Performance bias tires for '80 GS750

[jlvdo]

Question in 3 parts:
1.) I'm looking for what seems to be the consensus for which is the best (sticky, stable, dependable) rubber?
From other threads, I'm getting that for bias ply, the Pirelli Demons, and possibly the Avon A26's are the ticket. Anyone used the Dunlop GT501's? (I haven't used bias since the days of the K-81 ) Any updates on the Avon?

2.) Tire sizing for the '80 750:
I also noted that some use the 100/90-19 instead of the 3.25 - 19 front tire. Is that correct, and what works for the rear? The WebBikeWorld site shows that the 4.00 would use the 110/90. Has anyone tried a 120/90, and would it work?

3.) Anyone with track experience with these bias belt tires??? I won't be using the GS on track, and on the street a GP wanna' be I am not, but it'll tell a lot if they perform well on track. I've learned that the least expensive insurance policy is a good set of sticky tires. Payin' some extra on tires is nothin' compared to the confidence provided in tight situations, and possible hospital bills avoided... Me thinks that cell phone fools, blind and careless drivers make a sticky tire a good investment.

 

[posplayr]

FYI on Kenda's

FYI on Kenda's

I have a 1981 GS750 which is basically very close to the 1980 (I have a 1980 spares bike as well). When I bought the bike (in Dec) it had a new Kenda 130/90-18 (yes 8-[) on it with a worn Dunlap 401 in front. I hemed and hawed about what to get so I finally just got a matching Kenda 100/90-19 for the front and they seem to work well.

I have changed out the front springs for Progressive and still have to install some Halon rears.

The 130/90-18 is a squeeze and probably way too big, but it has about 1/2" clearance on either side( remember the PO's mechanic put it on ???). I'm watching it to see if there are any unusual wear patterns but it only has 300 miles at this point.

I don't ride in the rain, but dry performance considering the old bike suspension is pretty solid, but again I dont have much to compare to. From car, I like the idea of more rubber, but I know that is frowned upon here.

Posplayr

http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL TIRES/Kenda/kenda_k657.htm

 

[Guest]

Go with the Demons or Avon Roadriders. I have the demons on my 78 1000 and I love them. Great stick, and so far great tread life. I have heard equally as good testimonials on the Avons.

 

[TheCafeKid]

Had a spankin new set of Avons on my CB750 for a few weeks before i sold it, remarkable change in feel. Top quality "tyre". Never tried Demons, but i soon will be shopping round for a good sporty tire for my project. Ima wait a few months till the new CS that came on it wear out tho...prolly wont take that long.

 

[TheCafeKid]

I have a 1981 GS750 which is basically very close to the 1980 (I have a 1980 spares bike as well). When I bought the bike (in Dec) it had a new Kenda 130/90-18 (yes 8-[) on it with a worn Dunlap 401 in front. I hemed and hawed about what to get so I finally just got a matching Kenda 100/90-19 for the front and they seem to work well.

I have changed out the front springs for Progressive and still have to install some Halon rears.

The 130/90-18 is a squeeze and probably way too big, but it has about 1/2" clearance on either side( remember the PO's mechanic put it on ???). I'm watching it to see if there are any unusual wear patterns but it only has 300 miles at this point.

I don't ride in the rain, but dry performance considering the old bike suspension is pretty solid, but again I dont have much to compare to. From car, I like the idea of more rubber, but I know that is frowned upon here.

Posplayr

http://tiresunlimited.com/ALL TIRES/Kenda/kenda_k657.htm

Pos, ive been investigating the widest i could get myself on my 77 750, and 130 seems about the concensus. I was warned the biggest thing to watch for would be pinching...other than that wear should be ok.

 

[posplayr]

Cafe

Cafe

Looking at my 1983 GS1100 with the alum swing arm, the Metzler ME88 130/90-17 has about 1 inch on either side. Actually the closest tolerance is the torsion bar to the rear brake caliper. On the gs1100 it is about 3/4" and on my gs750 about 1/4"-1/3" in other words close . I did take it off to paint and did not notice anything unusual, but I was not looking for rubbing.

It seems like the the hot ticket for an easy upgrade \\/ would be to get the 1100 wider wheels with the alum swing arm. I contemplated this and then just bought the 83 gs1100; that way I keep my 81 GS750EX basically stock and I do all of the performance stuff to the GS1100. I know the GS1100 feels much more stable that the gs750.

My GS1100 has a 110/90-19 on the front and the forks dont seem to be any further apart than the GS750. I know Rapidray had some 83 wheels for sale, which I think look better than the 80-82, but alas I'm keeping my 81 gs750 stock.

