Tires Megathread

[dmonkey]

I cut open a rear IRC GP-5 and took some photos, figured I'd share for anyone else with winter boredom or interest in the tire. This is one that I changed out before it was bald, as I wanted a fresh rear tire before riding coast-to-coast. I figured it would be more insightful than cutting open one that's truly bald, as my reason for cutting the tire is to see how much material is between the tread grooves and the carcass plies of the tire. Note that the rear tire is a bit different from the front tire, with the rear having a higher load index.

Here's the text from the tire in case it's useful for someone maybe trying to search out the tire info in some unusual way or is having difficulty reading the text.

One side:

IRC GP-5 REAR WHEEL DOT 1W0 961TPT 1421 IT MAX LOAD 190 KG (419 LBS) AT 280 KPA ( 41 PSI) COLD 80/90-17 M/C 50P REINFORCED LOAD RANGE C TREAD : 2 NYLONS SIDEWALL : 2 NYLONS

The other side:

IRC GP-5 REAR WHEEL MADE IN THAILAND SPI E4 75R-0004888 80/90-17 M/C 50P REINFORCED TUBE TYPE TIS 2720-2560

Not written on the tire is the Honda part number for it #42711-K2E-T01, and the IRC part number for it #T10545

In the cross section photos of the bias ply tire you can see the tread cap, the nylon fabric carcass plies, and the steel cable of the bead.
At its thinnest, measuring from inside a groove, I found 0.1 inch of tread cap protecting the nylon plies.

Cut tire with some tread left on it.


Old tire next to a replacement purchased as the Honda OEM part number, which comes in Honda branded plastic wrapping and with a Honda parts label sticker.


Cross section of the tire. If it looks like a crooked wear pattern it's not, that's just the shape of the alternating tread of the tire.

 

[ol mike]

Anybody ever try any of these type tube protectors?

 

[RustyRodder]

Does anyone make them in our size?

 

[ol mike]

Does anyone make them in our size?

I haven't seen a 17'' , maybe cut an 18'' & a little duck-tape.
I have a set of 24'' TUFF? brand that I've thought about cutting them down.
Mountain Biker guys sure like these from what I've read. A blog I've read of some Arizona cactus country riders - have great luck with them..

 

[dmonkey]

If you're going to use tape try to find one meant for high temperature. Lots of people try using various duct tape products on tubeless wheel conversions for motorcycles only to find that the adhesive melts inside the wheel after some riding.

 

[ol mike]

If you're going to use tape try to find one meant for high temperature. Lots of people try using various duct tape products on tubeless wheel conversions for motorcycles only to find that the adhesive melts inside the wheel after some riding.

dmonkey,
Good Tip, I didn't think of that.

 

[Dons Ruby]

I cut open a rear IRC GP-5 and took some photos, figured I'd share for anyone else with winter boredom or interest in the tire. This is one that I changed out before it was bald, as I wanted a fresh rear tire before riding coast-to-coast. I figured it would be more insightful than cutting open one that's truly bald, as my reason for cutting the tire is to see how much material is between the tread grooves and the carcass plies of the tire. Note that the rear tire is a bit different from the front tire, with the rear having a higher load index. Here's the text from the tire in case it's useful for someone maybe trying to search out the tire info in some unusual way or is having difficulty reading the text. One side: The other side: Not written on the tire is the Honda part number for it #42711-K2E-T01, and the IRC part number for it #T10545 In the cross section photos of the bias ply tire you can see the tread cap, the nylon fabric carcass plies, and the steel cable of the bead. At its thinnest, measuring from inside a groove, I found 0.1 inch of tread cap protecting the nylon plies. Cut tire with some tread left on it. View attachment 8090 Old tire next to a replacement purchased as the Honda OEM part number, which comes in Honda branded plastic wrapping and with a Honda parts label sticker. View attachment 8091 Cross section of the tire. If it looks like a crooked wear pattern it's not, that's just the shape of the alternating tread of the tire. View attachment 8092View attachment 8093View attachment 8094View attachment 8095View attachment 8096View attachment 8097

 

[Dons Ruby]

Hi silly question i purchased Two new IRC GPS 5 ,Tires bad mistake got two front tires can you use front tire on rear wheel.

 

[dmonkey]

You'd be in a better position if it were the other way around, two rear tires, but people have run tires with a lower load index (Shinko SR244 2.50") on the rear of the CT125. Sure it can work, just be conscious not to load the bike up with too much weight. I would run the front tire in the opposite direction on the rear since it is a directional tire. Personally I'd just order a correct rear tire and keep the other front as a spare for later if you're not able to return it.

