Tire sizes for 18" wheels on '47 WL

[kehughes]

What size was standard on these? I plan on getting Coker replicas. Should both be 4.0 x18 , both 4.5 x 18 or one be 4.0 and other 4.5??? Thanks

[Sargehere]

In, i think, 1941 the MoCo went to 5.00x16 tires on both ends of 74s and 45s. Through the war, 4.00x18 were used on WLAs. Many people think 4.00x18s look dinky under the full fenders on both 45s and Big Twins, and opt for 4.50x18s

I think I'm having deja vu all over again! Didn't we just discuss something like this recently? Oh, yeah, in August. Here you go:
http://www.antiquemotorcycle.org/bbo...ht=#post133512
Hope this helps!

[billpedalino]

I'm thinking of replacing the 4.00 x 18's with 4.50 x 18's on my 47 FL for the reason stated above - they look too small under the fenders. I'll most likely use the Coker tires as well I would like to keep the existing wheels intact for future use and unfortunately, my other 18" rims have seen better days. Does anyone know who sells a very good replica 18" rim?

[Limey_Dave]

18" rims remained an option on the WL and Big Twins.
I know guys that have been pleased with the black version from here

http://www.flatlandmotorcyclecompany...=sku:5326,5325

I think they're made in Holland,an email to Kurt will confirm origins.

[alanc48]

18" rims remained an option on the WL and Big Twins.
I know guys that have been pleased with the black version from here

http://www.flatlandmotorcyclecompany...=sku:5326,5325

I think they're made in Holland,an email to Kurt will confirm origins.

That's good news, I was eyeing one of those

[40 Nuck]

I've used both the 18-450 and 18-400 Coker Diamond treads on my 1940 EL. I would recommend the 450s primarily for esthetics. No issue with the Cokers except that they wear REALLY fast (2000 miles on rear and NO tread left). I've heard really good things consistently about the Avon Safety Mileage MkII tires on this and other threads, and am thinking of going in that direction in the future.

[Limey_Dave]

Have a look at this page
http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcyc...y-mileage-mkii

The one on the right of the picture is the 500-16,and though it's classed as a rear tread,it works well on both ends.
The 400-18 comes in the style of the centre tyre,I've used it on the front with a sidecar,but wouldn't fancy it on the front of a solo bike.The shoulders are a bit square.Before taking any recommendations on board,I'd check what size is being refered to.