tire size?

[Guest]

I have read a few different threads on tire size. It seems that you don't want a tire that is to big. I am going to replace my tires or just the front one not sure yet. I have a 82 gs650L, front tire 100/90-19 and rear tire 130/90-17. Should I put the same size tire back on? The back one is 2 sizes bigger than stock, I think? What can I expect with different sized tire? Would it be best to change both tires to the same tire brand, Instead of replacing just one? Both have good tread the front is weathered bad. I am thinking of chen shin hi max. They seem to cheap and I have not heard bad things yet. The best price has been bikebandit so far.Thanks for any help. I am trying to get it ready to ride. The next thing will be shocks in the back, then maybe in the front?

[fast pom]

The problem with putting larger tyres on STD rims is that you distorte the shape of the tyre this can have an adverse affect on handling

[Steve]

Nothing wrong with your tire sizes and brand choice. I believe the stock front tire might actually be a 90/90-19, but most speedometers run a little fast. The larger tire slows it down just a bit and makes it more accurate. The L models came with wider rear tires than the non-Ls, a 130 is just right.

The Cheng Shin Hi-Max is also a very decent tire. Some of the better corner carvers on the forum will tell you that there are better tires for that, but I am not in that group. Neither is my wife, and it's her bike that's wearing them. We have had absolutely no problems with grip, wet or dry, even in a day-long frog-strangler on the last day of vacation. That was with about 12,000 miles on the tires, too. We changed them at 14,000. Last time I went to the tire shop to get some tires, I was told that Cheng Shin is discontinuing their street tires, so whatever is in stock is all there will be. Buy extras now, store them properly, enjoy them longer.

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[Nessism]

If you have an L model, the rear wheel should be a 16", not 17". I suggest you double check before you order tires.

[Steve]

If you have an L model, the rear wheel should be a 16", not 17". I suggest you double check before you order tires.

Thanks, Ness, I kinda missed that little detail.

Unless he's like Grandpa was with his GK, he had both sizes so he always had a spare mounted up.

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[scrapper]

Thanks, I was not to sure about them, I am going out to the garage in just a little bit to double check. Hard to read with bi-focals and can't read with out them. I really don't need to scrape anything when I go around a corner either, so they should work out okay for me. I ordered the o-rings for the carbs, it seems to run a little rough now, so I am hoping to have it running nice before spring. I have to because I bought it to save money and my wife won't let me forget it anytime soon. I 'm guessing I'd better be ready come spring time.

[scrapper]

I just went out and looked at them you are right 16" on the back. I don't know that much about motorcycles so guess what kind of tires are on it? CS hi max? The front one is cracked and I have read here this is bad ? The back one is okay looking both have good tread. I think I will change just the front they will still match. Unless anyone has a good reason to change both?

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. scrapper,

How old are the tires? There should be a 4 digit date code on the tire which represents the week and year the tire was manufactured. Most folks around here don't like tires much more than two years old. (Note: If you find a 3 digit date code, that tire was manufactured in 1999 or earlier!) Unless it's properly stored, the tire starts to harden and dry rot.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Steve]

Do you know how to find the date code and read it?

Find the DOT number on one of the sidewalls. Look for the last three or four digits, they will be embossed in their own little panel that looks just a little different than the others. If it's a 3-digit number (hope not), the first two digits will be the week of manufacture and the third digit is the last digit of the year. Example: 295 would be the 29th week of 1995 or 1985 or 1975 or . If it's a 4-digit number, the first two digits are still the week of manufacture, and the last two are the last two of the year. Example: 2905 would be the 29th week of 2005.

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[scrapper]

I bought both tires from bike bandit. It was 97. shipped. I will get them on in a couple of weeks. I have been reading on bikecliff's website I think I can install them. The hardest part will be the back tire, rim.
Cleaning the carbs wasn't that bad they weren't that dirty but the o-rings were shot. I think the intake boots may have been leaking, I am going to try to make a sync meter. I am just going to look for some cheap gauges first, then will try the tubing.

[Steve]

am going to try to make a sync meter. I am just going to look for some cheap gauges first, then will try the tubing.

Good luck with that little project. Some here have reported at least limited success, but you will probably be better off in the long run to spend the $90 and get a proper gauge set. Generally considered the best, the Morgan Carbtune is about $90-95, depending on the exchange rate with the British Pound. The SyncPro from MotionPro (available from Z1) is about $90. As long as the extra $5 won't break your piggy bank, go for the Morgan.

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