Correct at 3rd August 2003, for latest fitment and inflation pressures refer to the chosen manufacturer’s link below. I have used 3.50, 4.10 & 110/90 size rear tyres successfully, some fitment guides list a 4.00 but do check tread width first as the clearance to the chain guard is limited. Modern front and rear tyres tend to require replacement at up to 10,000 miles. Tyres that have worn to a flat section by more careful/motorway riders may need premature replacement due to their inability to grip in cornering.
Original Bridgestone tyres fitted by Honda - 3.00-S18 ribbed pattern front at 26psi, 3.50-S18 block pattern rear at 28psi.
DiD Wheel rims: 160-18 front and 185-18 rear.
Avon recommend tube type Roadrunner 90/90H18 AM20 front at 26psi and 100/90H18 AM21 rear at 30psi. These tyres have a modern tread pattern and not the classic 70's pattern.
Bridgestone recommend type BT45 rear at 34psi and tube type L303 3.00S18 front (IPC-73706) at 29psi for this machine, good modern compound and resistance to wearing to a flat section due to its dual compound technology. I used tubeless BT45's (with a tube fitted) front 90/90H18 and rear 110/90H18. They performed faultlessly for 10,000 miles and retained their profile throughout. My only reasons for switching to Continental were the availability of proper tube type tyres, they have a similar look to the originals and the cost saving of an 'S' rated tyre.
Continental recommend tube type TK22RC 3.00-18 47S front at 26psi and TK44RC 3.50-18 56S rear at 30.5psi. These look quite similar to the originals (ribbed front & block rear) as far as I can remember? a good classic style and value for money. I've just fitted these and will add details on wear & performance at the end of their life.
Dunlop recommend tube type K82 3.00S18 at 26psi and 3.50S18 at 28psi. These have the classic TT100 tread pattern of the 70's.
Metzeller recommend tube type ME77 3.00S18 at 26psi and 3.50S18 at 29psi.
Michelin recommend M45 3.00S18 at 26psi front and 3.50S18 at 28psi rear with tubes fitted.
Pirelli recommend tubed type City Demon 3.00S18 at 26psi front and either 3.50P18 or 4.00S18 rear at 29psi.
The tube type tyres above are unlikely to be found off the shelf and will most probably be special order and therefore factory fresh. Most manufacturers are happy with a tube fitted to a tubeless tyre unless stated otherwise. Choose only your favourite tyre manufacturers recommended fitment to avoid insurance complications should you ever claim in the event of an accident.
Inner tubes - Unless you want to utter the words "Help me pump this up, garage forecourt attendant" I recommend using a quality butyl tube (usually Michelin in the UK).
Tips:-
WARNING - Blow outs have sometimes been caused by a twist in the inner tube near to the valve. When new tyres have been fitted - ALWAYS inflate, deflate (to remove any twists from the inner tube) and re-inflate. Manufacturers recommend that a new tube is fitted every time a tyre is replaced. The inner tube nut is supplied as a fitting aid and should be screwed against the valve cap afterwards.
When fitting new tyres, washing up liquid as a lubricant is not recommended, these detergents contain salt and we all know the effect this has on steel. Racing tyres are fitted using only water but you could use tyre soap, car shampoo (without wax) or French chalk. A little air in the inner tube will help keep it out of the way of your tyre levers. I use three levers one of which needs to be longer than 12 inches (30cm) unless you are built like a tank.
I recommend keeping to the 'S' rated tyres (112MPH) originally specified by Honda. These are much cheaper than 'H' rated tyres (130MPH) and unless the bike is highly tuned or over bored you are simply just wasting money.
Legal motorcycle tread depth for the UK is a minimum of 1mm across ¾ of the tyres width and the centre tread must remain visible. Better to replace at 2mm for safe wet weather performance.
When removing screws from a punctured tyre always unscrew from the tread, pulling it out will only do further damage.
Tyre sealant from Ultraseal.is used in my inner tubes to reduce the risk of blow outs and or punctures. Most tyre manufacturers do not recommend this as a punctured tyre is best inspected for damage. Click on the Ultraseal link for more information and make up your own mind. Checking your tyres every 500 miles or less is recommended. I ALWAYS seem to have glass or thorns to remove from mine and a flat tyre on a bike is a nightmare. While touring the Scottish highlands a friend had a 200 mile trip south to Glasgow to repair a slow puncture, stopping at every service station for air...so it is worth while checking every day in remote parts.