Clincher tires

[cubman]

I am looking for 3.35 x 20 or comparable tires, I have the Coker 3.85 x20 Firestone’s but they just look too big in the fenders. Any suggestions? Thanks Mike

[Steve Swan]

I am looking for 3.35 x 20 or comparable tires, I have the Coker 3.85 x20 Firestone’s but they just look too big in the fenders. Any suggestions? Thanks Mike

do these 3.85x27 coker balloon tires look too big? 3.85x27 is the factory recommended tire size.

1927 Harley-Davidson 27 JD11090 RH.jpgjd lube 3 001.jpgjdf lube 1 001.jpg1927 Harley-Davidson 27 JD11090 LH.jpg

[Steve Swan]

20170511_123931.jpg20170502_130100.jpg20170510_005356.jpg20170427_202723.jpg

[Sargehere]

do these 3.85x27 coker balloon tires look too big? 3.85x27 is the factory recommended tire size.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]21624[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]21625[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]21626[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]21627[/ATTACH]

No, Dear. Honest! ...

Sorry, couldn't pass that up. Seriously, Coker 3.85x27s fill the bike's fenders/mudguards of that era in a way that pleases me, Steve. But I go back to the old days when we simulated obsolete "unobtanium" 3.85x27s with 4.00x19 Dunlop K-70s! (laced on drop-center rims). That was the best we could do for decades.

I think what you oughta do is retake your comparison pics to the Harley l. & r. side prints above, but get real serious about placing your camera so you get the same outcome; your photos close enuf to drop over the MoCo factory prints. Right across the top of the tank..You know what I mean.

See for yourself. You'll see everything from the same perspective as it was in the photograph taken in 1927 and penned-over for the pamphlet. You'll see exactly, how the outer circumference of your Cokers matches the breaks on the bikes fender stays. You see if it's gud enuf for you. I like big tires, any way. Got the optional 4.50x18s on my UL. 4.00x18s look too spindley on the EL/UL 2me. But that's just personal taste.

[Steve Swan]

No, Dear. Honest! ...

Sorry, couldn't pass that up. Seriously, Coker 3.85x27s fill the bike's fenders/mudguards of that era in a way that pleases me, Steve. But I go back to the old days when we simulated obsolete "unobtanium" 3.85x27s with 4.00x19 Dunlop K-70s! (laced on drop-center rims). That was the best we could do for decades.

I think what you oughta do is retake your comparison pics to the Harley l. & r. side prints above, but get real serious about placing your camera so you get the same outcome; your photos close enuf to drop over the MoCo factory prints. Right across the top of the tank..You know what I mean.

See for yourself. You'll see everything from the same perspective as it was in the photograph taken in 1927 and penned-over for the pamphlet. You'll see exactly, how the outer circumference of your Cokers matches the breaks on the bikes fender stays. You see if it's gud enuf for you. I like big tires, any way. Got the optional 4.50x18s on my UL. 4.00x18s look too spindley on the EL/UL 2me. But that's just personal taste.

yup. i know. pictures ain't poyfict.

[exeric]

According to Excelsior/Henderson data literature from 1920, (when they went to balloon tires); they spec'd a 27 x 3.5 tire. In 1925, Henderson made a big deal about fitting the 27 x 3.85 tire. The earlier tire profile is only .350" smaller, but I think it makes quite a difference in the aesthetic profile. Personally, I like the smaller tire, and prefer that look; but, it's the differences that make the world go around I don't believe Coker, or Universal ever made the 27 x 3.5 tire.