Heidenau Vintage Scrambler Motorcycle Tire | Honda CB350 / CL350 / CB360 / CL360 / CB450 / CL450 / CB500T / CB500K / CB550 / CB750
Vintage Honda tires are getting harder to find. Industry sizing standards have changed, and most modern tires don’t fit classic 18” and 19” rims without clearance issues. The Heidenau Vintage Scrambler solves that problem — a German-made tire built specifically for vintage motorcycles.
Why You Need This
If your bike still has its original tires from the 1970s, they need to go. Even tires with good-looking tread are unsafe after 40–50 years — the rubber dries out, hardens, and loses grip. No old tire should be ridden on the road, period.
The Heidenau Vintage Scrambler combines the classic blocky rectangular tread pattern that came on the CL350, CL360 and CL450 with modern rubber chemistry. The ultra-sticky compound delivers real grip — not just a vintage look. These are tube-type tires, “S” speed rated to 112 mph (180 km/h), and available in OEM & “bigger footprint” sizes for front and rear positions. These are styled after the CL “Scrambler” tread, but they look just as good on a CB.
Heidenau has been manufacturing tires in Germany since the 1940s, specializing in motorcycle and scooter tires sold worldwide. They’re one of the few manufacturers still producing tires in vintage sizes with period-correct tread patterns.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|
| Manufacturer | Heidenau (Germany) |
| Style | Vintage Scrambler — block tread pattern |
| Construction | Tube type (TT) |
| Speed Rating | “S” — up to 112 mph / 180 km/h |
| Available Sizes | 18" x 3.00", 18" x 3.50", 18" x 4.00", 19" x 3.25" |
| Sold As | Individual tire (select size above) |
| Fits Models | CB350 (1968–1973), CL350 (1968–1973), SL350 (1969–1971), CB360 (1974–1976), CL360 (1974-1975), CJ360 (1976), CB450 K0–K7 (1965–1974), CL450 (1968–1974), CB500T (1975–1976), CB500K (1971–1973), CB550 (1974–1978), CB750 (1968-1978) |
Note: Tires ship via flat-rate domestic shipping at $25 per tire. Tires do not ship outside of the USA. Tires ship separately and do not qualify for promotions or free shipping offers.
About Heidenau
Heidenau has been building tires in Germany since the 1940s, specializing in motorcycle and scooter tires distributed worldwide. Their vintage line is designed specifically for classic bikes — period-correct tread patterns paired with modern rubber compounds that actually grip. The Scrambler pattern mirrors what came originally on Honda CL models, combining old-school looks with compounds that outperform anything from 1972.
Installation
Difficulty: Intermediate
- Remove the wheel from the motorcycle. For the rear, remove the chain guard, cotter pin, and axle nut.
- Break the bead on the old tire using a bead breaker tool, then lever the tire off the rim with tire irons.
- Inspect the rim for damage — check for runout and bent spokes before mounting new rubber.
- Mount the new tire with the balance dots (double red dots) aligned with the tube’s valve stem. Pay attention to the rotational direction arrow on the sidewall.
- Use baby powder inside the tire and on the tube to ease installation and prevent pinching. Glass cleaner (like Windex) works as a lubricant between the tire and rim bead during installation.
- Inflate the tire to approximately 25 psi before mounting the wheel on the bike — this lets you check for pinched tubes before everything is buttoned up.
- Reinstall the wheel and torque the axle nut to spec.
These tires can be mounted on either wheel, thus the rear tire can also be used in the front position as long as it’s mounted in the correct rotational direction. Check the arrow on the sidewall.
Our Heidenau Vintage Scrambler tire overview covers sizing, tread pattern details, front/rear mounting, and what makes these tires different from other options on the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Heidenau Scrambler tire fits my bike?
Use the compatibility chart on this page to find the right size for your model and year. OEM front tire for a CL350 is 19" x 3.00"; however, the 19" x 3.25" is the closest available substitute. Rear is 18" x 3.50". CL360 models use the smaller 18" x 3.00" front; rear is 18" x 3.50". CB350/CB360 models use 18" x 3.00" front and 18" x 3.50" rear. You can go wider (i.e., a 18" x 4.00" rear and 18" x 3.50" front) on most models — check the chart for confirmed fitment by position.
Can I use the 18" x 4.00" in the rear without modifications?
On most CB350 / CL350, CB360 / CL360, CB450 / CL450, CB550 & CB750 models, yes — the 18" x 4.00" fits the rear without modifications. It’s a wider tire than stock but clears the swingarm and chain on these bikes. Check the fitment chart for your specific model.
Do I need new inner tubes and rim strips too?
Yes. If your tubes and rim strips are as old as your tires, replace them at the same time. Old tubes crack and old rim strips expose spoke nipples that can puncture the tube. We carry inner tubes in 17", 18", 19", and 21" sizes, and our balance bead kit simplifies home tire balancing — the beads automatically balance the tire and last the life of the tread.
Can I mix Scrambler tires with Street tires?
Yes. You can run a Scrambler on the rear and a Vintage Street on the front (or vice versa). Just make sure each tire is mounted in the correct rotational direction for its position.
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Last updated: April 2026
