rear tire recommedations for Norton Atlas

I would like to change the rear tire on my "65" Atlas from the stock 400 x 18 Dunlop K70 to a more modern tire (Avon, Bridgestone, etc). Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks

Dave

Hi Dave,
I have a 1966 Atlas, and I've always run an Avon Roadrider Universal. Currently on the bike is a 110/90 - 18, but I can tell you that the side to side clearance on the swingarm is tight. Very doable, but it's tight. Avon lists the width of that tire as 116, so it's sort of funny that it's marked 110.
None the less, the tires in my opinion are great. Even for very spirited riding, I've always had great traction with them, and would highly recommend them. Of course, I'm just a normal guy that rides on the road. But I've also seen then used extensively on the track as well.

I'm in the process of changing to a 19" rear wheel, simply because I prefer that set up. But I'll be running another Avon on that as well.

I'm sure that you'll get several opinions, so like many things, it's a lot of personal preference. I honestly feel that very few people riding vintage road bikes could out-ride any modern tire. So my recommendation would be to go with what you like, and what you feel looks appropriate.

My favourite tyre, although it is pretty old now is for the rear, is the 18 inch Metzeler ME 1 with COMPK compound. Usually lasts 6,000 miles.
for high mileage, and I mean up to 15,000 miles on the rear, believe it or not, a Conti TK17.

The new Dunlop TT100s are pretty darn nice.

425/85x18 tt100