New member needs help with GS850G wheel size?

[GregM.]

Wow! What a great site... Thanks for being here. This is my first day seeing it, and considering what a computer rookie I am, I'm sure it'll take me quite a while to understand all that it offers.

I'm the new owner (two weeks) of a very nice 1980 GS850G with 20,000 miles. So far as I've been able to tell, it's completely stock and original (well,except for batteries and tires) all the way from the mirrors to the "4 into 2" exhaust. Literally no rust and everything works... I love it already!

Questions for all you more wise than me... Can I get a copy of the original owner's manual somewhere? I'm in Seattle, Wa. and I hope your not going to tell me, just to "call my local Suzuki dealer". Haha! I'm going to do that, I just haven't had time yet. But I have looked around the net some, and haven't found anything yet.

Next, one of the reasons that I want the manual is to look up the exact front and rear wheel size. I'm hoping that you all will be able to tell me where to look that up. I want to know that (and the original tire sizes) because I'm going to put some fresh tires on it. I will probably put the stock size on, but I might consider a slight change based on the exact wheel size, if it's a sensible idea.

Pros and cons of changing tire size?? a little bigger or fatter might look better, but how would that affect handling in different situations (I'm primarily going to be commuting (quite often in the rain) and also taking some weekend trips up through the moutains) but I want my speedometer to be as accurate as originally possible, and I wouldn't want to wear any bearings or bushings out any quicker than a 25 year old bike is going to anyway. I'm also not interesting in increasing costs or maintainance due to adjustments made to stock original settings. How about gas mileage? I looked at some tire sites... Do I have a choice of bias ply or radial tires?? What's the situation with that?

I'd really appreciate all comments and any ideas relative to all this...thanks a lot, Greg P.S. I only see a computer a couple times a week, so I won't be able to be very prompt with any follow up. But I certainly will, every couple of days or so.

[SqDancerLynn1]

If it is a "G" model it should use a 130/90/17 rear An "GL" may have a 16" but the same 130/90 sizing rear & a 100/90/19 front BIAS ply no radials the rims are not wide enough. USE THE STOCK SIZES for best handeling. Get some Honda moly lube ( heavy grease) make sure to lube the wheel adapter splines when you change tires-- part of the wheel that fits into the differential

[gspaul]

Yes. totally agree!

[GregM.]

Thanks for the quick replys,

Yes it is a 'G' model. And the tire sizes suggested are what is on it now, Pirelli in the front and Metzler in the back. I'd seen a tire site that recommended a 110/90 in the front instead of the 100. And I just wasn't sure since I don't have the owner's manual.

I'll be doing limited riding for now and won't be getting the new tires for a month... in the meantime I'm trying to collect info.

So thanks again, I know I asked a lot of questions about just tires and wheels, but I'll consider all opinions.
Any info on getting a copy of the right owner's manual would be great.

Later, Greg

[mark]

I've got a Cylmer manual for my '79 850, (78-85 GS 850 I believe) and it has virtually all the information I've needed (and I needed a lot for my old beater). You can get them on the Web, or at bike stores that work on older bikes, for about $20.00.

Other than that you can usually get the help you need on this site. Use the search feature etc.

[duaneage]

Buy tires from the same manufacturer in the same series. Bike tires are usually designed to work as system with the front and rear having set profiles. When you turn, the design of the tires needs to be compatable. Mixing different models and brands of tires can lead to strange handling.

Some may disagree but I have learned the hard way not to mix tires.