at the moment are to keep it for as long as I can.
I didn't get round to re-fitting the rear wheel today due to the poor light and weather and I thought I'd give my aching back a rest. I did clean 2 cars today though for the exercise.
I managed to re-fit the front wheel last thing yesterday but ran out of light to do a final check and tighten up.
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I have just bought front and rear Bridgestone S22 tyres for the new SRX. 110/70 x 17 and 140/70 x 17 radials. They call them "Hypersports tyres" maybe a bit OTT for the 400 but at £180 fitted, I'm not complaining. Got them from Sticky Stuff in Telford. I do know that they charge £20 for fitting a single wheel or £35 for a pair. Seems on par with most now. I'm happy as they are local to me.
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Still not had time to re-fit the rear wheel with the Bridgestone. Weather here has been wet and now cold .I need to clean up the area around the swinging arm / mudguard underside before re-fitting. I did make a start but I couldn't see very well so I need to try again in the sunlight or get my lead lamp out now my back is a bit better.
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Martin.
I did those jobs too when my 250rs rear wheel was off. Very worthwhile. I also stripped the paint from the alloy rear brake cover and polished it up. Looks very nice all shiny and clean.
Kev
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I've done a bit more this afternoon . Got the sprocket back on the hub with the spacer and large circlip. Incidentally I previously had a load of play in the rear sprocket which I thought was due to worn cush drive rubbers. The RSA has a slightly unconventional set up more like my Ducati and the rubbers are hard to remove and at the time it was difficult to source new ones. The de lux model has the usual larger rubbers which you can easily remove and get new ones. Anyway it turned out it was not worn rubbers but someone had fitted the wrong size spacer under the circlip-hence the play. I had the correct spacer in my parts stash so it was an easy fix.
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Agh,,,the dreaded Cush bush for the rsa. I dropped on some 2 yrs ago and actually have a new set in my garage……just in case!
Just bought a Delkevic exhaust system for my cbf250………hopefully get that on in the coming weeks, although, being a cold weather whimp, I’m not actually riding much. The 250rs is stored away for the summer months having had a tidy up and new rear tyre. Bring on the Springtime!
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You were lucky to find a set of cush drive rubbers if yours is an "A" like mine. I bought a pattern set but they didn't fit. I think they were off something like a CG125 IIRC. My RS has been the bike I run all year round although I probably don't do more than a 1000 miles a year on it since retiring. I only go out on clean dry roads though whatever the time of year. If it's cold I have a heated vest I can use on the RS although it doesn't seem to work on my other bikes. There must be some sort of problem with the wiring connectors which are different on the other bikes. The winter is not the best time to be working on the bikes either unless you have mild weather or a good heater.I've just bought one of these :
https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-freestanding-or-portable-ptc-workshop-heater-2500w/639FV?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_9u5BhCUARIsABbMSPuhmqBk8Zw7x7rosl0bvMeEW7OT86apRLa0bymi8IKRX7JTejGARscaAggaEALw_wcB
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Rear wheel is now back in and everything has been tightened up and ready to go when / if we get any decent weather at this time of the year.
There was a bit of a dilemma with which way the spindle should be fitted. The owners' manual appears to show it from the opposite direction in the Haynes. I put it back in the same way as it came out as I knew that worked. Just got to bed in the new tyres now and hopefully it will have been a worthwhile exercise.
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Hi Martin.
I had the same issue regarding the rear spindle.
The various diagrams and pics I saw indicated to me that the rear axle nut (with split pin) should be at the same side as the sprocket.
Mine was previously fitted the other way around. I reversed it to comply with the manual and the cmsnl drawings.
Kev
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I don't think it matters which way round the spindle is. I generally fit from the left (using a smaller diameter bar first to line stuff up) as I find it easier that way. I can't see any engineering reason for one way or t'other.
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I think you must both re right Kev and Ian.
Mine's fitted like yours Kev with the axle nut on the same side as the sprocket.
I usually line everything up with a block or blocks of timber under the rear wheel which saves having to ask the wife to knock in the spindle while I hold everything in place.
I once had a KH 400 triple which kept pulling the rear wheel out of alignment .After some head scratching I either realised or was told (can't now remember which) that I'd either completely omitted or fitted a spacer in the wrong place or the wrong way round.
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I finally got to do a brief road test yesterday on the new tyres.
Not ideal conditions for bedding them in with a mix of gritting residue and damp patches but mostly dry.
I don't know what it's like in other parts of the country but round here there are gaping pot holes EVERYWHERE and temporary traffic lights seem to proliferate on an increasing basis.
Anyway I thought I detected an imbalance in the wheels but wasn't sure whether it was the front or back -or both?
Both tyres appear to have been inflated to around 40 PSI. Being a lightweight the RS is said by Mr. Haynes to require respective pressures of 24 front 32 rear for solo use.
Although I couldn't see too well in the fading light the front appeared to be correctly aligned on the rim but I wasn't so sure about the rear. The tyre soap which remained didn't help as it obscured the markings on the tyres used to check the alignment so I cleaned the sidewalls of this too.
I inflated the rear to 60 PSI in attempt to centralise it, then reduced the respective pressures to the correct specs and went for a brief further test ride where things seemed to have improved somewhat.
