How old are my tires?

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. wilson08,

I was wondering if I should stay with stock size tire on my bike or if I could go a little wider. Does it make a difference on these old bikes.

I have heard somewhere that these old bikes handle better with skinny tires. What are your thoughts.

What bike are we talking about?

Without modifications, these old bike need to use as close to stock tire sizes as possible. The tires I use are a little wider than "original stock" because tires aren't really made in those sizes any more. You have to get either a little smaller or a little bigger than original. But you can't go too big because the rim is not wide enough for wider tires and pinching the tread will lead to handling and wear irregularities.

I think the most popular size for a front tire on 650cc or larger GS bikes is a 100/90. I use a 110/90 just to make Mr. bwringer mad. But it also helps with the speedo offset and seems more stable on my freeway commute.

From what I've gathered from others it seems the most popular rear tire size is a 120/90 for 750cc and smaller, 130/90 for 850cc and larger. I imagine there are a few who use a 140/90 on the rear, if the swingarm has clearance.


Smaller bikes (550cc or less) will usually use 90/90 on front and 110/90 on the rear.

But again, let us know what bike you are riding to make it easier to recommend tire sizes.

EDIT: I just went through your old posts and it seems you ride an '85 700E. Put that in your sig to make it more convenient. What size are your wheels? I have a notion that you should use a 100/90 on front and 120/90 on the rear. Let's see if the other 700 riders will chime in.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Billyboy]

You're the man, Cliff!
It's surprising how many riders have never been shown this simple info.

[BassCliff]

You're the man, Cliff!
It's surprising how many riders have never been shown this simple info.

Aww shucks, Billy. Thanks. But I didn't think this stuff up. I just decided to document it and share it here. A lot of folks here, including you, know more about this stuff than I do. I'm just trying to give back some of what I've learned from all of you.

Group hug!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Steve]

Group hug!

[BassCliff]

Thanks Mr. Steve!

I've got a special hug for you!



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Macguyver]

Thank you to BassCliff!

I just wanted to say thanks for posting this info Cliff , upon inspection, my tires had the date code 033.

Rest assured that I already have the new front tire mounted, new rear tire on Monday/Tuesday, and I will not be riding the bike in-between now and then. (mostly because I have no ignitor , but still...)
Thanks again!

[BassCliff]

I just wanted to say thanks for posting this info Cliff , upon inspection, my tires had the date code 033.

Hi,

January of 1993? 1983? Wow! You can't change those tires fast enough!


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Shin-Ken 1074]

Thanks for the info Cliff, fine work as always! From this and other threads on GSR it seems that bike shops and dealers etc charge a pretty stiff fee to change tyres. I know that genuine and aftermarket bike parts are much cheaper in the States than here in Oz so how is it that these people charge so much to change a tyre? Anyone here know the answer?

We get stiffed here on parts but tyres look to be reasonable compared to some of prices mentioned here. The Sport Demons for my 1100 Katana (must check those dates in the morning) supplied and fitted (ride in ride out) at a Suzi Dealer was AUD$149 for the 100/90/19 front, AUD$150 for the 130/80/18 rear. This price also includes the mandatory tyre disposal fee the customer pays to the shop to off-set the cost of tyre disposal. Front and rear Sport Demons supplied and fitted for under US$290 seems pretty fair from what has been stated here. Didn't mean to highjack your thread Cliff, just wanted to provide some tyre details from Oz, cheers.

[sscott]

I just wanted to also say thanks to Mr. BassCliff for all of his documentation. It's great to have a point of refernce.

I also wanted to add that the 1st pic that Mr. Steve posted is just wrong!
(My humble opinion only)

And for my one cent worth, please take the wheels off yourself. Regardless of who changes the tires. That will give you an opportunity to check that very important spline (if its a shafty) yourself. Remember to take it out and inspect it for wear on the teeth. I just doubt that a shop you are paying to take off the wheels and change the tires will do that.

Just a thought.

[Steve]

I also wanted to add that the 1st pic that Mr. Steve posted is just wrong!
(My humble opinion only)

Thanks.

Just trying to keep my postings up to the incredibly high standards of the forum.

.