Tires, Size, Mounting, Type, etc.

m29-comp-2.jpg (21272 bytes) Two pictures of the new M29 Competition tires from Michelin. These are the ultimate in small racing tires. Race only, good to 180 KPH, very sticky. If you race a moped and need racing tires then these are your only choice... I know of no other company that produces race tires in these sizes 70/50-17 and 80/55-17. Be warned that they are quite expensive.

These were Purchased from Tony Salt Racing Tyres in the UK who were very helpful in my search for tires.
m29-comp-1.jpg (16020 bytes) Note the lower and wider profile. The new tires are also very stiff compared to the standard M29 on the left. The race tires are more difficult to mount.
 

The tread pattern on my new, most excellent Michelin tires. Why, might you ask, am I so excited about these skinny little tires? Well, these sizes (60/90-17 front, 70/90-17 rear) seem to be very very hard to find in this country made by any kind of reputable manufacturer. They are street compound tires rated to 130KPH (@81mph) which should be more than sufficient for this bike. In the unlikely event that this bike should go faster than that or need more cornering grip the source below can also supply you with race compound tires in similar sizes.

 
A photo of the 60/90-17 front tire mounted to the excel rim. It mounted easily by hand, requiring no tools or spoons but not so easily that you would worry about fit. I Installed one of the big rubber bands to protect the new tube (tube from Karl Smolenski), mounted one bead of the tire (noting proper direction of rotation) and slipped the tube in the cavity of the tire and secured the valve stem with the lock nuts. I Mounted the other tire bead and then ran a light coat of soapy water between both beads and the rim to aid in seating the bead on inflation. It required that I inflate it to around 50psi to fully seat the tire beads. This pressure will vary from tire to tire and rim to rim. After lowering the pressure to the proper point I inspected it for correct fit and all seems well. I will probably unmount the tire and add some talcum powder to the inside of the carcass to provide some dry lubrication between tire and tube, this will cut down on heat production during use and help prevent binding and chaffing of the tube. The assembled unit including brakes weighs in at 11.3 lb., a little more than two pounds less than stock.