Tire recommendation for 1977 GS 400

[C_OUELLET]

I have not read through all the comments, this tire may have been suggested already, but here is a link to the IRC durotours that I bought, still have not rode on them yet though. They did arrive very quickly too.
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_145_151

 

[Guest]

On my 450 (same size rims) I initially had Pirelli Sport Demons on in 100/90-18 front and 110/90-18 rear.

They were great in the wet or dry but the profile was just a little too tall on the front and certain corners at certain speeds had an odd sensation when tipping in. In addition, I was getting 5500km's max out of the rear before the centre was bald from commuting which makes up the majority of my riding unfortunately.

I switched to Avon RoadRiders a while back in 90/90-18 front and 100/90-18 rear. The weird tipping sensation has gone due to the better profile and they still feel great in the dry (in fact a little "softer" on the road), but they're not quite as grippy in the wet. Close, just not the same. I also now get 7500 - 8000 km's out of a rear.

Just my opinion but it's a back to back comparison at least...

A 100/90 anything on that skinny 1.60 rim will probably be pinched up in the middle and tippy; 'tall' had little to do with it. Even a 90/90 is on the edge. It may be a back to back comparison, but it's not apples to apples. The original tire was about 80mm wide.

My next winters project is to lace 2.15 rims [alloys!!] so I can run a 'wider' range of tires. The remaining choices are already getting pretty thin and waiting for a stroke of the accountant's axe. Of course, even 18" is getting old now that everything is on 17".

 

[mobius]

Thanks for the tire suggestions.

I've also been thinking about a tubed vs tubeless front tire - quick pros and cons? I've heard tubeless is less susceptible for blow outs; any truth to this?

 

[tkent02]

I have not read through all the comments, this tire may have been suggested already, but here is a link to the IRC durotours that I bought, still have not rode on them yet though. They did arrive very quickly too.
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=33_145_151

They don't list a 100/90-18 rear tire. Did you go with the 100/90-18 front tire on the rear, or the 110/90-18 rear tire?

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the tire suggestions.

I've also been thinking about a tubed vs tubeless front tire - quick pros and cons? I've heard tubeless is less susceptible for blow outs; any truth to this?

You won't be able to run tubeless with the wire spoked wheels. You can run a tubeless tire, but only with a tube in it. Apart from the sealing bead, they are pretty much the same casing so it doesn't matter in your case.

Tubeless should, in theory, leak down less than a tube so your chances of running under inflated are far lower. So, yes, tubeless is less susceptible to blowouts. With a tube, you have to top up your tires at least once a month. Properly inflated, there should be no difference in resistance to blowouts.