K70 Dunlop Tires anyone?

[Pearson]

Anyone have any experience with the K70? I like the aggresive look and don't plan on doing a lot of riding on them since my main ride is going to be the Roadie, but Dunlop says they're meant for our older bikes. I'm planning on putting them on my '78 GS750. Any input on this tire?

Now for a really stupid question: how do I go about getting these tires put on? Can I just pull the wheels and take them to my local bike shop and ask them to go over them? I'd like a full workup on the wheels including bearings, etc. Can I go to any car tire place like Just Tires or a local garage or something or is the equipment and process specialized that a bike shop has to do it?

Thanks.

[bwringer]

Yes, take the wheels off and bring them to a motorcycle shop. Car shops won't touch 'em.

Most cycle shops are less than thrilled to mount tires that you did not order from them, and many refuse outright.

If your'e reasonably handy and strong of back and will, you can change them yourself and save a considerable amount of money.

Everyone I'm aware of uses modern tires instead of the retro K70. We can and should take advantage of the fantastic advances in grip and wear in the last few decades. Unless you're just going to display your motorcycle under glass and you absolutely need that retro look, the K70 Dunlops are a poor choice for actual riding.

For inexpensive tires, Dunlop 404 and Cheng Shin HiMax are excellent choices. For great grip and long mileage, Dunlop 491 tires are the standard. For ultimate grip, many here swear by Pirelli Sport Demons (I have a set of these on the way right now).

Michelin, Metzeler, Bridgestone, Continental, and Avon all also make excellent bias ply tires in sizes that will fit our older bikes. The early reports on Maxxis tires are also encouraging.

Again, remember that a lot of shops will flatly refuse to mount tires unless you order the tires through them. Some shops will simply charge an outrageous amount to make up for the lost profit. Make sure you check into this before you make a decision.

Most shops do not keep the sizes for older bikes in stock, but ordering usually only takes a few days. You'll need to plan ahead and call around. If you have spoked wheels, don't forget to order up new tubes at the same time.

[Pearson]

Thanks for the insite. You've answered my questions even the one about tubes for my spoke wheels I forgot to include. I'm tracing down some carb problems, parts are on order and I've got a ways to go to finish up my mini-restoration so I've got time. I really do like the retro-look but I'll reconsider the other Dunlops and Cheng Shins. I'm pretty sure my local bike shop will mount my tires but I will check.

[rkubik]

K70s

I had the dubious pleasure of riding these back in the 1970s, when all bikes came with this tire or a copy thereof.

You're right, they do look retro cool. But they are scary in terms of grip compared to even cheap tires of today. Nowadays K70s are for display bikes only.

[jimcor]

With your spoked wheels you will also need new rubber rim strips. Cheap, maybe half a buck, but do not forget to order them. They protect the tube from chafing against the nipple and spoke ends. They really should be replaced with every tire change. Don't neglect them, you'll hole the tube from inside the tire if you do.

[Pearson]

I had no idea ordering tires for this bike was this involved. Glad I asked. I'm headed to the Dunlop site now to see if someone can help me get this all straightened out. I checked with the local shop (Fairfax Cycles) and they said they'd do the whole thing for about $50 or so. That seems fair to me.

On my '78 GS750 can I change to a simpler/safer wheel/tire combo without drastically changing the look of the bike?

[jimcor]

I had no idea ordering tires for this bike was this involved. Glad I asked. I'm headed to the Dunlop site now to see if someone can help me get this all straightened out. I checked with the local shop (Fairfax Cycles) and they said they'd do the whole thing for about $50 or so. That seems fair to me.

On my '78 GS750 can I change to a simpler/safer wheel/tire combo without drastically changing the look of the bike?

Nah, it's not complicated. You'll have it down in no time. You'll need to order a 90/90-19 front tire and a 110/90-18 rear tire for your bike plus tubes and one 19 inch rim strip and one for an 18 inch wheel.

If you've never changed a motorcycle tire it is something you can teach yourself from various web sites, google it, there's even videos. But I recommend you have a knowledgable person there to help/instruct you the first time.

Changing wheels gets complicated...and expensive. If you want really tubeless tires that means, if you want Suzuki oem wheels, you'll have to go with one of the later designs, not the "star" design wheel. The star wheels were porous and required tubes. The later wheels were also wider and of different heights than on your old 78. So clearance and handling questions arise. New spacers might have to be machined and axle size is also a consideration. Guys on here have done it. Somebody can surely give you the complete run down, but is it worth it? Nothing wrong or unsafe about spoked wheels. Get all the info before you decide. And yes, changing to alloy wheels will drastically change the look of your bike, no way around that.

Pearson, get a Dennis Kirk catalog. They're free and have a wealth of info. www.denniskirk.com

[Pearson]

Thanks Jim. The guy I spoke to about tires today really rushed me along and I was wondering if he gave me the correct info. on the rear. I've got to double check but I don't think he did.

I've got plenty to do to get this bike on the road so I'm not looking for any extra work that's for sure. I'll stick with the wheels I've got for now and consider more significant mods down the road once I get her running better. I've already bookmarked Dennis Kirk so I'll be checking that site out too. Thanks again.

[Pearson]

Here's the conclusion to this thread:
www.tiresunlimited.com
new tubes/stems/rim strips
chen shing hi max blackwall
90/90-19 front tire w/19"rim strip $38.33
110/90-18 rear w/18"rim strip $42.60
tubes & stems

Thanks all.

[jimcor]

Here's the conclusion to this thread:
www.tiresunlimited.com
new tubes/stems/rim strips
chen shing hi max blackwall
90/90-19 front tire w/19"rim strip $38.33
110/90-18 rear w/18"rim strip $42.60
tubes & stems

Thanks all.

Good choice in tires. Have fun! (?) Don't forget to use talcum powder on the tube before installing, helps it slip and slide into place and avoid pinching.

Wave as you go by!