Hi all,
Just been working on the rear end of the Beesa and noticed the tyre was getting low on tread . I’ve got a Dunlop K70 fitted and would like to replace it with the same , but they are very expensive .
Has anyone used the Kenda or Servis tyres with similar tread pattern to the K70 ? Any feedback or reviews would be much appreciated . Cheers ,Phil.

Hi Phil
I switched to the Cheng Shin with the same tread pattern as the K70 for my M20 and Indian/BSA special. It was more to do with how quick the K70's were wearing out. I've done a fair few miles on both bikes. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

My Hiedenau seems to be wearing faster than I'd like. I've done just shy of 1k miles on it now.
Not running enough air in it I hit a pothole near Blandford with Anita on the back.
Tyre clamp pinched the tube and down it went.
I need to carry a spare tube and more tools along with a pump.
Taxi, Bus and another Taxi for Anita to get to her Van to recover me.

Mark

email (option): pes.sales@btconnect.com

In all my years of riding these things, I've never fitted tyre clamps. I also run at higher pressures than those stated in the 40's. Usually 28 and 30 and I only ride solo. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Yep, modern tyre pressures for modern tyres...The old tyres ran very low pressures due to high rubber content and stiff sidewalls....Modern tyres generally don't contain any rubber, being fully synthetic and require higher pressures...I put rear tyre pressure up when fully loaded for touring and/or with a pillion.....
I agree about tyre clamps...I never run them either as they are uneccesary if the tyres are fully inflated and road use is the order of the day...They are really fitted to stop the tyre spinning when tyre pressures are substantially reduced to improve grip when off road in 'soft going'....and they certainly make tube replacement more of a chore...
After a sudden marked reduction in tyre life a number of years ago I concluded that the tyre companies had rationalised their range of compounds..After all they sell far more (soft) tyres for current sports bikes than they do tyres for 'Classics'...I guess one spin off from this is that modern 'classic' tyres which look the same as they used to, grip better...Personally I'd rather stay onboard than go ass over tit down the road on a hard, long lasting tyre with poor grip...I still remember Avon Slipmasters (Speedmasters) that had an inclination to dump you as soon as the road got wet, or even damp, but they did last years....The bad old days IMO....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Hi Ron ,
Thanks for the tip .I've seen those Cheng-shin tyres but couldn't find them in 3.50 x 19 size . I'll have another look ,where do you get them from ?
I was surprised when i saw how the tyre had worn down so quickly , but i do have my lad on the back quite a bit !
I put about 28 psi the rear tyre and 26 in the front .
I'd rather pay the money for a tried and tested tyre, than take a chance on a cheap and cheerful one .
Besides it needs to be good to handle all that power in the bends etc !
Cheers ,
Phil.

This firm appears to have them Phil. As long as they're prepared to split the pair or maybe sell you two of the Universals. https://www.classicbikepartscheshire.com/wheel-brake-c224/tyres-c118/pair-of-classic-motorcycle-tyres-front-ribbed-rear-6-ply-rating-p3221/s3276?cid=GBP&glCurrency=GBP&glCountry=GB&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnqK1BhBvEiwAi7o0X5jeSKs3jMUNYeL22DlmCxjVGha3n40n_v-fjb0XAM0z4OMcLb6FXBoCs2wQAvD_BwE

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hi Ron , I’m confused now 🤔I looked up your link and it says the tyres are made by Servis , not Cheng-Shin ?
I think Servis are a Pakistan make of tyre . I am steering towards the Kenda make , if I can’t find a Cheng-Shin in the right size .
Cheers,
Phil.

Sorry about that Phil. I've no knowledge of "Service" tyres. However I have done many miles on other bikes for years with these.
https://www.vintagetyres.com/mitas-h-02-universal-350-19

Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Ron, do you also use these as frontwheel tyre ?

Absolutely Michel. That's why they're called "Universal" All WD bikes had block pattern front and rear. These on my WD/G were only half worn out but I just replaced them and the tubes for Normandy this year. BTW the rim clamp bolt is just a dummy to fill the hole. Ron

email (option): ronpier@talk21.com

Hi Ian,

Also modern tyres still contain natural rubber. Michelin has tried synthetic rubber many years ago but it was simply too expensive.
I've hosted quite some tours through the tyre factory I used to work for and every time I was amazed by the amount of natural rubber used before the vulcanisation process started.
Additional synthetic components are being used more and more to improve performance, wear and durability but up to today a tyre is still a compromise. High performance = more wear and more mileage is lesser comfort.
The tyres I have good experience with are:
Metzeler Block C (civil bike): https://eu.mynetmoto.com/shop.cfm/mnm000008568/metzeler-3.50--19-tt-(57p)-metzeler-block-c.html
Ensign Universal (WD bike): https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/accessory-shop/Ensign-Universal-Road/21610
Heidenau K67 (WD bike); https://eu.mynetmoto.com/shop.cfm/mnm000010914/heidenau-3.50--19-(57t)-heidenau-k67.html

The Dunlop Speedways (looks like the Heidenau) aren't available anymore.

As tyres are the only contact with the road (untill you crash..)in my opinion safety always comes first and quality has a price.
Badly constructed tyres are still made which you'll find out in an emergency situation. Unfortunately a lot of tyre retailers still choose for the best margin over the safest (best) recommendation.

Hope this helps a bit in making your decision Phil!

Sven

email (option): snvosselman@gmail.com

Thanks for that Sven...Seems I've been misinformed about rubber content!...Anyway I agree with your general comments...Safety is the most important feature, not wear rates...Also, another aspect is it's phsycological...If you don't like how a tyre feels on the road you'll never be happy, however good it is....Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

Hi all ,
Thanks for all the feedback on the tyre choice help . There is , as always things to look at with this , quality of product , how confident you feel with the tyre on the road , cost , etc .
I,ve used over the years the Dunlops and Mitas tyres and had no problems with them. I was looking for a cheaper version of the K70 , but I think I’ll go for the Mitas again , not wanting to try/ risk the
other options .
Cheers again , Phil.