New rear rubber?

[TheGoodGuy]

i bought some BT45's the last few days (waiting for it to arrive).. Paid 177 shipped from discountmotorcycletire.com

I got them int eh 110/70 17 and 140/70 17. I went up by 10 on the rear figure it might make handling lazy but then i do lean a bit into turns so might make it safer.

I nearly bought the sport demons.. but then decided I would go with the tried and true one recommend by all.

[kyzee]

I had a BT45 bias rear with a BT010 radial front with no complaints.

I've been really impressed with the 110/140 70 D205s. Sticky and very neutral handling, even in the cold(ish) weather we've had down here.

you will have to replace both tires for it.

Think you must of meant 110/140 80 D205s.  Unfortunately, none of the tire manufacturers sell a 140/70-17 radial tire in this country.  The choice here is the 150/70 or the 140/80 sizes if radials are desired.  The preferred size rim for a 140/80 is 3.5" so they work out well for our GS's and are available from most sources.  

The 150/70 is a bit wide for the 3.5" rim but that fitment had been approved by only Metz and Conti for sometime now.  I just looked at the BT020 data sheet recently and discovered that the 150/70 is now approved for fitment on a 3.5" rim.  Previously was only approved for 4.0-4.5" rims.  The BT010 frt / BT020 rear combo has been quite popular on some of the sport and sport-touring forums.  Can't find any detail specs on Metz's new Z6 radial yet, but they look very interesting.

I was forced to replace my Z2 rear early last year when it was destroyed by a large cut with a Avon AV36 rear on my 97 and have been real happy with it.  I now have a BT010 front and AV36 rear on that bike.  I like it.    

I'll be putting the newer AV45/46 Avons on my 02 this year.  So many tires, so little time to test them all. :mrgreen:

By the way JamesG, it's bright and sunny here today with temps around 40F and I was really enjoying the pics on TV showing the snow in Atlanta.   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

GSJack, if you have a choice between a 140/70 and 140/80 radial which one would you take?  From your tire log, you have deviated from the stock size rear.  What  other advantage to gain from a 140 tire apart from better looking? I am in the same predictament on wether to stick to stock size or not.  I plan to use my tires for the  twisties mainly. TIA.

[gsJack]

<<<  GSJack, if you have a choice between a 140/70 and 140/80 radial which one would you take?  From your tire log, you have deviated from the stock size rear.  What  other advantage to gain from a 140 tire apart from better looking? I am in the same predictament on wether to stick to stock size or not.  I plan to use my tires for the  twisties mainly. >>>

There are no 140/70 radials available here so the choice is basically between 150/70 and 140/80 if we want the advantages of radial tires for our GS500's.  My choice between the two is the 140/80 since the preferred rim width is our stock 3.5" size and the preferred rim width for the 150/70 is a 4".  Also the 150/70 is a tight fit clearance wise on the GS.  I'll be using the 110/80 and 140/80 Avon AV45/46 tires this year.

The advantage to gain from the 140 or 150 tires is the ability to use both the better dry grip and wet grip of the radials as well as the greater life of the good sport touring radials that will fit our GS500's.  They can be a bargain in the long run if you keep the bike long enough to use them up.  The bias ply OEM tires are put on the GS500 because it is built to a bargain price.  Nothing wrong with the many OEM size aftermarket tires out there for the GS, it's just that the radials are better all the way around.

Interestingly, the considerably pricier 97 and earlier 600 Katanas with the same 3.0/3.5-17 wheels we have came with 110/80 and 140/80 bias ply tires to accomodate it's greater weight than the GS.  The 98 and later Kats got wider 3.5/4.5 wheels and radial tires.  Suzuki didn't put the radials on the narrower wheels for OEM fitment but some of the tire mfgs reccommend them for replacements.

[Frost]

will better tires really affect performace?
I don't ride REALLY hard...will i feel a significant difference?

[kyzee]

will better tires really affect performace?
I don't ride REALLY hard...will i feel a significant difference?

Better tires will definitely affect your performance even for commuting eapecially in wet conditions. And a performance tire will enhance your confidence when leaning. You will feel more grip on the tarmac hence will enable you to go faster.  

[pantablo]

will better tires really affect performace?
...will i feel a significant difference?

YES!

It'll be like night and day-if for no other reason than mentally you'll trust them much more...that's what happened to me.

[hehehemann]

Was at  my local shop today getting quotes on new tires. So far the BT45's and Pirelli Sport Demons are avaliable but I was hoping to get Radials. Several were recommended but I forget what they are. Which Radials and sizes would you recommend?

Thanks.

[Ed_in_Az]

I have to ask since I've been fascinated with the Maxxis brand for awhile now. They look good in their photos and they are cheap. So they may my crummy too. :dunno:

Maxxis is the premium brand of Cheng Shin. I ran Cheng Shins alot on my dirt bikes back in the day. and they worked well.

Maxxis makes the Promaxx in sizes for the GS500. Has anyone tried them? :dunno:

Through Dennis Kirk a set would be $114 plus tax and shipping.