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Tire sizes and pressures?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Surly
  • Start date Start date
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Surly

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I don't have an owner's manual for my 78 GS1000E so I went to alpha-sports.com for tire sizes. It lists a 3.5V19 up front and a 4.5V17 out back. I'm not finding many results thoughin these sizes. What are you all running for sizes? The previous owner was sort of a "creative" type so I don't want to just go off the size that is on the bike.

What about air pressure recommendations? I've read some differing opinions here as well, but it sounds as thought sticking to the tire mfg. is the way to go?
 
Surly said:
I don't have an owner's manual for my 78 GS1000E so I went to alpha-sports.com for tire sizes. It lists a 3.5V19 up front and a 4.5V17 out back. I'm not finding many results thoughin these sizes. What are you all running for sizes? The previous owner was sort of a "creative" type so I don't want to just go off the size that is on the bike.

What about air pressure recommendations? I've read some differing opinions here as well, but it sounds as thought sticking to the tire mfg. is the way to go?
Click to expand...

100/90/19 or a 110/90/19 for the front.
130/90/17 for the rear.

Tire pressure is a very personal question...:-D
 
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Hmmmmm

Hmmmmm

Okay, so what does the 100x90x19 (26.08" diameter) vs the 110x90x19 (26.80" diameter) do to the handling characteristics? Would the smaller diameter tire shift weight forward enough to dramatically alter handling?
 
Surly said:
Okay, so what does the 100x90x19 (26.08" diameter) vs the 110x90x19 (26.80" diameter) do to the handling characteristics? Would the smaller diameter tire shift weight forward enough to dramatically alter handling?
Click to expand...

It's not a huge difference, but you can tell which tire is on the front.
Really, it's more how the tire feels in the corners, than the ride hight issue.

You will get many opinions on which is better, you may have to try each to decide. I prefer to use the 100/90/19 myself.
 
It would follow

It would follow

The 100 lowers the front end by nearly an inch over the 110. Thereby putting more weight on the front end. Better cornering would follow.

What do you run for rubber 8track?
 
Surly said:
The 100 lowers the front end by nearly an inch over the 110. Thereby putting more weight on the front end. Better cornering would follow.

What do you run for rubber 8track?
Click to expand...

Dunlop D404's are on My 550 now.
My 1000 has Cheng Shin Hi-Maxx's (installed by the PO) and will get Dunlops very soon.

I like the narrower tire because the turn-in is a bit quicker.
Also remember, you have to divide the overall wheel size at the axle. 1" more overall diameter means 1/2" between the axle and the ground. Not much of a change in ride hight.
 
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your best bet is the new Metzeler Lasertec in a 3.50x 19"front. Pair it with any premium brand 130/90- 17 rear.
The 100/90 is shorter than stock and you don't need less ground clearance; the 110/90-19 is way too wide, it's meant for a 2.5" rim. I tried that size long ago and found that the result is a very narrow profile due to being pinched inward to fit the narrow rim. Less traction there. too.
 
How about a 130x80x19 out back

How about a 130x80x19 out back

What are the thoughts about this scenario...

I am only 5' 7", so a small ground clearance loss may not be bad at a stop. If I ran the 100x90x19 up front, would a 130x80x19 out back yield a similar drop? Or is the 130x80x19 too narrow for the rim? I've read on here about people running that size on back.

Right now I am leaning (no pun) to Pirelli Sport Demons or Conti Blitzes.
 
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