GS-Fs come stock with BT-45's?

[GeeP]

Long story short, I was at a Suzuki dealer (which is inside a hardware store!) looking at SV-650s.  I still can't decide if I want an S or a naked, but that's for a different post.

Anyway, next to the SV was a nice new GS-F, still partially in the plastic wrapper.  I couldn't help myself, I had to sit on it and look it over.  While looking it over I thought "That's odd, that tread pattern looks familiar!"  Sure enough, the Baby G was shod with BT-45's.  Has Suzuki finally gotten the message and started to supply the GS with some decent rim protectors from the factory?

[CndnMax]

yup, thats what i had on from the factory 

[GeeP]

Cool!  Be glad you never got to experience the dried up pencil eraser "Excedra" tires that used to come stock.   

[kml.krk]

I have BT45 on my 04. and they are stock

but hold on a second.... are you saying that BT45 are decent(good) tires?? I thought they were crap...

[GeeP]

BT-45's are good tires, although an old-tech sport-touring compound.  They're great if you commute or ride long distances.  I think the Sport Demons are better if you're more into strafing the twisties.

There aren't many choices for our narrow rims, which is why the Katana rear mod is so popular.

[510]

What I keep wondering is, besides the difference in construction, do radials and bias-plys, like the bt45, have any difference in ride?

[gsJack]

The 110/70 and 130/70 BT45 G spec tires supplied for new GS500 since 04 wre made with slightly less tread depth than general purpose BT45 were but they are the only BT45 available now in those sizes from Bridgestone in US.  They sell at bargain prices compared to other size BT45.

The BT45 tires have been updated recently in both tread compounds and profile and are more competative with the newer Lasertec, Demon, and Activ tires.  Don't know if the G spec GS500 sizes have these updates but would hope they do.

I've never noticed any difference in the ride between the radials and the latest bias tires.  Just went from a 150/70 radial RoadAttack to a 140/70 bias rear Roadrider and really haven't noticed much difference in the performance either.  Guess I'm starting to ride like an old man.   

[GeeP]

The tire man is in...

GSJack, are you sure you weren't a motorcycle tire guy in a previous life?   

[kml.krk]

after I read you posts I'm thinking if it makes any sense to replace 4 years old BT45 with new and bit pricey Pirelli Sport Demons? should I  rather invest that money in something else (case guards, rear wheel etc.)??
Maybe I should NOT go with sport demons?  I will have $200 for a set of new tires in spring 2008 and I'm also considering 150 rear tire (stock rim for now and maybe katana rear wheel swap later in 2008) so maybe I should choose Metzler? or even something else?

I'm a bit lost (when I bought GS500 I was going to stick with it for a season or two and then move up to a bigger bike - but I changed my mind! I love GS and I don't need anything more powerfull that 500cc for now I just would like to make it suit my needs, tastes and preferences) this is one of the reasons why I'm considering 150 rear tire and wheel swap.

Sorry for posting my problems and questions in your thread GeeP but I think my questions aren't worth separate topic.

what do you guys think? tires? other mods? what should I do? what to choose?

[mach1]

The M-1 sportec is a good tire from what I can tell, But I also am using a 150/60 on the stock rim. Comparing the stocker BT-45's to the M-1's the BT's are crap and the smaller rear tire just feels to unstable, But everyone has his/her tire they like and prefer also one that suits their riding style, I was just way too agressive for the 130 BT-45's.