Vintage Style Tires

[HotShott]

Anyone have any experience with vintage motorcycle tires from Coker? I love the look of them, but I'm wondering how they ride and hold-up.

Not this tire specifically, but it's the same style:

http://www.coker.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16390&cat=268&page=6

[GearJammer]

Haven't ever dealt with Coker themselves, but am running pretty much that exact same tire on a chopped Trumpet (swapped it from the project to the runner) & am very pleased with it.

The ad in the link said Firestone was used pre-1960's, but they were run well into the '70's in the chopper scene. Not sure of the quality of today's Firestones, but I can tell you that I've seen some vintage ones from old chops that, believe it or not, are still pretty dang solid!

Passed one onto my son that had a diamond pattern on the sidewall......looks righteous!

[HotShott]

GearJammer

Have you noticed any difference in how they ride or handle with the older style tread patterns?

[GearJammer]

Others may disagree, HotShott, so I'd encourage you to ask around & then make your decision.......but in all honesty, I prefer the old style (traditional) tread patterns, especially for the type of ridin' I do on the Rebel or the chopped Trumpet. Please don't misinterpret that.....these bikes DO get run & run hard at times, it's just that they don't get ridden like a sports bike would.

One example......Had acquired a 16" wheel that already had new rubber on it, but it was a sports tire. Since it was a brand new tire, I obviously went with it & never really dug the feel of it. Sports tires are known for being "sticky", warm-up fast, supposed to cut down on hydro-planing, etc. but they just didn't feel "right" to me. And the big downside was that they didn't last thru 2 riding seasons....they're "sticky" because they're softer, so they wear quicker. Have read that there's been some improvement for longevity on some newer sports tires, but I'll still pass.

With the old tread patterns & not running BTTW "all" the time, LOL!....I get a better feel with more contact area from the tire surface.......it might sound contradictory, but the old treads just feel more "foot sure" to me.......YMMV.....

[GearJammer]

Just more food for thought as far as options (I respect that you may or may not be into it)......My son wanted whitewalls on his Triumph bobber & ended up with a Maxxis rear whitewall from JC Whitney. Look pretty good & the price wasn't too bad........He had one hellava time finding a whitewall for the front, so I'd have to ask him what he ended up with there...

[HotShott]

I found whitewalls for my 450 for the front and back from Metzler. I'd have to go up a few sizes, and I don't think I'd be able to run a front fender, but I was thinking about doing that anyway. They just have modern tread patterns on them.

[uneasyrider]

Anyone have any experience with vintage motorcycle tires from Coker? I love the look of them, but I'm wondering how they ride and hold-up.

Not this tire specifically, but it's the same style:

http://www.coker.com/store/customer/product.php?productid=16390&cat=268&page=6

Coker has some good hard to find stuff, a good outfit, been around a looooong time.

Howard

[uneasyrider]

I found whitewalls for my 450 for the front and back from Metzler. I'd have to go up a few sizes, and I don't think I'd be able to run a front fender, but I was thinking about doing that anyway. They just have modern tread patterns on them.

HotShott, you can add small plates to raise the fender, I'v seen it done and it looks good and works well. I'll see if I can find a picture of it.

Howard

[GearJammer]

Metzler's are definitely top-notch, but I hear ya about the modern tread pattern. And Howard's suggestion about adding plates to raise the front fender if desired is an excellent one.....

I lose the front fenders on all of my bikes, the newly acquired Sporty being the only exception. It'll get used for the longer hauls & gettin' caught in the rain without a front fender is no fun a'tall, LMAO!

The modern tread patterns obviously have their pluses, but it really boils down to the look you want & the riding style you prefer. Way I look at it is that any compromises that might occur by using the older patterns can & SHOULD be adjusted for by simply riding within the limitations of the bike itself........."Safety First" at all times...a little common sense can go a long way :wink:

[HotShott]

thanks for the feedback guys. I have a while to consider what I'll do 'cause my bikes not even close to being ready for wheels yet.