Tyres for Honda CB250 (Nighthawk)

[pike]

After waiting and searching for 2 years to buy a Metzeler ME77 Perfect (rear) tyre I opted for the Kenda Challenger K657, seems a decent choice.

Now looking for a front tyre, currently using a Metzeler ME77 Perfect 90/100/18 54S, just cant seem to buy Metzeler Perfects' since brexit.

Looking at other brands, not a lot out there in the 90/100/18 category. There is a Kenda K657 Challenger 100/90/18 available, would this be okay? The main problem might be the extra width is incompatible due to mudguard restrictions. At least it looks like the mudguard bolts would have to be removed before the wheel could be removed.

[stinkwheel]

Oddball size right there. Would you be better with a 90/90-18? Same width but a slightly lower profile (9mm lower).

I'm quite a fan of avon roadriders for medium sized bikes with skinny tyres.

They do a michelin city demon in 90/100. I have them on Mrs stinkwheels scooter and they are pretty damned grippy, can't fault them. Couldn't speak for them on a faster, heavier bike.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Robby]

I would also go for a 90/90 18. Lots more choice available, and that change isn't going to upset the handling.

I had a set of Avon Roadriders on a CB500, years ago. I put them into the bracket of good, but not great. Better than any Pirellis I've ever had (I hate Pirellis) and better than BT45s (the tyre that will fit anything).

There are doubtless far better tyres out there for small bikes these days.

My personal favourite for my own CB250RS is the old Dunlop K82 TT. They look like something from WW2. I have spoken wheels so I use inner tubes, I don't know if they work tubeless. Old money sizes, so your fitment would be a 3.50-18.

[pike]

Thanks for the replies, oddball sizes indeed, I think I'll go with 90/90. I found the City Demons to be a liability, on wet and icy roads. Even those City Demon tyres seem to be hard to come by, people the world over seem to struggle finding the original spec tyre sizes, no matter the brand.

[stinkwheel]

I suppose the other thing with the roadriders is they are quite chunky as these things go, even the narrow ones are more like a big bike tyre. I strongly suspect the actual measurements are bigger than the actual stated size.

Should also be noted they are actually roadrider mk2s you get nowadays which are a thoroughly modern compound, effectively the road version of AM26 race tyres. I've had the pegs down at 80mph on my bullet on them (not recommended with rigid pegs!).
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.