1980 550E Tires

[GLMZZR]

Just got home with a 1980 GS550 with 33000 miles (I will be posting photos tomorrow).

First question of many is what's the story with tires? Tubed or tubeless? The bike does have alloy wheels.

The bike currently has 2 worn out Cheng Shin tires. The rear is marked as a tube type and the front is a tubeless, don't know if it possibily has a tube in it.

The seller also included a brand new Bridgestone Spitfire 110/90H18 RWL front tire, also tubeless.. Raised letters wouldn't be my first choice but hey it was free.

My recent tire experience has been with sport touring tires for my ZZR. I know that older bikes have different tire requirements, I just don't know what they are.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Nessism]

Bike can use tubeless tires but you need to put tubes inside unless you do a conversion - which is controversially (do a search for lots of info). Regarding that BS Spitfire, 110 is too wide for the front rim in my opinion but some people don't listen to me. It would be okay on the back but 120 is better, again, in my opinion.

 

[GLMZZR]

Bike can use tubeless tires but you need to put tubes inside unless you do a conversion - which is controversially (do a search for lots of info). Regarding that BS Spitfire, 110 is too wide for the front rim in my opinion but some people don't listen to me. It would be okay on the back but 120 is better, again, in my opinion.

Thanks Nessisum. Do you happen to know what the stock sizes were? Any preferred deviations? Once I know my options I may stick the Spitfire out on Craig?s list for a few bucks and get what I want. I have been real happy with Continentals on the ZZR.

 

[Nessism]

Thanks Nessisum. Do you happen to know what the stock sizes were? Any preferred deviations? Once I know my options I may stick the Spitfire out on Craig?s list for a few bucks and get what I want. I have been real happy with Continentals on the ZZR.

Stock size was 3.25" front and 3.75" rear. I suggest 100 front and 120 rear.

Good luck.

 

[Guest]

Tube?

Tube?

Take a good look at your casted wheels. If they have "tubeless" marked on them, by all means, don't use a tube. If they don't, then put in a tube. It's as simple as that.

 

[jetta90]

Just like Rockford said. Check out the wheels real close. If they are tubless type rims you'll see the markings.