Compared to modern motorcycles, the acceleration and braking capabilities of classic bikes pale in comparison, but that doesn’t mean we don’t want great tires on our oldsters. Finding the best tires for a vintage bike improves the odds of achieving peak performance and allows riders to balance modern materials and construction with classic looks to maintain the aesthetic these bikes provide. There aren’t a huge number of choices to give riders access to classic looks and great performance characteristics, but what is available provides good options. Size references here are from a 1966 R 60/2 (3.50×18) or 1976 R 990/6 (3.25×19, 4.00×18); many BMW motorcycles from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s share these sizes. Prices at the time of writing are from Revzilla unless otherwise noted and may change by the time you read this.
Bridgestone – Battlax BT-46
The BT46 series spans numerous sizes and fits all sorts of bikes, including BMWs from the 1970s and ‘80s. Bridgestone says their three-layer compound (3LC) gives smooth, linear performance and improves the tires’ wet performance over the previous generation, making them a solid choice for all-around riding whether you’re touring or tearing up the twisties. A set in Slash 5-7 sizes will cost you about $350. Bridgestone also makes heavy-duty natural rubber inner tubes; they cost about $40 apiece.
Continental – ClassicAttack
When you’re looking for excellent grip under all conditions, superb control and optimum feedback from your tires, look no further than one of the few radials sized for vintage bikes: the Conti ClassicAttack. The optimized radial carcass design hits the sweet spot between good handling and high stability while providing excellent longevity. A set in Slash 5-7 sizes
will cost you about $450—modern performance means modern prices. The front tire may not fit all bikes, especially if they have an internal or hidden front
fender brace.
Dunlop – K70
When you want vintage vibes without sacrificing performance, check out the tires Dunlop has spent
100 years perfecting. With a more aggressive tread design than other tires in the segment, wet performance should be excellent, and with a 100% quality control check encompassing every tire they make, you can trust you’re getting an excellent tire every time. A set in Slash 5-7 sizes will cost about $285, making the K70 one of the lowest-cost tires out there.
Firestone – Deluxe Champion
You might think of Firestone as a car-only brand, but Coker is dedicated to vintage vehicles and that’swhere you’ll find the Deluxe Champion bias-ply tires for motorcycles. These tires sport smooth sidewalls and a classic deep-tread design, perfect for show bike owners seeking the ultimate in vintage aesthetics. A set in Slash 2 or 5-7 sizes will cost you about $380. Available from cokertire.com. Firestone is owned by Bridgestone.
Metzeler – Block C, Block K
Our classic BMWs were all built in Germany, and it’s no secret many of them came equipped with Metzeler tires from the factory. The Block C is their classic all-around touring tire and relies on a unique groove geometry in the tread for excellent water dispersion. The modern compound provides long life and consistent performance no matter which bike you put them on.
A set for a Slash 2 or 5-7 will cost about $250. If you’re running a sidecar rig, fit a Block K to the rear and sidecar wheels; the flatter profile is meant for that application. Block Ks cost about $170 each. Metzeler’s natural rubber heavy-duty inner tubes—when you can find them—cost about $45 each.
Michelin – Road Classic
When it comes to wet grip and straight-line stability, Michelin continues to improve and update their Road Classic line to ensure vintage motorcyclists can enjoy tire performance similar to riders of modern motorcycles. These bias-ply tires rely on two crown plies for more stability when cornering, keeping that sidewall stiff yet pliant. A set in Slash 5-7 sizes will cost about $340. Michelin also makes “street use” tubes of synthetic rubber for about $38 each.
For more product features such as this, visit past issues of our magazine, the BMW Owners News.
