Jason I will check the tires in the light of day and get back to you. Glad to send what I have & don't expect to see them again...no problem, though getting them off the rims in one piece may be an adventure. The Simplex I have was literally in the barn for over 30 years & the tires are very dry & brittle.
Speed rating testing is pretty standardized mount a tire (at recommended pressure) to appropriate rim & load the rim and tire to duplicate the load weight And spin the whole assembly against a rotating tube. Starting at slow speeds (kilometers then converted to mph) for 10 minutes then speed is increased by 6 + mph & repeated at 10 minute intervals and 6 + mph until tire integrity is validated. In metric then converted for this market to MPH (that's why the mph ratings in the U.S. end up odd). In Germany & on the autobahn really important as it is to racers any where. I like the feeling of security it brings drive 70 but rated for 130 makes me feel warm and fuzzy kinda.
Reason I'm posting this is not to cause an argument, which takes two & I'm not playing. Just want to clarify my thoughts on the tire safety issue (authentic reproduction is not at issue in this, it's a specific topic unto itself) safety under load and at reasonable cruising speed on the highway.
I checked the Coker site and the tire specs they list & I brought this away from the information they supply (minimal) The Coker tire is an authentic replica molding (complete down to center rib markings on the tread pattern) They do not publish a speed or load rating for the tire on their site. Load rating stated as... NO, which I take to mean unknown. The Coker tire isn't directional which being vintage pattern is understandable.
No DOT rating for either load weight or speed, but authentic, clincher, heavy duty bias ply tire & well thought of by those who own them. Pricing on ebay seemed to vary greatly but $130. ish shipped was available from dealers. I know I've read opinion as to speed ratings of up to 90 mph but not from the Coker site. Overall I'd say it's the only authentic tire out there so it's a bargain.
Directional tires like are used on modern motorcycles have definite benefits better wet traction, cornering and fuel mileage being among them. Tire life though is shorter given the exact same material compounds. I don't see any way that an authentic repro tire can be truly directional and authentic. My opinion.
The Vee brand in the 2.5" width is a bit over $50. shipped (my last order) It is rated by the distributor as directional, with 750 lb. load rating and kevlar belted. It is not however a vintage tread design. It seems both tires are viable options depending on whats important for the individual build at this time, but I'd really like to see Coker step up with at least a tire load rating for the Simplex. I do think that 50 mph cruising on the Coker or Vee brand would be safe. The Manufacturers speed rating is invalidated if the tire is punctured and repaired. So if you have a flat don't ever drive over 55 from then on in your Ferrari, lol.
