1981 GS1100E Tire Shinko Tire Question

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  • Tanker442
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    1981 GS1100E Tire Shinko Tire Question

    First of all, what is the proper modern metric size for the front and rear tires on my newly acquired machine?


    Also I am going to get this thing running and give it to my old man since he loves old UJM bikes. I am looking at Shinko's, especially the 712 series. Would these work on the machine?
  • loud et

    #2
    My 80' 1100e is running Shinko 230 tour masters.
    Rear 130-90-17
    Front 100-90-19
    Good fit, zero issues. Pretty standard size for modern tire on this bike.
    They do wear out fast tho.
    I think the 712's wear a bit longer from what Ive heard here.

    Comment

    • Tanker442

      #3
      About how many miles do you get out of your 230's? My old man does not ride each machine that much, he put 15k on his CB750 over 20 years if that gives you an idea of how much each bike gets ridden.

      This is a nice find, just needs spit and polish, only had 9k miles on it.

      Comment

      • tkent02
        Forum LongTimer
        Past Site Supporter
        • Jan 2006
        • 35571
        • Near South Park

        #4
        Originally posted by Tanker442
        My old man does not ride each machine that much, he put 15k on his CB750 over 20 years if that gives you an idea of how much each bike gets ridden.
        .
        I doubt if he uses much of his available traction either.
        Most any tire would be fine for him. They will die from age before they wear out.
        http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

        Life is too short to ride an L.

        Comment

        • Tanker442

          #5
          Exactly...so mileage is not something I worry about and he does not ride aggressively anymore. But I imagine a faster wearing tire will have a tackier/softer compound so these tires should grip well, correct?

          Comment

          • tkent02
            Forum LongTimer
            Past Site Supporter
            • Jan 2006
            • 35571
            • Near South Park

            #6
            I have heard the Shinko 230s grip as well as any. Only ridden mine around the block a few times, so can't say for sure.
            http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

            Life is too short to ride an L.

            Comment

            • winfield

              #7
              I have the Shinko 712s on my 1975 Kawasaki 900. I had Dunlop 404s prior to that. I like the grip of the Shinkos. It gives me more confidence in the twistys.

              I do not know how they wear though since I had them mounted in January, so only have a couple hundred miles on them.

              Most people on here like the Shinko tour masters or the Avon Roadriders. If he doesn't ride hard and scrape the pegs, then about anything will work. The Shinko 712s are inexpensive.

              Comment

              • Guest

                #8
                I'm on my 2nd set of 230's on my '81 1100E. Good tire, good grip, great price, not great mileage but did I mention the price?

                I'm running a 110 on the front, but that was a mistake. It's very close to the fender with the Tarozzi fork brace installed - I had to slot the fender mounting holes to drop it so it would fit under the brace. 100 width is the way to go, bit smaller OD. 130's on the rear are no issue...

                As stated, for the price you can't buy a better V rated tire.

                Comment

                • lrgguy

                  #9
                  My 78 gs1000e has 100/90-19 in the front
                  And in the back it has 130/80-18 ... wondering if a 90 width will fit ? Lots of room between frame and tire but tires pretty darn close to steel shaft that attches to rear break ?? And why is a 18" tire on my rear ? Didnt the bike come with a17" rear tire ?
                  Im thinking about getting the shinko 230 tour masters

                  Comment

                  • tkent02
                    Forum LongTimer
                    Past Site Supporter
                    • Jan 2006
                    • 35571
                    • Near South Park

                    #10
                    The wire wheels on the rear of the early 1000 was 18", I have them on my 550.
                    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tatesMap-1.jpg

                    Life is too short to ride an L.

                    Comment

                    • lrgguy

                      #11
                      Ivdont have spoked or wire rims .. there these god ugly cast rims ...I read the manual and apparently this bike did come with a 18" rear tire ..

                      Comment

                      • loud et

                        #12
                        Originally posted by hikermikem
                        I'm on my 2nd set of 230's on my '81 1100E. Good tire, good grip, great price, not great mileage but did I mention the price?

                        I'm running a 110 on the front, but that was a mistake. It's very close to the fender with the Tarozzi fork brace installed - I had to slot the fender mounting holes to drop it so it would fit under the brace. 100 width is the way to go, bit smaller OD. 130's on the rear are no issue...

                        As stated, for the price you can't buy a better V rated tire.
                        Sure is a snug fit on the rear though. Did you notice there is only about 1/8th inch between the rear tire and the brake strut? Lol I'm glad I didn't try to go bigger.

                        Comment

                        • loud et

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Tanker442
                          About how many miles do you get out of your 230's? My old man does not ride each machine that much, he put 15k on his CB750 over 20 years if that gives you an idea of how much each bike gets ridden.

                          This is a nice find, just needs spit and polish, only had 9k miles on it.
                          I have under 5k on my 230 rear tire. It needs replaced. The front still has very good tread, so it will work out like it normally does....two rears to one front before you need a brand new pair.
                          I would be confidant in this tire for your dad. He will like them and they should suit his riding just fine.

                          Comment

                          • eil
                            Forum Sage
                            • Dec 2012
                            • 3062
                            • SE Michigan

                            #14
                            Another vote for the 230's. I have them on both of my bikes, which I mainly use for commuting and weekend jaunts. Unless you're putting tons of miles on, you can't go wrong with 'em for the price.
                            Charles
                            --
                            1979 Suzuki GS850G

                            Read BassCliff's GSR Greeting and Mega-Welcome!

                            Comment

                            • 5150/gs

                              #15
                              Recent purchased a set of Pirelli MT 66 Route tires, people are reporting 10k miles on a set. I hope mine last that long but I can attest they grip awesome. My bike has never ridden so nice. And it cured other issues I thought I had problems with.
                              160 delivered for the set.
                              And if they do in fact last 10k, it is worth the extra clams.

                              Comment

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