----another tire thread?- need help finding the correct tire

[AnonRider]

Tried using the search to no avail-

I almost purchased a tire, then I realized that not all 130/70 -17 tires are the same!


there's the 130/70H17

the V ......... some are different load rating or speed rating?

Help a n00b out before I buy a truck tire, please!

(Also, doesn't specify which tire to get in the Clymer manual or the gswiki)

[gsJack]

Speed Rating:
Q 99 mph 160 km/h
S 112 mph 180 km/h
T 118 mph 190 km/h
U 124 mph 200 km/h
H 130 mph 210 km/h
V 149 mph 240 km/h
W 168 mph 270 km/h
Y 186 mph 300 km/h
Z Over 149 mph Over 240 km/h

Tires used should have speed rating exceeding max speed of bike.
Bias tires used should have H or V ratings.
Most radials will be marked ZR ie 150/70ZR17 and have Z, W, or Y ratings, there are also HR rated radials ie 140/70HR17
Any speed rating of H or higher will be OK.

Edit:  Load rating is based on tire size so any tire stock size or larger will be OK.  Don't use tires smaller than stock 110/70 and 130/70 sizes.

[Atesz792]

What's the general opinion about using "S" rated tires?
(I know, I know... old thread... but why start a new one when my question fits right in?)

[Big Rich]

IIRC, the speed rating (S, V, whatever) is the maximum CONTINUOUS speed at which the tire is rated for. Unless you're running wide open through Death Valley, I'd say you would be fine with basically any modern tires that fit.

[Atesz792]

Thanks! I realized yesterday I have an S rated rear tire (I never checked for some reason... didn't think PO would put one on), and I've had the bike for 5k km's now. If the speedo could be trusted, I'd say I've tested this tire's capabilities on a couple of occasions, but I don't think a GS will ever go anywhere near REAL 180 km/h. Would it be safe to put another one on? I'm asking because the H rated Pirelli SD is ~20% more expensive than the S rated one (probably the reason why PO went with the S rated one).