1981 GS750E: Another tire question

[woodsietx]

I need a back tire. I have Dunlop K70s on the bike in stock sizes.

The back is almost gone, the front has a lot of wear left. Would it hurt to mix tire brands to wear out the front? I am fund poor right now or I would replace both.

I've looked and looked through multiple threads and put together enough info to see that the Avon AM26s seem like my best choice for this bike. I've also been considering Bridgestone Spitfires and BT45s, Pirelli Demons, Shinko 230, Cheng Shin HiMax and a few others. I don't ride at the edge of the bike's performance (seems like I hardly ride it at all actually) so I don't need those GSX-R tires ... yet.

Can I run a AM26 on the back with the K70 in the front?

Or would it be OK to put a Dunlop D404 on the back until I want to replace both tires sometime next year? There's a local place that'll install one for under $100. Even if I bring in the bike, not just the wheel.

Would a Conti Go work?

I wasn't able to replace my chain last weekend (there's another thread about that) so I hope to do this all at once this weekend. I'd rather avoid taking off the wheel twice. The parts guy thinks he can get whatever tire I need by Friday.

Thanks for any advice shared.

Woodsie

[Larry D]

No problem mixing tire brands, folks do it all the time. Take a look at the Shinko 712's, I really like mine on the 750L.

[Nessism]

Yes, you can change just the rear tire, no worry about compatibility. Regarding tire choices, all those tires you site are fine, although they vary in intended usage and cost.

[woodsietx]

No problem mixing tire brands, folks do it all the time. Take a look at the Shinko 712's, I really like mine on the 750L.

Does the L use a smaller rear?

I have now looked up 712s. I like the price. The place I called didn't quote Shinkos so I'm called them back. He quoted me a D404 at $72 and an Avon at $93. However, he quoted me 17" tires. When I left a message to ask about the Shinkos, I asked him to rerun the numbers for the proper size. I found online that there can be a huge difference in 17 and 18" tire prices.

Yes, you can change just the rear tire, no worry about compatibility. Regarding tire choices, all those tires you site are fine, although they vary in intended usage and cost.

But those variances shouldn't cause me any trouble right? I just plan to ride in a reasonable manner through the Texas winter and spring before we get to the hot dry summer when I hope to replace the tires with a matched set. I may hold to the idea of Avons. Or not.

Thanks again.

Woodsie

[Larry D]

My bike uses 130/90/16 for the rear tire.

[woodsietx]

Thanks Larry. Thanks Ed.

I just ordered a Shinko 712 120/90-18 for $56. They want $18 to mount it. I think that'll work until I wear out the front.

I just know a bald, squared-off K70 isn't going to work much longer.

Woodsie

[SqDancerLynn1]

Big question is HOW old is the front tire ? Dunlop K70's are antiques. I think you should replace both!

[bwringer]

Big question is HOW old is the front tire ? Dunlop K70's are antiques. I think you should replace both!

Yes, this. Please. Replace both tires. That K70 has got to be at least a decade old -- it's downright dangerous.

Plus, your bike will feel really nice with fresh modern rubber.

The Shinkos will work fine and are inexpensive.

[woodsietx]

But it looks like new?!?! (famous last words)

Thanks again guys. I didn't realize those K70s were that old. I'll see about getting a front tomorrow.

Woodsie

[Larry D]

There's a numerical code on the sidewall somewhere. On the GK I just bought the code was 233, IIRC, this means the 23rd week of either '83 or '93.......if it was '03 the code would be 2303.

[woodsietx]

There's a numerical code on the sidewall somewhere. On the GK I just bought the code was 233, IIRC, this means the 23rd week of either '83 or '93.......if it was '03 the code would be 2303.

I'll be checking it ASAP.

I have one question for the experts though. If these K70s are that old, why are places still selling them new? Does that mean they are selling 10 year old tires? I think that's important to know when you predominately buy online. I admit I'm ignorant about whether some of the dealers can't be trusted other than what's said on here.

Woodsie

[detorn]

No problem mixing tire brands, folks do it all the time. Take a look at the Shinko 712's, I really like mine on the 750L.

I bought the 110/90-18 and didn't realize that the only had a 61 load rating, is this the same for the ones you bought?

[bwringer]

I'll be checking it ASAP.

I have one question for the experts though. If these K70s are that old, why are places still selling them new? Does that mean they are selling 10 year old tires? I think that's important to know when you predominately buy online. I admit I'm ignorant about whether some of the dealers can't be trusted other than what's said on here.

Woodsie

Many vintage car and motorcycle tires are still available new from the original manufacturer or as reproductions -- they're used to give a show restoration that final touch of authenticity. They're meant for display, not regular use. http://www.cokertire.com

However, it's remarkably silly to actually ride places on 30 year old tire technology when there are so many excellent, thoroughly modern tires so easily available for less money.

The cheapest Shinkos available today are light-years beyond anything that was available in the '70s and '80s.

If you're assembling a 100 point restoration to keep in your living room, then never mind. But if you're planning to ride your bike, put on some modern tires ASAP.

Check the date codes on your tires -- anything more than 3 years old must be replaced. I bet that Dunlop on your bike is more than 20 years old.

[detorn]

I bought the 110/90-18 and didn't realize that the only had a 61 load rating, is this the same for the ones you bought?

I got my question answered here.

[woodsietx]

Many vintage car and motorcycle tires are still available new from the original manufacturer or as reproductions -- they're used to give a show restoration that final touch of authenticity. They're meant for display, not regular use. http://www.cokertire.com

This model of tire is available all over and seems to be marketed as a vintage style replacement. I found it at Dennis Kirk and Bike Bandit for sure.

Check the date codes on your tires -- anything more than 3 years old must be replaced. I bet that Dunlop on your bike is more than 20 years old.

I did and they were about 4 years old. You'd have lost the bet. I replaced the rear with the Shinko and even with the old style tire up front, I can tell the difference in the bike.

I doubt I get more than a couple thousand more miles out of the front before I replace it. Not that it looks bad or is worn, just that I want to get modern rubber front and back. I've had the bike since July and have yet to put 1000 miles on it. More like 500. It's iffy that I do so before the dryer weather in the spring. A ride of 40 miles and back has been a major accomplishment so far.

And yes, I know it's my life riding on that rubber and I'm confident that I'm ok. I wouldn't risk missing you in May.

Like always, y'all are the best.

Woodsie.