Tire Brand Reccomendations

[MikeJ]

Originally Posted by Tenrilid
My question is, when buying a set of tires do you HAVE to use a rear disignated tire only on the rear and front designated on the front?

No. But if you want to ride safely, yes.

There are a couple of exceptions, though, to that rule. Some old-school "retro" style tire designs have a symmetrical tread that doesn't care if it's mounted on a front or a rear wheel, or which way the direction of rotation is. And some tires with a unidirectional tread, like the Avon Roadrider, are designed to fit _either_ front or rear -- but to be mounted in opposite directions depending on whether they are on the front (where you want to maximize braking traction) or the rear (to maximize acceleration traction).

I have a set of the Avons on my Guzzi, and like them just fine. Long wearing, very good traction in all conditions, and the center tread design also helps eliminate rain-groove-induced wobble that some tires allow or magnify.

 

[Guest]

I got Avon Roadriders for my bikes, I was having a difficult time finding tires and the Avon's were the only ones I could find at the time that fit the stock requirements. I like them alot, so far no problems.

 

[JCSkokos]

I started reading through this thread and decided to go outside and check my tires on the 650. I have 2 different brands thanks to PO
here they are:

Front
Metzeler Perfect ME77 --- 4 ply --- 100/90-19 57H

Rear
Bridgestone Spitfire 11R --- 130/90-17 68H


Im not sure what some of those numbers mean. I know [width/radius-rim diameter] but Im not too sure about the ME77, 11R, 57H, and 68H.

 

[82Shafty]

I installed Dunlop E3's on my L and couldn't be happier.

 

[MikeJ]

Front
Metzeler Perfect ME77 --- 4 ply --- 100/90-19 57H

Rear
Bridgestone Spitfire 11R --- 130/90-17 68H

Im not sure what some of those numbers mean. I know [width/radius-rim diameter] but Im not too sure about the ME77, 11R, 57H, and 68H.

Take a look at BassCliff's tire website, or the Wiki at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tire_code

ME77 and 11R are just the makers' model designations for those designs -- they have no DOT meaning. The "H" refers to the top speed rating, which IIRC for "H" rated tires means they are certified safe up to 130 mph. "V" speed-rated tires are good up to 149 or so, and there is another designation "Z" that's even higher-speed rated, in case you want to take your 'Busa or summat out on a track day, or an Autobahn, and exceed 150 mph.

The 2 numbers before the speed rating indicate the "load rating" indicating the maximum weight that the tire is designed to support - usually not a big deal in motorcycle applications, but of some import on a heavily loaded tourer I guess.

You also want to look for the "date code" indicating the week/year of manufacture; on the older tires, this will be in 3-digit format (2 for the week of the year, 1 for the year, on the assumption no tires are going to last more than 10 years), which is the way it was done up until 2000. Since 2000, the date code has 4 digits, 2 for the week (1 thru 52) and 2 for the year). If you only have a 3-digit date code, your tire is over 10 years old and way past the end of its useful life as a motorcycle tire especially if you do any leaning in the twisties at all...

 

[1_v8_merc]

You also want to look for the "date code" indicating the week/year of manufacture; on the older tires, this will be in 3-digit format (2 for the week of the year, 1 for the year, on the assumption no tires are going to last more than 10 years), which is the way it was done up until 2000. Since 2000, the date code has 4 digits, 2 for the week (1 thru 52) and 2 for the year). If you only have a 3-digit date code, your tire is over 10 years old and way past the end of its useful life as a motorcycle tire especially if you do any leaning in the twisties at all...

Wow, I just stumbled on this Thread, while searching for new tires.

Good information man!

Just found out my tires are from 2002!
(I'm trying not to throw up, from the thought of riding on them last summer!)




They are Duro's,

[Front] - 100/90-19
[Rear] - 120/90-17


Don't know why the stupid PO couldn't have dropped a few more bucks....


I'm definitely looking towards the Avons, or Pirelli's.....

 

[Tenrilid]

Well, I managed to find a REALLY good deal on the avon roadriders on jakewilson.com. Only cost me just under 160 for the set and I will have an actual front and rear designated tire lol! As for an introduction, I have been a member on the site for quite a while I just hadn't posted in quite a while so my profile had been suspended kinda i suppose lol.

