1985 GS 1150 Tires?

[Guest]

My bike has Metzler Lasertec tires front and back. 110 and 130 i think. They are dry and cracking. They were on the bike when i bought it. Any suggestions on what size and model i should replace them with? Thanks.

[Nessism]

What's wrong with keeping with the stock sizes?

[dorkburger]

For years I ran a size wider front and back on mine. This season I've been using a new set in stock sizes. (Ease of avalibity). No noticeable difference in riding from this generally mild rider. Ive been using Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires for years. I've read that some dont like them, but as mentioned I'm generally not that aggressive in my riding, save for the occasional spirited romp.

[journeyquest]

Nothing wrong with stock size. Not sure what that is? I think 85 model had a wider rear wheel? Just thought maybe someone had some input regarding tire makes and models?

[bwringer]

Stock is 110/90-16 front, 130/90-17 rear.

The 16 inch front is the oddball, and this severely limits your choices. Fortunately there are still two excellent choices in this size that also have a matching 130/90-17 rear -- the Bridgestone BT45 and the Pirelli Sport Demon.

The Pirelli is probably a little stickier, but it's shorter-lived.

http://www.americanmototire.com

The Metzelers are still available if you just gotta have that Bangles/Madonna/Michael Jackson era look, but they're expensive and there are two better, more modern choices above.

Personally, I'd slap on a set of Bridgestones.

[Carter Turk]

Nothing wrong with stock size. Not sure what that is? I think 85 model had a wider rear wheel? Just thought maybe someone had some input regarding tire makes and models?

If you do have an 85 with 3.5'' rear rim the Pirelli Sport Demon 140/80/17 is a great tire, but short lived as Bwringer mentioned.
I usually buy one a year.
A 140 on an 84 3" inch rim is definitely pinched a bit (steeper sidewall profile).
I currently have a Pirelli SD on the front and can't say I'm very happy with it.
The profile is rounder than a BT 45, but both profiles seemed to not jive with me.
I used to have a BT45 up front that felt vague an unconfidence inspiring as well.
My favorite that they don't make anymore was a Michelin Macadam 110/90/16.
Not sure if Continental has 16's, but I've been tempted to try the Conti-go's or whatever they're called.

[Big T]

Cruise the Conti site for the TKV 11/12 series (made for 80s sport bikes)

[bwringer]

Cruise the Conti site for the TKV 11/12 series (made for 80s sport bikes)

The TKV11 is available in the 110/90-16 front, but not the TKV12 in the 130/90-17 rear (or 140/80-17).

Then again, there's nothing really wrong with playing mix and match with modern quality rubber. If you like the Conti TKV11 front that much, you could combine it with a Conti GO! rear, or another rear.

[derwood]

I have always used stock sizes,

of all the front tires I've burned through in the last 20 years on the 1150 I like the metzler ME33 lazertec (is it still called ME33?) mounted on the front the most.

With that tire on the front, it doesn't really matter whats on the back.
Once every few years I cheap out and try something different and I have always been disappointed, the replacement front initially feels great, as almost all new tires do, but the honeymoon soon ends, the tire cups after a few thousand km resulting in vibration ultimately leading to a mild headshake. Or, depending on brand, feels greasy and uncomfortable going into the corner.

So the last 3 rear tires I had were Avon, Cheng Shin and Shinko. all lasted the the same , around 5000 km. I get double that out of the front.