radial tires-original rims?

[ericzx7]

Can anyone tell me why radial tires cannot be used on original 1985 GS700 aluminum rims? Just wondering.

[SqDancerLynn1]

The GS rims are not wide enough to properly mount radials

[ericzx7]

OH! Guess that pretty well sums it up huh? Thanks for the info.

[ironb12s]

Hmmm... I have Metzeler ME33 Lasers on the front, ME88 Marathons on the rear, of a 1979 GS750E, aluminum mag wheels. Can't your b-ply tire measurations be translated to a radial tire? Or does it have to do with the bead flange?

[kingofvenus]

Radial tires have shorter sidewalls, so the wheels have to be wider to compensate. The size ratings are the same as bias.

[ericzx7]

Radial tires have shorter sidewalls, so the wheels have to be wider to compensate. The size ratings are the same as bias.

I wasn't aware of that, but it makes sense. Thanks.

[bwringer]

Bikes aren't like cars, where you can sometimes cram on a different size tire and sometimes get a benefit.

You might be able to manage to stuff some sort of radial on a GS rim, but the rim would be far too narrow for the tire, the profile would be all wrong and the bike would end up handling like crap. For the best handling, spoon on a set of Pirelli Sport Demons or Avon RoadRiders in the correct sizes. Many here also swear by Metzelers and other tire brands. Take your pick...


My VX800 happens to take tire sizes that are readily available in radials or bias ply. I haven't tried mine with bias ply tires yet, but radials are significantly lighter, which has to be good.

[rockford]

Yeah!

Bikes aren't like cars, where you can sometimes cram on a different size tire and sometimes get a benefit.

You might be able to manage to stuff some sort of radial on a GS rim, but the rim would be far too narrow for the tire, the profile would be all wrong and the bike would end up handling like crap. For the best handling, spoon on a set of Pirelli Sport Demons or Avon RoadRiders in the correct sizes. Many here also swear by Metzelers and other tire brands. Take your pick...


My VX800 happens to take tire sizes that are readily available in radials or bias ply. I haven't tried mine with bias ply tires yet, but radials are significantly lighter, which has to be good.

I think this information is all exactly right. It seems like all the tire websites that offer information, say that radial tires should never be mounted on a bike that wasn't designed for radial tires.

[ericzx7]

Is there a difference in the rim bead area between bias ply rims and radial rims? Just wondering.

[Nessism]

Is there a difference in the rim bead area between bias ply rims and radial rims? Just wondering.

No difference that I'm aware of.