AJS & Matchless Owners Club

Good morning all. Second post after magneto info which was most helpful. Restoration of Dads 1951 18S going well, nearly at getting the engine started, just waiting for carburettor to come back from being cleaned. Whilst waiting I'm looking at wheels/tyres/tubes. Original tyres are Dunlop Universals but need replacing, 19 x 350. I've ordered some bits from AMOC (which incidentally were ordered on the Friday afternoon and were delivered through my letterbox on the Saturday - brilliant service!!) and see I can order tyres, tubes, tape etc through them. I haven't got a clue about which tyres to go for. I intend riding it for pleasure and guess No 1 priority has to be safety. Any recommendations, budget not an issue, just want the best for the job.
Also have an issue getting the caps off the ends of the front forks to remove front wheel. Any suggestions gratefully received. Many thanks. Roger

normally you would have 3.25 x 19 on the front and 3.5 x 19 on the rear
I use Dunlop K70's for both with good quality inner tube ie Michelin
Mitas are an option , but have much softer side walls
personally I fit K70 s to all my bikes

Hi

Remove the nuts and lock washers from each cap, spray penetrating fluid up the studs, gently tap the caps forward, backwards and side to side with a nylon hammer, (or a normal hammer via a block of wood to prevent marking the caps), persevere a little, they will move

Regards Mick

Hi

If you're after the 'period' look consider Avon Speedmasters, ribbed front and block rear in the sizes mentioned above.

Regards Mick

Don't go by the pressures shown in the Owners Manual as they are far too low!
I (at 145lbs ) use around 26psi front and 28 rear on modern tyres.
Owners Manual here if you don't have it:

http://archives.jampot.dk/book/Owners_m ... Manual.pdf

Mick D wrote:Hi

If you're after the 'period' look consider Avon Speedmasters, ribbed front and block rear in the sizes mentioned above.

Regards Mick

And modern Speedmasters use better, softer, grippier rubber than the old originals. This is why, as Spriddler says, you need higher pressures than those stated in the handbook. Alternatively, a number of people on here, me included, have had very good results from Avon Road Riders. They don't have the period look but they handle very well.

Malc

I have found Heidenau tyres to be very good; K44 front and K34 rear.

Most helpful guys, I have new tyres, went for Dunlop K70's, tubes etc but still struggling to get front wheel off. I am now the proud owner of a nylon hammer but still no joy so a little heat will be applied!