Tires, Tires, and more Tires!

[jeffasaurus2]

Howdy,

Got the '82 GS450T with spoked rims rather than cast, looking into new tires at the moment, I'm pretty set on the Shinko712 100/90-19 for the front.

I'd love to have a matching Shinko 712 for the rear but they simply don't make a 120/90-17 in that tire.

Two questions for the board:

1. Has anyone had luck fitting a 130/90-17 on the 450T? How much clearance does it allow? I've seen This fella has the 130 rear, unfortunately that forum requires a moderation period before you're allowed to post, so I cant ask him personally, plus, I don't think he's ridden it yet.

2. I've found a decent looking Duro Brand rear tire in the 120/90-17, wondering if anyone has opinions of Duro tires.

Also, not looking to break the bank here, I've got textbooks to buy soon enough, but not quite so expensive tire suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks in advanced!

[7981GS]

Why not pickup one of these?

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/28/395/6188/ITEM/Shinko-230-Tour-Master-Rear-Tire.aspx

After testing one out on my '82 GS1200G with great results, I bought another one for one of my '79 GS1000E's.

Daniel

[jeffasaurus2]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I only see a 120/18 for that tire. I have heard good things about them but yet again no 120/17

[7981GS]

130/90-17.
Fits where a 120/80-17 will only a hair taller.

Daniel

[Steve]

130/90-17.
Fits where a 120/80-17 will only a hair taller.

Daniel

AND another 5mm wider on each side.

I do believe that was his original concern: will it fit?

What is the width of your wheel? You might be better off dropping back to a 110 on the rear.
Might not give you the "look" you want, but will actually give you more rubber on the road, which is what really counts.

.

[bwringer]

The original tire sizes were 90/90-19 up front and 110/90-17 in back.

The only 110/90-17 I could find was the IRC Durotour RS-310. (Also available in 120/90-17)

One size bigger at each end won't really hurt anything, but I would not put on a 130/90 in back. And I DEFINITELY would not install an 80 series tire.

The 100/90-19 front is pretty common.

In 120/90-17, choices are more limited, but they're out there...
Bridgestone Battlax BT45: http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRE...tlax_bt45v.htm

Avon Roadrider


Tiresunlimited.com is a great place to do tire research and buy oddball tire sizes -- they're a large distributor, so they tend to list the full size range, where many sites just list the few popular sizes they carry.

[Steve]

Tiresunlimited.com is a great place to do tire research and buy oddball tire sizes -- ...

And they are just 20 minutes up the road from me.

.

[850 Combat]

I tried the Durotour on one of my 850G's. Not great on either wear or traction in my experience. No better than a Spitfire, at best, but more money.

The original tire sizes were 90/90-19 up front and 110/90-17 in back.

The only 110/90-17 I could find was the IRC Durotour RS-310. (Also available in 120/90-17)

One size bigger at each end won't really hurt anything, but I would not put on a 130/90 in back. And I DEFINITELY would not install an 80 series tire.

The 100/90-19 front is pretty common.

In 120/90-17, choices are more limited, but they're out there...
Bridgestone Battlax BT45: http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIRE...tlax_bt45v.htm

Avon Roadrider


Tiresunlimited.com is a great place to do tire research and buy oddball tire sizes -- they're a large distributor, so they tend to list the full size range, where many sites just list the few popular sizes they carry.

[jeffasaurus2]

Thank you for the information and links, right after I posted this some things came up so no new tires til spring at least, but things to keep in mind definitely!

I've got to say, the Bridgestone Battleax's are looking good, a little pricier than I was looking for but it seems in the sizes I'm interested in there is no cheap worthwhile alternative that I've found.

[jeffasaurus2]

Also, the other fella I linked to has a 450L rather than a t which if I've read right has a slightly wider swing arm, capable of accommodating the bigger 130's

[jeffasaurus2]

If anyone's still reading......I decided on the Bridgestone Battleax BT45's Front and Rear. Found them in a 120/90-17 for the rear. 220 shipped from Tires Unlimited and shipped pretty darn quickly.

Haven't had a chance to ride them thanks to the lovely weather but so far I'd give them a good review based on the fact that I was able to install them myself 'somewhat' easily with tire irons, a huge plus.

They look pretty mean, a little beefier than my old ones. We'll see how they handle soon enough!

Thanks for all the input!

[Guest]

If anyone's still reading......I decided on the Bridgestone Battleax BT45's Front and Rear. Found them in a 120/90-17 for the rear. 220 shipped from Tires Unlimited and shipped pretty darn quickly.

Haven't had a chance to ride them thanks to the lovely weather but so far I'd give them a good review based on the fact that I was able to install them myself 'somewhat' easily with tire irons, a huge plus.

They look pretty mean, a little beefier than my old ones. We'll see how they handle soon enough!

Thanks for all the input!

Glad to hear you got it sorted! The BT45's seem to be quite popular on here so they should be good...

[Steve]

Also, the other fella I linked to has a 450L rather than a t which if I've read right has a slightly wider swing arm, capable of accommodating the bigger 130's

Not sure about the swing arm but the Ls do have wider wheels.

.

[Mr Rogers]

If anyone's still reading......I decided on the Bridgestone Battleax BT45's Front and Rear. Found them in a 120/90-17 for the rear. 220 shipped from Tires Unlimited and shipped pretty darn quickly.

Haven't had a chance to ride them thanks to the lovely weather but so far I'd give them a good review based on the fact that I was able to install them myself 'somewhat' easily with tire irons, a huge plus.

They look pretty mean, a little beefier than my old ones. We'll see how they handle soon enough!

Thanks for all the input!

How are those tires working out for you? i've got a 450T aswell and I need new tires in the next couple of weeks. I also don't want to try to go bigger in size than i've already got.

[platinum2]

hey guys i dont know if you still wondering about tire, but i just got my shinko712, "130-90-17" bike bandit 52 dollars!!!
wow what a great looking tire, the rubber compiound feels great soft but firm so it will stick well, ill find out on how long it will last but its the best looking ,feeling tire i have bought so far!, it is a Lot like a good dunlop, but a fraction of the price

i love how the 130 looks instead of 120 has a beefier look and feel, and as for bike bandit! wow fast shipping 3 days ups as promised