Avon GP 19" rear tires

robertdefranzo · Nov 27, 2016

Are these tires sold in the States? I'm restoring a 1969 750S that was my cousins. It has been in his garage partially disassembled for the past 20 years. The front wheel had a speedmaster which I have replaced with a new model; however the rear wheel has an Avon GP 4.10x19 and I would like to replace it with a like unit. Can anyone shed some light on this subject?
Thanks, Bob

kommando · Nov 27, 2016

Still made but only for Historic racing so may not be road legal or available in your part of the world.

http://www.avonmotorsport.com/historic/motorcycle/gp

Current tyre most used is the Avon Roadrider, I use 90/90 front and 100/90 rear.

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/roadrider

dynodave · Nov 27, 2016

In the USA I have only found the 3.50x19 racing (not DOT approved) GP tire.

Avon USA is considering the SM saftey mileage tire as the replacement for the old 4.10 GP. The SM is what I used on my fake 62 88SS with 19" valanced alloy rims.
Road Riders are probably lighter and better.

robertdefranzo · Nov 28, 2016

If the tire does not have a DOT approval does that make it less safe than an approved one?

Matchless · Nov 28, 2016

It is still made in the original size of 3.50 x 19" which is the same as 4.10 19. They were marked as this when sizes changed to low profile in the seventies. Even if the tyre is available in the States, I would advise against its use. I fitted one to my very original 650ss , as I was trying to keep it looking like it had just left the factory. Just over 1,000 miles later it was bald. Because they are only made in race compound, on a Commando it wouldn't even last this long. Added to this is the price of around £ 140. Ouch!

Martyn.

ILLF8ED · Nov 28, 2016

This is the original factory tire that came with my first '72 750 combat. Lousy on the rain grooves and got changed to Dunlop TT100 as soon as I could in '73. OK for a bike that isn't going to be ridden.

ILLF8ED · Nov 28, 2016

http://www.avonmoto.com/where-to-buy

Bernhard · Nov 29, 2016

dynodave said:
In the USA I have only found the 3.50x19 racing (not DOT approved) GP tire.

Avon USA is considering the SM saftey mileage tire as the replacement for the old 4.10 GP. The SM is what I used on my fake 62 88SS with 19" valanced alloy rims.
Road Riders are probably lighter and better.

Please do not use the rear SM safety mileage tire, these are old school and only useful if you have a sidecar fitted because these are square section :!:
As for the front the Metzeler 325 S19 ME ME11 F TL ribbed tyre is suitable or better still a Metzeler me33 tyre 19 inch
Modern tyres have come a long way since the SM safety mileage :!: HTH

ntst8 · Nov 29, 2016

The safety mileage is a surprisingly good tire for a low HP machine. I run one on my featherbed ES2 and despite its square look it feels secure at any lean angle or real world speed on our twisty roads. I don't think i would use one on a Commando though.

xbacksideslider · Nov 29, 2016

Although non-DOT Avons are on my '73 750, for your need, to be period correct, I'd go with a set of Dunlop K81s as they are both correct and competent.

I say that because, back in the '70s my '71 Commando wore out sets of both the Avon GPs and the Dunlop K81s and I came to prefer the Dunlops. They are still a good choice for our bikes.

ILLF8ED · Nov 30, 2016

xbacksideslider said:
Although non-DOT Avons are on my '73 750, for your need, to be period correct, I'd go with a set of Dunlop K81s as they are both correct and competent.

I say that because, back in the '70s my '71 Commando wore out sets of both the Avon GPs and the Dunlop K81s and I came to prefer the Dunlops. They are still a good choice for our bikes.

I agree with you on Dunlop K81 TT100 over the Avon GP. Like most Commando riders, I have been using Avon Roadrider 100/90-19. Thinking about the TT100s next time. From what I remember they last a bit longer than the more modern Roadrider. Tracking rain grooves as the TT100s tend to do doesn't completely bother me.....started riding in the dirt in 1968.

xbacksideslider · Dec 2, 2016

Yes, David, I also like Roadriders.

Just so I can impress my liter bike pals and look better than I am, I run the non-DOT AHMRA tires offered by Avon on my 750. Mileage is poorer of course, especially on the rear but that's what money is for, right? Its great when an old twin on skinny tires can run with the big dogs.

Are you in Brentwood, as in Los Angeles?

DogT · Dec 6, 2016

Try Walridge, I got a set of both front and rear original style, but it was about 2005-6 for my 69/70S. If you need I can check my receipts, but they're old. And as I remember the original rear tires didn't last much past 1K.

Quickduc · Dec 8, 2016

Avoid mixing the Avons and Dunlop K81's on the same bike. I ran them with the Avon on the rear, on a '71. It developed a weave above maybe 105mph. Dunstall Cafe setup, with a mild side wind that day.

Gave up 15-20mph top end because of the weave, but still outran that 1150ES(?) Suzuki!

Avon GP 19" rear tires

Similar threads