1980 GS1000G tires

[Guest]

What's the recommended / best tires for a 1980 GS1000G ?

[Nessism]

The answer depends on how you define "best".

[oldjim]

OK, forget "best" What's the "recommended" tires for an '80 GS1000G ?

[bwringer]

Just bear in mind that this is going to be a collection of "personal" recommendations.

My absolute favorites are the Avon AM26 RoadRiders. I've installed lots of these, and worn out lots of them personally.

Assuming you can stand to install a pommie tyre, they are a thoroughly modern design that sticks great in all weather, they last a reasonably long time, they don't turn nasty as they wear, and they'll make your olde GS feel like it lost 100 pounds. (The proper sizes are 100/90-19 front, 130/90-17 rear. The front can actually be used on the front or rear, so it's sometimes listed under rear tires.)

There are several other excellent choices in premium modern tires in these sizes -- Bridgestone BT45 (avoid the old Spitfire S11), Continental GO (the new Conti Classic Attack is not available in a 17" rear), Pirelli Sport Demon (great stick but not nearly as long-lasting as the Avons), and Michelin Pilot Active. I don't recommend Metzeler tires, since their designs in vintage sizes are badly outdated, are well-known to be short-lived, and are hellishly expensive. I'd also avoid the Dunlop D404 -- fairly cheap and widely available, but very short-lived.

If you need to save a few dollars and don't ride an awful lot, Shinko's 230 Tour Master is a great tire at a friendly price. They don't last nearly as long as the Avons, so cost per mile isn't as good if you ride a lot.


To others preparing their posts: first make sure the tire you're touting is available in 130/90-17. There are some other common choices out there that simply aren't available in the proper shaftie sizes. For example, the Dunlop Elite 3 is a great tire but not available in a 17" rear.

[azr]

I've used both the Shinko 230's and the Avon road riders on my 80' 1000G and prefer the Roadriders.

[storm 64]

I just ordered a set of Avon Road Riders for the 850. I ordered them from Competition Accessories $218 for front and rear with free shipping. Plus I get $11 off my next purchase, not to bad. "Baby needs a new pair of shoes"

[bwringer]

Took a while to find this:

Here's my torture test from a few years back of a set of Shinko 230 tires, where I discuss how they compare to the Avon RoadRiders. There's math, even.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?200977-Shinko-230-Torture-Test

[tkent02]

What Brian said.
If you corner hard and ride a lot, the RoadRiders. If you don't care how long they last and want to save money but still corner hard, the Shinko 230.
If you don't corner much I can't help you, I don't do straight roads.

[storm 64]

Just a up date and a plug for Competition Accessories. I ordered a set of Avon Road Riders on Friday morning and received them today Monday afternoon. Not to bad. Tire changing party at Norm's tomorrow!!