Tires for 1982 GS1100GL

[Steve]

I wonder why the mileage is so low, compared to my Wing.

I had THREE sets of E-3s on my Wing, each of them went well over 20,000 miles.

Yep, two of them went over 23,000, the third set was changed out at just under 21,000, but only because I was headed out on a trip that would probably add about 3,000 miles. Since about 90% of tire problems happen in the last 10% of the tread life, I put new tires on.

Yes, the Wing gets ridden a LOT. I have had it for seven years, and have gone through those three sets of E-3s and one set of Michelin Pilot GTs and am into the second set of Michelins, putting on about 90,000 miles in the process.

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[JEEPRUSTY]

Why a V rated tire when an H will suffice?
I only Use the more expensive V rated tires when nothing is available readily in H.

[bwringer]

I believe the Dunlop E3 available in GS sizes is a very different construction that that intended for the Gold Wing. Still, an excellent, long-lasting tire.


Anyhoo, one minor point to make is that for the Dunlops and I think the Avon RoadRiders, you may only find the 16" rear in a "letter" size, MT90-16. The corresponding front would be MM90-19.

Most models of tires use the numeric designations, 100/90-19 and 130/90-16. You can mix and match these pretty freely -- a 100/90-19 front with an MT90-16 rear would be fine.

Also, the 100/90-19 front for the Avon RoadRider is a front/rear design (it can also be used on the rear on really old bikes that use this size on the back), so it can be a little hard to find the right category on some web sites. You might need to look under rear tires.

It's been pretty well proven that these bikes handle best with stock tire sizes. And with a bit of attention to suspension and braking (and skills to match), they handle shockingly well.

[JustRide]

Going with the "V" rated as that is the stock setup.