Anybody running Radir 12 spokes ?

I am hoping somebody can shed some light on tire selection for 18x3 Radir 12 spokes. Since Avon Speedmasters don't come in an 18' version, I'm looking for something that gives a similar look, but still "safe" ( or reasonably so) on the front of my Bantam roadster. I realize I can't get what I want, now, but I would like to find something that still looks, well.....old.

Any suggestions???? I already have the wheels.

 

Motorcycle tires.

 

I ***umed that would be my only choice. I have a few picked out, I was hoping maybe someone was running these and could give me a few pointers. The only motorcycle tires I ever bought were dirt bike tires when I was desert racing 25 years ago!

 

Metzler would be my brand of choice since they have relatively plain tread patterns, wear like iron, are used on heavy touring/cruzing bikes and are also a very good brand and have high quality.

 

Pretty sure Avon still makes a 3.25x18 Speedmaster. I just looked at those the other day for one of the Triumph projects. Otherwise, there is a Bridgstone front tire that has basically the same look to it, but is of a more modern rubber. ElPolacko has one on the front of his Triumph.

 

Check these out-Bridgestone L303 Front Tire.

 

I have the Radir 12 spokes. I use Cheng Shin model C223 size 3.00-18. Cl***ic style that looks and fits perfect. I have had them up to 130 mph most every p***.

 

Thanks for the help ! I cannot find anybody that lists a Speedmaster in 18", but I wish I could! I can't find the Cheng Shin tires either, they are what I started looking for originally. They must have been discontinued ??? Does anybody have a source?
Good info on the Cheng Shin's, I Drag. I have heard good and bad, blah blah blah. Nice to hear from one that knows. I just can't find a pair.

I'm looking at Pirelli MT -66, and IRC GS 11, for now. The IRC is pretty close to what I want.

Do I need to get wrapped around the axle about load ratings, or should I just hang my *** out there and go for it? Sometimes too much info is a bad thing.

Thanks guys !

 

The Bridgestones are on my list, I have been debating the "S" speed rating though. ???

 

I have a pair of those 12 spokes and I had exactly the same problem... I tracked down some NOS Avon Speedmaster2 18x.3.25s via Ebay they came from Taiwan or maybe it was Vietnam?..due to the huge amount of old mopeds etc in use over there.... That would be where I'd start looking again if I need any more.
Good luck...... Jick

 

Here's how they look....

 

Have you looked at Coker Tire's selection? They offer several skinny 18" automobile tires, as well as a selection of vintage motor cycle tires. There's a couple decent tires in the vintage Excelsior line. What ever you do, don't put modern motorcycle tires on it. Those things kill any vintage look.

 

give British Cycle Supply Company a try they have Avon 3.25x18 Speedmasters listed on the web site.

 

Avon seems to be a bit of a weird company to deal with (strictly my impression). They seem to import only to the new world what they think we heathens could ever possibly need. As I said, I was on their websight a couple of days ago and happened to notice a 3.00 or 3.25 18, yet if you ask any volume dealers here in the states they are no longer made. I go on an Italian web sight, and there they are. I buy bike parts through a place here in Phoenix called Bob's Used Cycle Parts. Rod there has a dirrect line with Avon of England and seems to be able to get the uncommon sizes fairly regularily. Sorry I don't have a number, it's close enough I just drive down.

 

Also Hayden Enterprises specialty wheels.

 

Thanks you all. I'll check these places out. This H.A.M.B. board is pretty T.I.T.S. ! Thanks for the pic, Jick.

WillysRule, cool pic of "Jack The Bear" ! I had the privilege of watching some match racing between him and Wayne Harry in the late 80's/early 90's. Jack had his '33 in the Boise Roadster show here one year and I got to chat with him quite a while. Both Jack, and the Harry's, were the nicest people you could ever meet.

I have a few pics!

 

That bug looks friggin cool. You have any pics in another thread

 

firestone makes a tire that is 550-18 29.3 tall x 4 in tread they sell them through ****er or ebay

 

I had the same problem, ended getting these Beck 4.00's from Coker.
Tread is a little "knobby" but the best I could find in a white wall.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Radir sells the tires too.