Good advice needed for 1st time bike tire purchase...

[Guest]

Ok y'all, I picked up an '85 GS 700ES project about 6 months ago and have been checking everything off of my extensive "to do" list using all of the info here on GSR, y'all are awesome!! This is the 1st bike I have actually owned but I have ridden bikes for years (mostly my buddies '80 GS(X) 750E). That being said, I have never ridden this one but it's almost ready so it's tire time!!! I have never had to buy tires for a bike so my knowledge is zero. Stock size for this bike is 100/90/16 front, 120/90/17 rear, I bought the bike sitting on a dry rotted front 120/80/16 Avon Roadrider,, and a rear 130/90/17 Shinko 712 that looks practically new. I like the look and the width of the Shinko on the rear, plus the Shinko's are within my budget, the front seems a bit too wide to me, although it does somehow clear everything.As far as riding style, I'm mostly a straight liner (0-100+ as quick as possible) of course I still love the twisties, I'm not out to drag a knee or anything but I do wanna enjoy 'em. Any and all info will be soaked up like a sponge...

[Brendan W]

Nothing wrong with Shinkos, stock size is good.
Just because a tyre clears everything doesn't make it a good choice
I fit Contis but judging by the reports on here I would try Shinkos if they were available.
Maybe next time.
Are you sure the front wheel is stock?

[steve murdoch]

I agree with returning to the stock size, especially for the front.
Don't think Shinko makes a 16" front that would be suitable for your bike.

Also check the build date of the rear tire. If you do not know the history of the bike that "new-looking" tire might need replacing.

https://www.chapmoto.com/blog/2013/01/16/tech-tips-read-motorcycle-tire-date-codes/

Welcome to the site.

[bwringer]

For some reason, American Moto Tire is the only site that allows you to easily search by tire size. They're a great place to buy tires, too -- great prices.

https://www.americanmototire.com/search-results?q=100%2F90-16

Anyway, in 100/90-16 fronts your options are very limited. I'd say the Pirelli Sport Demon or the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 are the best out of the available options. There's also the IRC Durotour RS310 which is a good tire and costs a little less. I'd avoid the Metzelers; they're horribly expensive, short-lived, and turn evil as they wear.

Only the Bridgestone Battlax BT-45 also has a 120/90-17 rear (it's a real oddball size), but all three have a 130/90-17 rear.

You'll be much happier if you stick to the stock size up front. In the rear, most people are quite happy with a 130/90-17.

[LAB3]

Just because a tire clears it doesn't automatically make it a good choice! My 82 GS450t had a 90/90-19 up front which left me with only ONE tire that would fit. My thinking was that I could go to a 100/90-19 and have a few more choices available. After hitting a patch of sticky clay and some gravel, the tire got so gummed up between it and the fender it locked up on me. I'd considered modifying the fender but will probably just go with the stock size this winter, lesson learned.

[dorkburger]

I used to always try to upsize a size when buying tires. Last set I put on -Bridgestone BT 45- I went with stock sizes. No noticeable difference in handling. I don't ride particularly aggressively, but still enjoy a spirited rip on occasion.

[The1970's]

I was in your situation with zero knowledge of motorcycle tires about a year ago. Now I've bought 7? sets of tires for my various bikes. One size bigger in the rear probably isn't a big deal. But like others have said check the build date on that rear tire. Just because it looks fine doesn't mean it is. As for the front I would go back to the stock size. Some people get away with larger sizes but to be honest I'm not a good enough rider to notice a difference and wider tires can have some effects that reduce grip. On most of my vintage project bikes I have thrown on the shinko 712's and been happy with them (especially for the price). They don't last as long as some of the other options but after you go through one set you can decided if you want another or want to try something else.

[GSAddikt]

I really appreciate y'all, great advice and it will all be used in my decision. I was definitely going to go at least one size narrower because that front 120 is stuffed on there, it was highly obvious that it didn't belong there before I ever looked up factory specs. As far as the front wheel being stock, I haven't honestly checked it as of yet. I will do that though. I'm going to have to research my tire availability, Shinko doesn't make a 712 series factory front for my bike.. Another thing would be heighth? (I guess that's how it's defined?), what if you drop from a factory front 100/

90

/16 to a 100/

80

/16, and dropped the rear from a 130/

90

/17 to a 130/

80

/17? I won't ask a bunch of questions I promise, just curious as to any affects that creates..

[Steve]

I have not done any research on what tires are available for your bike, but I can't imagine why you would want to lower the aspect ratio. I have always been of the opinion that you only change the aspect ratio if you need to provide clearance.

In your case, tires appear to be available in the proper size. Lowering the aspect ratio will not provide any advantage, and will likely increase the cost, especially if they are not that common.

I just did a search and found another alternative for you. I have no experience with the tire, but a Dunlop GT501 Arrowmax is available from Tires Unlimited in a 110/90-16 front. The closest that they have for a rear is a 130/70-17, so I would look for something else there.

.

[The1970's]

I know this thread is getting a little old but thought I would also mention real quick about the aspect ratio. Like Steve said there is no real reason to change it. But a smaller (shorter) tire will give you higher indicated speed on the speedo in the front and a lower rpm for a given speed if it is installed in the rear.

https://www.gearingcommander.com/

There is a very good site to check gear ratios. You can start with a stock bike and change tire sizes, sprocket counts, etc and they give you any information you could want

[Steve]

But a smaller (shorter) tire will give you higher indicated speed on the speedo in the front and a lower rpm for a given speed if it is installed in the rear.

Actually, the lower aspect ratio tire is smaller and will give you a HIGHER rpm for any given road speed.

.

[The1970's]

Actually, the lower aspect ratio tire is smaller and will give you a HIGHER rpm for any given road speed.

.

Yep you're right, I just discovered this going from a 110/90/18 to a 120/90/18 and had the lower RPM stuck in my head.

[nejeff]

I like the shinkos however my last set of TourMaster 230's the rear wore very quickly. I am going to go back with the shinko 712s if I can find the right size for my new gs450

[Gorminrider]

Just because a tire clears it doesn't automatically make it a good choice! My 82 GS450t had a 90/90-19 up front which left me with only ONE tire that would fit. My thinking was that I could go to a 100/90-19 and have a few more choices available. After hitting a patch of sticky clay and some gravel, the tire got so gummed up between it and the fender it locked up on me. I'd considered modifying the fender but will probably just go with the stock size this winter, lesson learned.

thread drift but a 100/90-19 does fit on my bike but yes this is a nuisance for any 19" tire on this bike...BUT I'd keep an eye out for a wheel from a GS450E if you are going to ride in gravel and mud (and snow)...The E model has 18" and will fit in fine. Front end is all the same... Likely certain other Suzukis will work too if you want to research...

[mmattockx]

I like the shinkos however my last set of TourMaster 230's the rear wore very quickly.

Define 'wore quickly'? I just got 9300km out of a 130/90 Shinko 230 on my 1100E. Was yours worse than that?


Mark