How do those vintage Firestones ride? My experience on oversized or squared off tires is that they turn very late.  Any other issues with them? Durability?  I love the look, but want to keep as much handling as the already slowish geometry allows.  Ps, I only have the savage now, but looking to make a RYCA as cash allows haha.

SinglesGoinSteady wrote on 02/14/12 at 08:24:10:



Don't get the firestones if you want good handling. Yes, they look awesome but are known to be bad for handling. I have several other cafe bikes and frequent many cafe racer forums and most people share that same sentiment. In fact, many out there would refuse to ride on firestones- especially in the rain.

For my RYCA, I used Dunlop K70s. You may want to check them out. They are a nice balance of cool vintage looks with really good performance. The K70s use the same pattern and mold as they did back 40 years ago but with today's rubber.

Thanks guys, I was wondering about the rubber compound as well as the geometry and that furrowed Firestone tread pattern that looks like it would want to tear off while cornering.  I don't think I'll get the swingarm modified to take the bigger rubber.   -Dave