Which freakin' tires!!!

[nisus1]

I have spent countless hours now contemplating which tires to get.  It's difficult to decide, based on so many factors.  I've seen a lot that i have liked, but can't find many matching sets that fit the GS.  Either has the correct size rear or front but not both.

I'm leaning toward the Conti Force Radial.  Mostly because of my limited budget at this time.  On Pantablo's site it says that he or maybe GSJack fit a 150 on the rear no problem.  I'm going to double check again tonight, but i'm almost positive that would rub on my bike.  I searched the forum and found some but not enough about what a lot of you are using... happy and unhappy with.  Any suggestion in similar style to the Conti that match and fit?  And how much does it cost to get a tire mounted?

Also can you go with a 120 upfront?

I just saw the post on SHINKO "006" Podium Radials.  Other than what was posted, anyone have experience with these?

[scratch]

I haven't considered the Conti's since I had my cruiser. I'm considering the Avon AM51/52 (110/80 front, 130/70 rear), sorta close to stock sizes, so I'm not sure what you're looking for. If it's $, the Avons are a little over 100.

I'm happy with the BT-45's...and may get them again instead of the Avon's, because I need to get more mileage for my money's worth.

Mounting costs really depend on how much the shops are charging in the area. Call around.

120 up front? I wouldn't. Probably, rub on the inside of the fender, and really, really hurt your handling. It would slow it Way down. Probably kill your fuel mileage, too, by creating so much resistance, wind and a too large contact patch creating too much friction for the little engine to push against.

[JeffD]

I have BT 45s.

Got around 15k out of the rear.
Got around 24k out of the front and still going. (need a new one though)

When I bought the bike it was $210 for both new and installed.
When I replaced the rear it was $140 , new tire and installed.

[Rashad]

I love my avons...best tire iver ever bought for anything.

I saw an ad in a magazine... the guy won like a world edurance race or something on a ducati...and he had the SAME tires as me.

:mrgreen:  :mrgreen:  

[Dragonfly]

I swear by the BT45's.
They have great milage, and stick amazingly well.
I have been knee down many times, and ride the piss out of these tires, and have never had to question there ability to stick.  
I pay about $180 for the set installed.

[alexXx]

gotta throw in my vote for pirelli sport demons...great grip, never gotta worry about them...


- alex

[Mk1inCali]

I've gone through 2 rear 150/60 Pilot Sports on my GS, only got ~4600 miles out each, the stock size front P. Sport has lasted all 9300 miles on my bike now.  Just bought a new set from chaparral-racing.com for 212 shipped and will have them on by tomorrow night.  Love their stick and general feel, the Avon's on Daniely's bike seemed a lot dart-ier or jumpy, at the same pressure.

[cummuterguy]

i've only used the bt-45's ever since I took off the excedra's.

I've been really happy with them, plus since I work for Bridgestone, I get a pretty good deal on them  

[juggernaught]

I used Pirelli Sport Demons on my GS....excellent traction and great in wet weather.  And they're purty..!!  

[SmartDrug]

I put a set of Sportec M1 (same as pirelli diablos) on earlier this year and thus far they've been great.  Not sure about longevity but who cares when you can have this much fun with an air cooled twin.