Aspect ratio and handling

[posplayr]

I don't always get a chance to check in here every day. I must have missed your question in the other thread, Steve. I'm just starting to think about the options on various aspects of this swap, and though I'm generally thinking about 120 on the front, and maybe 130 or 140 on the rear, I haven't researched specific tires brands or models (and checked what IS available in those widths), so this is more of a musing on what might be factors to consider. The idea is to have a stable, good-handling sport-tourer. The idea of mixing radial and bias-ply tires is one I wouldn't even consider. And I'm probably going to find that I'll be limited in which aspect-ratios will be available in the tires I consider, but I haven't really narrowed down any choices; probably look for dual-compound tires, probably Dunlop or Michelin, maybe Conti. For right now, I'm running the original front end with Dunlop GT 501s, but I am trying to sort out some minor squirreliness at about 75-80 MPH, so this discussion is to give me some factors to consider when I get closer to doing the swap next fall. Sorry if my vagueness annoys you guys. I appreciate your expertise, insight, and responses

The main thing to consider is what wheels you are going to use. Figure that out and the rest will follow.

[Steve]

I must have missed your question in the other thread, Steve.

Well, you answered the first part of my response, so I assumed you might have read the second line, too.

Sorry if my vagueness annoys you guys. I appreciate your expertise, insight, and responses

Oh, it's not the vagueness that annoys, just that we ask for clarification on some points and get everything but.

You want to know how your clearance will be affected? I could sit here and pound out a BUNCH of numbers, about 95% of which would mean absolutely nothing. However, if you were to provide some rim sizes and to tire widths, it would be easy to say "with a xx profile, you will have half an inch less clearance than a yy profile". Makes it so much easier for both of us and so much more relevant.

.

[jknappsax]

Sorry to give you the wrong idea

I wasn't asking what my clearance would be, just IN GENERAL what the aspect ratio might do in terms of handling. I think that the idea that a 65 series is probably about the tallest that I will find is a good benchmark, and when I search for opinions on what tires will best serve the sport-touring aim of this bike (handling vs.tire life), I think that it will sort itself out. I start gathering info early, so I can progress the plan in the best fashion I can. I guess I should have made that clearer. I've got the longest GSXR forks (1994 GSXR 1100), triples are 1991 GSXR 1100 (which some have advised me is a better rake than the 1994 triples. I'm looking for someone local to powdercoat the wheels and other parts that need it, am researching what fusebox I want to use, etc. I'm planning on a coast-to-coast trip, so I want to get this GS 1000 sorted out as well as possible to make it handle well, comfortable, and reliable.

[Steve]

I wasn't asking what my clearance would be, just IN GENERAL what the aspect ratio might do in terms of handling.

OK. Aspect ratio itself will probably not have much to do with handling, unless you try something really extreme. Fortunately, those tires are probably not available.

Since you are not looking for numbers, I will stop checking back every so often.

.

[jknappsax]

GSXR 1100 wheels

The front wheel is a 17X3.50, and the back is 17X5.50. Does a front 140 and rear 180 seem reasonable, or would I do better with a front 130 and rear 160?

[Agemax]

i run GSXR1100 wheels on my GS and run 120 on front and 180 on rear, although i am about to change to a 170 rear for slightly better clearance and better handling

[posplayr]

The front wheel is a 17X3.50, and the back is 17X5.50. Does a front 140 and rear 180 seem reasonable, or would I do better with a front 130 and rear 160?

Finally we get your wheel sizes; I feel like the is a 29 question thread.

[posplayr]

The front wheel is a 17X3.50, and the back is 17X5.50. Does a front 140 and rear 180 seem reasonable, or would I do better with a front 130 and rear 160?

Finally we get your wheel sizes; I feel like the is a 29 question thread.

Age max has the same size wheels.

[Agemax]

sorry, my apologies, i have a 3" x 17 front rim. its from a GS500, not a GSXR although it looks identical.

[Datsa Noydb]

Finally we get your wheel sizes; I feel like the is a 29 question thread.

If we ever get the tire sizes with aspect ratios, I will let Steve know, so he can run the numbers.

[posplayr]

If we ever get the tire sizes with aspect ratios, I will let Steve know, so he can run the numbers.

i have a spreadsheet as well