Your Latest/Best Tire Recommendations

[MelodicMetalGod]

Looking for your recommendations!

I'm lookin' for new tires for the 85 GS550ES and I wanna get something that'll stick great on the street. I'm not too concerned about maximum mileage. What're your recommendations?

Current tires are as follows:

Front:
Metzeler ME33 Laser
100/90 V16
Tubeless
4 ply
Max: 470 lbs @ 42 PSI
DOT EB45
BPH 424
Load Range B

Rear:
Metzeler ME55A Metronic
120/90 18 65V
Tubeless
3 ply
Max: 640 @ 42 PSI
DOT EB6L
BPN 1300
E3 75R 0052764

After doin' some searching I've noted the following general recommendations from various threads:

Tires For Great Traction?
Pirelli Sport Demons
Cheng Shin HiMax
Avon's AM26 RoadRiders
Bridgestone BT45 Battlax
Dunlop GT 501

Thanks for all your feedback!

[BentRod]

I don't think you want to use the Hi Max.. I use them cause they are cheap and so am I. they are great for the dollar.. but the other tires you have there far out perform them.

the Pirellis you have listed at probably your best bet on that list.
the Michelin Pilot series is also worth looking into

[Guest]

Dunlop GT501. Sticky tires at a good value.

[Guest]

My 1150 has the ME33/ME55's on her and I love 'em. But as you probably know, they don't make them any more. I put Pirelli Sport Demons on my Skunk and they are fantastic. That's what I'll put on the 1150 when it's time. With my existing project I'm going to try some Avon Roadriders. I've heard nothing but good about them.

[salty_monk]

I just bought three sets of the roadriders but nothing to report yet as I haven't ridden on them... they look like a nice tyre though

[bwringer]

For maximum traction and feel, get the Pirelli Sport Demons.

End of discussion.

[Nessism]

I'd cross off the Dunlop's and Cheng Shin tires, not in the same sticky league as the others.

I've got BT45's on my 550 and like them although they only have a few hundred miles on them. They have a soft tread and flexible carcass similar to the Avon's you list.

Based on the feedback of people that know though, I'd go with the Pirelli's if price is no object.

Good luck.

[doctorgonzo]

Ordering Pirellis online this weekend. I found them for about $90.00 US. My local dealer wanted $149.00 and $159.00

[tkent02]

Who has used both Sport Demons and Road Riders on the same bike???
How do they compare on a GS1000?
I've had BT45s and prefer the Roadriders, although both were good.

I have used the Avons and they are great but are the Pirellis better?

How about at cold temps, on crappy, rough roads with sandy wet spots from melting snow?

Some tires excel in colder temps, some in hotter temps. I'd go with the ones that work in the cold.

[chuckycheese]

Gt501

I think most tires are really quite good but a lot depends upon exactly what you're looking for and how you ride. I consider myself to be an extremely experienced rider....but I'm not a very sophisticated rider. I'm not sure I'd be a very good judge of tires, as a result.

Like Bill, I also really like the GT501's. I've ridden Bridgestones, Metzelers, Cheng Shins, IRCs and lots and lots of Dunlops. I thought all were pretty decent but I think I like the GS501's the best. I think, next time, I'm going to try the Pirelli Sport Demons since so many of the guys recommend them.

[andrewclaycomb]

where are you getting your sport demons from? I'm having some trouble finding them. My local shop just looked at me blankly when I asked about them also.

[doctorgonzo]

where are you getting your sport demons from? I'm having some trouble finding them. My local shop just looked at me blankly when I asked about them also.

At first my local dealer said they didn't have them, then he pulled out a fat catalog and said he could get them in 2 or 3 days at I think $149 back $159 front. After getting up off the floor I left and searched online where I think Bizrate or one of the shopping search sites found them for $89 and $99. The link is at hoime, but you can probably find it. I live in a high sales tax area and I won't have to pay it online, almost covers the shipping. I still think I am going to have them do the mount and balance (at $100 bucks for both wheels). Jeez dealships are SO expensive.

[Dogma]

At first my local dealer said they didn't have them, then he pulled out a fat catalog and said he could get them in 2 or 3 days at I think $149 back $159 front. After getting up off the floor I left and searched online where I think Bizrate or one of the shopping search sites found them for $89 and $99. The link is at hoime, but you can probably find it. I live in a high sales tax area and I won't have to pay it online, almost covers the shipping. I still think I am going to have them do the mount and balance (at $100 bucks for both wheels). Jeez dealships are SO expensive.

Does that $100 cover getting the wheels off the bike? It's not that hard, and you can save some labor cost if you do it yourself. The only problem is, you can't ride to the dealer.

[doctorgonzo]

Does that $100 cover getting the wheels off the bike? It's not that hard, and you can save some labor cost if you do it yourself. The only problem is, you can't ride to the dealer.

Yeah, $45 front and $55 back is remove wheel, install tire, balance and re-install. I have no way to balance, and at this point and as many long hours as I have put in on this bike, ready to have somebody else do it, be done in a couple hours (they say "while you wait") and drive away. Especially since I have shaftie and it would be first time pull that unit off the wheel.

[chuckycheese]

Fair

Yeah, $45 front and $55 back is remove wheel, install tire, balance and re-install. I have no way to balance, and at this point and as many long hours as I have put in on this bike, ready to have somebody else do it, be done in a couple hours (they say "while you wait") and drive away. Especially since I have shaftie and it would be first time pull that unit off the wheel.

I almost always take the wheels off but the price you were quoted seems very fair to me.

I never buy tires locally....they're just too expensive (not to mention the sales tax.):?