I'm having difficulty sourcing a 23" front trials tyre for my 1978 XL250 S, everyone seems to stock numerous 21" -  can anyone help with a UK supplier of this large tyre?

Thanks

 

Search for CST - I think they are the only ones available.  My XL250 was stolen and I still miss it but the tyre size was a mistake by Honda.  There are some other wheels that can be fitted I think, but I need to find the thief first 🙂

https://www.tirendo.co.uk/product/R-268204?ID=aff_rdt_uk_awin&Country=TUK&Country=RDTUK&ID=aff_rdt_uk_awin&awc=15112_1659258560_5eb95c682d4aff7f2d905faacfaefe26

Thanks for the lead - and sorry to hear some dick stole your bike.

CST - haven't even heard of them.

Yes 23" is a massive wheel  - especially compared with the 18" rear

Cheers

 

Here's one advertised in Australia https://www.motorcycletyrewarehouse.com.au/300-23

It's a Bridgestone TW9 tyre

Edited July 31, 20224 yr by feetupfun

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bridgestone-tw9-trail-wing-front-tires?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JiXBhCFARIsAOSAKqDsWjyUNICPfmSm2LVxBAL9wn3R5fFQgy2-qkWmIjlqQP5hhh8bAyoaAhmFEALw_wcB&sku_id=1000079

Thanks for the information re Bridgestone. I've e-mailed Bridgestone UK to see if they stock or even know of this TW9 tyre. 

 

 

 

These guys may be able to point you in the right direction: https://www.classic-red.fr

 

Or here:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/373668695141?hash=item570063cc65:g:wKIAAOSwD0phB9eX

 

Bridgestone UK came back and said they no longer make the tyre and any for sale around the world are old stock which will not be replaced.

Vintage tyres - tried them a week or so back and they said they are out of stock.

Have sent Classic Red in France an email to see what they say about availability.

 

 

The best long term solution is to get a 21" rim laced onto your hub. You then will have plenty of tyre choices, from road to full on knobbly.

Jon - Yes I was starting to go down that train of thought route too.

 

 

 

CST is just Cheng Shin rebranded slightly.  The 23" rim might have been a good idea that Honda experimented with, but nobody else seemed to have adopted it. This was around the same time that Michelin brought out some odd-sized rims for cars like 365 and 390mm I recall; that idea also didn't go anywhere.

The Bridgestone TW9 seems to be available in Canada as well https://fortnine.ca/en/bridgestone-tw9-trail-wing-dual-sport-front-tire

 

Yes, I get their theory behind the high lightweight front end, it is easier to manoeuvre, better clearance, the handlebars don't need to be so high...... but as you point out nobody else went down the same road. 

 

On 8/3/2022 at 3:29 PM, Elliot1954 said:

Jon - Yes I was starting to go down that train of thought route too.

 

 

 

At least that way you’ll have plenty of options

If I still had mine I think I would look at whether you can find a set of decent forks and a disc brake set up that would fit.  The problem with that is the bike is then not "original" and they appear to be worth a small fortune.  Certainly enough that you could sell one and buy a CFR with the money.  Shame.  I really liked mine and have great memories of it.