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dual sport tires on a GS850GL

  • Thread starter Thread starter fivetoedsloth
  • Start date Start date
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fivetoedsloth

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Howdy!

It seems that all my friends have gone out and bought KLRs and V-stroms, and now they're on an epic quest for gravel. So I've been thinking about getting some tires more suited this sort of riding. In the past, any time I've ever put new tires on a motorbike I've simply gone with the original size and called it good. Unfortunately, the 16 inch rear wheel is making my life difficult right now. FYI, it currently wears a 130/90-16. The only dual sport tire I've been able to find in that size is the universally unavailable Duro HF 904. The Bridgestone Trailwing is available in a 120/90-16. Any thoughts on that one, as to how it might affect handling, or will it fit properly, etc.? Any other suggestions for gravel road appropriate tires?

Thanks a bunch!
 
You can easily mount up a 17" wheel from a G model, and then you'll have your choice of many different dual-sport tires.

Dantheman has done just this -- I think the Pirelli Scorpion was his fave. The KLR650 uses 130/80-17 rears (close enough to 130/90), so there are tons of good choices, many that also offer a matching 19" front.

A GS ain't too bad in the gravel, actually. But it is a helluva lot of bike to pick up, so be careful...
 
Do a search for "Bajazuki" and see what Salty_Monk did with Shinko's on his GS... not sure on sizing though...
 
bwringer said:
You can easily mount up a 17" wheel from a G model, and then you'll have your choice of many different dual-sport tires.

Dantheman has done just this -- I think the Pirelli Scorpion was his fave. The KLR650 uses 130/80-17 rears (close enough to 130/90), so there are tons of good choices, many that also offer a matching 19" front.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Is that just a straight swap, or would I need to fiddle with the brake disc or caliper?

A GS ain't too bad in the gravel, actually. But it is a helluva lot of bike to pick up, so be careful...
Click to expand...

I haven't dropped her yet, and she really isn't that bad in the gravel, but I think appropriate tires might make it a bit more fun!
 
If you can find a 17" back rim, it's a straight swap. A lot of the bikes wear them, mine, being a 1980, came out with the 17" back rim. Right now, the tires on mine are the Pirelli Scorpion Trails. SaltyMonk said the Shinkos handled gravel and mild off road pretty well too. Oh yeah, I'm running a 130/80/17 on the rear presently too.
 
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I tried to ride my '81 850G on some mining roads outside of Boundary, AK. It wasn't possible due to the clutch overheating. It was fine on regular gravel state roads.

I could not ride this road.
 
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