Yes, it is time for a new set of tires in my opinion. I’m sure you will hear all sorts of other theories and opinions about this adjustment or that adjustment, expensive suspension mods, etc., but go for a new set of tires now that you’ve done your proper checks, air pressure check assumed.
Thanks for you question!
John

Then the purchase, I took it for a long ride, overall no problems just an annoying (more than anything else) front end wobble (shimmy) at around 70 mph. I took the bike to a mechanic and took him less than 30 minutes to inspect and adjust the usual suspects, tires, shocks, and of course my steering bearings.

Here’s what he said: Rear shocks in good shape but as expected too stiff and with questionable preload adjuster. Tires look in good shape, lots of tread BUT from the date on them they are 6+ years old with perhaps some hard to ascertain cupping on the front. Then the steering bearing looks in good shape with no corrosion or deterioration but it was a bit on the loose side. So he clamped it down a bit.

The bike improved, no more “shimmy” around 70 mph but it did shift down to around 52 mph. Starts at around 55 then disappears around 48. The original steering damper was not on the bike, so I put it back, things improved a bit but the wobble is still there BUT now, ONLY when I throttle down with 5th gear and very little with 4th. It does not do it with 3rd or lower (obviously a little …unsual to do 55 mph with 1st or even 2nd gear).

My diagnosis: The bike already has the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 so it looks like I need a new pair of tires.

What say you?!

Thanks!

Hi Steve, I checked bridgestone.com and they list your tire size for Battlax BT-45V. Yes, they are tubeless tires, as are mine, and tubes can be used with them. I have read that running tubes reduces the actual speed rating of the tires. I don’t race and I don’t ride anywhere near the speed rating of these tires anyway. They have been great on my California Vintage’s stock Route Borrani wire wheels and I will definitely buy them again. I’ve been very happy with them.
Thanks,
John

Can I use a non-TT tire with a tube? If not, where can I buy the BT45’s for use with tubes?

Thanks for your good works keeping up the site.
Steve

I wonder whether these tyres had vulcanised (the outer surface hardened) while both previous owners have done pitifully low miles and the por bike sit ting idle for months or years.

I’m expecting that a bit if good riding (i.e. using more than the centre tread) should wear the surface off and expose some stickier rubber, otherwise it will be a job for a wire brush……