Rear tire question - 82 GS1100E

[baco99]

The size for the rear tire on this bike is a 4.50-17. I'm having a hard time finding a replacement. Is there a more traditional sizing (Ex. 120/70/R17)that I can search for and get a replacement that will fit the rim properly?

And please don't kill me for this, but is this bike a tubed or tubless rear tire? I ask because the PO had a tube inserted which bunched up upon a puncture, but the tire remained inflated. My local shop told me I could go tubeless.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Nessism]

120/90-17 is a good size. Some people go up to 130/90-17.

Tubeless compatable rims will have a suitable marking cast into the metal - "suitable for tubeless tires" or something like this. Some people go tubeless with their tube type rims. There are pros and cons - you might want to do a search since this is a well discussed topic.

 

[Guest]

You can run tubeless. I had that rim on my bike off your model but when it came time for tire replacement I could not find one locally so I went back to stock. The internet has plenty though.

 

[Suzuki mad]

Went to fit a 130/70R17 on my GS(X)1100E (1983) and the fitter refused to fit the tyre unless I had an inner tube fitted. Claimed the rim was not a tubeless rim!

He took the original tyre off which was tubeless with all the tubeless valve stem!!!!!!!

Normally run 100/90R19(V) front and 130/70R17(V) rear on both GS1000 and GS(X)1100E.

Suzuki mad

 

[baco99]

great. thanks for the suggestions guys.

one more question: the tread patterns on these older bikes has a number of grooves, but more modern sport bike tires have fewer grooves. Any advantage or diasadvantage from a more traditional treat pattern to a more moderns one.

here's an example:

vs.

 

[baco99]

I just looked at the tire, and it's a 130/90R17 Dunlop K627 Qualifier. Does this size match what you are suggesting or did the Previous Owner fit the wrong tires?

 

[Steve]

If the tire has more grooves that run around the circumference of the tire (like your second picture), it is more likely to follow grooves in the pavement. Not sure about your area of the country, but in Southern California, most of the highways have grooves cut into the surface. Ribbed tires follow those grooves mercilessly. Feels like you are riding on grease. The newer tires will have angular or curved tread patterns which makes them far less susceptible to the grooves in the highway.

I just looked at the tire selection at Tires Unlimited and did not see your size listed for the K627. Just as well. In my opinion, the Qualifier series from Dunlop are only good for rim protection and so that you can brag to a potential buyer "it has new tires." Life of the tire is definitely nothing to brag about, and, unfortunately you can't brag about the super "grip" of the tires to make up for short life.


.

 

[baco99]

Got it. I found a Dunlop D404 cruiser tire on Dennis Kirk for $78. I think this will be the one I go with. Any thoughts?

 

[Steve]

Except for the difference in size, that is the same tire used on Harleys. If you are going to ride your bike like a Harley (staying somewhat vertical and only going 30 miles at a time), it is a great choice. Hey, even the description says it a "cruiser" tire.

I just re-read your post where you gave the size of the tire the PO put on there. You mentioned it is a 130/90R-17? The "R" in there signifies that is a radial tire. Not recommended on the narrow rims on these bikes. That is, unless it has a wider rim from a later-year bike fitted.

I just did a search of the Tires Unlimited site for 17" street tires and found a rather limited selection, so you might be just as well off to get the one you found. 8-[


.

 

[baco99]

sorry, it's not a radial. i just have a habit of putting the R in there from car tires.

thanks again for your comments.

 

[koolaid_kid]

Personally, I would not put a cruiser tire on my bike. There is lots of info on this site about tires (I have asked for a sticky to address this issue, but it has not been done yet).
I will try and do a bit of research for you. Please do not settle, select a quality tire that is designed for a sport-touring bike, not a v-twin.

 

[koolaid_kid]

Cheng Shin Himax
Metzler Lasertec
Pirelli Sport Demon
Are three examples of good tires that come in the size for your bike. Just google and you will find them.

 

[baco99]

i saw the himax for $45 new, but read something on here that they have the tendency to cup. any value to that?

 

[Mark M]

Got it. I found a Dunlop D404 cruiser tire on Dennis Kirk for $78. I think this will be the one I go with. Any thoughts?

Yeah - don't do it. I have Bridgestone BT-45's on my 1100e and they are excellent, price was even pretty good. They lighten the steering up a decent amount, stick very well hot, cold or wet and the rear got 6000+ km on it before it started to square off noticeably. Can't ask for more than that...

Mark

 

[Suzuki mad]

Run Pirelli sport demons on the GS1000E and Bridgestone BT45 on the GS(X)1100E.

Suzuki mad

 

[Jon Burke]

I'm also looking for new tires for my 81 GS850G. Previouly had Metzelers and really liked them. Found a Lasertec for the front (100/90-19), but having difficulty finding a rear in a 120/90-17. Suggestions?

 

[Guest]

I had a set of BT45s and wasn't happy with the front. It scalloped quickly and it wore out quicker than the rear. I was happy with the rear though.

 

[koolaid_kid]

I'm also looking for new tires for my 81 GS850G. Previouly had Metzelers and really liked them. Found a Lasertec for the front (100/90-19), but having difficulty finding a rear in a 120/90-17. Suggestions?

Partial thread hijack
Well, that is because they don't make that tire in that size. (I checked out Metzler's web site. If it is not listed there, it ain't around.)
This is not an unusual problem; you do have to search to find some sizes, and perhaps settle for a different brand. There are those who believe that mixing brands is O.K. (I am not one of them, but that is just me). So you could go Metzler on the front, something else on the rear. Or just find another brand/model that comes in both (my preference).

 

[baco99]

from what i've read here, and from what my shop is tellng me, you can go with a 130/90-17 in the back and not have any issues, just a little more tire.

i think i've settled on this:

Kenda Challenger. Read some good reviews and seems to handle and wear well. For the amount of riding I do, I don't need a $200 tire.

 

[Mark M]

from what i've read here, and from what my shop is tellng me, you can go with a 130/90-17 in the back and not have any issues, just a little more tire.

i think i've settled on this:

<snip>

Kenda Challenger. Read some good reviews and seems to handle and wear well. For the amount of riding I do, I don't need a $200 tire.

I have the 130 on my 1100E and it is fine. The narrow rims pinch it a bit and I can't scrub to the edges because of that, but otherwise it's OK. Where are you finding $200 tires? My local shop (read $$$) did BOTH my BT-45's mounted and balanced for around $240. And that's CDN $$$, so yours should be cheaper yet.

Just remember, cheap tires are like cheap helmets. It is the value you place on your bike and body that determines what it's worth to you.

Mark