Yet another tire question ...

[jmelchio]

I need to replace my tires this winter and I would simply like to replace them with the stock Bridgestone BT45 tires but I've noticed that on several web sites they have two models listed for these; a regular and 'G' model, the latter supposedly meant for the GS500 04-09 models but of course, at a premium.

Does anybody know if this makes any sense? Are there any real differences?

Thanks, Joris.

[twocool]

I need to replace my tires this winter and I would simply like to replace them with the stock Bridgestone BT45 tires but I've noticed that on several web sites they have two models listed for these; a regular and 'G' model, the latter supposedly meant for the GS500 04-09 models but of course, at a premium.

Does anybody know if this makes any sense? Are there any real differences?

Thanks, Joris.

Check out american motorcycle tire.com

They sell both...almost the same price....(within a dollar) for the rear...

I think the "G" is OEM....I heard that the OEM tires have less rubber on them....

The write up from American says each OEM tire is custom designed to the particular brand and model of bike....hmmm


Cookie

[twocool]

I need to replace my tires this winter and I would simply like to replace them with the stock Bridgestone BT45 tires but I've noticed that on several web sites they have two models listed for these; a regular and 'G' model, the latter supposedly meant for the GS500 04-09 models but of course, at a premium.

Does anybody know if this makes any sense? Are there any real differences?

Thanks, Joris.

More information:

The Bridgestone Battlax is available in bothe H and v speed rating....

But in the size for the GS 500 it is only available in the H speed rating...

For front  110-70-17....

the G model has 5/32" deep tread.....and will fit rims 3" to 3-1/2"  but 3" is recommended
the non-G model has 6/32" tread, and will fit rims 2-1/2" to 3-1/2" with 3" recommended


For rear 130 - 70-17

The G model has 8/32" deep tread depth
the non G model has 9/32" tread depth

So G model is slightly less tread depth....lighter tire???
It seems they want a thinner/lighter tire for OEM on GS 500...

Cookie

[burning1]

I've never heard of an OEM spec tire being better than the standard after-market tire. I'd personally get the non GS500 specific one.

[gsJack]

It's all about cost, the G spec BT45 tires were made to sell in quantities to the bike maker for less.  Same quality tread compounds as far as I know, just a bit less tire life.  After the G models came out B'stone dropped the previously made non G spec tires in those sizes and the G spec were the only ones available for 2-3 years.  Then along came the all new 08 Ninja 250 and it now had tire and wheel sizes the same size as the GS500 and Ninja 500 bikes already had and Kawi didn't cheap out on the tires for the new 250 so the original full depth 110/70/17 and 130/70/17 BT45 were brought back and are listed as oem for the Ninja 250 but are standard BT45 with no special spec designation.   After this the excellent Dunlop GT501 bias tires that were never available in GS500 and Ninja 500 sizes came out in the 110/70 and 130/70 sizes, H rated, for the Ninja 250 for oem use and are listed in Dunlop fitment guide as their reccommended fitment for all the Ninja 250 and 500 and the GS500 bikes. 

[twocool]

It's all about cost, the G spec BT45 tires were made to sell in quantities to the bike maker for less.  Same quality tread compounds as far as I know, just a bit less tire life.  After the G models came out B'stone dropped the previously made non G spec tires in those sizes and the G spec were the only ones available for 2-3 years.  Then along came the all new 08 Ninja 250 and it now had tire and wheel sizes the same size as the GS500 and Ninja 500 bikes already had and Kawi didn't cheap out on the tires for the new 250 so the original full depth 110/70/17 and 130/70/17 BT45 were brought back and are listed as oem for the Ninja 250 but are standard BT45 with no special spec designation.   After this the excellent Dunlop GT501 bias tires that were never available in GS500 and Ninja 500 sizes came out in the 110/70 and 130/70 sizes, H rated, for the Ninja 250 for oem use and are listed in Dunlop fitment guide as their reccommended fitment for all the Ninja 250 and 500 and the GS500 bikes.

Avon roadrider about the same price and V rated...

Cookie

[jmelchio]

Thanks for the info everyone. It seems better to go with the non-OEM or maybe try another (Dunlop?) after all. Surprised that the manufacturers go through so much trouble for model specific tires.

[craigs449]

a tad bit off topic, but will a 120/70/17 front fit on the gs 500?  i have the oem front from my supermoto laying around and it has enough tread left to pass md inspection...

[burning1]

Thanks for the info everyone. It seems better to go with the non-OEM or maybe try another (Dunlop?) after all. Surprised that the manufacturers go through so much trouble for model specific tires.

Not really... The model specific tires are fitted to pretty much all new bikes, so simply agreeing to produce the tire is worth huge sales, even if they are sold at a budget price.

[twocool]

a tad bit off topic, but will a 120/70/17 front fit on the gs 500?  i have the oem front from my supermoto laying around and it has enough tread left to pass md inspection...

My "chart" shows that a 120 70 17 is "designed" for a 3-1/2" rim......GS500 has 3" rim...


But 120 70 17 is "acceptable" on 2-3/4" to 3-3/4" rim so it would fit, but not a great fit.

Is your old front tire a radial?   Can't mix bias and radial....

I am not a fan of too big of a tire on motorcycle...but if you're in a pinch, and need to pass inspection...go for it!


Cookie

[twocool]

Thanks for the info everyone. It seems better to go with the non-OEM or maybe try another (Dunlop?) after all. Surprised that the manufacturers go through so much trouble for model specific tires.

Sure....you don't need those model specific tires.....But the "non G" Bridgstone seems nice, for the same price.....that extra 1/32" tread means about 12% more mileage on the rear and 20% more on the front.


I liked my Bridgestones, also like Avon....most seem to go for Pirelli for the GS500.....

Dunlop?   I dunno....

All of the above are nearly the same price...(plus or minus $10 or so) depending where you order them and what they charge for shipping....

Cookie

[jmelchio]

I noticed that gsJack has added a link on the tires page on the wiki (Thanks!) with a test comparing GS500 tires. You can find it here (http://www.ex-500.com/wiki/index.php/Tire_Comparison). The GT 501 tires come out really well as do the Avon Road Riders. Something to consider I guess.

Joris.