Tyres

[Batair]

Hi,

I'm looking to get some new tyres for my bike but I haven't got the first clue about tyres and which ones are good for what. I'm going to be doing lots of miles, carrying lots of luggage (tank bag, panniers, tail pack and rucksack... not quite as heavy as a pillion but close enough). Also I don't tend to go fast... I couldn't afford the insurance if I got a ticket and my jacket tends to try and drag me off my bike if I go over 70 anyway. Any advice on tyres?

Thanks.

[Esteban]

I haven't had to replace my tires yet, but here's a post from gsJack on the first page of the FAQs:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=16501.0

[gsJack]

That old post of mine is getting rather dated now.  For your usage the Avon Roadriders would be a good choice.  Here's a comparison test from UK Bike magazine covering bias ply tires for the GS500.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778173_r5kSp-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778222_97mdg-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778267_oz9pS-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778306_bGmAr-X3.jpg

[Batair]

That old post of mine is getting rather dated now.  For your usage the Avon Roadriders would be a good choice.  Here's a comparison test from UK Bike magazine covering bias ply tires for the GS500.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778173_r5kSp-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778222_97mdg-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778267_oz9pS-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778306_bGmAr-X3.jpg

Thanks.

[the mole]

Recently put a Kenda Cruiser ST 130/70 on mine, handling is fine (still with the original Bridgestone on the front). I've only done 3,000km so far so its too early to tell how its wearing.

[galahs]

I've used both Bridgestone BT-45's and Michelin Pilot Activ and they are botyh great Sport Touring tyres.

[flynlo]

GSJACK gave some great references on tire comparisions for the GS.   Since you explained your intentions for load & usuage to be within the normal limits of factory recommended specs........I would go with OEM Bridgestone BT tires in the same size as was delivered from the factory (of course), simple, and easy.  That's just my $.02. Go with stock...Your GS with thank you for it!

Side note......Valentino Rossi's Yamaha/Fiat Moto GP winning bike wears Bridgestones 

[werase643]

Side note......Valentino Rossi's Yamaha/Fiat Moto GP winning bike wears Bridgestones  Thumbsup

I saw a ferrari with kumhoes   so should i use kumhoes on my yugo?

[flynlo]

If they also happen to come on a Hugo from the factory then why not.  What would you recommend for tires to our fellow GS rider?

[yooblonder]

That old post of mine is getting rather dated now.  For your usage the Avon Roadriders would be a good choice.  Here's a comparison test from UK Bike magazine covering bias ply tires for the GS500.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778267_oz9pS-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778306_bGmAr-X3.jpg

My GS probably needs a new front tyre for its yearly MOT this week so that info is a great help.  (Thanks gsJack) 
The following post from theUBS notes two BT45 treads.
Does anyone know when the new BT45 tread was issued, and how to tell the difference?

Also, any good on-line deals with delivery?

Any info appreciated. Thanks.

One thing to consider though--I think they have TWO DIFFERENT sets of BT45's.  The older version still on the market is a fair amount cheaper.  You might have gotten the updated treads which might be worth the extra money.

[sblack]

That old post of mine is getting rather dated now.  For your usage the Avon Roadriders would be a good choice.  Here's a comparison test from UK Bike magazine covering bias ply tires for the GS500.

http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778173_r5kSp-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778222_97mdg-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778267_oz9pS-X3.jpg
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/421778306_bGmAr-X3.jpg

While the article makes for an interesting read and gives some indication of how the different tyres may perform I must say I was a little disappointed they didn't do some other testing to give some more information. Every tyre test I've read in a car or even bicycle mag has at least done some wet testing to get an idea of how the tyres perform in the wet. To me the wet is where I'm more likely to reach the limits of a tyre and sacrificing some dry grip for a tyre that grips better in the wet makes a lot of sense.

[gsJack]

The following post from theUBS notes two BT45 treads.
Does anyone know when the new BT45 tread was issued, and how to tell the difference?

Also, any good on-line deals with delivery?

Any info appreciated. Thanks.

