GS425 19 front but 18 rear?

[linuxrick]

Looking for replacement tires for the stock tires on my 1979 GS425L I stopped at my local dealer and they quoted me a price of $123 for front, and $139 rear.

I was looking at what size are on there now, want to stick with same as stock tires if possible, the front seemed to have 3.60s19 on the sidewall, the rear had 4.10s18 on the sidewall. Also the front tire said "rear tire" on it and direction arrow went in wrong direction of travel. The same with the rear, it said "Front tire" and mounted with arrow pointing opposite of wheel travel.

Recommendations? I did a search but was not able to find anything related to the different sized tires, if that is what the 18 and 19 mean. I am new to all this so forgive if it's a newb question.

[Nessism]

18 and 19 are the diameter in inches.

I suggest Shinko 230's: 100/90-19 front and 110/90-18 rear. Get new tubes while you are at it and at least two tire irons (plus rim protectors if you are so inclined). Shinko 230's are nice tires. There are tons of "how to change a motorcycle tire" videos on youtube and similar. You can also balance them easily by yourself as well. motorcyclesuperstore.com has good prices.

Welcome to ownership of a 30 year old motorcycle. Climb on board the learning curve.

[Steve]

Some of the OEM tires could be fitted on either end of the bike. Because of the way they were made and the different stresses imposed by the different wheels, the direction of rotation would depend on which end it was mounted.

As far as sizes, I agree with Nessism. Keep in mind, though, that those are both already one size over the "perfiect" equivalent size, so you don't want to go any bigger.

.

[linuxrick]

Thanks all! It looks pretty easy to swap out and balance yourself. Now to find the size I need!

[Suzuki mad]

From memory the rear used to be 3.75 not 4.10 on the GS425 and they were 19 inch front and 18 inch rear. Nice bikes. Was my first 'big' bike when I bought one new.

[Big Rich]

Check this page out: http://www.dropbears.com/u/utilities/tyrerim.htm

You need to find the rim width that is stamped somewhere on the wheel.

[linuxrick]

Took your advice, got the 230 for front, but I wasnt able to find the size I needed for rear so got the 717 for rear along with new tubes.

I took the bike for it's first official ride last night, my first in over 25 years! Wow, talk about exhilarating!! I didn't want to push it with those 32 yr old tires/tubes but I couldn't wait to take her out!

18 and 19 are the diameter in inches.

I suggest Shinko 230's: 100/90-19 front and 110/90-18 rear. Get new tubes while you are at it and at least two tire irons (plus rim protectors if you are so inclined). Shinko 230's are nice tires. There are tons of "how to change a motorcycle tire" videos on youtube and similar. You can also balance them easily by yourself as well. motorcyclesuperstore.com has good prices.

Welcome to ownership of a 30 year old motorcycle. Climb on board the learning curve.