Creative tire size question...

[hikermikem]

I'm trying to lower my ex-wifes '85 GS550L. It's just too high for her with the stock tires, which are:

Front - 100/90-16
Rear - 130/90-16

Here's the creative part (or the stupid part), what if I replace the 90 aspect ratio tires with 70's? That should drop it a good inch, and that's all I need. The next problem then is actually FINDING tires that size. The best I can do is:

110/70-16 front (Avon AM63 Viper Stryke, it's actualy a scooter tire) - will this fit in place of a 100 width?

130/70-16 rear (Avon AV45 Azaro ST, it's actually a front tire) - can I use a front tire on the rear?

My ex will certainly NOT ride fast or aggressive; she's just wants to putt around.

What do you guys think - will this work?

Thanks,

mike

[Nessism]

You should be able to pull up the fork tubes in the triple clamps - check for proper clearance, to lower the front. For the rear, the tire should work but I'd look for a proper rear - 120/80 rear tires are available which should be about the same height as a 130/70. Kick stand may not work after lowering bike so keep this in mind.

[SqDancerLynn1]

Check the tire Mfg site. Make sure you rims are wide enough for those tires

[Steve]

I did not think there would be that much difference in the 70-series tires until I did the math.

Yup, it would drop 26 mm, theoretically. If you were to put a front tire on the rear, make sure it is mounted with the direction arrow going the wrong way. The channels in the tread are not what determines which direction to mount the tire, it's the construction of the tire, itself. The front tire only sees braking loads, the rear sees primarily accelleration loads, and they are in opposite directions, so turn the tire around.

I agree with Nessism, you should be able to slide the forks in the triple clamps, and you can also get shorter shocks for the rear.

.

[76FJ55]

120/80 rear tires are available which should be about the same height as a 130/70.

I agree with Nessism, that the 120/80 would be a much better choice. with the narrow rims on the GS's the tire profile will be much better than with the 130/70. Also if you go 120/70 you could get front and rear viper strykes which wold be designed to work well together, instead of running a bias front with a radial front forced onto way too narrow of rim and on the rear.