Question About The Use Of Radial Tires?

[BigTwin]

I was wondering if using radial tires on our bikes is OK? I have asked a few guys at work about using radials. One of the guys is a motorcycle guru and had been an AMA flat tracker and has worked in the motorcycle industry for 30 years, and one who races street bikes.

Both of them told me that the suspension is not ready for radials, and that the frame is not rigid enough to support the extra grip.

I know alot of people say they work great, but I just want to make sure my MEZ2/Roadtec Z6 combo will work on my 2001 GS500. I have progressive springs up front and wil hopefully soon have an RF900 or KAT600 rear shock.

ANy help would be GREAT, BigTwin

[scratch]

Didn't you already ask this question? See below:
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22970&highlight=tires

[JamesG]

Maybe he wants a second opinion?


The GS frame is plenty stout for even race tires. Its the front forks that are weak point of the GS. What was stiff enough for hard old bias ply tires back in 1987 is rather flimsy with sticky radials that alow you to put more on stress than they ever imagined back then.  Its not harmful or dangerous, but you can definately tell that the front end is flexing.

[tkm433]

If you are planning on using radial tires front and rear and you are using the proper size to fit you rims you should have no problems.  

I was using Bridgeston bt-096 tires on my GS500 with no problems.  I was running the stock 110/70 front and a slightly larger 140/70 on the rear and the bike handled great.

The biggest problem that I see is that for some reason people feel that a larger tire will make the bike handle better so they install a tire that was not designed to fit the width of the rim and they wonder why the bikes handles funny and blame it on the tire and not the fact that they installed the wrong size tire for the rim.

Check the web site for the tires that you plan on using and see if they list it as a proper fitment on the stock size GS wheels.

[spotswood_suzuki]

I have been running the MEZ2/MEZ4 combo for a couple of years and love them.....check out GSJACKS site for more tire info.

Wayne

[BigTwin]

Didn't you already ask this question? See below:
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22970&highlight=tires

That thread is just about the compatibility of those tires, while this thread has to do with being able to use radials in general.

-BigTwin-

[gsJack]

I was wondering if using radial tires on our bikes is OK? ..................................Both of them told me that the suspension is not ready for radials, and that the frame is not rigid enough to support the extra grip............................I just want to make sure my MEZ2/Roadtec Z6 combo will work on my 2001 GS500. I have progressive springs up front and wil hopefully soon have an RF900 or KAT600 rear shock.

ANy help would be GREAT, BigTwin

YES!  They are OK.  Now go try them out for yourself.  

I've now put over 109,000 miles on my 97 and 03 GS500s and this includes about 40,000 miles on radial tires and I've lived to tell the tale.  Must be OK.  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

As once described by Cycle World, the GS500 frame is hell bent for stout.  No problem.  Now the stock suspension is no where close to getting the most out of the good sport radials your friends are using, BUT the radials will get the most out of the GS500 suspension that's there with more safety and in the case of sport touring radials possibly with more economy.

I think the Progressive front springs are necessary for spirited riding as the stock springs are way too soft, but I've always kept the standard rear shock.  The rear could use better damping but it's not as necessary as the front for my riding style.   Your bike, your choice.  I keep a 240# weight on the rear of my bikes.   :mrgreen:

There are 2 main considerations in putting radial tires on a bike that was designed for bias tires.  Frame/suspension stiffness and wheel size.  Most of the older bikes have wheels much too narrow for radials.  We are lucky that our wheels are suitable for good sport touring radials.  I've not yet run a tire, bias or radial, on my GSs that wasn't an approved fitment by the tire mfg.

I wouldn't hesitate more than a few seconds to hit the road with a Z6/Z2 combo, just long enough to glance at them and make sure they are inflated.

[BigTwin]

Thanks gsJack, I really appreciate your in depth post.

Jack, have you ever been down to Iron Pony in Columbus? I work there and I'm always happy to see a fellow GS rider, or former ones like fettcols.

THANKS to all, BigTwin

[john]

Once Jack speaks there's little left to say.  Believe the godfather of GS500's

[Alphamazing]

Once Jack speaks there's little left to say.  Believe the godfather of GS500's

Godfather, grandfather, same difference! :lol::lol:  

[gsJack]

Actually it's been great grandfather for over three years now.    

When our daughter became the grandmother three years ago they asked what do we call grandma(wife) now?  She said just call me gg for great grandma and the little ones have called us Gigi and the Biker ever since.

We have been babysitting with the now 3 and 2 year olds for a day every week for over a year now.  We were tatally wiped out after 8-10 hours with them at first, but we can fight them to a draw now.  Great way to keep in shape for all day rides.  

[TheGoodGuy]

Actually it's been great grandfather for over three years now.    

When our daughter became the grandmother three years ago they asked what do we call grandma(wife) now?  She said just call me gg for great grandma and the little ones have called us Gigi and the Biker ever since.

We have been babysitting with the now 3 and 2 year olds for a day every week for over a year now.  We were tatally wiped out after 8-10 hours with them at first, but we can fight them to a draw now.  Great way to keep in shape for all day rides.  

awwwww...