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Author Topic: tires/tubes for my R65  (Read 5507 times)

tc80211

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tires/tubes for my R65
« on: March 13, 2014, 01:38:53 PM »
'83 R65LS... I have the 18" "cast" wheels... any recommendations on tire/tube sizes?

AlfromNH

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2014, 02:13:13 PM »
I just installed the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45's, 90/90-18 front and 110/90-18 rear. I bought them based on recommendations I read here and other places, but haven't had a chance to ride on them yet.

tc80211

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2014, 02:43:38 PM »
Quote
I just installed the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45's, 90/90-18 front and 110/90-18 rear. I bought them based on recommendations I read here and other places, but haven't had a chance to ride on them yet.

Tubeless? I guess thats what im struggling with. Have never had a wheel that required tubes before.

Offline nhmaf

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2014, 02:53:55 PM »
I like metzler tubes and use them on my LS - they are somewhat heavy, but the thicker rubber seems to last well, and the metal valves seem to be a little bit longer than some other brands, which is handy with that narrow, deep well and tall central rib in the LS wheels.   I use the ME E18 tube on the front, and the ME F18 tube on the rear, though the ME E18 tube is rated to fit tires from 3.25 up to 4.1 or more inches, so I just carry one of these as a spare tube under the seat as it can do dual duty front or rear if I get a flat.  I am sure other brands will work too.

If you don't already know - one thing about motorcycle tire sizing - metric tire sizing anyway - is that the numbers don't actually give the exact dimensions of the tires height and width - the actual dimensions may vary significantly from the value of the number and vary depending on the rim width, but the RATIO of height/width WILL match the ratio of the numbers specified.   For example, Vendor A tire in 120/90 x 18 metric size may actually be 116mm when mounted on a specifc rim, while Vendor B tire in 120/90 x18 might be 122mm when mounted on the same rim and inflated to the same PSI.   But, the RATIO of height to width for each tire will both come out to the same 120/90 fraction.   So, getting that out of the way, be aware that some brand's sizes may not be the exact same physical size as a different brand's sizes.

That said, I like the performance of the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 bias ply tires on my LS.   The rubber is quite sticky and rides smooth and resists following rain grooves and metal decking.   While you can still get some tires in the original imperial english sizes that came on the bikes (3.25x18 front, 4.0 x 18 rear), I am running the aforementioned BT45 tires in 100/90x18 (front) and 110/90x18 (rear).   I could also have run the 90/90x18 front tire instead, but it was harder to obtain, and the slightly larger front tire I am using has only made the straight line stability of the bike slightly better, IMO.    The snowflake front rim wheel on the non-LS models is narrower than the LS wheel's rim, and it should ideally use the 90/90 tire for that application, if choosing theis metric size tire model.

The Spitfire S11 tires are also good and used by many airhead riders.   There are some other brands and models out there to consider as well, but I've settled on the BT45 for my LS.

Some people ride the LS wheels without tubes - the rims do have an internal shoulder "bump" that many claim is appropriate for bead retention with tubeless tire mounting.  Some have told me that the bump isn't quite the proper size, but is quite close.   BMW shipped the LS fromt he factory with tubes installed (some will argue that this is simply the traditional German reluctance to change) but I feel if they shipped them out with tubes, I'm going to continue to use them with tubes.   Others choose to run tubeless and haven't reported issues - or simply haven't had a flat yet at speed to report whether the bead was retained in position or not.    I'm going to err on my own personal side of caution in this case and use tubes, but you will definitely find others here who go without and are happy to do so.   Your mileage may vary, etc.  
« Last Edit: March 13, 2014, 03:02:32 PM by nhmaf »
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

tc80211

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2014, 02:59:13 PM »
Thanks guys! I was searching through tubes and came across a plethora of sizes for 18" rims, just wanted to make sure I make the right decision. I have the Battlax on my Zook and love the ride, so now with this recommendation, I dont see any reason to ride anything else, at this point.

