Front tire

[dougrs]

I'm looking to replace my old Dunlop front tire on my '82 gs850gl....any thoughts?

[emjay]

I put Metzlers on mine, but I think plenty of people use Dunlops still.

[boris]

ive got metz`s on my gs450e

[Steve]

You could always install a new Dunlop. I will be installing a set of E3s later this summer based on experience with my Wing. Good grip, GREAT mileage.


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[paintmann111]

I have been using the 404's and love them.

[bwringer]

Why on earth are you only replacing the front?

On the 850GL, you can get the Dunlop Elite III and the GT501 front and rear, both excellent tires. (MM90-19 front and MT90-16 rear, or 100/90-19 front and 130/90-16 rear)

If you're really just replacing the front, then just take a look at the rear and get one to match. The Dunlop 404 is an OK tire, but won't last long. There's also the Dunlop 491, which lasts a long time -- a good touring tire.

If the rear is a Dunlop 627, it's elderly dangerous junk -- replace both tires ASAP.

[Grandpa]

I tried the Cheng Shin Hi-Max, (110/90-19), on the front of my GS1100GK last summer, at bwringer's suggestion. It was a good tire, and cheap and durable. Good enough in the rain and on the twisties. Excellent value for the money.

[Suzuki mad]

Go for what you like and can afford. Best policy is to fit new rear and front if you can afford it.

I've got Bridgestone BT45's on the GS(X)1100 and Pirelli Sport Deamons on the GS1000, both work fine here.

Suzuki mad

1981 GS1000ET
1983 GS(X)1100ESD
2002 GSF1200K1

[DanTheMan]

I just put a set of Perelli Scorpions on mine, replaced the Dunlop on the rear (worn out at 8k, and the Cheng Shin on the front, 16k), I love the new Perellis, got them from Motorcycle-Superstore.com, $97.99 for the front, $94.99 for the rear, free shipping, $10.00 oversize charge I had to pay though. Talk about good handling tires, these are great!!!!!!!!!:-D

[koolaid_kid]

I would agree with the other responses, I prefer to replace both as a set if I am changing the front. It will last through several rears, but I prefer to keep them a matched set. Too many possible issues with handling otherwise.
I run Metzlers on 2 of my bikes, and Dunlops on the other. I like them all, but lean toward the Metzlers (no pun intended).

[dougrs]

thanks for all the responses...I was only going to replace the front because it looks like crap, the rear looks good. I just bought the bike and there is plenty to spend money on...

[Grandpa]

I would agree with the other responses, I prefer to replace both as a set if I am changing the front. It will last through several rears, but I prefer to keep them a matched set. Too many possible issues with handling otherwise.

Totally disagree. I've been mixing and matching for 37 years of riding, and 21 on GS bikes. No adverse effect whatever. Perhaps to a performance-minded individual who consistently rides at the racer's edge this is important. To most of us, in ordinary riding situations, mixing and matching front and rear matters not one bit. Never an adverse handling situation due to tire choice.

I'm sure purists will have an argument with me on this, which is fine. I just can't see throwing away a front or rear tire halfway through its thread life. We've had this friendly argument in recent weeks.

So a front will last you several years? I installed my front Continental in late March. The Cheng Shin Hi Max it replaced went on in August 06. I wish front tires would last me "several years".

[koolaid_kid]

It's O.K. to disagree, Grandpa. However, put your bifocals on. \\/ I said Rears, not Years.
Dougrs, if you want to keep your rear, the purists will suggest that you match the front to the current rear tire. If you would tell us what is on the rear, we could make a suggestion. However, if you only ride on the center part of the tire, it won't be as important.
I've only been riding since 1965, btw, Grandpa. Peace.

[Grandpa]

It's O.K. to disagree, Grandpa. However, put your bifocals on. \\/ I said Rears, not Years.
Dougrs, if you want to keep your rear, the purists will suggest that you match the front to the current rear tire. If you would tell us what is on the rear, we could make a suggestion. However, if you only ride on the center part of the tire, it won't be as important.
I've only been riding since 1965, btw, Grandpa. Peace.

You're right, koolaid, I misread your "rear". Sorry about that. Peace to you too.

[koolaid_kid]

If you read objectively through the post, no offense was intended, nor should any be taken. Again, Peace.