Update: Radial tires for Y-spoke wheels

[frankenduck]

As most of you know I am a HUGE fan of riding radial tires on K bikes. The smoothness and handling greatly exceeds that of any bias ply tire.  Even if performance doesn't matter to you then improved safety should.

Here's why:
https://www.kbikeparts.com/classickbikes.com/ckb.tech/0.ckb.tech.files/radials/radials.htm

The only radial I ever found that would fit the Y-spoke wheels was the Continental Road Attack 3 in a 110/80-18 front and 130/80-17 rear. Unfortunately Conti has stopped producing those.

However, I was recently talking to a local gal who rides a K75RT with Y-spokes and she's been riding another Conti radial that comes in those sizes, the Continental Trail Attack 3. It's what's generally known as a 90/10 or 80/20 tire where 90/80 vs 10/20 refers to the ratio of on-road vs. off-road use. She's extremely happy with them.

I run 3-spokes on all of my Ks but if I had a K with Y-spoke wheels the I definitely would run the Conti Trail Attack 3 tires.

[Duckbubbles]

More than 20 years ago I had the rear wheel widened by 1 inch.  Much more would create clearance problems and I can run a 150/70R17 rear tire which is available from many tire suppliers/manufacturers.  The latest I have is Dunlop Roadsmart III 110/80ZR18 front and 150/70ZR17 rear.  I had to notch the inside rib on the swingarm where the tire rubs and I have a straight legged K11 style center stand.  It's an expensive option but being able to run modern radials is nice.

Frank

[Ingo]

I just had roadsmart3's installed, only ran a few miles for testing hall sensors, no impression on these tires as of yet...
92 K1100LT with Y-spoke wheels.