Another Tire Question

[Anonymous]

What is the recommended rear tire for my 79' 850 I am finding some conflicting information. I plan on purchasing the dunlaps. Also the same for my brothers 82' 650. Thanks for any help. We finally got them running well and want to replace the tires.

[Anonymous]

For your 1979 GS850G, which has a 17-inch rear wheel, it's a 130/90-17. The Dunlop K491 size is MT90-19.

The front takes a 110/90-19 or a 100/90-19. If you have a frame-mounted fairing, I recommend the 110. Dunlop designation is MM90-19.

I don't know about the smaller GS bikes, so I won't comment on the rear of the 650. The front also takes a 19-incher.

Nick

[KGB]

Or the Dunlop GT501 is another very good handling tire.
It is bias ply, non radial.

I've had them on my 1000S for about 8000 miles and they're just starting to show wear on the rear.
The front is almost new looking.
I run a 130 in the rear a 110/90 19 front.
Also very good in the rain and with 2 up.

Just another option/opinion.

[Anonymous]

I feel very strongly that you must use the GT501 Dunlops. The stiffness/profile/construction goes well with your Suzuki. I've had wobbles with Metzlers and the Metz Lazer follows every road imperfection, crack or repair. The Dunlops do not. On chain-driven early 80s, GS big models (750 and above), the rear can be upped to a 140/80 for slightly slower steering and slightly improved stability--alwasy a good idea with these bikes. I don't know if your shaft will prevent going up one size. Call Dunlop. Do NOT use radials.
Good Luck,
Frank

[Anonymous]

I have 2 gs 850's 1 79 1 80 the 79 has pirelli sport demons the 80 has kenda challenger rear size 130-90-17 fronts 100-90-19 both brands are great on all types of riding both stick nice in the corners and very smooth on the straights

[Anonymous]

I have 2 gs 850's 1 79 1 80 the 79 has pirelli sport demons the 80 has kenda challenger rear size 130-90-17 fronts 100-90-19 both brands are great on all types of riding both stick nice in the corners and very smooth on the straights

All of that in one sentence. Whew! I still don't know what you said, nor do I care to read it again.

I don't know if your shaft will prevent going up one size.

On the 850, stick to the 130 size on the rear. With a 140, it will be a real tight squeeze. I don't recommend it. Don't bother calling Dunlop or anyone else. Get a 130 and you'll be fine.

I feel very strongly that you must use the GT501 Dunlops.

You're going to get as many strong opinions are there are people on this forum, and then some. This is my 19th season on GS shafties, and I can tell you I never bought a tire, front or rear, I didn't like or felt comfortable on. Some last longer than others, and that's usually my basis for buying one brand or another. The only strong opinion I have on tires is buy what suits your fancy and feel free to experiment on your own. There's no such thing as a bad tire available for sale for your Suzuki.

Nick

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the replies guys I really appreciate it. I have been considering the dunlops since they seem to the the highest recommended tire for our bigger bikes and other touring bikes I have noticed this on other forums as well. Thanks again for all your suggestions and help

Later

[chuckycheese]

GT501

I, too, think the GT501's are great and I've got them on my bike, Unfortunately, I don't think they're made in the size you need for your rear tire. But, I'm sure there are lots of other good choices.

[lhanscom]

It all depends what you're looking for. I liked the Pirelli Sport Demons for the feel they gave, and handling. I also burned them off in record time. I have 501s now, and they're alright, a little harder then I prefer, but they also seem to be lasting pretty well. If you don't do many miles, go with the softer tires, if you do a lot of miles go with harder ones, unless you can afford to buy a lot of tires. Also, my comparisons may be off here, because I switched from my GS700 to the GS1150. I've only run the 501s on the 1150, so my perception of it being a harder tire, may just be the extra weight and power of the bike.

Pretty much, just ignore me.

What I can say without hesitation is that the Kenda Challengers are horrid in the rain. It's the only tire I avoid. That said, the same tire worked great when it was dry, I just don't want to stop riding if I see a cloud in the sky.

[Anonymous]

I was the one who "felt strongly" about the GT501s. Here's why: I may not be typical of members using this forum and I am likely to have a much different profile from the average GS850 owner, whatever that means. I spend a lot of time around and yes, above 100mph. My '81 GS1100, as with most of these older models, tends to throw a high-speed, high-intensity tank slapper if I come down crooked from a 2-3 shift wheelie, or if I hit unven pavement, etc. In most cases, the rear tire was somewhat worn. Incindentally, we've raced lots of these old beasts and it's axiomatic that early GS's can wobble; this isn't the case of a single example with worn head-race bearings. I've simply found the GT501s to be the most stable I've tried. It's possible the front fork design, unique to the 80 and 81 GS1100s, contributes to the problem. Irrespective of that< I'm not talking about cornering; few 850G owners will corner beyond the tires' limits. I'm simply referring to stability to help keep my forum-mates safe. Stability is foremost in my mind. I've never tried Pirellis.
Frank

[Anonymous]

You're a nutcase.

Nick

[earlfor]

Yeah, Kenda Challengers and Cheng Shins have all the traction of riding on bare steel rims. :-) Those are two tires, you couldnt give to me. :-)

Earl

What I can say without hesitation is that the Kenda Challengers are horrid in the rain. It's the only tire I avoid. That said, the same tire worked great when it was dry, I just don't want to stop riding if I see a cloud in the sky.

[Hoomgar]

Re: GT501

I, too, think the GT501's are great and I've got them on my bike, Unfortunately, I don't think they're made in the size you need for your rear tire. But, I'm sure there are lots of other good choices.

I'll third the GT501's and yes they make them for any size GS rim.

I also find they work well on both my heavy and light bikes. 1000 and 550.

I have them front and back on both bikes. Prior to using them I used the K591 which was replaced by them. And before that the Elites.

All are of these are good tires. I never have any traction trouble but if you want even more stick than that then try a Metzler.

[opiewontaylor]

Dunlop k-491. You can't do any better.