tire size

[duaneage]

120/90 and 130/90 differ exactly 11mm in side profile
this is under half inch, not 3/4
however, different brands have different threads so that may add to (or take from) the difference

130mm is just over 5"
the exact metric size for the 4.50" tyre would be 114mm (not that they come in this size though)

Tape measures don't lie. I measured both and came away with 3/4 of an inch.

[psyguy]

typo

Tape measures don't lie. I measured both and came away with 3/4 of an inch.

i was refering to the theoretical measurement - with the tyres OFF the rim and the tyres being of the same make/model
this is also a reference to a sidewall height, not overall height
btw, 2x11mm = 22mm wich is very close to 3/4"

however, in reality measurements may be slightly off

[EJMAMMO]

Confused

OK,
Now I am confused, this thread and a few others has stated that the 1980 GS850GLT comes with the 16 Inch rear tire 130-90-16 to be exact, although currently on my bike there is a dunlop Elite II MT90B17 76H and the service manual says it is a 17 inch, can anyone verify is it 16 or 17, I did just learn I have the rear rim stamped tubeless, and the front not, so I have to figure all that out, learn something new all the time. Thanks, Jay

[psyguy]

I did just learn I have the rear rim stamped tubeless, and the front not, so I have to figure all that out,

my 80 850g is like that too

[BassCliff]

I'm confused too

OK,
Now I am confused, this thread and a few others has stated that the 1980 GS850GLT comes with the 16 Inch rear tire 130-90-16 to be exact, although currently on my bike there is a dunlop Elite II MT90B17 76H and the service manual says it is a 17 inch, can anyone verify is it 16 or 17, I did just learn I have the rear rim stamped tubeless, and the front not, so I have to figure all that out, learn something new all the time. Thanks, Jay

Hi Mr. EJMAMMO,

There could be several explanations for our confusion. 1) You don't have an "L" model. 2) You do have an "L" model that a PO installed a 17" rear wheel, and/or 3) you have the wrong manual for your bike.

Most Clymer manuals cover several years and models, and Suzuki Shop Manuals can have supplements that contain information for several models ("L" and "non-L", etc.) and several years of a bike. I think Owner's Manuals are usually model-specific.

The stock wheels for the "L" model had a 16" rear wheel. And like Mr. psyguy, my 850GT came with a tubeless rear wheel and "tubed" front wheel.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[TheCafeKid]

I ran a 140/90-16 on the rear of my (your) GK once, with no adverse effect. It was a HiMax C.S.

When you get it, it will have a 130/90-16 on the rear, on the stock rim. I'll give you the 17-inch old-style rim with it.

Awesome! Thanks Grandpa, Im excited as can be about the GK. I have never been a full fairing kinda guy, but after the beating on the superslab i took today, and on the trip to WV, I may change my tune on that for long distance travel. I have a feeling the trouble i have found to my dislike with the fairings i have tried is that they were all bar mounted rather than frame mounted types.

[EJMAMMO]

Need more info

Basscliff,
Thanks for the info, my bike is definetly a L model, and I downloaded and printed the manual from your site, and in the model specific section, it has it listed as 17 inch, 850GLT. I guess a PO could have changed it, but the bike was so bone stock when I found it overseas, I just dont know. Is there a place to look on the rim that says 16 or 17, and is it possible to get a 17 inch tire on a 16 inch rim? And finally, if I order tires through Americantires, or others on line, can you get tubes from them, or do they come with tubes? Thanks again.....Jay

[duaneage]

Measure the rim and see what it is, easiest way. I had tubes in wheels on a bike I bought, pure evil getting the tires off. I would not use a tube if possible. The 17 is easier to change, the rims are not compatible with different tire sizes.

[Grandpa]

Hi Mr. EJMAMMO,
The stock wheels for the "L" model had a 16" rear wheel.
BassCliff

My dear friend BassCliff, you are incorrect. The GS850GL models came out with stock 16-inch rear wheels in the following years: 1981 (X), 1982 (Z), and 1983 (D). The 1980 GS850GLT model came out with 17-inch real wheels, stock.

The 16-inch wheels and 17-wheels on the large GS shafties (850, 1000, and 1100), are interchangeable. My GK came out with 16-inch rear wheel, yet I have a 17-incher off an old 850 installed on the rear of my GS1100GK as I write this.

[Grandpa]

I have never been a full fairing kinda guy, but after the beating on the superslab i took today, and on the trip to WV, I may change my tune on that for long distance travel. I have a feeling the trouble i have found to my dislike with the fairings i have tried is that they were all bar mounted rather than frame mounted types.

