Calling all GS450 tire experts.

[Vortexjunkie]

OK. I will just come to the point. I am no tire or wheel expert by any means. I am looking to get tires for both my GS450's.

Bike number one:
1980 GS450L.
19" standard front wheel
18" E Model rear wheel

Bike number two
1980 GS450E
18" standard front
18"standard rear.


The look I am going for is like this.

Any help with tire sizing over what is already on the wheels would be extremely helpful!

Instagram: @Vortexjunkie

 

[Guest]

Can't help you on options for the L but I have an E with the 18" front and rear. I run Avon Roadriders 90/90-18 front, 100/90-18 rear and am extremely happy with them.

If you're going for the "look" of the tyres in the photo, then sorry can't help there at all. I need my tyres to actually grip the road in wet and dry so I won't compromise tyre performance for appearance... tyres like those are only good for bikes that basically show pony on sunny days only.

 

[lurch12_2000]

Well if you're looking for those Firestones, check this link...

https://www.cokertire.com/400-19-firestone-deluxe-champion-blackwall-tire.html

But do your research. I think looks aside those are pretty poor performing tires. Maybe you should stick with real motorcycle street tires and be happier with handling and performance of your GS450.
I've owned a few GS450's and they are nice handling runabouts with good tires. Again if looks supersedes performance then ignore my thoughts and go with those Firestones.

 

[Vortexjunkie]

Well if you're looking for those Firestones, check this link...

https://www.cokertire.com/400-19-firestone-deluxe-champion-blackwall-tire.html

But do your research. I think looks aside those are pretty poor performing tires. Maybe you should stick with real motorcycle street tires and be happier with handling and performance of your GS450.
I've owned a few GS450's and they are nice handling runabouts with good tires. Again if looks supersedes performance then ignore my thoughts and go with those Firestones.

Can't help you on options for the L but I have an E with the 18" front and rear. I run Avon Roadriders 90/90-18 front, 100/90-18 rear and am extremely happy with them.

If you're going for the "look" of the tyres in the photo, then sorry can't help there at all. I need my tyres to actually grip the road in wet and dry so I won't compromise tyre performance for appearance... tyres like those are only good for bikes that basically show pony on sunny days only.

OK. I may need to reword my question.

I am looking for tire sizes that would fit like the ones in the pictures. I prefer a performance driven tire that also has the "meaty" appearance to them as well.

 

[hillsy]

OK. I may need to reword my question.

I am looking for tire sizes that would fit like the ones in the pictures. I prefer a performance driven tire that also has the "meaty" appearance to them as well.

The last thing you should be doing is choosing tyres by the way they "look".

Avon Roadriders and Battlax BT45 are just two types that have the correct size / profile tyres for your rims. There are more out there if you look. That is what you want.

Forget about Firestones - they were re-made by Coker for vintage show cars.

 

[sam000lee]

For my '81 L I currently use Kendra K657 Challenger for the Rear and Shinko 712 up front with the stock wheelset. Pictures in the thread in my signature.

 

[Shaun6691]

i have an 82 gs450 that started as an L model. It had a 16" rear and a 19" front. Then I got an E model parts bike with 18s front and rear and now I'm swapping to a 17" rear disk wheel from an 83 GS1100E. I've run shinko 712's on all of em. They are excellent tires at a price that can't be beat. Just look at the reviews. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/6205/i/shinko-712-rear-tire These will give you the meaty look you want. I run my bike fairly hard and have never had issues even in the rain. You can run a 120 on the 18" rear and a 110 width on the fronts.

 

[Gorminrider]

Looking at your picture, I'd be concerned they would rub on the swingarm. and-(unasked-for Curmudgeon opinion They don't look that safe as tires either.

Shaun6691, samlee, hillsy and Pete are giving you good advice.