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TT100-K81 Retro/Vintage

Period-correct looks with modern-compound reliability — built for classic British bikes that deserve to be ridden, not just shown.

MTC7.8/10★★★★☆Vintage · Street Recommended
DUNLOP TT100-K81 Retro/Vintage motorcycle tiremotorcycletireco.com
BrandDUNLOP
TypeCruiser / Touring
FitmentRear
Sizes2
Authentic tread pattern and sidewall markings faithfully reproduce original British motorcycle specifications — correct for concours displays and real-world rides alike
Contemporary rubber compound delivers meaningfully better grip and wear compared to aging new-old-stock tires from the original era
Updated internal construction improves structural integrity without altering the period-correct profile that makes classic restorations look right
Performance envelope tuned to vintage British chassis geometry — drum brakes, softer suspension, and pre-radial steering dynamics
Predictable street manners and quick warm-up make these a practical choice for regular weekend riding, not just garage queens
Available in classic sizes to fit BSA, Triumph, Norton, and other British marques of the 1960s–70s
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Select Size

Prices use MTC dealer formula · Load/speed index explained in the FAQ below

Fulfillment

Live pricing · Walk-in mount & balance available

Save below MSRPIn-stock · ships fastWalk-in install
MTC Rating
MTC Score
7.8/10
★★★★☆
The TT100-K81 is the go-to for classic British bike owners who want authentic looks backed by modern rubber they can actually trust on the road.
Performance
Dry Grip7.2
Wet Grip6.8
Street Manners8.1
Track Capability4.0
Mileage7.5
Value7.9
Best For
The Restorer
You've put serious time and money into a frame-off restoration and you're not about to ruin the final result with the wrong tire. The TT100-K81 nails the period-correct look for show events while still being safe enough to actually ride home afterward.
Perfect Match
The Vintage Enthusiast
Your classic British bike is a rider, not a museum piece — it comes out most weekends and turns heads at every stop. You want a tire that looks the part on a '68 Triumph or a Norton Commando and handles predictably when you're enjoying the twisties at a sensible pace.
Great Match
The Modern Sport Rider
If you're chasing hard lean angles, late braking, and maximum corner speed, this isn't your tire — and that's not a knock on the TT100-K81, it's just the wrong tool for the job. The Dunlop Sportmax Q5 is built for exactly that kind of riding.
Consider Dunlop Sportmax Q5
Full Size Chart & Part Numbers
Pos.SizeLoad/SpeedP/NMFR Part #UPC-AOur Price / MSRP
RearOOSN/A—42065445158501697662104841$187.86$223.95Save $36
Rear425/85-18—42928045158255697662104834$186.19$221.95Save $36
Frequently Asked
Absolutely. Dunlop engineered this tire to replicate the original tread pattern, profile, and sidewall markings used on period British motorcycles. It holds up at concours events and looks just as right at a Sunday morning café stop — because the details are correct, not approximated.
It looks like the original but performs well beyond it. Modern rubber compounds and updated internal construction give the TT100-K81 noticeably better grip, more consistent handling, and longer tread life than any surviving NOS tire from that era — most of which have degraded past the point of safe use regardless of appearance.
These aren't designed for that, and we'll be straight with you: they're matched to the engineering of vintage British bikes — think drum brakes, limited suspension travel, and relaxed chassis geometry. For aggressive sport riding, you need a modern sport or sport-touring tire. These shine when ridden the way the bikes they're fitted to were designed to be ridden.
Most vintage bike owners see somewhere in the 5,000–8,000 mile range depending on riding style and bike weight. The modern compound wears more evenly than period tires ever did, and the conservative tread design supports longevity. For a tire that also has to look correct, that's a solid return.
They manage light rain and damp pavement reasonably well within the context of vintage motorcycle performance — meaning they're not designed for the lean angles or braking forces of a modern machine. The tread pattern moves water adequately, but you should always adjust your pace and following distance when conditions get slippery, especially on older chassis.
They're genuinely practical for regular riding as long as your riding matches what the bike was built for. They warm up quickly, track predictably in street traffic, and hold up well under frequent use. Just keep in mind that freeway lane-splitting or aggressive urban maneuvering are outside their design brief — and probably outside the bike's too.

Dunlop TT100-K81 Retro Vintage Tires in Orange County — MTC

Motorcycle Tire Center in Orange, CA is one of the few shops in Orange County that stocks specialty vintage tires like the Dunlop TT100-K81. If you're restoring a classic British motorcycle — Triumph, BSA, Norton, or otherwise — getting the right tire matters both for authenticity and for safety. The TT100-K81 delivers period-correct looks with modern compound reliability, so your restoration rides as well as it shows. We carry these below MSRP dealer pricing and can answer your fitment questions over the phone at (714) 516-9059.

Our walk-in mount and balance service makes it easy for Orange County riders in Irvine, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, and Fullerton to get properly fitted without an appointment. Mount and balance runs $69 per tire for mount, $9.95 for balance, and $3.50 for disposal — transparent, no surprises. Our techs understand vintage fitment and will make sure your classic bike leaves the shop set up correctly.

Not sure if the TT100-K81 is the right spec for your specific bike and year? Give us a call at (714) 516-9059. We stock a range of classic and retro-style tires and can help you cross-reference sizing, load ratings, and speed ratings to make sure what goes on your bike is both correct and safe. We'd rather spend five minutes on the phone getting it right than have you second-guess your build at a show.

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