 

[dueller]

You might wanna check this thread

You might wanna check this thread

and these couple posts in particular

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=999769&postcount=27

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1410310&postcount=79

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showpost.php?p=1428258&postcount=107

 

[1074cm3]

here are more comments on the avon tires - http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=140853

 

[karllmt]

Hi - I don't have much experence on the subject. Please give details on why most of you seem to like the Avons. I have always used Metzeler tires on my '80 GS750E, and have been very happy.

 

[GS Jim]

FWIW, I ran Avon RRs on my Thruxton for the last 2 seasons, loved the tires and had no problems with them. Sizes were 100/18 and 130/18. They sure made the bike handle better than the stock Metzeler Lasertechs. Actually, the difference was so remarkable, it felt like a suspension upgrade.

 

[Johnny Drummond]

Hi guys, I find the best tyres for me are the Bridgestone BT45's that replaced the BT17's that I've used for years I've had my GS 14 years and tried most brands in that time-Dunlops were the worst, the BT45's give me good grip and they warm quickly( which is good in this country not blessed like most of you with warm sticky tarmac for 3/4 of the year!) Metzler ME33/77's were ok but I found that when they got close to their wear limit I got rear slides in the dry exiting corners or junctions-Avons were never readily available in the sizes I wanted and were too expensive for me.But hey thats just my take on things!.Johnny

 

[Dakotakid]

I currently am running Continental Conti Go tires on my '83 Kawasaki GPZ 750. I spend a lot of time in mountainous terrain and push pretty hard. These Conti's are neat and I have not slipped yet. No idea how they will hold up to high mileage...too early. I suspect this bike could erase anything I put on the rear!!! They are not "cheap" to purchase.

 

[DCrippa]

This is the first bike I've had with tubes - unless you count a moped... but regardless - I'm not sure about using tubeless tires on a tube rim with a tube of course... is this ok to do?

Funny thing is I'd like some sticky sport rubber - and wonder if something like this would work on the rear (even though it's a front tire) the dimensions 130/70R/18 seem like they'd fit for the rear? I've seen 130/90/18 being reccomended - So they'd be slightly lower on the side wall than the 90's - Is this not a good idea?
For the rear:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...i-Motion-Sport-Touring-Radial-Front-Tire.aspx

and then this for the front 100/90/19 or 110/80/19:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...ck-Dual-Sport-Front-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

ps before anyone has an aneurysm I have searched and will be running tubes... on my spoked wheels - just want to know if a modern Sport touring front tire can go on the back of our bikes?

 

[Nessism]

This is the first bike I've had with tubes - unless you count a moped... but regardless - I'm not sure about using tubeless tires on a tube rim with a tube of course... is this ok to do?

Funny thing is I'd like some sticky sport rubber - and wonder if something like this would work on the rear (even though it's a front tire) the dimensions 130/70R/18 seem like they'd fit for the rear? I've seen 130/90/18 being reccomended - So they'd be slightly lower on the side wall than the 90's - Is this not a good idea?
For the rear:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...i-Motion-Sport-Touring-Radial-Front-Tire.aspx

and then this for the front 100/90/19 or 110/80/19:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...ck-Dual-Sport-Front-Tire.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

ps before anyone has an aneurysm I have searched and will be running tubes... on my spoked wheels - just want to know if a modern Sport touring front tire can go on the back of our bikes?

1) Yes, you can use tubeless tires as long as you install a tube inside

2) Radial tires are no good for a GS. The rims are too narrow.

3) Why do you want a dual sport tire?

If you want continental tires I recommend the Conti-Go model. 100 front and 120 rear. A 130 is too wide for your rim.

 

[DCrippa]

1) Yes, you can use tubeless tires as long as you install a tube inside

2) Radial tires are no good for a GS. The rims are too narrow.

3) Why do you want a dual sport tire?

If you want continental tires I recommend the Conti-Go model. 100 front and 120 rear. A 130 is too wide for your rim.

Thanks for the input - will definitely be using a tube - I looked at these because I figured something I could also ride a bit of gravel / packed dirt stuff you find on some back roads etc...

Aside from the Conti-Go's are there any other sport/dual sport/sport touring tires that would work? I believe I'd have to find a 19 for the front 18 for the rear - which makes finding a set harder.