Not your usual tire thread, tire gurus welcome!

[lurch12_2000]

130/80-17 is wider and also shorter. Has anyone tried this size on GS850 rim? ....

Most of us run the 130/90-17 tire on the stock 850G rear rim, even though the 120/90-17 is closest to the original stock tire size. This would give you a little more road surface with all that weight you're carrying, and still be the same tire height. This would also give you some choice for brands and best price available, between these 2 sizes.
It might be minor, but using the 130/80-17 will lose about 1/4" height which may be a factor with so much weight on your trip at regular tire pressures and cornering without dragging stuff, like the center stand. I know you probably aren't leaning aggressively with being weighted down and with all those varied road surfaces, but still could scrape on normal cornering.

[DanTheMan]

Here is the only replacement I could find, and it's at MCSuperstore. I run the same tires you do. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

This one is 70/30 and 112.99 presently.





I tried the 130 year before last, and with all the slab riding it got real noisy as it squared off. I thought my splines were going out.

[shirazdrum]

well, here's the update. I tried calling Kenda a million times but no avail. I called Denis kirk and talked to their tech support and they assured me that the front and rear are the same. I also called Motorcycle Tire.com and got the same answer so it must be somewhat true.

I'm ordering a set of Kendas to use in the states and see how they do, if they do ok, i'll order more and in the mean time try to get some of the name tire companies to sponsor the expedition. Tires are the most expensive part of the bike, who knew!

Chris

[almarconi]

If you wouldn't other wise do it, make sure to replace the tubes along with the new tires.

[shirazdrum]

I got new tubes too, and i'l take the old ones as spares. Kenda called me and they confirmed the sizes as well. for anyone interested it's official, the k761 pattern is universal and it fits both front and rear.

[DanTheMan]

I'd like to know how they handle the gravelly and sandy roads. I really like my Pirellis (just put the new rear on in October). Mine will last out the year, and I'll be up for tires again for next year. I usually get about 10k out of the rear and 20k out of the front with the Scorpions. I hope the Kendas are as good.

[shirazdrum]

I really like the scorpions too and i wish they had a matching set. The Kendas are cheap (front, rear and the front tube came out to $104) and seem like they would work. I'll keep you guys posted on how they do and i'll put them through some nasty tests. For the love of science, someone gotta do it.

[salty_monk]

ADV Rider forum would be the ones to recommend on this sort of tyre I would think... Although I find it kind of hard to navigate & to get any sense out of anyone over there!!

[GS ace]

Kendas

When I bought my '77 750B a few years ago, it had Kenda Challengers on it. It still does. At first, I considered replacing them with the D404s (a 120/90-17 for $85) that I habitually mount on my GSs. The tread was still good on the Kendas as well as the overall condition of the carcass. I ran those tires and was pretty impressed. FWIW, I purchase all of my tires and tubes from tireexpress.com. Free shipping for orders over $100. However, Motorcycle Superstore is running a sale on D404s right now.