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What tyres?

Posted by ChazzyB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=ChazzyB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 11:18 am

OK team, let's talk tyres for an old clunker. The tyres on my 1950's AJS turn out to be the other side of 20 years old. Time to replace, I reckon.

Any views on 3.25x19 and 3.50x19 to fit the old girl (tubes too...)? I had a brief look this morning and was staggered at prices. TBH, the bike's not going to get a lot of use, even with new tyres on it.

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Re: What tyres?

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 11:44 am, in reply to "What tyres?"

20 years - think the accepted life of a tyre is about 5 years so definately time to replace.

Avon Road Riders used to be my go to but they dont make them anymore, but you might find someone who still has stock.

I have been recommended Bridgestones - I have them on the H2 but not done many miles on them yet, so the jury is still out.

I am told that Bridgestones give decent grip / handling, but at the expense of mileage but as the H2 is only a summer bike it is academic.

I used to use Mitas tyres on the MZs - again recommended, never had an issue with them, but I think they may be more of a "budget" tyre.

I would say see who makes a tyre in the size your are looking for and do some searches on reviews on them.

Tyres are certainly not cheap - agree with you on that one.

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Re: What tyres?

Posted by Will <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Will' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 12:01 pm, in reply to "What tyres?"

Your main problem will be finding any manufacturer making any 19" tyres.
I know Metzler & Bridgestone do good classic style 19" fronts but don't list 19" rears.
Ask their tech depts?

Re: What tyres?

Posted by nek <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=nek' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 12:15 pm, in reply to "Re: What tyres?"

I have run vintage bikes on tyres well over 20 years old with no problems,ok no high speeds were involved, but they are still flexible with no cracks.
The old Michelin Golden Arrow tyres seem to stay flexible forever and quite hard wearing. But wet weather performance bad admittedly but I don't ride vintage bikes in the wet.
I have a Metzler 3.50x19 on one bike.

Re: What tyres?

Posted by ChazzyB <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=ChazzyB' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 12:19 pm, in reply to "Re: What tyres?"

The sidewalls are cracking on mine. When I said the bike wasn't going to get a lot of use; I really meant probably none at all. Frankly, inertia is probably the reason I haven't sold the bike already. I should move it on a find nedw project.

I'm minded to fit a pair of Servis tyres that a number of eBay trading old classic shops seem to be listing.

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Re: What tyres?

Posted by the old one <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=the+old+one' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 12:24 pm, in reply to "Re: What tyres?"

this lot are listing 3.25 and 3.50 x 19 , there are quite a few , as you pointed out the prices are horrific
https://www.fwr.co.uk/motorcycle-tyres/motorcycle-road-tyres/vintage-classic/filtered/module_id:37/[12]Width:3.25

by seeing what is available , you might be avle to find a cheaper supplier

Re: What tyres?

If it's not going to get any use, dont bother, just sell the bike as it is !!

If you dont want to sell and not going to get any use why change the tyres ?

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: What tyres?

Posted by Hants Ian <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Hants+Ian' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 1:22 pm, in reply to "Re: What tyres?"

I use Mitas tyres on my BSA Shooting Star.

The light at the end of the tunnel maybe an oncoming train

Re: What tyres?

I had no complaints when I had them on the MZ.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: What tyres?

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 6:39 pm, in reply to "Re: What tyres?"

Yeah but that's a bike that does 0 to 60 before boredom sets in Andy

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: What tyres?

At this point, I'm hoping Andy Tiernan will take the AJS off me, as long as he doesn't insult me too much on the price. I bought a bike off him this afternoon.

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Re: What tyres?

He did insult me but ever so gently. AJS gone and a 1973 TR7RV now sits where it languised for so many years.

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Re: What tyres?

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 23, 2026, 10:28 pm, in reply to "Re: What tyres?"

Andy Tiernan has reduced his prices a lot and they seem good value.
Old bikes like AJS might suit Dunlop K70s.
I only use Michelin tubes as they stay up a lot longer than other breands

Re: What tyres?

Wasn't your AJS in my van many years ago Chaz?

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: What tyres?

Indeed it was, jerry.

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Re: What tyres?

Posted by Greeves Rider <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Greeves+Rider' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on May 24, 2026, 10:21 pm, in reply to "What tyres?"

I have Heidenau tyres on my Greeves Bike handles well on them. They like most other tyres are expensive now, all to do with oil prices I expect.

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