tires

[RickP]

I have a '58 XLCH. Question: if I can't or afford OEM grasshoppers, does it matter what kind to get? I think I'd like them to resemble grasshoppers.

Rick

[EKHKHK56]

Coker sells Firestones that are 1950s style but street tread. They have 16" Grasshoppers. I don't know of any new source for 18" or 19" tires. Erik K

[strong56KH]

I have always liked the look of the Dunlop K-70. It's a British tire but is still available at a reasonable price. See link below.

http://www.jpcycles.com/product/ZZ25272

[thefrenchowl]

Hi,

The Dunlop K 70 not only has the looks, it also handle great...

Not made anymore in GB anymore, made in Japan these days...

So grippy, I'm lucky if I get 3000 miles out of the 19 inch rear one the way I ride...

Patrick

[Model H]

Rick,

How about some pics of your 58?

[hennesse]

DaveC suggested Metzeler tires, so on my 1962 XLCH with aluminum wheels, I put Metzeler Lasertec 3.50-19 54H (front tire), and 4.00-18 64V (rear tire). I got them from Chaparrel.

It's almost time to buy tires for the 54 KH, and I'll probably go with the same front tire. However, the Lasertec's don't come in a 19" rear tire, so I'm not sure what to do with for that. What're you guys doing for a 19" rear?

[thefrenchowl]

Dunlop K 70... ; - )



Patrick

[epinut]

http://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/dirtman-4 ... -tire.html

[Yard Dog]

A couple years back, several vendors had the Dirtman replicas at Davenport. They looked spot on and were priced below $200. If I hadn't already emptied my pockets , I would have pulled the trigger. If memory serves me , and these days it seldom does , there may have been questions about DOT certification.

Jack

[hennesse]

Here are some Metzeler "Block C" tires. Modern tires - for front or rear. Not bad looking except for those rings at the top of the sidewall. $90 each in 3.50x19 Has anyone used these?

block-c.jpg (32.46 KiB) Viewed 19373 times

In 1954 you could order a KH with either 3.50x19" or 3.50x18". Mine has the 19". I already sent the rims to the chrome platers, and bought new spokes, so it's a little late to consider changing to 18". Especially now since I spent most of the day sanding the "B" off my stainless steel Buchanan spokes and bead-blasting them. I don't think I can return them now. ;-> One day = one wheel's worth - it'll take another day to do the other wheel!

Now I find that there just aren't many choices for 19" tires. I do plan to ride this bike, so 50-year-old NOS Super Eagles aren't a good option - even if I could find them. Anyone have any more ideas? Or have we run out of options?

Dave