TT100

The '70s OEM type didn't last long on mine and were somewhat lacking in tread at high lean angles.
I wouldn't put the 'New' TT100s on mine but I expect they will be much better, modern tyres generally are, than the old ones.
 
Test rode a triple with newly-produced TT100s last summer, wasn't particulary impressed. Limited feedback, altogether a quite vague feeling. Bridgestone BT45/46 remain my benchmarks.

piet
 
Lots of options out there, some are suited, some not. I didn't like the new TT100 on a 3CL, but that is personal preference. Can't remember ever using the old TT100s.

Guess modern TT100 have nothing much in common with their predecessors, much the same as modern Avon Speedmaster or Dunlop K70 etc. These have the old tread patterns, but that's it, underneath is a modern tyre. I was especially surprised by the K70 on my Matchless thumper (fitted it solely for cosmetics), super soft rubber compound giving excellent wet-weather grip. The price was terrible mileage, the rear wore out in just under 2800km, but it was fun while it lasted! Avon lasted more than 4000km before it squared itself off, as they always do.

piet
 
I have a pair of K81 TT100s on my 1973 3C and although they maybe period correct, they are bloody horrible if you want to ride and ride a lot.
The front is quite a triangulated and feels like your tipping off the apex if you are into a spirited ride, in the meantime the rear wears out in about 3-4000 kms.
What number is your 3C and has it got discs up front or a drum??
 
mauricejota7604 said:
I have a pair of K81 TT100s on my 1973 3C and although they maybe period correct, they are bloody horrible if you want to ride and ride a lot.
The front is quite a triangulated and feels like your tipping off the apex if you are into a spirited ride, in the meantime the rear wears out in about 3-4000 kms.
What number is your 3C and has it got discs up front or a drum??
Click to expand...
I put Pirelli Gordons on my SF2 after renovation beginning of the 90s.
The same profile as K81 TT100s, the same feeling of falling over but they just wouldn't wear out.

Paul
 
Paul Marx said:
I put Pirelli Gordons on my SF2 after renovation beginning of the 90s.
The same profile as K81 TT100s, the same feeling of falling over but they just wouldn't wear out.

Paul
Click to expand...
I believe Gordons were the preferred choice when Slater (singular not plural) competed in the Avon Roadrunner series , forgoing the cash bonus if you won on the sponsors tyres.
Dunlop made much of the Trigonic V-shape of the TT100 at the time , may have suited most bikes but not all , had them on a CB400/4 which did it no favours at all when cruising at 85 mph plus.
I guess compounds have changed , but the profile remains the same with the modern versions , the Trigonic thing developed to give a greater contact patch when leant over , but when upright you are riding on the apex of the triangulation , so to speak.
 
Last edited:
Didn't notice much of the triangulated contour on the new TT100, certainly not as obvious as the old, racing types. Reckon those would have needed a lot of getting used to...

Gordons were the cheap alternative to the Phantom, I didn't get on with either. Preferred Metzeler on the 3C back then. Sadly, further development of the Metzeler diagonals stopped and they were eventually overtaken by Bridgestone. Metzeler MBS in Comp-K compound were awesome.

piet
 
Maybe a case of tyres developed in racing not automatically being suitable for every road application.
As far as racing is concerned , K81 TT100`s were still the wet weather choice in GP`s well into the `seventies (for privateers anyway).
BTW - can you imagine privateers in Moto GP today , turning up and wheeling a Yamaha R1M or KTM V4 down a plank out of the back of their Ford Transit and then heading off for qualifying....
Dunlop also came out with a hybrid tyre using the sidewalls of the TT100 but the centre tread of a K70 , to prolong tyre life maybe.
 
When I decided I would only use the best rubber after an unexplained low side trying pretty hard in very hot weather, I went to Comp Ks. Great rubber for sure.
 
Initially into 80's i stuck with tt100's on the 3c as the bike was reportedly designed for their construction. Later switched to pirelli gordons which suited the bike, tried a couple of phantoms on the back , supposedly stickier but breakaway was more sudden & i felt less confident with them. When they stopped gordons i kept with pirelli & went to a sport demon on the front & mt68 on the rear, mainly to get the sizes. Now Bridgestone 45's & also on the sf as well.
 
New K81’s made today are entirely new rubber compound than what was available 40 yrs ago. Must higher silica. They are great tires. And there are very many great tire options today for a 40+ yr old bike. Honestly, it comes down to thread pattern favourites in 2022.
I run BT45’s on my 1000, another great tire.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top