Tyre Sizing

[kevberlin]

Martin,

My rear tyre was so bonded to the rim, that the pneumatic tyre release machine could not budge it.
Phil Saunders soaked the tyre rim in releasing agent and it still wouldn’t budge.
He eventually got it moving by clamping it into a vice and working it.
I saw a you tube video of a chap using that same technique to release an otherwise immovable tyre.
Hence, if you’ve got old tyres……………………..


Let us know how you get on.

Kev

[xbally]

Hmmmmm.
It seems I'm right to be cautious then.

I've called my tyre / MOT place (Jones's in Wordsley)  which I've used for years-since Jack Underwood's closed in Enville Street-you may remember them?

My other local place (QB) doesn't now open on a Monday but I may call them tomorrow.

[kevberlin]

Is that the one in Brierley Hill Road?

[xbally]

Yes that's the one. Tony Jones - I think he was the son of the original owner used to do the bike stuff and his brother did the car side. Tony retired a few years ago but used to race back in the day. I believe from my conversations with him over the years he was a contemporary of Tony Rutter. Apparently when he had a bike on the road TR was always the quickest rider by far. I could tell you a few other stories but not in print! Tony raced with a friend of mine who sold his Z1B to go racing on a Yamaha TD1 IIRC. The place is run by Tony's nephew now.

[kevberlin]

Tony lived around the corner from you when he had his big accident, if I remember correctly.

It all seems a long time ago now!😀

[xbally]

I've only lived in Norton since 2017. I used to live in Pedmore before that so I'm not exactly sure where TR lived. I recall he had a bike shop in Overend (Cradley) and on the Stourbridge Road in Lye. He was riding at one of the first road race meetings I attended at Mallory in about 1975- TZ 250 /350 Yams IIRC. He also had some success on Ducatis I think afterwards. Was it at the TT when he had his big accident?

[kevberlin]

Tony Rutter had a big accident in Barcelona in 1985.
He lived with his girlfriend in Belbroughton Road at that time with his girlfriend. It was a semi detached place near to Colshaw Road. Very ordinary fellah, no airs and graces.

[xbally]

Ah Yes Montjuic Park I think. When I moved here there was quite a well known hill climber living at the other end of Belbroughton Road - the Poplar Road end.

[Moto63]

Good evening chaps. I’ve really enjoyed reading this thread. Both subjects, tyres and about Tony Rutter 👍😉
Cheers, Michael

[themoudie]

Evening Gentlemen,

Sorry! Mornin' all! 

Ducati 450 uses 2.75 x 18 on the front WM2 rim and 90/90 x 18 on the rear WM3 rim, I was running a 3.00 x 18, but was running onto the sidewall!

Use Michelin City Extras, or Conti Street brands; Dunlop K82's are sticky, but only last ~2,000 miles on the rear, whilst the Michelin and Conti, about 3,000+ miles. The Michelin have relatively pliant sidewalls and can be fitted, with a tube, grip well on greasy roads and even a wee bit of farm track going. However, they will loose grip on mossy strips up the middle of some back lanes up here, I managed to remain upright! 

Having used Heidenau tyres, they are rigid in the sidewalls, a swine to mount and unless they are the racing compound, skaty on salty/greasy/leafy roads! Hence, I don't use them anymore, inspite of the price. As for Chinese tyres ........ 

I tend to use engine braking , rather than the drum brakes and the old bird is putting out about 35HP and I'm 85Kg (12.5 - 13.0 stone).

Getting somebody else to fit the tyres to the alloy Borranis, using a tyre machine can be expensive at £15 - £20 per wheel, workshop labour rates are now at least £50 an hour, if you can find somebody competent. Hence, I do my own most times.

Tyre suppliers are either Demon Tweeks, or Two Tyres, the latter is my preferred supplier. Very quick, excellent prices and good advice if you are not sure about which manufacturer, type, size that you require, also inflation pressures.

Two_Tyres

Beware of buying tyres directly from Continental suppliers, prices look very appealing until you are stung, with 20% VAT and import duty and "No, I haven't!"

Another reason for the high prices for tyres is that Ukraine used to be a main supplier of carbon black, a critical ingredient in the rubber mix, and supplies now have to be sourced from elsewhere.

Good health and go canny on your first snow of the year darn sarf! Just a wee touchy of frost up here that finally did for the nasturtiums and we still have fresh strawberries in the polytunnel!

Bill

[xbally]

Thanks to all contributors.

I think we all agree it's important to try and keep this forum going if we can.

They keep telling us how important these things are for our mental health and general wellbeing.

It's my 67th birthday today and while I'm somewhat glad no longer to be in the rat race 9and very glad to be in receipt of my state pension) , perversely I still miss going to work with all the demands that involves.

We are going out for lunch at a local country pub with our son and my elderly mother (nearly 89 and in supported accommodation) and my wife gave me her present last night!

I've had some money off mother so this can be spent on the tyres although I do argue with my wife as they are important safety items should not really come out of birthday funds as they are essential expenses. I also need a front radial for my GPZ500 which has a  2010 date code and has cracks in a few of the the treads which I only noticed the other day. MOT in June was passed with flying colours so these must have developed since then. My mechanic friend tells me you might get away with some deterioration on a rear but on the front is a no no.

[iansoady]

When you find someone to change tyres in the midlands, give us a heads up Martin. I've always changed my own tyres but neither the flesh nor the spirit is particularaly willing at the moment.....

[themoudie]

Aye Ian,

Never tried them, but they appear to be in your neck of the woods, Coleshill?

Wheel_House_Tyres

Good health, Bill

[xbally]

See below Bill.

Thanks Ian. That's a really useful link. They seem to have a good range and I'm sure I could find something appropriate. Prices also  seem good.
My problem is it must be nearly 50 years since I last tried fitting a tyre myself and I recall the battle it was. Even in the late 70's there was  a local motor cycle tyre specialist who would do you a deal and fit them.
 The RS250 has DID alloy wheels with very soft rims.
I really need a local ish contact to fit them but if I buy online and not from a local source expect to be stung if not buying from them.
I looked at Wheel House Tyres (Birmingham area) but don't fancy the trip via Spagetti Junction nor could I readily find what I wanted at a reasonable price unlike in your link . I must be getting really old in my outlook!
I don't mind travelling a reasonable distance but the journey has to be pleasant - not stuck in traffic on the M5 / M6 / M42!

Although they aren't too far away it's a hellish journey from where I am . I think they are or were linked to central Wheel Co.

I've had some feedback from my local guy and am awaiting more details.

[Moto63]

Thanks to all contributors.

I think we all agree it's important to try and keep this forum going if we can.

They keep telling us how important these things are for our mental health and general wellbeing.

It's my 67th birthday today

Hear hear Martin. I remember when I was in a pretty bad way after my accident, which unbelievably is 9 years ago 😮. This forum definitely helped me in a BIG way with my mental wellbeing, so I for one would be gutted if it folded. I usually log on at least once a day and generally just read any new posts.
So yes, let’s try and keep it going 👍
Ps... many happy returns for the day Martin. Hope you had a good one 🍾🎂
Cheers, Michael