Rubber

[plipton]

What tyres are you blokes using on your RE5?

I have Continentals front and rear (newish) but the rear, although correctly seated, is wobbling all over the place. The rim is straight so I guess the tyre must be a 'Friday afternoon' job.

[t140v]

Some one has fitted 4.25 x 18 continental rear tyre to the Re5 I've got, been stood so long sunlight has killed it so will be looking for a replacement before MOT, have a look in Classic Bikes for compatable tyres. As far as I know should be 4 x 18.

Regards Stuart.

[ziggystardust]

I have Contnentals to both my RE5s, no problem.

Z

[pmcburney]

Pirelli Sport-Demons...


They're not 'period' style tyres like (say) Dunlop TT100's or the like, but they are excellent cross-ply tyres at a fair price.

Excellent round profile which seems to suit the RE's handling characteristics, very, very good in the wet, and they wear fairly even.

I don't think they're available in Imperial sizing, but I use a 100/90/19 on the front and (I think) a 120/90/18 on the rear.

I actually use them on all my bikes - highly recommended.

[cobraace]

I am still on the originals ;D

[plipton]

Very interesting, guys. I'm no knee-down loony but I have had bad experiences on some older style rubber so I prefer grip over longevity.

[mike500]

i use avon speedmaster mk11 on the front and avon safety milage mk11 on the rear classic tread patterns in imperial sizes but made of modern rubber

[didge]

I've got Bridgestone BT45's on mine, they're the recommended choice for my kettle, and brilliant, especially in the wet, so I thought I'd give them a go on the RE5.

They don't have the period pattern look, but they grip like a modern tyre, happy dayz.

[plipton]

Well, it was a toss up between the Pirelli SDs, some Avon Road Riders or the Bridgestone BT45s.

All very nice tyres and I'm sure would be good on an RE5.

I've opted for the BT45s as I had some before about 8 or 9 years ago and liked them, the tread pattern seems to look ok on a 70s bike, they make them in the correct sizes and my local dealer gave me a good price on a pair with free fitting, balancing and new inner tube.

Thanks for your input everyone.

[riversidogs]

I just fitted my RE5M with Dunlop's. A good thing to. When I was dismounting the original tires I discovered that the sidewalls were full of cracks. They were very deep almost to the cord. These were not visible when the tires were mounted.

[plipton]

BT45s fitted this week. Glad I got it done - the front had no rim tape and the rear axle was loose (no split /cotter pins in either axle).

I also used the opportunity to inspect the bottoms of the mudguards. Both had surface rust so I cleaned 'em up and gave them a coat of Hammerite so they're good for a while longer. Not the prettiest paint but no-one looks under there anyway....right?