I am looking for a new front for my '46 VH500.
Am I correct in thinking the Ensign is the only option in a 3.00 - 20 size?
Avons being a thing of the past.... Mitas not available in a 20.... Any other options?
tyre (lack of) options
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nevhunter
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Competition Bikes wore a 21' inch front rim. or go for a 350-19. Nev
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tony.barnett
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Vintage Tyres sell Ensign in 20". I doubt you'll find any other options. Better an Ensign that nowt.
KOBI
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
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nevhunter
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Change your rim size and you have More choice in Tires ever after..Nev
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tony.barnett
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
Is the best advice - in fact you could probably find a complete 19" wheel. That's what I did for my 52 VH which has a 20" front currently.nevhunter wrote: Mon May 04, 2026 9:58 am Change your rim size and you have More choice in Tires ever after..Nev
KOBI
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
Swindon Branch Combined Operations (Chairman and Secretary)
Ariels - 1913 TT Model, 20 Roadster, 28 Model D, 30 Model B, 38 VH, 52 VH
Velocette MAC, KSS Mk1
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Alan G
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
That is a very good idea.... looking on line I am seeing new stainless steel 19 rims for roughly the same price as a 20 Inch ensign tyre.
I would need to get the rim painted to match the rear, and could swap the hub over with new spokes, but buying a complete wheel would let me keep the 20 as for use in the future - should the need arise...
What complete wheel option do I need to keep an eye out for - for example will a BSA one fit straight in with the same spindle? Are there any that could retain the original Ariel brakes? Any 'gotchas' when doing a swap.
I would need to get the rim painted to match the rear, and could swap the hub over with new spokes, but buying a complete wheel would let me keep the 20 as for use in the future - should the need arise...
What complete wheel option do I need to keep an eye out for - for example will a BSA one fit straight in with the same spindle? Are there any that could retain the original Ariel brakes? Any 'gotchas' when doing a swap.
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charles.bulloch
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
I have an 8" BSA finned half width hub on both my Ariels. I prefer this brake to a disc. You need a slightly different spindle. I got ACME stainless to make me one, but I gave the wrong size for the narrow length so I just filed down a standard one.
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nevhunter
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
VH to VG and KH to KG. Around 47 there is a one year only front Brake Hub. (Cast iron drum). Nev
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Vincent.vanGinneke
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
I have one nos, and I can take it to the Dutch rally.
A few UK members will be there and I can burden one of them with it
But I dont know if it will be a member close to you...
Anyway, it's for free as I will not use it, my Ariels being either 19"or 21"
A few UK members will be there and I can burden one of them with it
But I dont know if it will be a member close to you...
Anyway, it's for free as I will not use it, my Ariels being either 19"or 21"
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Alan G
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Re: tyre (lack of) options
That is awfully generous of you - but logistics will be an issue. Not sure I know anyone going to the Rally. If you were willing to send it to me I'd be happy to pay for your time and effort.
I have already ordered an Ensign, ordered on the basis that cost and effort of switching to a different rim size is not worth it as I am not likely to be doing multiple thousands of miles a year. So there may be someone else more desperate for a tyre now than me that you could give it to? That said, I would like it and thus future proof me for a couple of years if you were willing to ship it to me.
If you want to give it to someone else, please do. If you are happy to ship it to me, Message me with costs and I'll provide you my address and will send costs via PayPal. I am in the KY13 region of Scotland for calculating shipping costs.
I have already ordered an Ensign, ordered on the basis that cost and effort of switching to a different rim size is not worth it as I am not likely to be doing multiple thousands of miles a year. So there may be someone else more desperate for a tyre now than me that you could give it to? That said, I would like it and thus future proof me for a couple of years if you were willing to ship it to me.
If you want to give it to someone else, please do. If you are happy to ship it to me, Message me with costs and I'll provide you my address and will send costs via PayPal. I am in the KY13 region of Scotland for calculating shipping costs.
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