More on the 150 tire debate

[Guest]

My buddy recently picked up a clean 1983 GS1100ES and the tires are old, ugly and worn out (oh, the rear was actually put on in the wrong rotation direction)

We've been debating tires and I looked at all the old posts about 150 tires. Yes, it can be done and some say handling is affected. The 150 would no doubt give the rear end a sexy look but at what cost?

If the bike was was yours, what your you put on the front and back in terms of size?

The Pirelli Sport Demons are are the top of his list in terms of brand / make and I agree on that choice but my concern is proper pairing of front to rear sizing and while our knee-dragging days are behind us, we do like aggressive riding and would not want to install a size or pair that makes for an ill-handling bike.

Cheers all!

W

[GS1150Pilot]

If you want a fat tire on the back, set it up right with a wide rim. Otherwise, you're simply throwing away function in the name of form, which, with motorcycle handling, is foolish.

[rwnielsen]

I run the standard 130 rear and don't have any trouble keeping up... at all. You don't want to change the profile that was engineered into the tire by levering it on a too narrow rim. It's a loosing proposition.

[mmattockx]

I currently have a 140/80 BT-45 on my 82 1100E. There are significant chicken strips of rubber that cannot be used because the tire is pinched onto the narrow rim and the carcass is distorted. Handling seems unaffected, but it is a waste of rubber. When I replace it I will be going back to a 130/90.


Mark

[rapidray]

If you want to use a 150 tire on an 1100, you need to use an 1150, 3.5 inch wide rear wheel.
Ray.

[greg78gs750]

sorry in advance about the hijack, do you think the 150 is optimum for the 1150 3.5 inch wheel? mine currently wears a 140.

[bwringer]

sorry in advance about the hijack, do you think the 150 is optimum for the 1150 3.5 inch wheel? mine currently wears a 140.

3.5 inch is the bare minimum for a 150, depending on the tire. (most are specified for 4.0 to 4.5 inch wheels, some for 3.5 - 4.5).

Poke around on the tire manufacturer's web site for a rim width chart.

[300kph]

Appreciate your inputs guys! You've helped my friend make his decision.

[blowerbike]

a 150 and a 3.5 is great...suzuki used this combo on 750 katana's so it can't be wrong eh?

[rapidray]

I have had 150s on EVERY 3.5 inch 1150 rear wheel I've ever had. Works awesome!
Ray.