GS 1150 tires???

[hcritz]

OK...I don't want to start a Tire or Oil thread here, but I'm ready to order rubber for the bike. It had a Dunlop on the back and a Metzler on the front when I got it...not a real happy combination.
I'm wondering if there is a particular tire that seems to work well on these bikes. I run Spitfires on my CB and they are nice on that bike.
This bike is going to be ridden gently and mostly highway miles. Did my peg scraping a LONG time ago on my Triumph.
Thanks,
ED

[bwringer]

What sizes?

I'm VERY partial to the Avon RoadRiders.

[hcritz]

I didn't write the sizes down...but will go back with at least close to the stock sizes.
Haven't looked at much yet...not sure if they make a radial that fits and if they would be a wise choice on this bike. It's an 85 so has the wider rims.

[Billy Ricks]

You would have to go with a 130 up front to get radials. If you have a 3" wheel up front that's about the bare minimum you could use to run a 130 radial and even that pinches it down more than you should. Continental makes tires to fit your rims that has a matching belted rear in a 140 width.

http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/fid/10/pid/19539

http://www.tireexpress.com/prod.cfm/fid/10/pid/19538

[hcritz]

Hey Billy...
I pulled the old tires off last night. I'll measure the rim widths and see what they are...and check the old tires for size. I have the owners manual too...see what they came with stock.
All I ride is vintage stuff...so not sure if the radial is worth the extra effort for the type of riding I'll be doing. It sure was a HUGE improvement over the bias ply and nylon cord tires for cars!!!
Mainly looking for something that doesn't hunt cracks and grooves... Is decent in the rain and will last a reasonable length of time.
The Metzler on the front was new when I got the bike...it's a Lasertec...was really darty when new...seem to get some better after about 1000 miles. Most of that could have been the mis-match of front and rear.
Someone might want the Lasertec...it's probably 95% ...It will get pitched if no one can use it.

[Billy Ricks]

The rim sizes will be cast into the wheels themselves somewhere.

[hcritz]

I'll be cleaning them up for polishing tonight I hope, so I'll wright down the sizes.
Making good progress on the restore...still lots of small parts to clean/polish/paint though.
Hope to have it to rolling chassis soon.

[Nessism]

The rear wheel is a 3.5 and the front is either a 2.5 or 2.75 depending on the year.

I don’t have an 1150 but based on those wheel sizes a 110 front and 140 rear would be a good fit.

[salty_monk]

I've been looking at this... you could run these radials on the 1150 wheelset:

http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcycle/?page=tyres&method=showspecs&id=18

120 16 F & 140 17 Rear

I run roadriders on my other bikes: http://www.avon-tyres.co.uk/motorcyc...=showtyre&id=6

They have a 110, 120 F that you could run & a 140 or 150 rear that would work (if you have clearance, clearance looks tight for the 150 on my 750 as the 140 Mettzler on there is already close to catching on the brake side...

Dan

[hcritz]

Thanks guys!
The rims are 3.5 rear and 2.75 front.
I'm going to think about trying some radials.
Anyone tried them on an 1150???

[hcritz]

Looks like Bridgestone has the BT-45 in a non-radial that will fit.
Wading through tire types is a PAIN! lol!

[salty_monk]

Roadriders or sport demons are a better tire in my (limited) opinion just from feedback read.

[Colorado85gs550]

I have roadriders on my GS550E right now but the Katana wheels I'm putting on have a Dunlop Qualifier 110/70-17 on the front and a Dunlop Sportmax D208 140/70-17 on the rear.

I don't think the Roadriders are as sticky as the Qualifier/sportmax tires.....just my 2 cents worth!

[Nessism]

I have roadriders on my GS550E right now but the Katana wheels I'm putting on have a Dunlop Qualifier 110/70-17 on the front and a Dunlop Sportmax D208 140/70-17 on the rear.

What kind of Katana wheels are you using? The old style Katana used a 2.5" wheel on back and a 1.85" on front. These sizes are too small to run a 110/140...although some people do it anyway.

Edit: just noticed you say 17" front, so I assume you have a later Katana instead of one of the originals.

[Colorado85gs550]

What kind of Katana wheels are you using? The old style Katana used a 2.5" wheel on back and a 1.85" on front. These sizes are too small to run a 110/140...although some people do it anyway.

Edit: just noticed you say 17" front, so I assume you have a later Katana instead of one of the originals.

they are 88-96 Katana 600 wheels.....

3.00 front
3.50 rear