79 GS425E tires

[gspower]

I had posted under the owners thread with an introduction and a slew of questions but:

Does anyone here own a GS425E? What size tires should I put on that? I've currently got a 100/90/18 on the back (I think, though I'll check again). Not sure if it's tubeless or not. The rim says nothing specific about tubeless tires. What should I, optimally, run on the front? Much help appreciated.

[Nessism]

I recommend 90/90-18 front and 110/90-18 rear (think it's 18" anyway).

Your bike's wheels are setup for tubes. Modern tires can be run tubeless or with a tube inside. Just be sure to get new tubes when you get new tires.

[Gorminrider]

Yes, I think Nessism has it right from what I have about your 425...

(rear tire ) is 3.50s x18
(front tire) 3.0s x18
Is that right?My cast rims are the same sizes.
so, From my own bike ...might help narrow down choices .
and I ended up with
Duro 110/90/18 tubeless (TL)on the rear
and a Shinko Tourmaster 3.00"x18 tube-type (TT)on the front.
I believe the 90/90/18 is the equivalent size.
The parts fiche at
http://www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-gs425_model13424/
may show the original brand of tire, but you may not find they still make on to fit you
(no, sorry it don't but is maybe still useful)

BassCliff's Library actually has a full set of parts fiches-big download worth getting.


Other tires I looked at that'd fit as a pair
Pirelli Speed Demons
and Pete with a 450E (18'" wheels too I expect) is fitting some Avon RoadRiders

[gspower]

Just ordered these:

http://www.bikebandit.com/shinko-244-motorcycle-tire?m=21487

I got ahold of an original repair book and it specified the wheels were both 18", 3.5 tire in the back and 3.0 tire in the front. Old measurements. The tires I bought are cheap but will get the job done and are much better than the dryrot I'm facing now. Total shipped for the set was under $85. Thank you!

PS: I know these aren't touring tires, but I won't be riding more than 40 miles or so from home, tops, on them. I'm on a tight budget and this is definitely my toy, not my touring bike.

[mrbridgeport]

If you do go tubeless you will need to open up the holes where the valve goes a tiny bit to accept new air valves. Great weight savings too. Did this on a couple of my gs bike w the alum rims.

[Gorminrider]

Cool,gspower! They look to be a perfect fit to the rims. Make sure to tell us how they work out for you on that bike!