Tires and tubes

[Guest]

I am finally ordering new tires/tubes and want to make sure I have this right before ordering.

'83 GS1100ES

Currently the back tire is a 140/80x17 which I know is wrong so I am going with Sport Demon 130/90x17. On front Sport Demon 100/90x19.

I am also getting new tubes but am not sure if it is worth it to go with the more expensive Metzelers or if the less expensive IRC tubes are just as good. I read somewhere that the Metzelers are natural rubber so they are better. For an extra $10 for each is not the end of the world but I can find something else to spend $20 on if it isnt necessary.

[bwringer]

Those are the correct sizes. You'll love the handling with the 130/90 rear. I have no idea why so many people stuffed a 140/80 on these bikes -- it really craps up the handling, the last thing a long, heavy bike needs.

As far as tubes, IRC is actually one of the better brands (made in Taiwan, I think, not China). You'll be fine with either brand.

[Steve]

Does that bike really require tubes?

I thought that all GSes had tubeless-rated rims by '83.

Wow, I just looked at the parts fiche, sure enough, tubes are listed.

.