1982 R65LS Tire Sizes? + Brake Pedal Saga

[Red_Hen]

Greetings:

I'm pricing out tires from Dennis Kirk for the Michelen Macadams & Metzeler Lasertecs.

I know the sizes of the tires but wondering if anyone can tell me the Mfg. numbers for both front & rear for both brands.

Mike @ Airhead Salvage sent me the right pedal (finally) thanks to the kindness of Marc sending me the right pictures.  Pedal didn't come with the rod to the rear brake & nut & bolt so I found a complete assembly on Ebay for $25 + $11 shipping.  If anyone needs a pedal, just let me know.  It sure takes a lot of patience restoring an older bike.  Looking forward to getting her running this Spring.

Thanks much,

Ken

[Bob_Roller]

I've never seen a manufacturers part number listed for tires, just the model of the tire, and then the size .

On your rear tire, don't get a 120 width rear tire, that seems to be a common problem with ordering tires for our R65's, the correct size, is 4.00x18, not a 120x18 .

The 120 will work, but it is a real hassle to get the rear wheel on and off .

This tire dealer, usually has some good deals on tires, and if you purchase two tires, shipping is free .

www.swmototires.com

[Lucky_Lou]

Greetings:

 It sure takes a lot of patience restoring an older bike.  Looking forward to getting her running this Spring.

Thanks much,

Ken

What a joy that first ride is......even if you have to push it home....top tip check the fuel tank for debri rust ect ect i managed to block the fuel and reserve line.
Lou

[nhmaf]

It is a labor of love - you will soon discover that this is a serious passion - or you will decide to forget about old bikes entirely after your first one !!

I put a pair of Bridgestone BT45 tires on my 82 R65LS a couple years ago and so far have about 3500 miles on them.   These are quite nicely sticky/grippy and I found that the 100/90 x18 (front) and 110/90x18 (rear) work very nicely as far as handling, stability, cornering  and traction on paved road/occasional gravel road goes, and they don't have any rear tire rubbing/removal issues.   The bike is light enough that they seem to have worn very little so far.  

I Agree, don't get the 120/90 rear tire size unless you're in a real pinch.   the added bit of width usually causes hassles and/or one needs to use a bit longer wheel spacer in the rear wheel to reduce rubbing.. and having to let some air out to get the tire in/out of the fender area is just plain annoying, IMHO.

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Ken,

4.00X18 rear and 100/90-18 or 90/90-18 front depending on weither the bike is naked or has bags and fairings (how loaded down it is).

120/90-18 can go on but it is really tight on the rear swing arm and getting by the rear brake when mounting.  4.00-18 is all you really need on the back and it's the stock size and -suprise- it works really well.   8-)

(I vote Macadams every time - fancy that - tires French on a German bike - HA!)