Tire size?

[Jake D]

I just got my GS and I noticed the back tire is a 130/90-17!  It looks like an touring tire and it tall and I don't trust it to lean very far.  It is next to go.

I think the stock tire size is 130/60-17.  I'd like to run a 140.  

I've seen the how-to on running 160, but that seems a little too much for my simple mind (too much smashing with rocks).  

Does anyone have a recommendation tire size?  140/60/17?  Brand?  Also, what effects to you think the 90 series tire that I have on the bike right now are likely having on handling?

[Kerry]

The stock tire is a 130/70-17.  My second tire was a Cheng Shin Hi-Max 130/90-17.  It:

* Felt a little heavy
* Raised the tail end a bit (so I had to adjust the headlight aim)
* Rubbed ever so slightly on the rear brake caliper "arm"
* Dropped my RPMs by 1000 at a given speed in a given gear
* And wore unevenly ...[/list:u]... but it lasted the longest of any tire I've used so far.  I rode it over the Rockies (twice) on twisty two-laners with no handling problems.

Not that I would buy another one

on purpose, but it was quite economical.

[adamwade]

Try to stick to the stock size of 130/70-17.  You can go as large as 140/80, but I wouldn't go any wider or taller.

[gsJack]

I just got my GS and I noticed the back tire is a 130/90-17!  It looks like an touring tire and it tall and I don't trust it to lean very far.  It is next to go.

I think the stock tire size is 130/60-17.  I'd like to run a 140.  

I've seen the how-to on running 160, but that seems a little too much for my simple mind (too much smashing with rocks).  

Does anyone have a recommendation tire size?  140/60/17?  Brand?  Also, what effects to you think the 90 series tire that I have on the bike right now are likely having on handling?

Standard size is 110/70 front and 130/70 rear and the standard size is probably best for handling on the GS500s.  Many here like the BT45s which are standard on the newest models.  There are better tires like the Metzler ME330/550, Avon AM51/52, and Pirelli Demons for example that all come in OEM sizes.

I've had 3 of the 130/90 rears on my GSs.  After replacing the OEM Excedras with BT45s, I then tried a Metzeler 130/90 ME88 and thought it handled better than the BT45 and lasted twice as long.  I then tried a longer lasting Dunlop 491 touring tire in same size and was on the edge of breaking loose and losing it all the time in the twisties.

I'm personally sold on sport touring radials for the GS500s now and tried the Metzeler Z4/Z2 combo in the 110/70 and 130/80 sizes for 2 years and then went to the Avon AV45/46 tires this year in the 110/80 and 140/80 sizes.  All better than the bias ply tires I've used, especially in the wet and longer lasting too.

Tires are best mounted on the reccommended rim size.  Our 3.5" wide rear rims are best choice for the 130/70 and 140/80 sizes.  The 140/70 size you mentioned is approved for our rims by the tire mfgs, but the wider 150/70 is approved for our rims by some tire mfgs and not others.  The 150/70 will rub the brake torque rod in some cases.

All the 130/90 bias belted touring and 140/80 sport touring radials I've tried had ample clearance on my GS500s.

[Jake D]

The 130/90's on it right now are Metzler.  This may sound stupid to you, but they are called "Perfect Messey".  Anyway, I think they feel splashy.  When I lean it the tires feel like they might squish right out from under me (load shorts, rinse, repeat).  

It could be that they are not properly inflated, which I will check tonight.  It could also be that they are frozen, due to the fact that it was 29 degrees last night when I went riding.  The tires may also have "expired", in that the could be 9 years old (by my nearest estimation).  I know there is a code on the tires that will help me determine this age factor.  Also check tonight.    

I think I would have a lot of low end torque benefits from a shorter 60 series tire, which would help lug my fat body from stop light to stop light.  

Thanks for the great info guys.  I am glad to know that running a 90 series tire is sometimes acceptable.

[sprint_9]

I doubt you will be able to find a 130/60 or 140/60 in this country, I dont think there made in those sizes.  You should also replace both of your tires when you change them.

[Jake D]

Ah. . . I see, said the blind man.  I guess I need to do a little shopping first before I open mouth.

[Jake D]

Wait. . .oh, never mind.  You right mang.  You right.