Firestone Deluxe Champions

[jward1989]

Hey, I wanted to get some opinions on Firestone Deluxe Champions for my '82 1100G. On one hand they look cool and have a very vintage feel to them. On the other hand its 60 year old technology. So what do you guys think? Safe enough to use or should I look another direction for new tires?

[Nessism]

I'd pass. I'm afraid of dying.

[Big T]

Any and every other direction, why go with something made for looks?

Lots of threads here about best handling tires and cheap tires and long lasting tires

[Steve]

Never heard of them, had to look them up.

I'm with the others, I'll pass, too.

The only reason to get tires for "looks" is if it's going to be a show-ONLY bike or a bar-hopper, in which case it's mainly for show, anyway.

.

[tkent02]

There are really good modern tires made now for these old bikes.
To ride on anything less would be irresponsible, dangerous, and just plain stupid.

To ride on tires that were ancient technology when these bikes were built, ludicrous.

[lurch12_2000]

Had to look them up too....for show and expensive. Get a better tire like an Avon or Shinko for less money than buying the "for looks" Firestone Deluxe. The reputable bike tire sites don't even list that Firestone bike tire. And other forum comments are that they are junk...do you plan on riding that 1100G or looking at it?

[Guest]

I had a bought a set of Firestone Deluxe Champions on my first car, didn't even know that they made tires for bikes, but that was also 35+ years ago. If you are looking for the tires that came on your bike , It probably came with Bridgestone Mag-Mopus tires, as I know both early 80's Suzuki bikes that I bought new came with them. 81 750L and my 83 750ED both came with them

[Guest]

I found this statement from an internet store selling them:

Firestone's Motorcycle Deluxe Champion tires come in many popular sizes in authentic tread designs. Provides the most extensive line of vintage motorcycle tires in the world.

When I worked for them (until 1988) Firestone used to sell a line of tires designed specifically to look exactly like OEM tires on vintage/classic/antique vehicles. I believe that they used the original molds.

The construction of these tires would almost have to match the construction of the originals - meaning dimensions of the two dozen components that go into each one. The relatively sloppy manufacturing practices would also match, as sloppiness is inherent to antique manufacturing equipment.

The materials used would likely have changed a bit, due to unavailablitiy of the original materials. This would usually result in improvments in tire performance. However, unless the Champions are extensively tested to verify that new materials don't affect component placement in the finished tire, performance could suffer.

Therefore, I concur that these tires should not be purchased for regular riding on the street. Instead, they are meant for motorcycles (or cars, as the case may be) that are meant to be looked at. The tires are still required by law to meet DOT safety standards, so they should be safe for moderate riding. Any GS Suzuki should be capable of far better handling and braking than these tires. Riding a GS, shod with Champions, the way that it is ridden with modern tires, could get a rider in trouble.

[jward1989]

Looks like the consensus is no to the vintage tires. Allrighty then, now its time to scour the forums for the best tires for the best price. Thanks guys

[Guest]

Fire-pops, I pass.

[kdo58]

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=198769