Posplayr

 

[srsupertrap]

I have read the same threads; what about these? Metzler's replaced both the ME99 Perfects & ME55 Metronic Rears & ME33 Laser Fronts with the Lasertec series. The Lasertec rear is patterened after the ME55 and the front is patterened after the ME33 and they are available in commom GS sizes such as REAR 130/90V-17, 120/90V-18, 4.00V-18 FRONTS: 3.25V-19, 3.50V-19 100/90V0-19 etc at Tires Unlimited.

I have had excellent result with numerous sets of Metzlers and I whole heartedly share your opinion about sticky tires. I will personally sacrifice a little mileage for stick anyday. I cannot vouch for the Metzeler Lasertec but I am sure someone is already using them and can provide you with some feedback on them.

 

[KGB]

I've used a few sets of Dunlop GT-501 on my 1000S.
Good wear, very good wet and they don't dance under braking.
I get decent mileage out of them.
Look around you can find some decent deals on them.

As to the sizes, yea a 100/90 is close to the 3 or 3.25 you're looking for.





Someone on here will post a chart with conversion sizes telling us we're all going to die unless we use the correct size*

 

[RobGS850L]

Actually the GT501's have been better overall for me than the Metzelers. I like the Metronics but wear is an issue. The Dunlops are a dual compound tire and seems to be at home on the slab as well as the canyon.

 

[first timer]

i have run the demons 100/90 and 130/whatever it is on my 550 at track day and they did a wonderfull job, 80gs1000 ran the same set up on his 1000 at a track day last year and had good results too. I also run the demons on my gs1000 and put it through the paces while 2 up at deals gap and can't complian.

 

[jlvdo]

Someone on here will post a chart with conversion sizes telling us we're all going to die unless we use the correct size*

This is what I've been using for the conversion:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-tires/tire-data.htm

The question is always do the fitments work, and can I go up a size w/o difficulty. Only experience'll tell that. Any input about the 80 vs 90 aspect ratio for the rear?:-k

The three names that repeatedly come up for sticky bias tires are Avon, Pirelli and occasionally, Dunlop. I figure I'll try 'em in something like that order. Anyone w/performance info on the Lazertec's?

Off topic, but anyone know of a pillion handle (grab rail) for the '80 for sale? I'm going to try to keep it as stock as possible, minus the paint job.

 

[jlvdo]

The Dunlops are a dual compound tire and seems to be at home on the slab as well as the canyon.

I looked on the Dunlop site, and it doesn't mention the 501 as a dual compound tire...
I use a Michellin CT for the race bike, which is dual compound- harder centerline, softer sides.

 

[80GS1000]

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/items/gs750-grab_W0QQ_nkwZgs750Q20grab
for a grab rail.

I really liked the Pirelli Sport Demons, made a huge improvement in handling on the stock rims. :-D

 

[RobGS850L]

Well "my bad". Coulda' sworn they were but I guess they just have a different tread (deeper) pattern. Maybe I should be better informed before I go blabbing. Oh and I do run a 140-80 in the rear and no problems.

 

[jlvdo]

Oh and I do run a 140-80 in the rear and no problems.

Really!? That is on which bike? By the way... Red Terror...:mrgreen:Very nice

 

[RobGS850L]

Both the 850 and the 1100. The 850 is maxed as far as tire width goes because of the driveshaft tube but the 1100 I'm going to try a different rim and go a bit more. I think the 140 was only a half inch wider than stock.

 

[first timer]

just keep in mind the wider the tire you go the slower the turn in. stock tires are about 120, i wouldn't go bigger then 130 or it justs gets to be to much work to get the bike to lean over quickly. 140 seems to big and youe would be pinching the tire and changing the manufactures designed shape which isn't a good thing. The manufacturer designs their tires for maximum contact patch for specfic rims.

 

[jlvdo]

just keep in mind the wider the tire you go the slower the turn in. stock tires are about 120, i wouldn't go bigger then 130 or it justs gets to be to much work to get the bike to lean over quickly. 140 seems to big and youe would be pinching the tire and changing the manufactures designed shape which isn't a good thing. The manufacturer designs their tires for maximum contact patch for specfic rims.

Does the 80 vs. 90 aspect ratios make much of a difference on either front or rear?

 

[Road_Clam]

Someone on here will post a chart with conversion sizes telling us we're all going to die unless we use the correct size*

Or that you will also die from running tubes.

 

[KGB]

Or that you will also die from running tubes.

NO tubes with my Dunlops.
Too much unsprung weight.

Maybe with a spoked wheel, not my mags.