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Dunlop GT501 tires

  • Thread starter Thread starter hp1000s
  • Start date Start date
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hp1000s

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Just put a rear 501 on my bike, replacing a Pirelli Sport Demon, and feel like Ive made a real mistake. Wanted an 80 series aspect tire, and the Pirelli doesnt seem to offer that in an 18" diameter. The dunlop feels like wood in comparison...Ive lowered the pressure to 30psi just to make it feel "normal" Anybody have some input?
 
I have a set of 501's on my '82 850GL - not really a peg scrapper bike but I like them fine. Solid tire, feels stuck in the turns, & very good wear & decent in the rain as well. Mine are 90 aspect though.

I have a set of Shinko 230 tourmasters on my 1100EX & they are not as sturdy as the 501's, but they are sure a lot cheaper !!
 
In my experience, the Dunlop 501 wears quickly and develops nasty habits as it wears. It's a badly outdated design, and there are far better alternatives available these days.

With that said, it should feel fine when new.

You have installed the incorrect size rear tire on your bike. This changes the tire profile, making the handling feel numb and goofy.

Underinflating the tire will only make it worse and could lead directly to a grisly demise.

Install the correct size tire for your bike (whatever that is...) and ride happy. Please. Search the forum for all sorts of entertaining debate on tires.
 
On my old '84 Ninja 900, I've got a GT501 rear (130/80-18) and Sport Demon front (120/80-16). My overall feelings about the 501 are fairly neutral...sticks fairly well, but never really had that 'stuck like glue' feeling. It has around 4k miles on it-still looks 'OK'-but the bike was laid up for 4 years, so the tire is probably 6 years old.

This past season, it kicked out (accelerating hard while heeled over) 3 times without much warning. I've lost confidence in it; I think it's done.
I will be replacing it with a Sport Demon.
The 16" front Demon on the Ninja just digs in and BITES when you load the front end hard...it's sweeeet.

I'm afraid I agree with bwringer...I think the GT501 IS a step backward from the Sport Demon. Sorry.

.
 
GT 501 on the front, no weird wear problems, holds well, takes panic braking without breaking loose. I like it.
Work well with the Conti GO on the rear.
 
I'm on my 4th set of 501s and really like them. They've never done anything weird when pushed hard. They do however wear out a little quicker than I would like but small price to pay for the confidence I have in them. I'm sure the new offerings from Pirelli and Avon are as good, but I'm used to these and like them.
 
The bike is a '79 1000S. Previous tire was a Sport Demon 130/70-18. New tire is 130/80-18. I wanted a taller profile for mainly cosmetic purposes, as the Pirelli looked tiny from the side, but stuck like glue: it was the best handling tire I had on bike since I got it in 1991. I understand about the air pressure thing...that's why I mentioned it. Just purchased the wrong tire I guess.
 
I was running the 130/80 x 18" for the last 3 rears but it seemed a little too wide for the rim. I had no little affects by this but used the 120/90 x 18" this time just to see the difference and after about 3,000 miles really can't tell any different. The diameter between the 2 are real close to the same. The 130 definitely looks nicer than the that skinny little 120 but I can't run anywhere near the edge of the 130. That's the 130 below run until it's showing some abrasion and still nowhere near the edge. By the way I usually run 38lbs rear and about 35lbs front. If the Dunlops get too expensive maybe I'll try something different.

IMGP1657.jpg
 
Thanks for the input, Sandy! I have pessure @ 32 now, and it seems to be somewhat better. Did some spirited riding yesterday, and felt the confidence level come up a little. I had cleaned and roughed-up the tread before use, but I'm wondering if this tire just takes some more ride time to scuff in.
 
A 130 tire is too wide for the skinny 2.15" rear wheel. Even a 120 is pushing the width of what is recommended by the various tire makers. Also, the 501 is a very wooden feeling tire with thick and heavy carcase that doesn't flex much. I've removed a few old 501's and they are a real bear to pry over the wheel edge since they are so stiff.

I don't think you are at serious risk of crashing out or anything because of the tire, but I'd get a 120 next time around for sure.
 
Nessism said:
the 501 is a very wooden feeling tire with thick and heavy carcase that doesn't flex much. I've removed a few old 501's and they are a real bear to pry over the wheel edge since they are so stiff.
Click to expand...
Thats what I found about the Dunlop 491 Elite IIs. Someone told me its more of a Harley tire.
 
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