Mixing tires

[Guest]

I have a problem procuring tires for my 650 GLD. I was able to purchase a Bridgestone spitfire for the back. The dealer said six months ago, that the front one was in backorder for a month. Last week I found out they will not carry the brand anymore. So in the back I have a Spitfire (tubeless), locally in Guatemala the only choices I have for a 90/90-19 are the Citi Demon and the MT60. Both Pirelli and both require iner tube. What are the consecuences of mixing this in my setup? What is the relevance of puting a tire with inner tube in my alloy factory rim?

[Nessism]

No worry with running mixed tires or with using tubes. Seems strange though that the choices are so limited.

[highmileage]

Agreed. If your choices are indeed that limited, you should have no problem mixing these tires.

Until recently, I had an '80 Honda 650-4 with the front wheel from a '79 on it. The '80 wheels were marked 'TUBELESS' but the wheels on my '79 parts bike were not. So I ran a tube in the front tire and had no problems with it.

I suspect that it would only be in extreme, racing-types of situations where you would even notice any difference from mixing these brands of tires.

And since I've never heard of a 'Citi Demon', I would go with the MT-60 if I were you

[duaneage]

I'm surprised the tire requires the tube, usually it is the rim that determines whether a tube is required.
you are probably not concerned with dragging footpegs through the corners so I think you will be ok with that tire and a tube.

[Richsuz]

In Guatemala

Still a third world country. Most of the bikes arround here are 100 to 200 CC. mostly made in Chinese, Brazil and India. the bigger bikes are all newer models, sport and racing types, with their respective smaller rim size. Just last week I purchased a Honda Titan CG150 for my son. It is a brazilean model of a cargo bike, but it was mod by the honda dealer for oval races. This particular bike took first place last year in the 150cc category. This year they will switched the bike for the India made Honda Unicorn 150, Made in India. So I bought the old Titan. It has 5K Km. Ported head and carb. I understand it goes about 170km/hr. Too fast for a 120Kg bike, but fun. Going back to the tires, there are very few bikes on the road that use 19 in. rims around here, hence, the lack of Supply. FYI, I paid USD$1000 for the GS650 and USD$1375 for the 150cc. Granted one is 26 yrs old, the other is 2.

[Dave8338]

For those that 'claim' that they can tell a difference in a tubed vs. a tubeless tire...that, in my opinion, is subjective and percieved. That or there REALLY pushing the edge, further than I.

Myself...I've run combos before and never had a problem, never noticed a difference... my .02

[Mysuzyq]

And since I've never heard of a 'Citi Demon', I would go with the MT-60 if I were you

Tire companies offer different tires in various markets....in countries where motorcycles are used primarily for transport, tires are more mileage oriented, unlike the range offered in N. America which is more performance oriented, and for larger displacement bikes.

Tony.

[Richsuz]

Bottom line is, there are no issues with having A tubed tire on a tubeless wheel. Nothing with the sidewalls needing to be more rigid, or anything like that. Where I am, people just du things, no technical background or experience. i.e.; the MT60 Pirelli, I read on line that is a DP tire, for small and medium displacement bike. There is no info as to how much weight it can hold. Honestly, I dont see them used on bikes larger than 250 cc over here. Is a GS650GL with almost 500 lbs dry weight considered a medium size bike?

[Steve]

Is a GS650GL with almost 500 lbs dry weight considered a medium size bike?

Where you are, a 650 might seem like a giant bike, but here, yes, it's rather medium-sized. There should be no problem running a tube with your rim.

Are your tire choices enhanced at all if you consider a 100/90-19 tire?
Many of us have found that the larger tire slows down the speedometer just enough to make it accurate.

.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. Richsuz,

As I got new Spitfire tires mounted this weekend, the technician asked me, "Why is there a tube in the front?" I said, "Because it needs one. It's an old bike." I do not use a tube on the rear tire as that wheel says "Tubeless Applicable", but the front wheel does not say "tubeless". I know a lot of riders here go tubeless on these old wheels with no problems, but I'm still a little chicken.

Just keep it under 130kph and I'm sure you'll have no trouble with your mixed tires/tubes. Both the Spitfire S11 and the Pirelli MT60 are decent tires. Let us know how the combination works for you.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Richsuz]

Where you are, a 650 might seem like a giant bike, but here, yes, it's rather medium-sized. There should be no problem running a tube with your rim.

Are your tire choices enhanced at all if you consider a 100/90-19 tire?
Many of us have found that the larger tire slows down the speedometer just enough to make it accurate.

I actually have a 100/90 19 on. The options remain the same. Also I just want to go back to OEM size.

.

Yes, you could say that mine is a giant. There are a number of big Bimmers and HDs arround, but we are the esception to the rule. I must say, with car and boke traffic the gs is very hard to manouver in the city.


I actually have a 100/90 19 on. The options remain the same. Also I just want to go back to OEM size which according to manual should be 90/90-19

[Richsuz]

NO problem there. The roads wont allow that speed. I should really be looking into moding this bike to a DP mode. So many potholes and uneven asphalt makes it a real challenge to stay on the bike, dont even think about speeding.

MAYBE the MT60 IS a good choice after all.

I have installed MDI rear shocks on the bike, as that is all I could afford when I bought the bike last year. Originals were still on the bike and were useless, the new ones are too hard for the roads here, now I feel I made a mistake. But o well, live and learn.