One thing to consider though--I think they have TWO DIFFERENT sets of BT45's.  The older version still on the market is a fair amount cheaper.  You might have gotten the updated treads which might be worth the extra money.

This BT45 history is getting very confusing and I wish I had taken notes to supplement my now slipping memory recall.  I used some BT45 back in the 99-02 years and they were the originals and still quite new to the market.  They replaced and were much better than the Excedras that came on my 97 GS.

Later on, the Lasertecs and Demons came out with the new rich in silica compounds and the multi arc profiles that gave them performance closer to radials, closed the gap a bit between bias and radial.  After that the BT45 were updated to the new compounds and profiles.  The Activs came out after the BT45 update so the BT45 update was sometime between the Lasertec/Demon and the Activ arrival to US dates.

Not to be confused with any of the above history of the BT45s is the arrival of the G spec oem BT45s on the 04 GS500F to replace the infamous oem Excedras.  They were made to a price and had 1/32" less tread depth than the other BT45s and they were sold as replacement tires for considerably less than other size BT45s.  The original BT45 in the 110/70 and 130/70 sizes were dropped from the Bridgestone US site and only the cheaper G specs were available for a while.  As far as I know the G spec BT45 are the same in compounds and profiles as the other BT45.

The all new 2008 Ninja 250R dropped the old 16" wheels and came out with the same size wheels and tires that the GS500 and Ninja 500R have and the original full tread depth 110/70 and 130/70 BT45 were back on the market.  No cheaper G spec tires for the baby Ninja.     Current Bridgestone US BT45 listing shows both:

http://www.motorcycle-karttires.com/glamourindex.aspx?productID=3&LookupID=8

[Majorhavoc]

[/b] [/size]
One thing to consider though--I think they have TWO DIFFERENT sets of BT45's.  The older version still on the market is a fair amount cheaper.  You might have gotten the updated treads which might be worth the extra money.

This BT45 history is getting very confusing and I wish I had taken notes to supplement my now slipping memory recall.  I used some BT45 back in the 99-02 years and they were the originals and still quite new to the market.  They replaced and were much better than the Excedras that came on my 97 GS.

Later on, the Lasertecs and Demons came out with the new rich in silica compounds and the multi arc profiles that gave them performance closer to radials, closed the gap a bit between bias and radial.  After that the BT45 were updated to the new compounds and profiles.  The Activs came out after the BT45 update so the BT45 update was sometime between the Lasertec/Demon and the Activ arrival to US dates.

Not to be confused with any of the above history of the BT45s is the arrival of the G spec oem BT45s on the 04 GS500F to replace the infamous oem Excedras.  They were made to a price and had 1/32" less tread depth than the other BT45s and they were sold as replacement tires for considerably less than other size BT45s.  The original BT45 in the 110/70 and 130/70 sizes were dropped from the Bridgestone US site and only the cheaper G specs were available for a while.  As far as I know the G spec BT45 are the same in compounds and profiles as the other BT45.

The all new 2008 Ninja 250R dropped the old 16" wheels and came out with the same size wheels and tires that the GS500 and Ninja 500R have and the original full tread depth 110/70 and 130/70 BT45 were back on the market.  No cheaper G spec tires for the baby Ninja.     Current Bridgestone US BT45 listing shows both:

http://www.motorcycle-karttires.com/glamourindex.aspx?productID=3&LookupID=8

gsJack:

You seem to be the definitive source for GS tire info. (That's 'tyre' to you, mates).  I think I probably speak for a lot of forum members when I thank you for keeping all this straight, because I sure as heck can't.

It sounds like there is some new GS tire information here. Any chance you could update your tire entry on the GStwin wiki?  Between the new wheel size on the Kawi bike and the latest tire reviews from the British publications, there seem to be more options now. 

You know, because I'm sure you've got skads of free time to drop everything else and do this for us .

[jeremy_nash]

I have used the kenda cruiser in 130-70-17  and they wore out very fast, I'm talking like less than one season, aka less than 6k miles