Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all

Having now successfully registered and on the road Thunderbird 350 (Grey Import) my thks to REOC (Graham/TOM) for helping here (sorry long story how I came to own) - Just read article that tyres (although I am still running in (1750KM) degrade/not safe after 6-10years assuming that they are the original tyres - Question being can anyone recommend where to go (Cambridge Area) and whether even if available MRF NYLO GRIP PLUS 3.50-19 4 Ply Heavy duty (Rear) and 3.25.19 4 PR RIB on Front are still the ones to go for - Or recommendations would be very much appreciated - (Sorry not a classic machine) but hope you will humour me!

The tyre sizes are still correct (in old money) 3.25" x 19" front, 3.50" x 19" rear, same as other Indian REs of the naughties, though some decent new European tyres are a very good idea .



I'm happy with Avon AM26 tyres on my bikes, a 3.25" x 19" on the front and a 100/90 x 19" rear. If you can't get a 3.25" front the 90/90 x 19 will do. The range of tyres available for 19" rims isn't so great, but you're not limited to Avons if you fancy something different.



There must be a good choice of tyre suppliers in/around Cambridge, but you could try Haywards, who are a Royal Enfield dealer.



A.

You've opened a can of worms matey! Everyone here has a different opinion on tyres, it's so subjective and depends on riding style,suspension and all sorts of factors.Incredibly some even like the square Avon skidmaster! I've discovered the Dunlop K82 which is the TT100 tread on a modern tyre and which I highly recommend. On the other hand the Contimentals I once had on my Triumph were so appalling I took them off again pdq. The next person here will probably suggest another brand which I wouldn't use again but might suit you. Over to the Gentlemen of the Mitas supporters club...

Hi I'm using Heidenau K34 road tyres and I think they are a great tyre and very reasonably priced some suppliers are doing free delivery I think I paid about £50 for the 19 inch front a pair for just over the hundred and it's the same style tread front and rear.

"Square Avon Skidmasters". Must be a very long time since you bought any of those, they have had a modern rounded profile for many years now, also nice grippy compound as well, Skidmasters? Not any more perhaps stickmaster may be a better name, but old prejudices take time to die, do you still ride an Oilfield by any chance?.

Thank you all for your suggestions here very much appreciated and understand somewhat subjective - I did reach out to Haywards (who did service last year) - Found local garage who does Haywards tyres for them coincidentally in Ely - They have suggested MITAS H01 and H02 ?? - Looked around and a number of RE riders saying good!

My vote for Heidenau K34.
I'm not saying Mitas tires are rubbish but I fell over twice in wet conditions riding them...

Hi Thanks again - I did today put the Mitas H01 on the Front & H02 on the Rear - 28PSI & 32PSI respectfully - and 30 Miles (Dry Sunny Day) and found to be very good - Perhaps I may be a bit cautious in the wet! - Appreciate feed back - Thank you all - Hopefully I won't have to report the same Jojje but will be mindful of your comments! Cheers

Extra careful when wet and you'll be o.k.!

Mine came with an Avon front and Mitas rear. I found the grip ok tbh, but the Mitas wore out very quickly so I replaced it with an Avon to match the front. As with all things, you get what you pay for I guess, but I run one of my other bikes on Avons and am very pleased with grip / longevity.