1981 GS550T rear tire

[wjwolfe82]

If I'm reading it correctly, the rear tire on it now is from 1981?!
While shopping for a new one, it specs for a 120/90/17. It has a Avon 130/90/17 on it so I'm assuming I can get the same.
Is there much difference in the look of 120 VS 130?


550 rear_3.jpg

[LAB3]

130 is a tad wider than 120. There's a LOT more selection in the 130 size than the 120 and if there's no issue with clearance side to side then 130 is the way to go. Date codes prior to 2000 where three digit (In the U.S.) I'm not sure how to interpret what you have but it's safe to say with that kind of cracking it needs to be replaced either way.

[Grimly]

Yeah, 1981 is long before the 4-figure DOT codes came in, but the tyre's knackered anyway.
130/90 (instead of 120) will raise the overall gearing slightly, but not really noticeably.

[Big T]

If you go to the Avon site, they have a chart that matches the tire width to the rim size.
Your rim size is stamped in the rim, something like 17x2.5
Choose your tire width based upon the chart

[Nessism]

The rim is listed as 2.5" wide in the Suzuki parts fishe. A 130 will fit that rim fine. A 120 is also a good fit, maybe even better, but 120/90-17 tires are not as common.

[sacruickshank]

I have a 130/90-17 Shinko 712 on my '81 550T, plenty of swingarm clearance on both sides.

Interestingly, the Kenda Kruz is substantially taller (1/2" or more larger diameter) than the Shinko, if you want even taller gearing.

[wjwolfe82]

Right, the 120's are scarce and/or pricey. As a guy on a budget I just ordered a 130 Dunlop.
Thanks everyone for the info. This is a great forum.