tires on gs850

[trinitysj]

not sure if this goes here.. but what is the best or widest tire you can put on a 80 gs850?

[DanTheMan]

Use the search function, you'll finds loads and loads of tire threads to make your own decisions,

[Nessism]

Use the search function, you'll finds loads and loads of tire threads to make your own decisions,

Search function indeed. This is a common question.

[Steve]

Besides the search function, we need to know more about your bike.

The G model has different sizes than the L model.

.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

There is also a section called "Tires/Suspension/Brakes".

Please use the search function.

Most common sizes in use for the GS850G is 100/90-19 front, 130/90-17 rear. Do not go any wider on the rear. There is probably not room on the swingarm and it will adversely affect your handling due to pinching the wider tire on the narrower rim.

The "L" model uses a 16" rear tire.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Datsa Noydb]

I can understand "best", but why do you need "widest"?

Wider tires on narrow rims will not work well. You will be much better off to use the proper size tire.
If you are going for the "look" of a wider tire, a shaft-driven bike is not the best place to start.

Also, one rider's definition of "best" will be different than another rider's because of different priorities.
A touring rider values more miles and fewer tire changes a bit higher than ultimate cornering traction.
A corner-chaser will put up with more-frequent tire changes to have the better traction.

So, which tire is really "best"?

.

[trinitysj]

I wrote widest.. but meant best.. sorry for the confusion... thanks for the suggestion to use the search function.. i did that and found lots of great information.

Thanks everyone...

[Steve]

I wrote widest.. but meant best...

Actually, you said them both.

not sure if this goes here.. but what is the best or widest tire you can put on a 80 gs850?

.

[DanTheMan]

Hi,

There is also a section called "Tires/Suspension/Brakes".

Please use the search function.

Most common sizes in use for the GS850G is 100/90-19 front, 130/90-17 rear. Do not go any wider on the rear. There is probably not room on the swingarm and it will adversely affect your handling due to pinching the wider tire on the narrower rim.

The "L" model uses a 16" rear tire.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Correction: Later model year "L" models use a 16" rear tire. I know for a fact, the 1980 "L" model has a 17" rear tire.

[trinitysj]

i found the section on the tires... it was really helpful.. thanks sorry for the misleading question...

[BassCliff]

Correction: Later model year "L" models use a 16" rear tire. I know for a fact, the 1980 "L" model has a 17" rear tire.

Yes, I should have qualified that statement, something like - "a lot of 'L' models use 16" rims". Thanks for the clarification.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[DanTheMan]

Hey all,
New to the forum. Just purchase a 1980 GS850L with factory 19" in front and 17" in rear. Sorry for the redundant questions. (((To clarify, 130/90-17 will OR will not work on this bike.?))) I'm concerned about it rubbing the shaft drive tube. I gotta buy ASAP so I can start riding this beast. :-) The ones on it are really cracked.. :-(

Thanx ya'll.!!

A 130/90/17 will fit in the space but will probably be too wide to fit your rim properly. Welcome to the forum, the search function as said earlier does work. Introduce yourself in the GSowner's thread, start your own I need help thread to get assistance with your bike, it works better.

[bonanzadave]

BOYCOTT AVON !!!