Correct Tires for 1983 GS1100ES

[bryan]

Hello,

I read quite a few previous threads on which tire brands to go with, so I won't open that can of worms again - Pirelli Sport Demons and Cheng Shins seem to be the winners depending on what you're looking for and who you ask. ;-)

But I was hoping someone could guide me towards stock tire sizes for my 1983 GS1100ES. The site I found that let you look up sizes by model year didn't include my specific model. I would go off of what's on the bike, but I'm not 100% certain they are the stock size tires.

Thanks in advance, once again, for any input. Hopefully I'll have less questions once I get a Clymer manual.

[BassCliff]

The round kind are best

Hi Mr. bryan,

I think what is considered "stock" sizes these days are front=110 or 100/90/19 and rear=130/90/17. Here are some threads with pertinent discussions:

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=73450

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=83588

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=82400

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=70811

As you can see, there is a little "wiggle room" as far as tire sizes go. Use the slight differences to suit your riding style and habits.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Nessism]

I’m pretty sure the stock tires were labeled in inch sizes; 3.50 front and 4.50 rear. Most tires these days are labeled in metric sizing. If you look hard enough there are still some tires labeled in inch sizes but honestly, there is no benefit in strictly adhering to the stock sizes since tire technology has improved significantly since the 1980’s. In terms of what to get, the front is easy, use a 100. A 4.50 rear works out to a 120, but most people run a 130 without issue. 120/90-17’s are kind of hard to find, so that is one more reason to go to 130. I had a 120/90-17 Bridgestone BT-45 on my 550T which took a 17” rear. Nice tire but not the most durable.

[bryan]

Thanks, guys. I'll be putting in an order tonight for tires and bearings, just for good measure. Both the front and rear have quite a bit of tread left, but they're very old. I didn't see DOT codes on the tires in my dark garage, but the measurements are in inches and the previous owner said they were pre-2000.

I really don't want to spend the money, but life is nice.