1918 Harley Tire Tread Pattern?

[spandau]

I'm looking to replace the three 3X28 tires on my 1918 Harley J model with sidecar. Can someone tell me the proper tread pattern and manufacture?

Thanks,
Steve

[Sargehere]

Go to Coker Tire, of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
http://store.cokertire.com/tire-bran...ycle-bike.html

[spandau]

Thanks, but do you know what tread pattern is correct (i.e. button, ribbed, "Non-Skid", etc)?

Regards,
Steve

[Sargehere]

1918-era Harley advertisements, engravings, really, and also 1918 photographs seem to show diamond pattern tires almost exclusively. You can choose for your 1918 any tires of the correct size that strike your fancy: button, non-skid, diamond or ribbed. Exact tire tread is not a judging criteria. Look at ads from the era, or books like Earlyriders or Yesterday's Motorcycles and also what restorers have already put on their 'teens Harleys and choose what ever you want, in black or white.
You don't need any "grip" on the front or on the sidecar, so they can be completely non-directional ribbed tires, which seems to be a popular choice, looking at period photos. Coker #79200 is probably the most commonly used 28x3 today.

[Blupacer]

H-D 1917 order blank showes three tires : Goodyear Blue Streak , Firestone Non-Skid and United States.
A add from 1919 showes Firestone Non Skid molded in to rubber of the tire. Goodyear have Diamond pattern.
Do not have 1918 order blank.

Steve