Firestone Motorcycle ANS | 500-16

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is popular on vintage Harley-Davidson, Indian, Triumph, and custom motorcycles that use a 16-inch rear wheel. Its tall bias ply profile and period-correct tread also make it a favorite for bobbers, rigid-frame customs, and retro-inspired builds where authentic 1940s styling is important.

Because the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 measures 26.40 inches tall and 5.60 inches wide, it delivers a substantial sidewall and classic stance. Even if a motorcycle originally used a similar nominal size, owners should verify chain clearance, brake hardware spacing, and fender room. This tire is especially attractive when both historical appearance and traditional motorcycle proportions are priorities.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is one of the most widely used vintage-style motorcycle tires for bobber and chopper projects. Its authentic Firestone ANS tread pattern and tall blackwall profile create the unmistakable look associated with traditional customs. The tire works particularly well with rigid frames, springer front ends, and minimalist rear fenders.

Custom builders should account for the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 dimensions before final welding or paint. The 5.60-inch section width may require additional spacing around chain runs or brake calipers, while the 26.40-inch diameter can affect ride height and fender positioning. Mocking up the wheel and tire during fabrication helps prevent expensive clearance issues later.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is well suited to both historically accurate restorations and visually focused custom motorcycles. Firestone originally promoted the ANS, or All Non-Skid, design in the 1940s, and the reproduced tread pattern and sidewall markings preserve the period-correct appearance valued by collectors.

At the same time, the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 has become a defining choice in the custom motorcycle world. Its tall bias ply shape, substantial sidewall, and classic blackwall styling create an unmistakable vintage aesthetic. This combination of authenticity and visual impact makes it one of the most versatile tires in Coker Tire's motorcycle lineup.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is labeled as a 5.00-inch tire, but its mounted section width is listed at 5.60 inches. This is common with vintage bias ply construction, where actual inflated dimensions often exceed the nominal size designation depending on casing shape and sidewall design.

The published 26.40-inch overall diameter also confirms that the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 has a tall profile with substantial sidewall height. Buyers should use the actual dimensions rather than relying only on the size code, especially when fitting close rear fenders, hardtail frames, or chain-driven motorcycles where even a half-inch difference can affect compatibility.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 generally falls near the dimensions of several modern metric motorcycle tire sizes, but there is no exact one-to-one conversion. Vintage inch-based bias ply tires often have taller sidewalls and a more rounded profile than contemporary metric tires, so direct substitutions may alter appearance and clearance.

The best way to compare the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 to a modern tire is by using its actual dimensions of 5.60 inches in section width and 26.40 inches in diameter. Matching these numbers provides a more accurate fitment reference than relying solely on nominal size labels, particularly when preserving traditional stance and period-correct proportions.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is measured on a 3.00-inch rim, which is the recommended wheel width for achieving the intended tread profile and sidewall shape. Mounting the tire on a narrower or wider rim will change both section width and overall height.

A narrower rim tends to round the tread and increase overall height slightly, while a wider rim can flatten the profile and broaden the contact patch. These changes may influence steering response, fender clearance, and visual stance. For the most predictable fit and authentic appearance, the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 performs best on the specified 3-inch rim width.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is built as a vintage-style bias ply tire with an authentic All Non-Skid tread pattern, making it well suited for relaxed street riding, weekend cruising, and show-oriented use. The tall 26.40-inch profile and substantial sidewall provide a traditional motorcycle feel with predictable handling when mounted on the recommended 3.00-inch rim.

Compared with modern radial motorcycle tires, the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 delivers slower steering response and a more classic road feel. Riders may notice greater sensitivity to pavement grooves and road crown, which is typical of bias ply construction. For motorcycles prioritizing historical appearance and dependable cruising performance, the tire offers an excellent balance of authenticity and usability.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is highly regarded for show motorcycles because it combines historically accurate Firestone branding with a distinctive 1940s tread design. The tall blackwall sidewall and rounded bias ply profile create a strong vintage presence that looks correct on restored and custom machines alike.

Beyond appearance, the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 remains fully functional for street use. Owners do not need to choose between authenticity and practicality, making it an ideal option for motorcycles that are both displayed and ridden. This dual-purpose character is one reason the tire remains so popular among collectors and custom builders.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is ideal for riders who prioritize period-correct styling, authentic tread design, and dependable street usability. It appeals to restorers, collectors, and custom builders who want a tire that captures the unmistakable look of classic Firestone motorcycle rubber.

With tube-type bias ply construction, a 5.60-inch section width, and a 26.40-inch diameter, the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 offers both visual impact and practical performance. It is especially well suited to vintage Harley-Davidsons, custom bobbers, and retro-inspired motorcycles where appearance and historical character are central to the build.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is designed as a fully functional street tire, not just a cosmetic reproduction. Its bias ply casing and 12/32-inch tread depth provide substantial rubber and structural strength for routine cruising, weekend rides, and show-to-road use.

Durability depends heavily on correct inflation, wheel alignment, and maintaining proper tube and rim strip condition. Underinflation increases flex and heat buildup, while misalignment can accelerate uneven wear. When installed and maintained correctly, the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 offers dependable service for enthusiasts who regularly ride their vintage or custom motorcycles.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 features a listed tread depth of 12/32 inch, which is generous for a vintage-style motorcycle tire. This depth provides a healthy amount of rubber above the casing and contributes to both service life and the prominent definition of the classic ANS tread pattern.

Deeper tread can also offer additional water evacuation and a longer wear window before replacement becomes necessary. Actual longevity will vary depending on motorcycle weight, riding style, road surface, and inflation practices. The 12/32-inch specification indicates that the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is built for real use rather than display alone.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is engineered primarily to deliver authentic vintage appearance and traditional riding characteristics. Its bias ply construction, period-correct tread pattern, and original-style sidewall markings faithfully reproduce one of Firestone's most iconic motorcycle tires.

Although it is fully capable of normal street use, the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is not intended to mimic the ultimate grip or high-speed refinement of contemporary sport-touring tires. Buyers who value historical correctness, distinctive styling, and dependable cruising behavior will find it exceptionally well matched to their goals.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is specifically listed as a tube-type tire, which means it must be installed with an inner tube rather than run tubeless. Coker Tire also recommends a 500/510-16 tube with a TR4 center metal stem and a 16-inch rim strip to protect the tube from spoke nipples and sharp edges inside the wheel.

Using the correct tube and rim strip is essential for air retention and long-term reliability. Reusing old components increases the risk of leaks, abrasion, and premature tube failure. Installing new supporting components at the same time as the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 is the best practice for safe and dependable service.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 should be inspected before each ride and more thoroughly at regular service intervals. Riders should check inflation pressure, tread wear, cracking, punctures, and any signs of tube-related air loss.

Special attention should be given to sidewall condition and clearance around the chain, brake components, and fenders. Because bias ply tires can be sensitive to underinflation, early detection of pressure loss is especially important. Consistent inspection helps maximize both safety and service life.

The Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight, ozone-producing equipment, and petroleum-based chemicals. Long-term exposure to heat and ultraviolet light can accelerate rubber aging.

If the motorcycle will sit for extended periods, maintaining proper inflation and reducing weight on the tires can help minimize flat spotting. Cleaning the Firestone Motorcycle ANS 500-16 before storage also helps preserve the blackwall appearance and makes future inspections easier when the motorcycle returns to service.