Tyres for a Honda CB Two Fifty (Y)

[pike]

Hi Chaps

I'm looking for front and rear tyres for my Honda CB Two Fifty (Y), I don't like the Pirelli City Demon tyres that are currently fitted but there doesn't seem to be many other choices for the front one. I've been told it's a "weird one" coming in at 90/100 18 (54s). I've been looking at a Metzeler Perfect ME77 and there's also an unknown to me make called Heidenau as well.

Thanks for any help.

[P.]

I like ME77 but I've heard some people hate them. It's a basic commuter so I'd stick the 77s on there.

[Pol Anorl]

Ever wondered where rubber originated?
ever wondered exactly how tyres are made?
ever wondered what lean angle you can get with different tyres?
ever wondered how many miles you will get out of a tyre if you weight 10 stone 4 lbs with a beard weighing 8 grams?

all of these will be answered shortly!


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[Snod Blatter]

I love the ME77s, I just took a front one off after 23,500 miles and it could still have gone some more while the City Demon was toast after 12K and never felt as good. They don't last so well as a rear though, 7-8K is the limit but they grip brilliantly during that time. I also had a rear City Demon manage 12K but it was horrible. I have just fitted a Bridgestone Trail Wing TW202 to the back of mine and it is much better on road than I was expecting so far but I cannot comment on tyre life yet.

Is there a Heidenau in 90/100-18? I don't know of it.
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1994 CB250, 1984 CBX250RS-E, 1989 K100RS, 1995 TRX850, 2016 Z250SL

[temeluchus]

[CaNsA]

Before Teffers arrives and splurgs all over this thread, remember that this happened.

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[.Chris.]

If the current tyre is a 90/100-18, you'll almost certainly be able to get away with using a 90/90-18, which gives you far more choice.
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

[pike]

Thanks for the replies folks.

[Snod Blatter]

Wemoto sell 90/90-18 I believe, which is silly of them, Heidenau don't bother with the weird 90/100-18 size. The tyre pictured is a Heidenau K44, I had one on the back of my GS125 and it was horrible, moved about all over the place and didn't want to grip in the rain. Not that all Heidenaus are bad, I love their K65s though I haven't tried the fat version for the rear of the CB yet.

ME77s do use the same tread pattern front and back, the amount of cuts in the rear is likely why it wears so fast. I still heartily recommend them though. And yes, the front is tubed but any decent bike tyre place will have adapters to hold the valve stem in place. I have had no trouble with it being tubed, and will take it over a City Demon any day.

I did have a slight wobble going on with worn City Demons if I let go of the bars, but I wouldn't call it a death wobble. The Metzelers have no such tendencies, and if you get a new pair it is like cornering on rails. I was blown away.
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1994 CB250, 1984 CBX250RS-E, 1989 K100RS, 1995 TRX850, 2016 Z250SL

[pike]

Thanks a lot mate, a very informative and helpful post.

[Snod Blatter]

You can absolutely use a 90/90-18, many owners have done it (just check a few on ebay!) and most of them seem to have managed to not die. They're just a bit narrow is all, but I can't give you any personal opinions on that as once I discovered the joyous ME77s there was no need in trying tyres which are the wrong size. Though there are a few knobblies available..

How wobbly is this wobble? Mine was more like a mild waggle, perhaps a couple of centimetres of travel at the ends of the bars in each direction. Enough to confuse, not enough to kill. With a ME77 on the front that was worn very far down it never exhibited the same waggling, always staying straight.
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1994 CB250, 1984 CBX250RS-E, 1989 K100RS, 1995 TRX850, 2016 Z250SL

[pike]

[Snod Blatter]

I don't remember them getting that bad but then I never completely balded the front Demon, so eager was I to get rid as the handling turns very strange towards the end - you make the bike fall over and then have to basically stop any input and let the bike track round before standing it up again. Very odd, the Metzeler is much more positive.

I seem to remember the wobble only happened if I let go while going downhill, does it matter with yours?

And yes they do vibrate a bit, there are extra weights on the crank to try and quell them but it doesn't seem to work. The head and tail lights in particular vibrate away in a frenzy, mine used to eat tail light bulbs in a matter of weeks until I fitted a "vibration resistant" Philips bulb which cured the issue completely.
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1994 CB250, 1984 CBX250RS-E, 1989 K100RS, 1995 TRX850, 2016 Z250SL

[Robby]

You might be able to get a set of Michelin M45s to fit. I had them on a CB250RS, I was happy with them.

[pike]

Interesting, thanks chaps. I'm going to take a serious look at the 90/90 because of the wider choice of tyres. In that regard should I stick with the stock size 120/90 - 16 on the rear or do I change to something like a 110/90?

[Snod Blatter]

Mine did the same until I changed the tyre but faff about with the fork oil if you like. Have you tried running 31PSI instead of the stock 29? I find 29 a bit soft.

Most people seem to stick with 120/90-16 on the back because they're easy to find, they seem to survive okay. I wouldn't worry about it.
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1994 CB250, 1984 CBX250RS-E, 1989 K100RS, 1995 TRX850, 2016 Z250SL

[pike]

[pike]

Went for the ME77s, just turned up today, 2 tyres and an inner tube £107.10 including delivery, all the way from Germany I believe.

[Snod Blatter]

Prepare for amaze after the City Demons.. Let us know how it goes in case people think I'm a salesman for Metzeler
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1994 CB250, 1984 CBX250RS-E, 1989 K100RS, 1995 TRX850, 2016 Z250SL

[pike]

Cured the death wobble thing, great tyres, the ride is much improved and seems more stable. Thanks again.

[pike]

[Bandageman]

Ive just bought a CB two fifty which I’m planning on turning into a scrambler.

Is it possible to put a 100/90/18 on front? I’ve found a Bridgestone front tyre that I would like to use

[Skudd]

Yes
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[Bandageman]

That’s great thank you I did wonder

[A100man]