Tire Question

[Rickm]

Hey Everyone,

I don't know a whole lot about tires for the Connie so I'm hoping someone here can help me out with this.  I just bought my 2nd 2005 C-10 and both tires need changing.  The guy I bought the bike from gave me two new tires, a matching set of Dunlops, but they don't match the manual's spec.  Well,  not exactly, anyway.  Here's what I have:

Front:  130 70B18 Dunlop 63H
Rear:   150 80B16 Dunlop 71H

My question is, are these doable?  Can I use them?

Any advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks

Rick

[George R. Young]

The rear is the stock size, but not a radial. The stock front is 120/70 so yours is a bit wider. It might slow the steering a bit.

The Concours was specified to use either radial or bias ply tires.

[Rickm]

Thanks for the reply, George.  You answered my question and then some.  I understand that these tires are not the optional choice, but they are brand new and my current tires are in sad shape.  Scary sad.  In time i will by better but for now these will do.  Thank you so much for the info and help.

[Strawboss]

+1 what George said. In the future when you go to buy tires for the C-10, some will say that selection for the C-10 is severely limited, well, yes and no, kinda. Limited compared to the C-14 and other bikes but not as bad as you think. I had no trouble getting tires for mine last year, Avon's. Covid put a wrench into the works and a lot of makers are not stocking or can't get tires and the C-10's are NOT 17", I counted 5 makers that offered tires for the C-10, now, this was a year ago and the supply pipeline is rearing it's ugly head. Your Dunlops will be just fine and will give you years of service. Good luck. 

[Boomer]

Those sizes should be fine, but take it easy whilst you get used to the differences.
I prefer the narrower 110/80-18 for the front wheel. Handles so much better.

[Rickm]

Thanks for all the excellent advice and info, guys.  It's appreciated.

[DC Concours]

Look at what I found...I think it's time to change. Someone else Noticed this while I was fueling up. It’s just those two patches and I didn’t see it last month when I checked through my tires. It must’ve just happened.

[Strawboss]

Time for new tires.

[George R. Young]

So those tires have white wear bars?

[tweeter55]

So those tires have white wear bars?

[Boomer]

I keep seeing photos of bald tyres on various motorcycle groups and forums. You wouldn't get away with any of those over here.
In the UK and most of the EU, the legal limit of tyre tread depth on motorcycles over 50cc is 1mm across ¾ of the width of the tread pattern and with visible tread on the remaining ¼.
So, you can get away with a narrow (1½" wide) bald-ish strip in the middle but the rest of the tyre must have AT LEAST 1mm tread depth.
If a cop pulls you over and your tyre fails that test, you are walking home, paying a fine, and will probably have to have your bike inspected after fitting legal tyres.
Personally I replace my tyres when they have about 1mm tread left in the middle of the tyre.
That last 1mm can vanish in a few hundred miles and just isn't worth the risk.

[DC Concours]

There was some meat left on the tire in spring. But I was expecting to change it at the end of this riding season or beginning of next. I just didn't know it was that close to the cords.

These are Shinko 777 OEM size. Good tires for my regular commutes.

[greenie]

I read it or saw it somewhere, but a survey of wrecked motorcycles revealed most had worn out tires. Tires are not something to scrimp on with a motorcycle.