19" front radial tire for gs1100's..etc...found one!

[1981gs1100e]

I have done a couple of search's here on the forum and read more then once that there was not a 19" radial tire that would fit the front rim and fender opening on a gs1100....Many recommended changing out the front rim, which lead to fork/triple tree replacement to install a front radial tire with a different rim size. I know you gain more then just the radial tire availabilty with this kind of mod....but for the people simply looking for a replacement tire--here ya' go

A bunch of searching/measuring I have come up with this Avon AV45 tire in size 110/80r19 Azaro will fit---actual inflated width is within 1/16 inch of my current 100/90 19 Dunlop 491--so it'll work fine....roll-out diameter is the same--so speedo accuracy wont be effected.

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

Here is a couple of places that have them in stock as I type this..not the easiest tire to find in the fall--but here is some leads...

http://www.jcmotors.com/pc-383-1279-avon-av45-azaro-st-sport-touring-front-tire.aspx

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=543260&store=Main&catId=404&prod uctId=p541684&leafCatId=40402

Hope this helps a few folks out who are/where to a dead end as far as front radial tires go...

Hopefully I can get my project back together before winter...GS1100e 6" swing arm...FJ1100 5.5 rear rim 170/60r17 rear tire....can't wait!

JC

[renobruce]

I thought bias-ply rims were different. Can a radial be put on a rim designed for bias-ply tires?

[1981gs1100e]

For darn sure it's done daily in the auto world...as well as "most" older goldwing owners have switched from the original bias to radials---I think I had somewhere close to 15,000 on my wing' with radial tires--originals tires where bias....

if there is something different, I would be interested in hearing about it for sure....But I can't see why a "rim" would know any difference between a radial and a bias tire construction...I'm up to a education though...I would think the only critical dimension would be the rim size---19" on this one.

The reason for "hunting" for a 19" front tire was so I could match my rear radial tire....I know when you mix radials and bias on the same vehicle (bike or car) they drive GOOFY!....quite a uneasy feeling for sure!

I did change out my rear 160/60/17 bias tire for a 170/60/17 radial tire with ease with tire spoons..seemed to hold the rim just fine--drove ok also.....

JC

[1981gs1100e]

More searching has brought up more info on the bias/radial motorcycle questions....

Can you believe that there are a few "cruisers" coming from the factory with radial rear tires and bias fronts!!!!!!

Both Harley and Yamaha are using these combo's on a few models...

My guess is because there are hardly any 18" or larger radial front-runner tires to get the look for the cruiser style of bikes...almost all of the tires above 18" are bias ply tires!....And the availability of bias tires for the rear start to get thin under the 17".....just my observation...cruisers seem to be going for that small rear tire/large front tire look.


Here is a nice Dunlop Q/A link--it does not say anything to the effect that the rim is different between bias and radial tires---just that the bike geometry has changed for the larger lean angles available with radial tire useage.

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_faq.asp?id=2

JC

[Nessism]

Your links show a 110 width, not 100.

Most "radial" motorcycle tires require a wide rim to pull the sideways tight. Sounds like this Avon is sort of a hybrid construction which can be mounted on a narrow wheel - 2.15" is the miniminum spec according to the spec sheet. Interesting but I'm not sure how important it is.