Tyres for CB77 Superhawk

Vince Lupo · Post by **Vince Lupo** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:21 am

Kevin, do you know if there are any clearance issues by using a 3.00 on the front?

I like the look of a 3.25 on the rear, as it 'fills in' the fender a bit better than a 3.00 (at least to my eyes). Handling with the Heidenaus, as I currently have them on my bike, is excellent on the backroads, and I never have the feeling that the bike's going to give out from underneath me. Not experienced them in the wet though, but I'm sure they'd be okay.

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:06 am

Based on what I see on the front of my CB77 with a 2.75x18 Heidenau on it, I think the 3.00x18 would fit just fine.

I actually just went at took a look at 6 other project/parts bike Superhawks I have. 3 had 2.75x18 , 2 had 3.00x18 , and 1 had a 3.25x18 in the front.

I am still partial to the 2.75 out front because I like that tread pattern that Heidenau uses in that size.

malcolmgb · Post by **malcolmgb** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 3:55 pm

I would guess the reason 'narrow' tyres are fitted is the fact these bikes are late 1950's technology, wider tyres were not a consideration.

Redliner · Post by **Redliner** » Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:45 pm

I checked the wheels that come with the bike and they're 90/90 front on stock rim and 3.00 back on stock rim. It would seem clearance is not the issue. Isn't a 3.00 the same as a 90?

The 90 doesn't look pinched on the stock rim, so on a 1.85" rim it should be ok.

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 9:19 am

I find that 90/90 tires seem to vary in width depending on manufacturer. A 90/90 tire should be about 3.5" wide and 3.25" tall. Most inch sized tires are 100% profile unless otherwise specified. So a 3.00x18 is 3" wide and 3" tall. It varies though.

Redliner · Post by **Redliner** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 10:15 am

OK, so 3.00 all around it is. If only I could find some Dunlops in that size. I guess it's the Hiedenaus until then.

malcolmgb · Post by **malcolmgb** » Fri Dec 12, 2014 2:41 pm

Hahnda wrote:I find that 90/90 tires seem to vary in width depending on manufacturer. A 90/90 tire should be about 3.5" wide and 3.25" tall. Most inch sized tires are 100% profile unless otherwise specified. So a 3.00x18 is 3" wide and 3" tall. It varies though.

The rim width will vary the tyre width and distort the profile of the tyre which can cause wear flattening of the tread.