tires

[harrO]

Not the one to make hasty decisions but I think it's time to replace my 41 year old tires. Any recommendations for the 350X18 and 300X21 Metzelers? Prefer to keep the vintage look. I know this has been a previous topic but I've been unsuccessful in navigating the archives. Thanks. HO

[Dwight Rudder]

What bike are you putting these on ?
For 175cc and bigger bikes, Pirelli and Metzeler have good tires that look vintage but work modern.  Pirelli MT16 comes in a 80/100X21 (300X21)& 110/100X18 (a large 400X18 about same size as old Metz 450X18 Motocross/enduro .)& a huge 120/100X18 (about same size as old Metz 450X18 Multicross). Metzler Unicross comes in similar sizes 90/90 - 21 & 120/90 - 18 .
Cheng Shin has the C755 series which is a copy of the Metzeler Motocross/Enduro in popular vintage sizes.
Also C/S has the C183 series which are copies of Barum tyres.
Kenda also has some Metzeler copies.  
Beware that 4.10 size tires are low profile and much smaller than a 400X18. Even smaller than some 350X18 tires.  
I like the Cheng Shin C183 tires when shoeing 100 & 125cc bikes. At least on rear tires. Good sizes for smaller bikes. The 400 works good on 125cc Sachs bikes and the 350 works good on weaker 125s and 100s.
I personally don't like modern tires on vintage bikes for looks or the way they work. Too much traction changes the way they were designed to handle.
Dwight

[harrO]

Thanks Dwight...that's exactly the info I was looking for. I'm working on my 125cc steel tank '69 I purchased in '71 during my college days. The wheels are original and I am wanting to keep the vintage look. The "new" sizing is a tad confusing.   Thanks again for your response.  Harry