Gs1100 tire options

[Guest]

So I'm definitely in need of a new rear tire for the upcoming season and am looking to change both at the same time. I've been riding on Dunlop d404s mainly and they are just not very confidence inspiring during spirited riding. I always get the feeling they are about to break loose in the turns while the bike still has more to give. They also like to break loose during acceleration out of a turn. I know this has probably been covered but what are your guys preferences for sportier tires that fit on the stock rims? Searches don't really work on my phone for some reason

[tkent02]

Avon RoadRiders, AM26 front and rear.

[sedelen]

Avon RoadRiders, AM26 front and rear.

That's what I have on my GS1100 and GS1000, Avon Roadriders, AM26's front and rear. No complaints.

http://www.avontyres.com/node/129

[evan132]

Thanks guys, they seem like a popular choice, I'll definitely give them a look.

[evan132]

So I ended up getting the avons and just got them installed today. All I can say is wow, what a difference. The bike feels so much more agile and willing to turn. Anyone skimping on tires or anybody that thinks they don't make that much of a difference should definitely reconsider.

[mrl1000l]

Glad to hear those are working well. I've considered switching to them on the next time I need new tires. I've been riding BT45 for the last 4 years. They are great, but I feel like they wear a bit too quick.

[Kiwi Canuck]

Avon Road Riders

I also went with the Avon Roadriders, got them from SWmoto tires, awesome deal, 35% off and free shipping.
I just installed my front 3.25-19 as I had cleaned up the wheel and was just trying it out to see what it looked like.
I managed to put the first side on with just my hands and needed a bit of help from my heel to complete the other side, nice, no need for tire irons.
I will need some lube to help it seat properly, maybe the rear will put up a bit more of a fight though.
Now just got to get my parts in to complete the head work and get my GS1000S on the road before summer.

[evan132]

I haven't had any experience with the bt45's but the difference was very noticeable coming from Dunlop d404s. Kiwi, I got mine at a local shop that does free tire mounting when you buy from them so no fighting for me I hope the rear goes smoothly and I think you'll be happy when you take the first ride on it.

[Wayne]

I haven't had any experience with the bt45's

I've just removed a BT45 130 from the back and a 100/90 from the front of my 81 GS1100 to replace them with a 120 rear and same front. As far as dry grip goes, they were impressive allowing me to lean with confidence well beyond scraping pegs. Under moderate to hard braking going into corners they gripped well while providing good feedback. I could occasionally feel the front tyre squirming under brakes well before anything untoward happened.

However, at high cornering speeds (90 mph +) over rough roads the wiggles and occasional wallow were disconcerting. A friend with extensive experience with tyres/suspension suggested going down to a 120 rear as that is closer to OEM sizes and these bikes seems sensitive to any changes away from stock. Also my new steering head bearings seemed to have settled a little and need tightening so there's a non-tyre factor.

Not sure yet if I can blame the BT45's for high speed woes but can't knock their grip and feel.

[1980GS1000E]

I just put on D404s and I like them quite a bit better than the Bridgestone Spitfire Squirmies I was running.