I am re-commissioning my '74 750S, and tyres need replacing. I would really appreciate some comment / direction about optimum tyre choices, and, where to get tyres fitted in North Derbyshire by people who can work with the Borrani rims without any risk of damaging them - I had a rim damaged by an ‘experiend’ tyre fitter in the past (not on this bike).
Seems that choices are: Original 3.25-18 fr. / 3.50-18 rear (e.g. Dunlop, Heidenau etc. classic pattern) or, modern fitments 100/90-18 fr, 110/90-18 rear of which there are many variants.
I prefer the bike to look original / period but to still ride nicely, and have a bit of fun with it too.
I see quite a few people are riding V7 sport, 750S / S3 and similar generation of the bike (also 850-T) so hopefully there is some good knowledge that can be passed on and appreciated.
Bridgestone BT-46 are very popular as they come in suitable standard sizes. I have a pair on my T3 and can’t fault them apart from a little tramlining on longitudinal road repairs/cracks. Way better than Dunlop TT100s in my experience.
BT46’s are popular with me because that’s what is available (to me). Wish I could help you with fitting, because I know what you mean. I’m fortunate enough to have a classic/vintage car place nearby, who also do m’bike tyres… and work, on a daily basis, with alloy rims waaaay more valuable than my own Borranis. T3 here, and I agree: slight ‘twitchiness’ over tramlines and some road furniture but nothing overly alarming. I do seem to get through rears more quickly than i’d like, but for those miles i am happy with them.
Thanks Duncan + Barry for the helpful tip re. BT46’s.
When i got the bike (late '90’s) it had BT35’s o - good grip also in the wet but white-lining could be scary with the rear, regardless of pressure. It wore out and I put a Metzeler (me99) on - twitchiness was gone. I am leaning towards BT46’s anyway.
It would be good to hear from anyone using Metzeler or Heidenau in ‘original’ 3.25 / 3.50 sizes - but I guess hardly anyone does.
I always had Metzlers on my 750S replica, ME99 and ME33 Laser up front, they were great grip and reasonably hard wearing. I have considered putting Metzler Lasertec 100/90V 18 front but all I could find to fit the rear was 120/90H 18, I think I would prefer a V rated tyre not H rated. I have considered Brigstone Battlax BT-45 they were great on my 1100 Sport and they list (or used to) 120/90 18 65V rear and 100/90 18 56V front.
I am nearly ready to get boots on the wheels and at last get the bike off the workbench and back on the ground and think the Battlax route is the one for me. Supertyres quoted me about £190.00 for the pair a few years ago.
Yes BT46 come in same speed rating and size. One useful thing to note is that the 120 is nominal it actually comes in at 115mm so your not going too far over original 110 spec
All sorted, a (new old stock) Battlax BT45 100/90-18 fitted yesterday which rides extremely well.
Thanks due to Guy Allott in Buxton who did the fitting - super service and very friendly with it.
Many thanks to all for the comments + recommendations. I took the opportunity to rebuild calipers + replace wheel bearings at the same time. A careful ride out yesterday afternoon reminded me just how good (and how much fun) this bike is to ride. A slow bike by today’s standards but, 100% fun with decent torque, brilliant steering, no twitchiness or vices and outstanding brakes (never mind about things like over-strong throttle springs). And it looks nice too…