 

[CTExplorer]

Came across these in a 70/100 x 17 size. Will these fit our bikes front or rear? Could it be used as a rear tire on ours? Has anyone tried them?

Michellin Starcross Medium

Amazon.com

 

[Farmer Mike]

Anybody ever try any of these type tube protectors?

I run Tannus on my Bicycle. If they made it to fit the CT, I would run them without question. I'm picking up my Bike tomorrow... Here looking for what I'm gonna do about tires. I hate flats!

 

[bryanchurch06]

My trail will be here by the end of this week, I just order 2 kenda k262 tires, 275 front and 300 rear. And thanks to Kritou constant reminders I ordered 2 275x15 tubes for the split tube method of tubeless conversion, I will take pics of the install, should go much quicker than the outex tape I used last time. With all the sand in my area the stock tires are not an option. I will also be using the zip ty method I used last time. I think that's going to be all for the 23 for awhile, but I said that about the 22

 

[Farmer Mike]

My trail will be here by the end of this week, I just order 2 kenda k262 tires, 275 front and 300 rear. And thanks to Kritou constant reminders I ordered 2 275x15 tubes for the split tube method of tubeless conversion, I will take pics of the install, should go much quicker than the outex tape I used last time. With all the sand in my area the stock tires are not an option. I will also be using the zip ty method I used last time. I think that's going to be all for the 23 for awhile, but I said that about the 22

OK, what am I missing... our wheels/tires are 17 inch... correct... Why the 15 inch tubes? I looked up those tires, and they seem like an improvement... by the time my stock tires are worn out, you will hopefully be able to give us a review on them... I'm gonna spend at least 50% of my time on pavement... but I would certainly like something a little more aggressive for those times I'm not on the pavement... hoping these might fit that niche. Looking forward to the video pics.

 

[bryanchurch06]

OK, what am I missing... our wheels/tires are 17 inch... correct... Why the 15 inch tubes? I looked up those tires, and they seem like an improvement... by the time my stock tires are worn out, you will hopefully be able to give us a review on them... I'm gonna spend at least 50% of my time on pavement... but I would certainly like something a little more aggressive for those times I'm not on the pavement... hoping these might fit that niche. Looking forward to the video pics.

Using split tubes to go tubeless you use a smaller tube to stretch around the rim, the split it and fold it over the rim, you can see examples on YouTube

 

[Farmer Mike]

Using split tubes to go tubeless you use a smaller tube to stretch around the rim, the split it and fold it over the rim, you can see examples on YouTube

OK... checked that out... interesting. Just hate tubes? Personally I just hate flats... Is there collective experience here that tubeless with sealant is better than say a tube with green slime?

 

[bryanchurch06]

OK... checked that out... interesting. Just hate tubes? Personally I just hate flats... Is there collective experience here that tubeless with sealant is better than say a tube with green slime?

If you do a little searching here you'll find I have a talent for bringing up subjects only interesting to me , in all seriousness last year I prepared for a long ride by exploring tubeless options and settling on outex tape, worked great just kinda expensive and only available in Japan. Another member brought up the subject of using the split tube method and a gentle debate began. And honestly I hate fixing flat tires, especially on the rear on this bike which is a pain in the but imho, so since I'm going to be riding in the southern NM desert for a while I want to be able to plug and go. If you don't believe me about the opportunity for flats here just ask Sneakydingo his experience. Thanks for you reply and hope I answered your question.

 

[Happy Campa]

Are the Super Cub wheels interchangeable with the Trail 125? I'm pondering the usefulness of tubeless tires for the street. I can buy a front and rear wheel for around $700. I believe the super cub still uses drum brakes in the rear...

 

[RustyRodder]

Are the Super Cub wheels interchangeable with the Trail 125? I'm pondering the usefulness of tubeless tires for the street. I can buy a front and rear wheel for around $700. I believe the super cub still uses drum brakes in the rear...

Nope, different rear brakes

 

[dmonkey]

A few updates for the megalist:
IRC SR244 should be Shinko SR244
IRC SR241 should be Shinko SR241

Duro HF308 is another 2.75" or 3.00" option very similar to the Duro HF307 but slightly less aggressive.

 

[Farmer Mike]

Those tires look pretty interesting, and I especially like the "puncture resistant" marketing, if it's true, that's a plus. In general I don't have a huge hate for the stock tires on pavement (although I have nothing to compare then against), but certainly they suck in sand.. Although I'm not sure anything else will be a lot better in the 3" wide form factor. I would have to do some math, but I'm guessing the lbs per square inch are not very favorable compared to other bikes.