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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Firestone Deluxe Champions
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Message started by Jeff71 on 07/08/14 at 16:53:45

Title: Firestone Deluxe Champions
Post by Jeff71 on 07/08/14 at 16:53:45

I want to run the 400-18 Firestone deluxe champions just because I like the bigger tire. Anyone have much experience with them or their wear rate?
Jeff

Title: Re: Firestone Deluxe Champions
Post by Spamy on 07/09/14 at 07:00:51

I havent used them, they look cool. I believe you have to cut out your swingarm to use them. Ive heard the wear is not great, like replace in a few thousand miles or so. But I think with those you are going for a look not necessarily a performance tire or one that lasts a long time.

Title: Re: Firestone Deluxe Champions
Post by Dave on 07/09/14 at 07:19:46

Yep....the swingarm has to be cut to provide clearance.

The RYCA site provides this service for their customers, and in the RYCA Double Build Thread......one of the bikes used the Deluxe Champions and they had the swing arm modified by RYCA I believe.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1304722902/0

Dave

Title: Re: Firestone Deluxe Champions
Post by WD on 07/09/14 at 08:59:59

The tire was designed in the immediate post-WW2 1940s for touring machines. Had an Acme clone from the 1970s on my last Panhead. The tire was substandard in the 40s and is worse these days. Yes, Coker uses a much better compound than the earlier versions, but, the zig zag tread is next to useless on pavement. Great for dirt/gravel roads, beach riding, tolerable in light dry snow or on loose chip seal.

I have a couple ads for them from 1948 floating around the house somewhere. Daytona Beach sand races.

Look at Dunlop, Bridgestone, Heidenau for vintage tread, modern compound tires that actually work.

Title: Re: Firestone Deluxe Champions
Post by Jeff71 on 07/09/14 at 15:49:10

I knew the arm has to be notched. I was going to do that myself. Looks pretty easy and I have a nice chunk of welding experience. I'd be welding up the rear footpeg holes anyway.
I'll look into those other tire brands.
Jeff