Tires for 1970 CH

[billpedalino]

I received the Continental tires today and they look fairly similar to the Goodyear tires. They were expensive, and (I assume) came from a European source, so they took awhile to receive. But as seen in Sprag's photos above, they should look equally as nice on my Period-Modified CH.
Thanks to all for your input.

[billpedalino]

OK, but where do I get a modern 18" rim?

I'm using my original aluminum rims. I understand the Harley Bulletin, but in the mid 1960's through the 80's we mounted tires of all types on these rims without any adverse affects. In fact, I ran Goodyear Eagle. low profile tires on this particular bike for many years and, as a stroker, I can assure you that I wasn't easy on it (I was young and dumb). AND... I didn't use the locking rear rim-to-tire sheet metal screws.
I certainly don't profess to know more than the Engineers who wrote the service bulletin, and I'm not advising anyone to violate the bulletin's advice. But for me, it's an acceptable risk that I'm willing to accept..

[joe fxs fxr]

Sportsterpedia says 1970-78 have CM rims. I know many put regular tires on them. I wouldn’t, I would lace in a modern rim.

OK, but where do I get a modern 18" rim?

[billpedalino]

Biil

A brief Google search did not reveal any supplier of appropriate Continental tires for a 1970 Sportster like the ones on my bike. The front Continental is available from several sources in Europe. Not sure why Continentals for vintage bikes are no longer being sold in the USA.

Richard

Yes, I'm finding the same information. And they're very expensive!

[Spag]

Biil

A brief Google search did not reveal any supplier of appropriate Continental tires for a 1970 Sportster like the ones on my bike. The front Continental is available from several sources in Europe. Not sure why Continentals for vintage bikes are no longer being sold in the USA.

Richard

[billpedalino]

Bill,

My 1970 restored Sportster. Rear tire: Continental 4.00x18. Front tire: Continental 3,25x19. If you want a close to stock look on your restoration.

Richard

Spag,

First off, my compliments on such a beautiful restoration. I've restored a 1947 FL (99 points), a 1953 FLE, and a 1964 XLCH, so I can appreciate the work involved in your 1970 XLH. From a parts acquisition standpoint, the CH was by far the most difficult to find parts for. My '70 won't be as factory-original as yours, but close. I plan to have it judged as a Period-Modified machine with the minor modifications that I made as a kid so many years ago. This includes a motor that I stroked back then and just de-stroked - I have no business running around on a stroker Sportster these days! I also converted it to electric/kick back then, which was a popular thing. It's now kick-only. It is a very nostalgic bike for me, so it truly is 'period-modified'.

The tires certainly do look quite similar to the Sport Rib and All-Traction originals. The problem is finding these tires. When I was in the business, I used to be able to have a substantial automotive tire house special order motorcycle tires, but apparently that's not allowed any more. Can you recommend a source for these Continental tires?
Thanks...

[Buster]

Sportsterpedia says 1970-78 have CM rims. I know many put regular tires on them. I wouldn’t, I would lace in a modern rim.

[Speeding Big Twin]

Ah it's a 1970 only issue. My 72 should use normal tires, right? Same for my 72 FX. Thanks!

Joe, sorry if I created confusion about how long those rims were used for.
Eric

[Buster]

I believe 1970-76 is correct, my basket 1974 has them. Lot of info on these in Sportsterpedia web page. Going to replace both rims to standard type rims.

[otis71]

I believe they ran tapered beads from 1970-76. Definitely more than a year or two. The tires are marked with a T after the size numbers on the sidewall.

[joe fxs fxr]

Service Bulletin 597.
Eric

Ah it's a 1970 only issue. My 72 should use normal tires, right? Same for my 72 FX. Thanks!

[billpedalino]

Sorry Bill, thought I could help. After looking through a pile of Dunlop K-70s and Pirelli MT53s I found the one All Traction...and it is a 4.00-19. So no joy!

Unfortunately, I had the same luck. I have an 18" All Traction tire that's in almost perfect condition, except that someone very neatly hacksawed straight through 50% the tire it at one location! I know that we did a lot of dumb things back in the 1970's, when we were young and dumb. But the reason why somebody would do that to a perfectly good, almost new tire remains a mystery to me. But I save it because it's such a beautiful example (except fort the cut).
Thank you so much for looking.....

[Speeding Big Twin]

Service Bulletin 597.
Eric

[joe fxs fxr]

Safety bead rims and taper bead rims are not the same. H-D did taper bead to have a proprietary tire and tire supplier, it didn't work out so they quit for liability reasons.

Were there particular years for the taper bead rims?

[Rubone]

Sorry Bill, thought I could help. After looking through a pile of Dunlop K-70s and Pirelli MT53s I found the one All Traction...and it is a 4.00-19. So no joy!