tires

[scooter58]

I just bought a 58 FLH ,it seems to be a nice older restoration but has sat around most of the last 20 years. it's mounted with original type tires . I would like to ride it a bit, are there tires that handle better that don't look that they belong on a crotch rocket?

[RUBONE]

Welcome to the Forum.
Please go to the new members section and do an intro, it will help with getting answers when members feel like they have a clue who they are talking to.
Also be sure to use the Knowledge base and Documentation areas of the forum as most questions are not new and their is a huge amount of info stored there.
Just be aware that there are nearly as many opinions about tires as about oil!!
Robbie

[pan620]

I run Dunlops on my old bikes, I don't worry myself about how the look, I worry myself about how they WORK!

[flatheadDave]

Firestone ANS are the tires you want. Those old tires will make the bike get squirilly on the highway when your bikes speed is around 65.

[Chief3Kicks]

After some suggestive badgering from friends, I decided to go modern on the 64 last fall and put Dunlop 401s on even though I like the look of a period tire. Yes they have a modern tread but the handling FAR outweighs the clash of old vs new. The bike handled so much better I didn't want to get off of it not to mention the safety aspect and I am told I'll get at least double the life vs an Avon MK II. So yea, if you plan to ride, forget about period aesthetics. You won't be sorry.

[bangkokbob]

Hi.
I have used a lot of Shinko E270 tyres with no problems.
Always stick but back ones only last 6k miles.
Fronts last forever.
Regards B.B.

[Mongrel505558]

Shinko here too, on my panhead bobber and my 68 Electra-Glide.
Coker makes repro tires, but they cost about twice as much as the Shinkos and for the money they don't seem to last any longer. The Shinkos handle fine in my experience. But like it was said, you'll find as many opinions here about tires as you will about oil.

[droptopford]

Good experience with Shinkos here too. WWs on the Shovel. Look pretty good and handle well with nice round tread profile.
No problems at any speed. (Well... it's a stock 74" Shovel so I guess there are a lot of speeds it hasn't seen)

[FL54]

After some suggestive badgering from friends, I decided to go modern on the 64 last fall and put Dunlop 401s on even though I like the look of a period tire. Yes they have a modern tread but the handling FAR outweighs the clash of old vs new. The bike handled so much better I didn't want to get off of it not to mention the safety aspect and I am told I'll get at least double the life vs an Avon MK II. So yea, if you plan to ride, forget about period aesthetics. You won't be sorry.

Only issue with the Avons that I’ve experienced is they’re a little squirrelly on grooved pavement but it’s the same with most tires.

[Mongrel505558]

Good experience with Shinkos here too. WWs on the Shovel. Look pretty good and handle well with nice round tread profile.
No problems at any speed. (Well... it's a stock 74" Shovel so I guess there are a lot of speeds it hasn't seen)

My '68 is stroked, but it's still not going to be pushing the speed envelope. There are other bikes for that, plus as I get older I've been trading speed for reliability.

[Pete808]

Firestone ANS are the tires you want. Those old tires will make the bike get squirilly on the highway when your bikes speed is around 65.

Dave, can you notice the difference on the Firestone ANS compared to the cheaper shinkos? I can get Shinkos at work but I don't think I can get the Firestones but if they ride better I wouldn't mind checking them out. thanks

[bangkokbob]

Nothing wrong with with Shinkos at 65 to 75mph.
How fast you wanna go?
Save your money and they look good too.

[RooDog]

This Shinko is $112 + whatever add on fees....
https://www.motoxoutlet.com/240-clasic- ... tires.aspx

[Mongrel505558]

Here's a Shinko E240 Classic installed (both front and rear). Also available with white wall.

[hdrl1935]

+1 for Shinko 240. They look and ride great on my Duo Glide.