16" front tire

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  • tbirdhd
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    16" front tire

    HI, On a 1150 - 16" front rim, what tire size and brand should i use ?
    was thinking on putting it on a 79 1000E any thoughts ??
  • Griffin
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Sep 2003
    • 14205
    • Danville, IN

    #2
    Put a 100/90-16 on it. Do a search, the brand of tire people like around here is widely discussed on a monthly basis.

    I wouldn't put it on my 1000E, I don't see any advantage in doing so, and you'll probably have to do some mods to the forks to get it (and the brake calipers) to fit correctly.
    GS450E GS650E GS700ES GS1000E GS1000G GS1100G GS1100E
    KZ550A KZ700A GPZ750
    CB400T CB900F
    XJ750R

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    • Guest

      #3
      stock sizes are 110/90-16 and 120/80-16,
      thoughts about putting it on a 1979 1000 ? sounds like a stupid idea as the 16 inch tire has pretty limited availability,
      if you are going to all the trouble to change the front wheel size why not consider 17 inch?
      Last edited by Guest; 07-13-2014, 12:17 PM.

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      • tatu
        Forum Sage
        Past Site Supporter
        • Jun 2010
        • 3175
        • UK

        #4
        Originally posted by tbirdhd
        HI, On a 1150 - 16" front rim, what tire size and brand should i use ?
        was thinking on putting it on a 79 1000E any thoughts ??
        The only tyre I found was an avon road rider and it worked just fine on my 1000S, I had to take I think 5mm off each side to move the bearing and discs inwards because the yoke/triple tree is narrower on the 1000 you will have to measure carefully to confirm as it was a long time ago, also I put longer fork tubes in to compensate as it will affect your castor if not, I think they came from a Katana or a GSX I can't remember which. The tyre runs very close to the fender where it bolts to the legs, which you will also have to change.
        I don't think it was a stupid conversion at all, the bike had a much better 'planted' and a tighter feel and used to 'tip in' on the bends just lovely. I really preferred the 16" wheel but had to go to a 17" because I couldn't find a spoked "16 rim when I changed.





        sigpic

        Don't say can't, as anything is possible with time and effort, but, if you don't have time things get tougher and require more effort.

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        • tbirdhd

          #5
          well derwood , i was given a 16" ,,dont have a 17 , front rim .

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          • GS1150Pilot
            Forum LongTimer
            Past Site Supporter
            • Nov 2013
            • 18834
            • MoN, AZ

            #6
            Dog's bollocks on tatu's bike!
            "Thought he, it is a wicked world in all meridians; I'll die a pagan."
            ~Herman Melville

            2016 1200 Superlow
            1982 CB900f

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            • jwhelan65

              #7
              Dunlop GT501's and Pirelli Sport Demons come in 16"

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              • Guest

                #8
                jwhelan65 said: Pirelli Sport Demons come in 16"


                I had those on another bike, besides the GS, and they worked pretty well.

                Not expensive, either.

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                • GS1150Pilot
                  Forum LongTimer
                  Past Site Supporter
                  • Nov 2013
                  • 18834
                  • MoN, AZ

                  #9
                  I have Bridgestones on my 1150 currently.
                  "Thought he, it is a wicked world in all meridians; I'll die a pagan."
                  ~Herman Melville

                  2016 1200 Superlow
                  1982 CB900f

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                  • Guest

                    #10
                    Well, Tbirdhd, 3 of my bikes have 16 inch front wheels ... I have nothing against them, 1 avon Roadrider 2 Dunlop elite2 , the other is a Michelin radial

                    The worst tire I had on the 1150 was bt45, followed by spitfire.... Th bt 45 cupped so badly it was replaced at the same time as the rear, as it vibrated badly ( 5000 km)
                    I tried 110/90 and 120/80 both sizes are fine, don't know why the australians got the wider tires. Lots of manufacturers still make and list a 16 but availability is always an issue
                    BTW,100/90 is one size narrower than stock on the 1150
                    Last edited by Guest; 07-15-2014, 11:10 AM.

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                    • GS1150Pilot
                      Forum LongTimer
                      Past Site Supporter
                      • Nov 2013
                      • 18834
                      • MoN, AZ

                      #11
                      I like the Bridgestones and have had zero wear or vibe problems.

                      You may want to consider Shinkos, too, if your budget is limited.
                      "Thought he, it is a wicked world in all meridians; I'll die a pagan."
                      ~Herman Melville

                      2016 1200 Superlow
                      1982 CB900f

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                      • tbirdhd

                        #12
                        thanks , ill have to do some looking , has anyone used or know anything about the Kenda K671 Cruiser ST ?

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                        • GS1150Pilot
                          Forum LongTimer
                          Past Site Supporter
                          • Nov 2013
                          • 18834
                          • MoN, AZ

                          #13
                          Does that tire come in 110/90-16 or 120/80-16?
                          "Thought he, it is a wicked world in all meridians; I'll die a pagan."
                          ~Herman Melville

                          2016 1200 Superlow
                          1982 CB900f

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                          • tbirdhd

                            #14
                            gs1150pilot yes and in 100/90-16. about 60$

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                            • tbirdhd

                              #15
                              or the Shinko SR740 ,,100/80-16 for $ 44.95

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