Tires for an early 750GT

E

eabergman

Full member
Apologies in advance for the tire thread but I'd appreciate some help identifying tires that are suitable for the 1969 American Eagle 750SS I am restoring. I've been very happy with Pirelli Sport Demons on my later 750s and 1000s, but they don't seem quite right for this bike. I'd like to stay with a '60s look. The tires that were on the American Eagle when it was laid up in 1974 are Pirellis, a ribbed 3.25-18 in front and a block pattern (MT53) 4.00-18 rear. They are possibly original, since the bike only did about 7000 miles before being parked. I thought it should be a 3.50 front but the Green Book notes some early twins used 3.25.

I have found two tires that seem to be suitable, Michelin Block C and Heidenau K34, both available in 3.25-18 front and 4.00-18 rear and load/speed ratings that seem adequate for this bike. Does anyone have any experience with either of these? Or a recommendation for something different?

Eric
 
Correction, I wrote "Michelin" but I meant "Metzler", i.e. the Metzler Block C tire appears to be a possible fit.
 
For spirited riding:
Pirelli sport demon 6 out of 10
Michelin pilot activ 7 out of 10
Conti radials 8 out of 10.

Will give some opinion on the new Michelin classic after trip.

As for look, round and black.....
 
I dont do many miles on 750 twins these days, but when I did, I found that they were not at all fussy about tyres, or even tyre pressures, I might even say that my SF was the best steering bike I ever owned, and I have an Egli with monoshock and leading link, anti dive forks!, but the best steering bike I ever rode was a 1936 KTS velocette, (if thats the OHC one) it was quick too! but (OMG) the brakes!!!!
CLEM
 
CLEMTOG said:
I dont do many miles on 750 twins these days, but when I did, I found that they were not at all fussy about tyres, or even tyre pressures, I might even say that my SF was the best steering bike I ever owned, and I have an Egli with monoshock and leading link, anti dive forks!, but the best steering bike I ever rode was a 1936 KTS velocette, (if thats the OHC one) it was quick too! but (OMG) the brakes!!!!
CLEM
Click to expand...
That's all fairly subjective, Clem. Have you sampled any modern bikes, like a KTM 790 Duke? That would provide an interesting perspective.

Cheers,

bazzee
 
I do get to ride modern bikes quite a lot, I am very fortunate that people tend to allow me to do this, but I never look to see what tyres they are on, I do wear out the tyres on TOG quite a lot though, and she is also not fussy, but what I do notice is that different makes have differrrent charachteristics when they are about half worn, the current ones are Avon road rider and they will have to be changed soon, with a fair bit of tread left, because they pick up on road imerfections and white lines etc, strangely, (i was out this AM) I am noticing that althought she does this currently, it takes a hell of a lot to upset her when a REAL big hole is accidentally crossed, usually as a result of going too fast and other road users causing my concentration to vear from the road surface, and more to them, I crossed a badly repaired manhole cover today in Sidcup, a big hole on one of the square corners of the iron coverwhile banked over a fair way, wallop into and out of the hole and then a polished iron cover! and the crash and clatter might have broken the frame on a costanuffink Chinese piece of shit or an RE Himalayan 650. (Have you seen how many of those with Harris designed chassis are breaking at the headstock?) sorry Steve (RIP), Lester will no doubt have it sorted already.
CLEM
 
I wouldn't think a 750GT would need any fancy tyres. I bought a MK1 Triumph Speed Triple fitted with Maxxis tyres and they are fine.
 
Went for a ride in the rain a couple weeks ago and realised my rear tyre was worn much more than I thought so thought I should chuck a new on.
Couldn't get my usual so ordered something else and fitted it yesterday. Looks (to me) like it should work well with the Scorpion on the front. Anyway, it'll no doubt wear down quick enough so will see how it performs early on and importantly when it gets half worn when things look quite different anyway.......................... (only H rated so just have to be careful not too unleash all the AE horses all at once:LOL:)
New rear.jpg
 
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