Yet Another Tire Thread

[mjslive2fly]

This will be my first full season of riding (I acquired my license and my '02 GS500 in Aug '13) and I need some new tires.  I researched most of the threads and have settled on the BT45's.  If I use a 140 in the rear (yes I know its not necessary but it looks better and the price difference is negligible) what is the correct aspect ratio?  Is it simply a 140/70?

When will this godforsaken Winter end...

Thanks

[twocool]

I think the BT 45 only comes in one aspect ratio in that size...140/70/17

70 is the aspect ratio...means tire is roughly 70% as tall as it is wide..

Cookie

This will be my first full season of riding (I acquired my license and my '02 GS500 in Aug '13) and I need some new tires.  I researched most of the threads and have settled on the BT45's.  If I use a 140 in the rear (yes I know its not necessary but it looks better and the price difference is negligible) what is the correct aspect ratio?  Is it simply a 140/70?

When will this godforsaken Winter end...

Thanks

[gsJack]

The 140/70 size is used by many on GSs, 140/80 will also fit without mods.  I've run 130/70, 130/80, 130/90, 140/70, 140/80, 150/60, and 150/70 rear tires on my 97 and 02 GSs.  All fit w/o mods excepts 150s mighty require bending the brake brace bar a bit for clearance.

[radodrill]

I just ordered a set of Pirelli sport demons; they're actually less expensive than the BT45s

[gsJack]

BT45 comes in both 140/70 and 140/80 size.  The 140/70 will raise rear 1/4" and 140/80 will raise it 3/4" if that matters to you.

[dinkydonuts]

I just ordered a set of Pirelli sport demons; they're actually less expensive than the BT45s

Great tires. I'm running those and they have lots of traction and ride very smooth.

[mjslive2fly]

I just ordered a set of Pirelli sport demons; they're actually less expensive than the BT45s

Looking around the web I'm seeing roughly $240 a set for the BT45 or the Sport Demon.  Any significant differences between the two?  I don't see myself riding more than 5k mi in a season and don't ride in the rain.

Thanks

[radodrill]

I just ordered a set of Pirelli sport demons; they're actually less expensive than the BT45s

Looking around the web I'm seeing roughly $240 a set for the BT45 or the Sport Demon.  Any significant differences between the two?  I don't see myself riding more than 5k mi in a season and don't ride in the rain.

Thanks

From what I can tell:
The BT45 is more a touring tire designed for good overall performance, but with an emphasis high mileage (especially straight cruising).
The Sport demons have a stickier tire compound for great performance in wet or dry.

[mjslive2fly]

I just ordered a set of Pirelli sport demons; they're actually less expensive than the BT45s

Looking around the web I'm seeing roughly $240 a set for the BT45 or the Sport Demon.  Any significant differences between the two?  I don't see myself riding more than 5k mi in a season and don't ride in the rain.

Thanks

From what I can tell:
The BT45 is more a touring tire designed for good overall performance, but with an emphasis high mileage (especially straight cruising).
The Sport demons have a stickier tire compound for great performance in wet or dry.

Thanks for the info.  This may sway my opinion as I'm more interested in traction than mileage.

This site is outstanding for beginners.  The maintenance advice / videos, etc. have been invaluable.

[radodrill]

Thanks for the info.  This may sway my opinion as I'm more interested in traction than mileage.

My thoughts exactly.  That's also why I rejetted the bike for better performance; even if it means a bit of a hit in fuel economy.

[gsJack]

UK's Bike Magazine did a comparo test of 7 major brand bias ply tires on a GS500 on a 2.2 mile track, it's a good read I think even though most of us don't use them at track speeds.  I don't agree with all their conclusions but it's still worth the read.

http://www.ex-500.com/wiki/index.php?title=Tire_Comparison

I don't agree with their low rating of the Demon and Lasertec tires and was surprised at their highest rating of the Roadrider tires.  I've done my last 40-50k miles on the Roadriders, they were second and close to the Demons in fastest lap time.  I've gotten terrific mileage from the Roadriders.  Tires I've used:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500tirelogs_zps0fab862f.jpg

[mjslive2fly]

Interesting info.  I'm not delusional enough to think I can approach the limits on the street and anything would be an improvement.  The bike is an '02 with 6k mi and is still on the original Excedra from when I bought it last August.  They show no signs of cracking or dry rot and have lots of tread but I think new ones will make an improvement.

[twocool]

Interesting test.....mostly subjective....

I went thru three sets of BT45....two sets of Avon roadriders...To me, not much difference...but I am a "mello" rider...

What I didn't like about the BT 45 was they developed "cupping" or "feathering"......

Avons hold up nicely....

Cookie

UK's Bike Magazine did a comparo test of 7 major brand bias ply tires on a GS500 on a 2.2 mile track, it's a good read I think even though most of us don't use them at track speeds.  I don't agree with all their conclusions but it's still worth the read.

http://www.ex-500.com/wiki/index.php?title=Tire_Comparison

I don't agree with their low rating of the Demon and Lasertec tires and was surprised at their highest rating of the Roadrider tires.  I've done my last 40-50k miles on the Roadriders, they were second and close to the Demons in fastest lap time.  I've gotten terrific mileage from the Roadriders.  Tires I've used:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500tirelogs_zps0fab862f.jpg

[goobydoo]

My only experience is with worn out excedras. After a lot of research I decided on the roadriders myself. They seemed like a better option for me as a commuter with the occasional desire to rider a bit harder. After receiving the tire and getting a look im glad I went with them. Now just to finish mounting them lol