Newbie needing tire choice help

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Bash350
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    Newbie needing tire choice help

    Hey, Barry from Canada here!

    Just got my hands on a '78 GS1000E and am looking for some help with what tires suit it best as the existing ones are cracking.

    Any suggestions?

    Thanks!
  • cowboyup3371
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Apr 2010
    • 13998
    • In Ohio Now

    #2
    There are a bunch of threads here on tire choices so using the search button will help answer that better than most of us can say now. However, Shinko, Bridgestone, and Avon are popular choices
    Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

    1981 GS550T - My First
    1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
    2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

    Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
    Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
    and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

    Comment

    • Guest

      #3
      The "best" tire will depend a lot on your riding style. I have no experience with Bridgestones, but the Shinko tires (712 and 230) are surprisingly inexpensive tires that happen to be quite decent. Avons will cost a bit more, but will give considerably more life, making them cheaper per mile.

      Comment

      • Big T
        Forum LongTimer
        Past Site Supporter
        Super Site Supporter
        • Mar 2005
        • 12401
        • West Slope, OR

        #4
        Avon makes the exact sizes, making them the perfect replacement
        1978 GS 1000 (since new)
        1979 GS 1000 (The Fridge, superbike replica project)
        1978 GS 1000 (parts)
        1981 GS 850 (anyone want a project?)
        1981 GPZ 550 (backroad screamer)
        1970 450 Mk IIID (THUMP!)
        2007 DRz 400S
        1999 ATK 490ES
        1994 DR 350SES

        Comment

        • steve murdoch
          Forum Guru
          Past Site Supporter
          • May 2004
          • 8492
          • St. Catharines, On.

          #5
          Welcome to the site, Barry.
          How about a couple pics of your new ride.
          Petes in Montreal is a good place to order tires if you do not have a local source.
          2@ \'78 GS1000

          Comment

          • Wingsconsin
            Forum Sage
            Past Site Supporter
            • Jan 2013
            • 1725
            • Sussex Wisconsin

            #6

            I am unsure if they are correctly sized for you bike...
            But on my 850 I am running the Michelin Commander II's -
            Dual compound tires for longevity ; soft compound on the sidewalls for cornering - hard in center for straight up riding.
            About 5000 miles into the life and they still look great....


            Comment

            • Guest

              #7
              One other thing, pretty much stay to the stock sizes though Rule of thumb one size bigger front and rear is about max. Front 100/90/19 and rear 130/80 or 90/18

              Comment

              • Bash350

                #8
                I hope to post some in the next week or so. Just waiting on some new parts as previous only laid it down. I plan to restore it over the coming years as I love seeing classics looking better than new.

                Comment

                • Bash350

                  #9
                  Thanks. Sound like what I am looking for.

                  Comment

                  • Bash350

                    #10
                    Thanks. I plan to keep it as stock as possible.

                    Comment

                    • Bash350

                      #11
                      Thanks - appreciate the info.

                      Comment

                      • Guest

                        #12
                        https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/
                        free shipping

                        Comment

                        • Bash350

                          #13
                          Thanks - just what I am looking for!

                          Comment

                          Working...