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550 Seca 'period' tyres

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by pigiron, Jul 23, 2009.

  1. pigiron

    pigiron New Member

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    I am new to bikes and would appreciate some advice.

    I have just purchased an XJ 550 1982 it is like the seca but without the fairing, I am told it was origionally a Japanese model.

    The bike is standard and in nice origional condition with 35k km on the clock. It is my intention to bring it back to nearly new condition.

    My question is about tyres ..... I see from spec sheets I have found on the web that the tyre sizes are quoted as 3.00-19 front and 110/90-18 rear.

    I am a bit confused as to why the front is expressed in inches and the rear in millimeters ... can anyone throw some light on this?

    I would prefer to fit tyres with a period look, does anyone know what was fitted circa 1982?

    Thanks in anticipation.

    Pigiron
    (France)
     
    pigiron, Jul 23, 2009
    #1
  2. 85MaximXX

    85MaximXX Member

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    85MaximXX, Jul 23, 2009
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  3. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    You have the correct factory specs. Goofy, huh?

    I have Dunlop D404s on my '81 550 Seca, 100/90/19 front and 110/90/18 rear;
    and Avon AM26 RoadRiders on my '83 Seca 550, 3.25/19 front and 4.00/18 rear.
    Both those size combinations are recommended by the respective manufacturers.

    The Dunlops are more "conservative" and very neutral-handling; GREAT in the rain, and look "proper" for the bike. A thoroughly modern and capable tire, way better than what came on it. Highly recommended.

    The Avons look like racing slicks with slits cut in them, and handle AMAZINGLY. The 4.00 puts a bit more meat on the rear, so you don't have to be quite as judicious with the ol' right wrist coming out of 2nd or 3rd gear corners with 6K on the clock. I haven't had a chance to try them in the rain yet. They do change the look of the bike a bit.

    (Look in my gallery, I recently updated it.)
     
    bigfitz52, Jul 23, 2009
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  4. Thijs_205_Rallye

    Thijs_205_Rallye Member

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    My sisters bike recently had new tires fitted. We chose for the Bridgestone Battlax BT45, since these tires always worked out perfectly for my old bike. ('86 Suzuki GSX550)

    Great handling, good wet performance and a nice neutral steering feel.
    Sizes on the Maxim are: 100/90x19V up front, and 130/90x16H at the rear.

    Btw, I really didn't know there were French people who speak and write English :p ;). (just kidding) I've been to France a couple of times myself since my aunt lives up there.



    grz Thijs
     
    Thijs_205_Rallye, Jul 24, 2009
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