Tyres for CB77 Superhawk

[Redliner]

I searched around for some answers, but none are suitable for my build.

I'm the proud new father of a '63 CB77 Superhawk.

It comes in boxes and will be quite the project.

My question is, how should this setup handle?

1.85-18 rim wearing 90/90 or 3.50 front and rear.

Will this clear the front suspension and mudguard?

I would normally spring for the AVON AM26's, but I won't be pushing this one all that much and I would like to preserve a more period appearance.

Ching Shen is not an option and Kenda would be my last resort. What series should I look for in this size and with a decent stickiness cornering on the highway? No ribbed patterns.

Thanks! I'm a new comer as well.

[Vince Lupo]

There are numerous threads in the forum that have covered tires, so there should be mo shortage of info here on the site. Standard size for both front and rear tires is 2.75x18 for the front and 3.00x18 for the rear. I personally would not go much bigger than that (I'm running 2.75 on the front and a 3.25 on the back, and I've never felt the need for anything wider). I personally would not go 3.50x18 on the front, and 3.50x18 on the rear might just squeak in there, but I mean just.

As far as which tires to buy, and the fact that you want to retain a 'classic' appearance, I can personally recommend two: Dunlop K82, Heidenau. Both fit the 'classic' appearance and stick pretty well to the road. I think the Dunlop is the better of the two, but depending upon where you live, prices and shipping costs can vary (BTW if you can fill in your location in your profile, it will help us all out knowing where you are). The one size that you're likely to have trouble with (at least here in North America) is the front size -- for many manufacturers and retailers here, that size is classified as a 'scooter' tire, and is often reflected in the quality and speed rating of the tires they offer (such as the Michelin Gazelle).

What kind of riding are you going to be doing? If it's occasional jaunts on a sunny Sunday (and you aren't asking too much of the bike), then maybe the cheaper tires will suffice. However, if you want to ride your bike -- really ride it -- then either the Heidenau or the Dunlops will fit the bill (at least from my experience as a 10-year owner and 30,000 mile rider of my SuperHawk, plus I've done a number of long trips in all kinds of weather).

I do not have any experience riding with the Heidenaus in the wet, so I can't personally speak to their behaviour under those conditions, but the Dunlop is utterly confidence-inspiring in any weather situation (though I think you might be in trouble in a snow storm;) ). However, you will be paying more for those, and you may only get about 7,000 miles out of the rear tire. So if you're looking for quality, availability, classic look, and price, then Heidenau would be a good one to look at. One of the members on this site (Hahnda) sells them, if that helps. If you're in the UK, Wheelhouse Tyres in Birmingham is a good source, and they should stock the Dunlops. I just checked their site and they have the 2.75x18 front size listed.

Hope all this is of some value.

[Redliner]

I'm in the US btw!

Thank you, that was a fast and very considerate response.

If Honda spec'd a 3.50 for a 1.85 rim on the CB350, why would they call for a smaller tyre on a similar weight/power output platform with similar rear wheel on the CB77?

You mention the size you ride, but what is the series?? If it's rated for the highway and is anything like the TT100, I'm sold.

What about having the same size tyres front and back if I can't find a 2.75?

I'm not looking for fat rubber boots for her, I'm just looking for whatever size I can actually find! I don't mind lacing a 1.85 on the front as well.

I've fit a 1.85 with a 90/90-18 AVON AM26 on the front of a Black Bomber. No clearance issues, no pinched tyre or heavy feel when turning. The dimensions of the Hawk appear similar.

For the Bomber I laced a CB750 wheel on the rear with a 100/90 AM26, 2.15 rim.

[G-Man]

Dunlop K82. Same tread and profile as TT100 - lower speed rating

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Moto-Guzzi-V-35 ... 8e&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/DUNLOP-2-75-18- ... 3b&vxp=mtr

Those tyre sizes just look "right" on these bikes. No real advantage to wider tyres IMHO.


G

[Vince Lupo]

The Dunlop K82 are both (front and rear) 'S' rated. The front Heidenau is 'P' rated, and the rear Heidenau is 'S' rated.

Don't personally know about using a wider tire in the front -- I just checked the clearances on my front fender, and it looks like a 3.00 would clear, but it would be pretty close. I would be hesitant to go for a 3.50 on the back, as my 3.25 is very close to the centerstand spring. Any wider and it would surely touch.

I don't know why Honda specified what they specified for their respective bikes -- maybe it was just the prevailing wisdom at the time? Others here may know better than I would.

BTW here is the link to Scrambler Cycle, and he carries the full line of Heidenau tires: http://www.scramblercycle.com/heidenau-tires.html

For the K82's, you'll likely have to find them either on eBay or go through Wheelhouse Tyres or one of the other dealers in the UK (particularly for the 2.75 size).

Good luck with your tire quest.

[Redliner]

I'm not searching for bigger rubber, I'm just searching within the boundaries of what is available here.

I'm worried that anything shipped internationally might not be DOT approved.

So I've settled for 1.85 rims and 3.00 18 tyres front and back.

For this size, I can only find the K33 Heidenau's.

Also, I have a freshly unwrapped Takasago 1.85x18" rim with complete-in-box spokes and nipples if anybody wants to traid for a D.I.D. ;D

[Hahnda]

I do stock the Heidenau's but currently out of the 2.75x18 and only have one 3.00x18 in stock. More on the way. I do have the 3.25x18 if you wanted to do 3.00x18 in the front and 3.25x18 in the rear.