New rear tire for 78 GS 750EC

[Miracle Max]

Fellas, I need to put new tires on my 78 GS 750. I'm not versed in tire/rim sizes yet to know what is possible - but here's the deal. My existing rear tire is a 100/90-19 57H. It looks pretty thin to me, I want a fatter tire. Has anyone a recommendation on what they have done to replace the stock tire with a tire with more meat on it?

I'm looking for an education from someone who knows .

Thanks!

Max

[Steve]

Sounds like you are riding your bike in the wrong direction.

A 19-inch wheel is usually found on the FRONT of the bike, and the size you list is a good size for the FRONT.

You likely have an 18-inch wheel on the rear, the proper size is probably a 120/90-18, but one of the owners of a 750 will have to verify.

.

[Miracle Max]

Sorry, I had both numbers written down in front of me and wrote the last one down. You are correct.

Still the same problem though . . .

[Steve]

Still the same solution, too.

Why do you want a "fatter" tire? It won't handle any better, in fact, it will handle WORSE. When you install a wider tire on the same-size (NARROW) rim, it pinches the tire into an unnaturally tight radius, which actually gives you LESS rubber on the road. In the process, though, since it is wider, as you lean, the point of contact is farther away from the centerline of the bike which means that it will take more effort on the handlebar to get it to lean, then you will have to actually lean farther to keep the bike balanced in the turn. The trick to better handling is not in larger sizes, but BETTER RUBBER. Tire technology has improved so much since the time these bikes were made, even the worst tires available today are probably better than the best tires of the time.

With the stock size rims, I think the front tire is actually a 90/90-19, but most of us run the 100 to minimize the usual speedometer error. If you are feeling adventerous, go for a 130 on the rear, but anything over that will actually hurt your handling.

Once you get comfortable with the good handling of the bike, you can amaze others that the bike handles so well on those "skinny" tires.

.

[Nessism]

The max tire sizes for that bike are 100 front and 120 rear. The rear rim width is only 2.15" wide so a 130 is too wide for sure (a 120 is pushing it too but doable).

[GabrielGoes]

i recently just went through all of this, 100 is the max for up front, (i have a 110 and had to take off the fender...) and 120 is max for the rear on an 18 inch rim, 130 wont fit on the 18 inch rim

[Miracle Max]

Thanks fellas, I appreciate the input. It seems that stock sizes are just what I need to stick with. I may try a 120 for the rear, but if I find a quality 110 ( and its perhaps cheaper) I'll stick with stock.

Thanks agian.

[Nessism]

I recommend Shinko 230's. http://motorcycle.motorcycle-superst...h#w=shinko+230 They are V-rated and have belted construction - both good things. Motorcycle Superstore has them for something like $120 shipped which is a very good value. I have the same wheels as you on my bike and I'm using a 100 front and 120 rear.