Tire Brand Reccomendations

[1_v8_merc]

You also want to look for the "date code" indicating the week/year of manufacture; on the older tires, this will be in 3-digit format (2 for the week of the year, 1 for the year, on the assumption no tires are going to last more than 10 years), which is the way it was done up until 2000. Since 2000, the date code has 4 digits, 2 for the week (1 thru 52) and 2 for the year). If you only have a 3-digit date code, your tire is over 10 years old and way past the end of its useful life as a motorcycle tire especially if you do any leaning in the twisties at all...

Wow, I just stumbled on this Thread, while searching for new tires.

Good information man!

Just found out my tires are from 2002!
(I'm trying not to throw up, from the thought of riding on them last summer!)




They are Duro's,

[Front] - 100/90-19
[Rear] - 120/90-17


Don't know why the stupid PO couldn't have dropped a few more bucks....


I'm definitely looking towards the Avons, or Pirelli's.....

[Tenrilid]

Well, I managed to find a REALLY good deal on the avon roadriders on jakewilson.com. Only cost me just under 160 for the set and I will have an actual front and rear designated tire lol! As for an introduction, I have been a member on the site for quite a while I just hadn't posted in quite a while so my profile had been suspended kinda i suppose lol.

[dueller]

You might wanna check this thread

and these couple posts in particular

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=999769&postcount=27

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1410310&postcount=79

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1428258&postcount=107

[1074cm3]

here are more comments on the avon tires - http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=140853

[karllmt]

Hi - I don't have much experence on the subject. Please give details on why most of you seem to like the Avons. I have always used Metzeler tires on my '80 GS750E, and have been very happy.

[GS Jim]

FWIW, I ran Avon RRs on my Thruxton for the last 2 seasons, loved the tires and had no problems with them. Sizes were 100/18 and 130/18. They sure made the bike handle better than the stock Metzeler Lasertechs. Actually, the difference was so remarkable, it felt like a suspension upgrade.

[Johnny Drummond]

Hi guys, I find the best tyres for me are the Bridgestone BT45's that replaced the BT17's that I've used for years I've had my GS 14 years and tried most brands in that time-Dunlops were the worst, the BT45's give me good grip and they warm quickly( which is good in this country not blessed like most of you with warm sticky tarmac for 3/4 of the year!) Metzler ME33/77's were ok but I found that when they got close to their wear limit I got rear slides in the dry exiting corners or junctions-Avons were never readily available in the sizes I wanted and were too expensive for me.But hey thats just my take on things!.Johnny

[Dakotakid]

I currently am running Continental Conti Go tires on my '83 Kawasaki GPZ 750. I spend a lot of time in mountainous terrain and push pretty hard. These Conti's are neat and I have not slipped yet. No idea how they will hold up to high mileage...too early. I suspect this bike could erase anything I put on the rear!!! They are not "cheap" to purchase.

[DCrippa]

This is the first bike I've had with tubes - unless you count a moped... but regardless - I'm not sure about using tubeless tires on a tube rim with a tube of course... is this ok to do?

Funny thing is I'd like some sticky sport rubber - and wonder if something like this would work on the rear (even though it's a front tire) the dimensions 130/70R/18 seem like they'd fit for the rear? I've seen 130/90/18 being reccomended - So they'd be slightly lower on the side wall than the 90's - Is this not a good idea?
For the rear:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/396/24805/ITEM/Continental-Conti-Motion-Sport-Touring-Radial-Front-Tire.aspx

and then this for the front 100/90/19 or 110/80/19:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/29/393/14853/ITEM/Continental-Conti-Trail-Attack-Dual-Sport-Front-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

ps before anyone has an aneurysm I have searched and will be running tubes... on my spoked wheels - just want to know if a modern Sport touring front tire can go on the back of our bikes?

[Nessism]

This is the first bike I've had with tubes - unless you count a moped... but regardless - I'm not sure about using tubeless tires on a tube rim with a tube of course... is this ok to do?

Funny thing is I'd like some sticky sport rubber - and wonder if something like this would work on the rear (even though it's a front tire) the dimensions 130/70R/18 seem like they'd fit for the rear? I've seen 130/90/18 being reccomended - So they'd be slightly lower on the side wall than the 90's - Is this not a good idea?
For the rear:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/396/24805/ITEM/Continental-Conti-Motion-Sport-Touring-Radial-Front-Tire.aspx

and then this for the front 100/90/19 or 110/80/19:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/29/393/14853/ITEM/Continental-Conti-Trail-Attack-Dual-Sport-Front-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

ps before anyone has an aneurysm I have searched and will be running tubes... on my spoked wheels - just want to know if a modern Sport touring front tire can go on the back of our bikes?

1) Yes, you can use tubeless tires as long as you install a tube inside

2) Radial tires are no good for a GS. The rims are too narrow.

3) Why do you want a dual sport tire?

If you want continental tires I recommend the Conti-Go model. 100 front and 120 rear. A 130 is too wide for your rim.

[DCrippa]

1) Yes, you can use tubeless tires as long as you install a tube inside

2) Radial tires are no good for a GS. The rims are too narrow.

3) Why do you want a dual sport tire?

If you want continental tires I recommend the Conti-Go model. 100 front and 120 rear. A 130 is too wide for your rim.

Thanks for the input - will definitely be using a tube - I looked at these because I figured something I could also ride a bit of gravel / packed dirt stuff you find on some back roads etc...

Aside from the Conti-Go's are there any other sport/dual sport/sport touring tires that would work? I believe I'd have to find a 19 for the front 18 for the rear - which makes finding a set harder.