TIRES have changed a lot in design since the early 60’s.
There are current spec tires to fit OEM rims for just about any rim.
Ride with current spec tires. Old tires and old specs are only for show, for the reasons shown below.
Manufacturer’s Speed and Inflation Info is critical. Use tires suited to your bike, riding (i.e. trials, motocross, road racing, road riding, etc.)
Slimy Tire Sealants are bad news. Use only in an emergency because when you replace that tire, cleaning the inside of the wheel is very difficult.
Old Tires were sized in inches like 3.25X18, made of “bias ply” construction, are no longer made. New tires are high quality, using modern technologies & materials and can be purchased to fit most vintage wheels. Modern tires that are of the ‘tubeless’ type can be used on old wire spoke motorcycle rims, but you must use a tube. That is not a problem.
Modern types use belted or radial construction, have speed ratings, and aspect ratios*.
Aspect Ratios are the percentage of tire height to width.
Balancing can still be done on wire spoke wheels using traditional solder wire wrapped and crimped on spokes or you can use automotive type stick-on weights. Stick-on weights are the best option for mag type cast wheels.
Tire Balancing “Beads” that can be put inside a tire or tube are only effective when the tires have spun enough to distribute the beads. When you stop, the beads all fall to the bottom of the tire. At slow speeds, the wheels may be seriously out of balance. I do not recommend balancing beads.
| Diameter | Width | Old Size | New Size |
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