Offline nhmaf

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2014, 04:25:43 PM »
Looking at the pics of your bike in the other thread - you don't have the LS wheels, you've got the snowflake wheels (Actually it doesn't appear that your bike has the LS specific parts on it, but it may indeed have had the engine/frame from an LS bike from the factory - they are the same as the non-LS of course.   But, the wheels are definitely snowflakes (the "normal" wheel on the R65) versus the LS wheels.   Keep this in mind as per above tire fitment info... and, the snowflake wheels definitely should be using tubes.
« Last Edit: March 13, 2014, 04:26:45 PM by nhmaf »
Airhead #12178 ? BMWMOA #123173 ?BMWRA #33525 ?GSBMWR #563 ?1982 BMW R65LS ?1978 BMW R100/7 1998 Kawasaki Concours

Offline Justin B.

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2014, 05:51:17 PM »
I've had excellent luck with Michelin Macadam tires on the irheads.
Justin B.

2004 BMW R1150RT
1981 R100RT - Summer bike, NEKKID!!!

Offline montmil

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2014, 07:09:41 PM »
Quote
... and, the snowflake wheels definitely should be using tubes.

Point and counterpoint.

I've been running tubeless Bridgestone Spitfire S11's on my snowflake-equipped 1981 R65 for the last six years without any issues.
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline Luca

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2014, 07:34:15 AM »
On my LS I'm running Spitfires with a 100 up front and a 110 in the rear

One thing I noticed when I put those tires on, with the sizes so close together, was that it tracked much better over grooved pavement and tar snakes.

::edit::  Not sure if you can run a 100/90 on the narrower snowflake front rim though
« Last Edit: March 14, 2014, 07:49:25 AM by Luca »
'82 R65LS
'01 K1200RS

Offline montmil

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2014, 09:08:13 AM »
For what it's worth, Snowbum's website section on tires is where he states his belief that the Bridgestone Spitfire S11 tire is the best all-around performer for BMW Airheads.

Not attempting to start a DTT...  ::)
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline Matt Chapter

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2014, 11:52:19 AM »
Quote
I could also have run the 90/90x18 front tire instead, but it was harder to obtain, and the slightly larger front tire I am using has only made the straight line stability of the bike slightly better, IMO.

Not really an opinion.. wider tire means more surface contact and thus harder to turn.  Which is why I have the 90/90 on my front end.  Pretty sure I have metzelers on again, but next time I change I'm going to order ahead.
'04 R1150 RT ~41000 miles
'86 R65 / '84 motor ~72000 miles. SS lines, Spiegler rotor, Progressive monoshock, Keihan silencers, a piece of Pichler fairing.
'76 CB400F ~26000 miles. non-runner!

Offline Semper Gumby

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #11 on: March 16, 2014, 06:20:09 PM »
WOO HOO ADTT!

Michelin Pilot Active is a great tire.

But if I still had the original Snowflake I would put a Heidenau 3.25-18 on the front and the 4.00-18 on the rear.  I have the Heidenau K60 scout 4.00-18 on the back of my BSA Dual sport bike and it is the all-around best street/dirt tire I've ever had on the BSA Firebird Scrambler.  It beats the Avon Roadriders hands down.  

If I still had the stock set up on my R65 I would put on a K34 3.25-18 on the front and K36 4.00-18 on the back.  As it is I will have to wait for the Dunlop K70s on my 1964 BSA Lightning Rocket to wear out to try out the Heidenau street tires.
Bill Gould ?1980/03 R65 When at first you don't succeed....Moo!

tc80211

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #12 on: March 19, 2014, 12:29:50 PM »
So here is a pic of my ride (when i first took her home) and sort of a shot of the wheels in question... can I run tubeless on these? Should I?

Offline montmil

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #13 on: March 19, 2014, 12:37:45 PM »
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... question... can I run tubeless on these? Should I?

You have the "snowflake" wheels.

Yes, you can run tubeless.

Should you? That decision is up to you.

BTW, that's not an LS seat/tail piece.
« Last Edit: March 19, 2014, 12:40:02 PM by montmil »
Monte Miller
Denton, TEXAS
1978 BMW R100S
1981 BMW R65
1983 BMW R65
1995 Triumph Trophy
1986 VW Cabriolet

Offline Luca

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Re: tires/tubes for my R65
« Reply #14 on: March 19, 2014, 03:52:09 PM »
Quote
BTW, that's not an LS seat/tail piece.

Nor does it have double discs, black exhaust, and a black top triple clamp.

Are you sure this bike started life as an LS?
'82 R65LS
'01 K1200RS