tire suggestions

[traderguy111]

I am changing the stock tires on my 82 gs1100e (its only got 2kmiles) Does anybody have a good replacement tire suggestion? Brand? Size? tube or tubless? Thanks for the info.....Dan

[DarkDevil]

Check the wall of your current tire for size.

Tubless is best imho.

I've never had a problem with Bridgestone Battlax, just make sure you get the right speed rating.

[mcycle-nut]

I've got a Metzeler ME33 Laser on the front of my '82 GS1100EZ. I've used these on my GSs for years. I've got a Avon on the rear that came with the bike, but when that is done I'll be replacing it with a Metzeler ME55. 8)

How the heck do you manage to have a 23 year-old bike with only 2000 miles on it?

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Re: tire suggestions

I am changing the stock tires on my 82 gs1100e (its only got 2kmiles) Does anybody have a good replacement tire suggestion? Brand? Size? tube or tubless? Thanks for the info.....Dan

You should add what kind of riding you will mostly be doing, and if you like to corner hard, have to ride in the rain, etc.
Some people just want high mileage. Some want sticky tires. Some want a combination/compromise of both. Some just want what's cheapest.

[chuckycheese]

Tires

I've used a bunch of different ones and have had great luck with the Dunlop GT501's......I know quite a few other guys have, as well.

[Anonymous]

Thing i found about these early GS biles, stay with the stock size on the bike, the rims were designed for tubeless tires, and stay with the V rating. Make sure the tires are a matched set, thats your best performance and mileage. IF your not a hot rodder stay away from the sticky tires, dont last long. Sport touring tires are good choice though.

[traderguy111]

Thanks everyone for the info. I will probable go with a touring tire, Im not really into speed or highspeed cornering..The bikes been sitting for a number of years and I just went through it to get everything cleaned up. It hasnt even had tabs on it since 91, I now have a 82 that is in perfect stock condition..Thks Dan

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Just one more note regarding tube, tubeless selection. All tires say "tubeless" today I believe, but some of us must run tubes too. So just in case you do have tubes...
My '79 1000 with mag wheels came from the factory with tubes in the tires marked "tubeless". Seems odd, but I was told by the dealer that my wheels are porous and will not hold air correctly. The dealer told me this after the first time I changed the tires and called them about this.
I was reminded of this recently when I had the rear tire replaced. A couple customers came over to check out my polishing/powdercoating on my wheel and were slightly amazed about the use of a tube in a tubeless tire. I said I've always ran tubes and the shop owner (they do nothing but tires) agreed, saying these wheels are too porous.
I don't know about your '82 1100, but I know the wheels LOOK similar. So be aware there could be tubes in your tires.

[Rock]

I have a 78 gs1000 and when I bought my new tires the shop told me I needed tubes for the same reason (porous) Keith stated above. He also told me if the rims are not marked tubeless they cannot mount them without a tube by law. By the way I put Metzelers on and am very happy with them.

[jimcor]

Re: tire suggestions

Some just want what's cheapest.

HEY! I represent that remark!!! :x

[traderguy111]

thanks-come to think of it the tires that are on it do have tubes in them.

[mcycle-nut]

thanks-come to think of it the tires that are on it do have tubes in them.

Well, somebody must have put them in. With the STOCK wheels, you're going to have tubless tires for that particular model and year.

Mr.Bill - Why stick with the V rating? If you're not travelling at triple digit speeds all the time, are they really necessary?

[KEITH KRAUSE]

This subject of should you or shouldn't you run tubes in your tubeless tires was talked about a while back. Some say they ran tubeless with no air loss, others say the cast wheels leaked if they tried to go tubeless.
There was some talk about the shape of the rims inner surfaces as well.
I suppose you can always experiment, but I'll stick with running tubes in my tubeless tires. That's how my bike came from the factory.
I agree about the V rating statement. It only matters if you plan to sustain 112+ (?) mph I believe. No other reason for the rating. H rating should be fine for normal driving and the occasional trophy dash. Lot cheaper too.

[Anonymous]

Going to jump in on the tire thread as I have some similar questions. I am looking to replace the tires on a 82 GS850 23k miles I think the tires may be origonal. They currently have Dunlop Qualifiers (zero tread) on them MT 90/16 on the back with K181 on the white wall and 100/90/19 on the front. 1) Is the back tire a 181 width? 2) I have never mounted motercycle tires is this something I can do in my home shop or am I better off finding a shop to mount them. 3) any recommendation on where to get new tires. Also the rims say they will take tubless tires.

[Anonymous]

The thing about motorcycle tires is you get what you pay for. With bike tires you have such a small contact patch between you and the road, so dont get cheap on tires for safety sakes.