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Like you I'd be looking at something like 26/32 front and rear. It's surprising that the fitter didn't ask what you wanted. I've got the back wheel out of the little Yam and will probably be taking it and the tyre for fitting today.
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Like you I'd be looking at something like 26/32 front and rear. It's surprising that the fitter didn't ask what you wanted. I've got the back wheel out of the little Yam and will probably be taking it and the tyre for fitting today.
Good luck :)
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Morning to you both,
2.75 x 18 front on the Duke 450, 26psi and 90/90 x 18 rear, 32psi. Crossply
2.75 x 18 front on Morini 125H, 26psi and 3.00 x 18 rear, 32psi. Crossply
110 x 17 front SRX600 monoshock, 28psi and 140 x17 rear, 32psi. Crossply
110 x 17 front SRX600 monoshock, 30psi and 140 x17 rear, 34psi. Radial Michelin.
100 x18 front SRX600 twinshock, 28psi and 120 x 17 rear, 32psi. Crossply.
I was advised when fitting the the radials to the monoshock to use 32psi front and 36psi rear, the same as for the SZR660. It felt lethal! :o Dropped by 2psi front and rear and feels much better. I have run at the crossply pressures, 28psi and 32psi, but feels a bit squirmy.
As for not seating the bead correctly and just leaving the pressure at 40+psi! :o ::) That tyre fitter would loose my custom instantly. I always check that the bead is seated and the tyre is at the correct pressure, with the valve mark on the sidewall aligned with the valve, if the manufacturer has marked the sidewall. It indicates the lightest side of the tyre and makes a difference when balancing the wheel. I only bother having the front wheel balanced, as that is the most sensitive to imbalance at the speeds I am using on the road.
Good health, Bill
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Morning to you both,
2.75 x 18 front on the Duke 450, 26psi and 90/90 x 18 rear, 32psi. Crossply
2.75 x 18 front on Morini 125H, 26psi and 3.00 x 18 rear, 32psi. Crossply
110 x 17 front SRX600 monoshock, 28psi and 140 x17 rear, 32psi. Crossply
110 x 17 front SRX600 monoshock, 30psi and 140 x17 rear, 34psi. Radial Michelin.
100 x18 front SRX600 twinshock, 28psi and 120 x 17 rear, 32psi. Crossply.
I was advised when fitting the the radials to the monoshock to use 32psi front and 36psi rear, the same as for the SZR660. It felt lethal! :o Dropped by 2psi front and rear and feels much better. I have run at the crossply pressures, 28psi and 32psi, but feels a bit squirmy.
As for not seating the bead correctly and just leaving the pressure at 40+psi! :o ::) That tyre fitter would loose my custom instantly. I always check that the bead is seated and the tyre is at the correct pressure, with the valve mark on the sidewall aligned with the valve, if the manufacturer has marked the sidewall. It indicates the lightest side of the tyre and makes a difference when balancing the wheel. I only bother having the front wheel balanced, as that is the most sensitive to imbalance at the speeds I am using on the road.
Good health, Bill
As always Bill, very good and practical advice-thank you.
I looked for the tyres you recommended previously but couldn't find any in the sizes for the RS unfortunately.
Yes the fact that the pressures were wrong and possibly the rear wasn't seated correctly does make me wonder where I should go next time. Ian's chappie isn't too far away from me. I'm hoping not to have to fit any more tyres for the forseeable future!
With the GPZ500 I wasn't asked what type of tyre was on the back as I believe if mixing you should only have a crossply front mixed with a rear radial.
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I've just picked up my newly fitted tyre from Lee at Stealth. An excellent job for £20. He did say he's never agree to fit another Chinese tyre as it had been a real struggle even with 2 of them!
In nearly 60 years of riding this is the first bike tyre I've had fitted by anyone else but am pleased with the outcome.
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Update to this thread....
Not on my Thumper but since fitting the new Mitas front to my GPZ500 the old worn rear (a Conti dated 2013) has developed a slow puncture. I think it's a rim sealing issue.
Anyway I decided it would be the safest option to replace the Conti with the same rear Mitas. The Conti has no age related issues I can see but the centre tread is worn but well within the legal limit but not worth the bother of fixing the leak IMHO.
Can I get a Mitas replacement anywhere? No chance-not at least until Mid February by all accounts according to the MOT tyre place who did the earlier work on this bike and my RS250. No amount of internet searching could locate one.
I decided on a (quite a bit more expensive) Pirelli from my local bike shop and asked them to order one yesterday. They then phoned me back to say they couldn't get the Pirelli (Angel) only a Diablo which is more expensive as it's a sports type compound instead of the sports tourer I was after. Alternately they could only offer a Michelin which was £3 less than the Pirelli.
I'm still waiting to hear back from my usual MOT tyre place with an alternative fitment-but have phoned them 3 times so far so I shan't be bothering again.
I've decided to keep pumping up the rear Conti for the time being....
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I found the same dearh of Mitas when I was looking earlier in the year (as a side issue there seem to be no NGK plug caps available either!) The kind folk at Central Wheel did say they could probably source me one but that was a couple of months ago.
I blame brexit myself. Or maybe a trump effect?
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Yes Ian. I requested a notification from Central Wheel or their tyre offshoot when stock comes in.As you say this seems to be happening more often recently and could be due to many factors including the ones you mention.