Tire sizes GS550L

[bbytes]

I have a 1979 GS550L. I need to replace the tires on it as the treads are nearly gone. I was looking at tires, and I think I would like to use the Dunlap K70 Vintage tires. I really like the look of these tires.

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/road/vintage/k70/

Now, Dunlap only makes these tires in three sizes:
3.25-19 TT Front
3.50-19 Front/Back
4.00-18 TT Back

My Suzuki service manual says that the tires should be:
3.25-19 Front
3.75-18 Back

Currently, my tires are:
100/90-19 Front
110/90-18 Back

I'm wondering if I will have problems putting the 4.00-18 tire on my rear wheel. It's only one size up, but I have heard there are possible problems with choosing a larger tire.

Also, if anyone has a suggestion for a better fitting tire with the "vintage" look, I would much appreciate it.

 

[Nessism]

That 4.00 would be fine.

 

[bbytes]

Thank you!

 

[Steve]

I did not realize that there was an L with a wheel larger than 16".

I looked it up in the fiche, that's what it came with.

You plan on riding the bike or showing it? :-k

If you plan on riding, it would be good to get some more-modern rubber on there.

"Looks" don't keep the bike upright. :-\\\

.

 

[bwringer]

You plan on riding the bike or showing it? :-k

If you plan on riding, it would be good to get some more-modern rubber on there.

"Looks" don't keep the bike upright. :-\\\

.

Agreed. Those Dunlops are expensive crap, only suited for pushing the bike out of the trailer and into the bike show.

If that's your thing, go for it. But if you're gonna ride it, put some good modern tires on it.

Do a search to find the massive tire threads here on this forum.

I'm personally quite partial to Avon AM26 RoadRiders. They come in the correct sizes and they look right on vintage bikes.

If you're cheap and don't ride much, the Shinko 712s or 230s are excellent quality and inexpensive -- they just don't last as long as the Avons.

Most of the tire manufacturers make modern design tires -- they pretty much all work fine.

The "throwback" tires like those K70 Dunlops are only useful for show bikes that must be period-correct and are not ridden.

 

[bbytes]

I did not realize that there was an L with a wheel larger than 16".

16" seems really small. But yeah, they are definitely 18" and 19" wheels.

Agreed. Those Dunlops are expensive crap, only suited for pushing the bike out of the trailer and into the bike show.

I am curious as to where this review of these tires came from. I'm sure you all have more experience than I do with tires, but every review I've seen outside of TheGSResources suggests these to be good tires, and at $70 not a terrible price. They do mention them being a bit soft, so they will likely wear quicker than other tires, but they all seem to suggest good grip.

I did already order them before reading your posts. I probably would have held off if I had read your comments before. I guess I'll try them and if they are complete crap, I'll buy better ones next time.

 

[Steve]

16" seems really small. But yeah, they are definitely 18" and 19" wheels.

Yes, they are a smaller diameter, but they bring the overall diameter back up by using a wider wheel and going up to a 130 width.

.

 

[Nessism]

Those Dunlops will be fine, unless you plan to hammer the bike in the twisties on a regular basis. Can't say I agree with purchasing tires based on looks though.

 

[bbytes]

Those Dunlops will be fine, unless you plan to hammer the bike in the twisties on a regular basis. Can't say I agree with purchasing tires based on looks though.

Thanks, I was just wondering if someone had some insight on these tires. It seemed that a couple people had an immediate negative reaction to those tires. The looks are not the only factor in my decision making. There are a few other "vintage" tires that get complete crap reviews. The Dunlap ones seem to get excellent reviews on nearly every site I look at. Considering they were about equal in price and rating as some of the other "decent" tires, I figured I could take the looks into consideration.

When I asked, I thought maybe someone here had a bad experience with these specific tires because of the immediate bad reaction to them.