Running radials on stock rims

[Guest]

So I've got an 85 GS1150 with a 120/60 16 front and a 150/70 17 rear. (stock sizes for 85) There are radial tires that will fit my rims, but my question is if that is going to negatively affect the handling/ride quality. I REALLY like to corner carve, and I'm looking for something that will inspire some more confidence. I have a Metzeler Lasertec in the rear, and I HATE it... It slips WAY too easily.... And I don't wanna go with something that is super grippy because I ride my bike as sole transportation. Recommendations as to which radials I should choose, or if that isn't gonna work, a good bias ply that will grip but not wear out terribly fast? Thanks.

-x01660

[posplayr]

So I've got an 85 GS1150 with a 120/60 16 front and a 150/70 17 rear. (stock sizes for 85) There are radial tires that will fit my rims, but my question is if that is going to negatively affect the handling/ride quality. I REALLY like to corner carve, and I'm looking for something that will inspire some more confidence. I have a Metzeler Lasertec in the rear, and I HATE it... It slips WAY too easily.... And I don't wanna go with something that is super grippy because I ride my bike as sole transportation. Recommendations as to which radials I should choose, or if that isn't gonna work, a good bias ply that will grip but not wear out terribly fast? Thanks.



-x01660

I only run radials.................

Go to Dennis Kirk, they allow search by size.

https://www.denniskirk.com/continental/front-trail-attack-2-120-70vr-16-blackwall-tire.p643608.prd/643608.sku

[bwringer]

No, there's nothing magical about radials that will make you dead or give you bad breath.

Give 'em a try! You'll probably like 'em just fine.

I had a VX800 that could use wither bias or radial tires, and I mainly found that radials were significantly lighter and had slightly better feel -- I think they were more flexible, mainly.

However, they never lasted as long as good bias-ply tires. Grip seemed about the same in wet or dry street use, although the radials would probably work better on a track.

If you decide to stick with bias-ply, try a better, more modern tire. The Metzelers are '80s tech and stupidly expensive -- you're not the first to complain about their poor grip and life. You might try a set of Avon RoadRiders or Bridgestone BT45s if they're available in the correct sizes.