Subject: Wheels and Tires
Author: Tom Bowes
Date: Mar 4, 2001, 7:24 PM
Post ID: 1705719422
I got around to removing the old tires off of the rims for the Ambo
yesterday in preparation for cleanup and polishing of the wheels. The
front tire was a 4.00x18, but the rear was a whopper, 5.40x18. Don't
know what the previous owner was thinking as the tire obviously rubbed
on darn near everything around the front of the swing arm. It was
probably the reason the guy blew out the clutch on the bike since the
tire was doubling as a brake.
Anyway, much to my chagrin, both wheels have plated, not stainless,
spokes. (Must have been old V7 stock that got used up on the early
Ambos.) Unfortunately, a fair number of the spokes are very corroded and
will need replacing. I am thinking about replacing all of the spokes
with stainless ones and would like any opinions as to whether I am
better off to go with Buchanan's or with Guzzi OEM's.
The rear rim is kinda' spread apart in a couple of places, but is not
cracked. What do you think, time to get out the plastic mallet and do
some fine tuning, or is it time to go shopping for a new (and possibly
wider) rim?
I take it that most folks are running 110/90-18's these days, as the old
4.00x18 size is hard to find. Any thoughts as to front and rear tire
combinations that will give good performance in the long distance
touring mode? I was pondering going with a 100/90-18 on the front in
order to help the braking and handling a bit.
Tom
'70 Ambassador
'82 V50-III
Shelby Township, Michigan