3.50X16 VS 3.25X16 TIRES on a Dream

[Jims65CA77]

Yes... I realize this is a very old (and beat up) subject ;^), but I have been putting off buying new tires for my 1965 305 Dream and I really NEED them. I see that tires with the original size of 3.25 X 16 there seems to be only two tires you can choose from. The Coker with the Whitewall which (from what I've read) are not very good handling wise. And the Duro tire. I don't much care for the "LOOKS" of the tread on the 3.25 X 16 tire for the FRONT. However, as Hahnda mentioned in another thread the Heidenau 3.50x16 work fine. I think that the Duro 3.50x16 tread looks nicer for the front too.

Do the Duro 3.50X16 tires also fit good on the 305 Dream?

Does anyone have any pictures of any 3.50 X 16 mounted ON a Dream?? I'd like to see that.

Thanks!!

[casamere]

And further to your post Jim I mounted a 3.00x16 ribbed up front on my 305 Dream and it rides beautifully. I know this size is for the Benly but all I can say is I have another to replace it when time comes.

[Jims65CA77]

And further to your post Jim I mounted a 3.00x16 ribbed up front on my 305 Dream and it rides beautifully. I know this size is for the Benly but all I can say is I have another to replace it when time comes.

Thanks for that info too! It's nice to know that will work from a "Verified" user of that size tire for the front. I thought I had read (somewhere here in the forums) that the 3.00X16 wasn't recommended for the Dream.... Sorry, I don't have a link to that post.

IF you think about it... the difference is ONLY a .25 inch going UP or DOWN in size... and then, divide that by half for each side. If that means only an 1/8 inch on each side difference... it is probably not worth worrying so much about it. Unless I'm figuring this wrong?

[casamere]

I have new aftermarket rims on mine Jim so they might carry the 3.00 better than OEM rims. All I can say is I have no issues with this size. I have the correct size on the rear though.

[pc13cb92]

Hi,
just fitted new tyres on my C72. I wanted some that looked good and had decent grip, and fitted Michelin City Pro 100/80 16. slight difference in rolling diameter, have gone up from original 14t front sprocket to 15t to compensate. Difference in handling is great - feels much better, more confidence now ready to take over to Isle of Man for classic TT and give it some welly.

[Tim Allman]

I just mounted a pair of City Pros on my CB77 rims, 2.75-18 & 90/90-18. I'm glad you like them. They look like a good choice for these machines if you want to ride them. Not so good if you want to show the bike though.

[Jims65CA77]

This past Saturday (Aug. 4), I FINALLY ended up ordering a pair of 3.25X16 DURO HF308 for my Dream. I just got tired of "shopping". HAHA!! I'll post up a pic after I get them mounted. I FIRST said I didn't like that tread pattern, but then I read somewhere the the HF-308 is a replica of the Pirelli MT53. So, I got to thinking, I still have one of those old Pirelli tires and looked at it and thought... that tread pattern isn't so bad and that is why I went ahead and ordered one. Plus... it is the exact size that the Dream originally calls for.