1981 GS1100EX tire sizes?

[Guest]

The original tires were 3.50V19 and 4.50V17.

I know a lot of folks are running Avon Roadriders. What other relatively inexpensive tires will fit well and provide decent performance/wear?


What about tire sizes?

Front 100/90 19 or something else?
Rear 120/90 17 or 130/80 17 or?

[sharpy]

3.25x19 (100/90 x 19) and 450 x 17 (130/90 x 17) are correct sizes. Its up to how much you want to spend and how you want to use ure tyres. I always go more for the grip more than wear as its only point of contact with the road surface.

[SVSooke]

Have a look at Shinko 230's,have had one on the back of my 85 750 for a bit.Like it a lot.Have Shinko 712's on the 78 1000,have not gotten to ride on those a lot but so far I'm liking them to.I don't exactly push tire to the limit(read I'm slow) for what that's worth.

[phydeauxmutt]

Some time ago, member bwringer did a comparison test. He describes himself as "a large galoot", so I guess he's a pretty big guy. He has also posted a couple videos of some of his rides, and let's just say that he is NOT slow. Don't know anything about his cornering speeds, but I'll guess he doesn't slow down much there, either. Anyway, ... he did a test on the Shinko 230 and found it quite acceptable. Did not turn "greasy" as they neared end of life, had decent traction, etc. Overall life was "modest", I think he reported about 6,000 miles, but he also said that he got about twice the mileage from a set of Avons for less than twice the price, making the Avons cheaper on a cost per mile basis. Since he prefers riding instead of mounting tires, he would stick with Avons, but would not be afraid to put on another set of Shinkos, if necessary.

If you tend to not ride much every year, Shinkos might be better, as you will replace them more often, keeping them from aging. They are a rather capable tire, which is surprising, considering that it is so inexpensive.

[dantodd]

Thanks.

I will probably be riding pretty regularly but not putting on a lot of miles. I'd suspect 2-3k per year. Which means that age might become a factor if I'm paying for tires that last 8K. Certainly lots to think about. As for aggressiveness, I've been out of riding for some time so until I get a few miles under my belt I'll be loping along mostly.

Any other opinions and ideas are welcome.