It's called common sense, CafeKid. The unfaired look is for the young and/or stupid, which I was once, back in the early 70's. :-) I know some diehards will disagree with that -- so be it. So I'm a wimp; welcome to wimphood...

I just rode back from Maine, where I picked up my "new" Yamaha Venture. The 700-mile trip in two days (on two-lane roads mostly, some interstate, and 100 miles of "invisible roads" close to home), would have been unthinkable without the Venture's large fairing. Lots of rain in Vermont and New York State, giving me a chance again to appreciate the protection of a large full-boat fairing.

You'll like the Windjammer on the GK. The lowers are good protection on your legs also, from cold and rain. It also has lots of room in the RH lockable compartment and in the LH compartment too. The frame-mounted Jammer, on a big bike like the GK, does not hinder the GK's good manners and excellent handling, in any way.

You may also transfer the Windjammer to your 1100G if you wish.

You'll find yourself heading out to places you never thought of going on a motorcycle. Your motorcycling experiences will grow by leaps and bounds.

[BassCliff]

I stand corrected

My dear friend BassCliff, you are incorrect. The GS850GL models came out with stock 16-inch rear wheels in the following years: 1981 (X), 1982 (Z), and 1983 (D). The 1980 GS850GLT model came out with 17-inch real wheels, stock.

The 16-inch wheels and 17-wheels on the large GS shafties (850, 1000, and 1100), are interchangeable. My GK came out with 16-inch rear wheel, yet I have a 17-incher off an old 850 installed on the rear of my GS1100GK as I write this.

Thanks Mr. Grandpa. I guess if I read more of my own manual I'd know these things. I apologize for the confusion I've caused.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[BassCliff]

Sorry, I mispoke

Basscliff,
Thanks for the info, my bike is definetly a L model, and I downloaded and printed the manual from your site, and in the model specific section, it has it listed as 17 inch, 850GLT. I guess a PO could have changed it, but the bike was so bone stock when I found it overseas, I just dont know. Is there a place to look on the rim that says 16 or 17, and is it possible to get a 17 inch tire on a 16 inch rim? And finally, if I order tires through Americantires, or others on line, can you get tubes from them, or do they come with tubes? Thanks again.....Jay

Hi Mr. EJMAMMO,

I apologize for causing you more confusion. If I would've read my own manual more completely then I would have realized the difference in the 1980 GS850GLT, like Mr. Grandpa pointed out. You do, indeed, have a stock 17" rear wheel on your bike.

Tubes are sold separately. I know Tires Unlimited also sells tubes but you'd have to check with your vendor.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[lurch12_2000]

It's called common sense, CafeKid. The unfaired look is for the young and/or stupid, which I was once, back in the early 70's. :-) I know some diehards will disagree with that -- so be it. So I'm a wimp; welcome to wimphood...

I just rode back from Maine, where I picked up my "new" Yamaha Venture. The 700-mile trip in two days (on two-lane roads mostly, some interstate, and 100 miles of "invisible roads" close to home), would have been unthinkable without the Venture's large fairing. Lots of rain in Vermont and New York State, giving me a chance again to appreciate the protection of a large full-boat fairing.

You'll like the Windjammer on the GK. The lowers are good protection on your legs also, from cold and rain. It also has lots of room in the RH lockable compartment and in the LH compartment too. The frame-mounted Jammer, on a big bike like the GK, does not hinder the GK's good manners and excellent handling, in any way.

You may also transfer the Windjammer to your 1100G if you wish.

You'll find yourself heading out to places you never thought of going on a motorcycle. Your motorcycling experiences will grow by leaps and bounds.

Grandpa, you still have a way with words! So when I take my fairing or windshield off, I'm old and stupid?...and you're an old wimp:-).
...and picking on BassCliff to boot after all he does for this forum

[psyguy]

i prefer the 16" wheel on an L
the tyre looks fatter, a good thing

[Grandpa]

Grandpa, you still have a way with words! So when I take my fairing or windshield off, I'm old and stupid?...and you're an old wimp:-).
...and picking on BassCliff to boot after all he does for this forum

I do have a way with words, thank you. Not bad for someone who learned English as a second language, eh?

When you take your fairing or windshield off, then go for a long ride, you're young and/or stupid. It's that simple. I stand by what I said. There are exceptions to this generalization, some of whom actively participate in this forum, but these are few and far between.

I am an old wimp, and I'm proud to admit it. I don't like bugs, rain, or cold hitting me for hours and hours on a ride. Fairings make life on a motorcycle much more pleasant.

I was not picking on BassCliff at all. I was pointing out a mistake he made, and therefore I helped clarify things for everyone here. I performed a service to the forum, and to BassCliff, so bug off!

On second thought, you'll "bug on" if you take off your fairing.