I want wider tires on my GS...Just kidding

[jimfj]

Hello to all,

82 GS1100G

Currently running 100-90-19 front Shinko 712 on the bike and in the process of replacing tires. Rear is taken care of (130-90 Shinko) and I just ordered a front from Cycle Gear. Why Cycle gear? Order the tire from them, price is within a buck of everyone else, and they ship to your front door. Mount it yourself and they balance it for free. For me it was a good deal.

I was shipped a 110-90-19. Read 14,492 threads on how the 110-19 is not recommended because it changes the way the bike handles or feels and its almost too wide. I will most likely return the 110 and get a 100 but what exactly changes "feel" wise? Handles like a pig, was used to describe using a 110-90. I guess I'm not sure what that means. Just wondering if someone could shed some light while I wait for the correct tire to arrive and confirm I made the best decision.

Thanks in advance, and for the record, I hate winter.....

[salty_monk]

I've used one of their 705's on a GS in 110 & it made little difference to the handling over a thinner 712. That was on the wider 2.15" G rim which I guess may make a difference. I was comparing it back to back on a GS1000 (as my set before were Avons & the set after 712's).
Whilst I guess it could /would slow steering down and could be pinched on the slimmer 1.85" rim I didn't notice any such affects.

I have gone with a 110 712 for my 1100G (as the thinner wasn't in stock) so I guess I will see again. Whilst I guess it could /would slow steering down and could be pinched on the slimmer 1.85" rim I didn't notice any such affects. I won't be riding it for a couple more weeks probably... still finishing paint. I'll then have my 1000 equipped with the thinner & the 1100 equipped with a 110. Not exactly a straight comparison but pretty close..

[salty_monk]

IMG_1088 by salty_monk, on Flickr

IMG_1092 by salty_monk, on Flickr

P1000074 by salty_monk, on Flickr

and the 1100...

GS1100G by salty_monk, on Flickr

[Steve]

I was shipped a 110-90-19. ... what exactly changes "feel" wise?

Have you ever driven a car that did not have power steering? What you will experience is a heavier feel to the steering and much slower response to steering inputs. It's not quite as dramatic as driving a car that has power steering, then turning the engine off, but it's still mainly heavier steering feel.

Handles like a pig, was used to describe using a 110-90. I guess I'm not sure what that means.

Change just one word there and most will understand.
"Handles like a HOG."

Just wondering if someone could shed some light while I wait for the correct tire to arrive and confirm I made the best decision.

You made the best decision.

Besides the change in steering feel, there is a chance that there simply isn't enough room between the bolts that hold the fender to the forks.

.

[Rob S.]

Have you ever driven a car that did not have power steering?

Hey! I liked my '68 Camaro. No power steering or brakes, no A/C, no auto trans. I used to turn the key off in bumper-to-bumper traffic on downgrades. Of course, parallel parking was like working out in a weight room...

I agree, stay with the tires the wheels and bike were designed for.

[jimfj]

Thank you for the replies. I understand now. I ended up exchanging the tire for 100-90. New rubber will feel like Christmas!!!

[bwringer]

Way back in the mists of time, my GS850G came to me with a 110/90-19 front stuffed up in there, and not knowing any better, that's what I got for my first replacement. I wondered why the heck the tire scraped the fender bolts on the way out and in, but I got 'er done.

Anyway, next time around I actually checked, got the correct size, and it was like I flipped a switch and turned on the power steering. Or, phrased another way, it's like the bike dropped 100 pounds. It's an instantly noticeable difference.

That said, it's not like yer gonna die right away with a 110 on there or it turns a nice bike into an intolerable turd. It makes a difference, but it's not earth-shattering.