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Tire size / directionals

11279 Views 24 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  Steve1
I am rebuilding a 1981 Honda GL500. It is pretty much done except for two things. First I am having trouble relating the front tire size (3.50S19-4PR) to current tires. It it now called a 100/90-19 57H? The secone problem is the front directionals are broken and I bought some on ebay that were listed for this bike but they didn't fit. Anyone know where to get these? Here are some pictures of the bike.











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Extremely nice bike, but there are a couple of tire experts in here that will chime in before the night is over.



I've got the basic Cheng Shen tires on mine (came with them) but I'm going to Bridgestones as soon as I get some more wear on the existing cheap tires. When I do (and it will likely be towards the last of next year) I'll probably have all of 1,500 miles on them and will just pass them on to someone in need.
3.50S19-4PR means the tyre is 3.50in wide X 3.50 in tall on a 19" rim, and has a speed rating of 112mph, and is of 4 ply construction (alternately known as B load under the american tire and rim rules). The nearest modern equivalent is indeed 100/90-19 and any rating equal to or higher than S (T, H, V etc) will suffice. The 57H part of the tyre code relates to the speed (H=130mph) and permissable axle load of 507lbs ( I seriously doubt you will ever exceed a front axle weight of 200lbs)
Stich, don't they still have the white letter tires for us? That's my goal even if I have to search the world.
They should. But when in doubt when there is a tire question and I want a quick link for a specific bike I go to Old Bike Barn. Yet I will never buy from them again unless I have the time to wait. Shipping took 4 weeks the last time.
There are other sources, I'll find them when the time is right or I'll raise hell with Bridgestone.
Thank you for your help! Does anyone know a good place to get replacement front directionals?
If you can navigate through their complex website there are several to be found in here and they're a known good supplier:

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/searc...5:5685&store=&keywords=tire&_requestid=260126



Specifically what a lot of us think is the best tire for a reasonable price:

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/tpl/t...=&productId=p543799&leafCatId=&mmyId=#fitment



They've got them in blackwall as well, or there's a ton of others to choose from.
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I ordered the tires (bridgestones s11) front and back! thank you for all of your help!
I ordered the tires (bridgestones s11) front and back! thank you for all of your help!


Perfect, in my opinion you can't beat Bridgestone tires and all my cars get them as well.



Did you go for the White Letter ones or the blackwalls?
Perfect, in my opinion you can't beat Bridgestone tires and all my cars get them as well.



Did you go for the White Letter ones or the blackwalls?


I went for the blackwalls. I know the white walls would have been more correct for the period but I can't stand them if they are not perfectly white and I hate washing them so I couldn't do it.
I went for the blackwalls. I know the white walls would have been more correct for the period but I can't stand them if they are not perfectly white and I hate washing them so I couldn't do it.


Probably a good thing as the white letters seem to be on backorder at present.

As good as the reviews have been on these tires I don't see how you can go wrong.
Overkill, I couldn't help but notice the dates on those pictures. In nine days you got from #1 to #2,3?? That first picture looked like the bike was buried in a swamp!!! Looks like a terrific find bud!



Joel in the Couve
The secone problem is the front directionals are broken and I bought some on ebay that were listed for this bike but they didn't fit. Anyone know where to get these? Here are some pictures of the bike.



Can you better describe what you're needing here? I may know of some sources.
Overkill, I couldn't help but notice the dates on those pictures. In nine days you got from #1 to #2,3?? That first picture looked like the bike was buried in a swamp!!! Looks like a terrific find bud!



Joel in the Couve




yeah, I am a bit obessive and I don't sleep much so it doesn't take me long to complete my projects. I am about ready for another one.... I am easily bored
The secone problem is the front directionals are broken and I bought some on ebay that were listed for this bike but they didn't fit. Anyone know where to get these? Here are some pictures of the bike.



Can you better describe what you're needing here? I may know of some sources.


I want to replace the two fron directionals the current ones on the bike are all duct taped up. I can not find any listed for this bike. I was sent one and it was curved where it mounts instead of flat and it was too thin so when you mounted it the mounting scew stuck out too far. I have a local bike junk yard that is pretty close I may try them if I can not get new.
May I assume you're talking about the turn signal arms? There are some from a few other models that are almost identical but they're somewhat hard to find those parts so patience is a virtue here.



Set up a saved search on eBay for someone that's parting out a bike and you may hit a home run.
May I assume you're talking about the turn signal arms? There are some from a few other models that are almost identical but they're somewhat hard to find those parts so patience is a virtue here.



Set up a saved search on eBay for someone that's parting out a bike and you may hit a home run.


good idea!
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