New Menber needs new rear tire, need help picking seller

[Anonymous]

Ok, just got my "new" GS500k2 and it needs a new rear tire.  After looking around here I've "pretty much" decided that I'll go with the BT-45.  Unless I hear good reason that I shouldn't.  My question is:  Where should I order it from?  I found three places on-line with the same price $79 plus shipping.  And My question to you is this:  Are these people reliable?  Do you have any experience with them?  www.motorcyclemart.com www.parts411.com www.accwhse.com just curious since y'all have been dealing with parts longer than I have.  Is there someplace else cheaper with quality reliable service?  Oh, and will this tire work well with the stock front? Thanks a bunch!

BTW, I'm new to my GS500 not to motorcycles, but, it's been a while since I've been riding.  I started with a Rupp 5hp minibike at age 8, to a Benelli 50 at 10, a Ducati 100 at 14, a Honda XL350 (thumper enduro) at 17, a Suzuki GS750 at 22 that I rode for about 5 years before I go out of riding.  It's now 20 years later and I've got the bug back and my GS500k2.  So far (a few hundred miles) I love it.  I need a new tire because mine is worn (4,000 miles, damn, these things wear faster than I remember!) and flat, makes it feel kind of squirrely in the turns.

Thanks again!

[JLKasper]

Welcome, Joe!

Your story regarding re-entering motorcycling after a layoff is very similar to mine.  I think the GS is a good choice for a re-entry rider like us.  It's not perfect by any means, but it's inexpensive and does a lot of things well.

My rear tire is also in need of replacement, and for now I also plan to select the BT-45.  I think with its dual-compound tread, it's the best bias tire in the market for the sport-touring/general riding type.  Should you select radials, the consensus here is that Metzelers are the best choice.  I'm reluctant to select radials unless I buy a pair, although members have claimed that combining a rear radial with a front bias is not a problem.  The Metz radials have provided superior treadlife to some members, which helps to offset the higher purchase price.  

I've never used any of the vendors you selected.  I've read on this forum that Parts411.com has had a spotty reputation for reliability.  Without mentioning anybody else specifically, I'd also consider shipping rates, which vary with each vendor.  Another thing to consider is the willingness of your local dealer to mount the tire; some dealers won't mount a tire they don't sell themselves. Let us know what you decide!

[TheGoodGuy]

i just bought some bt45's from dtmaonline.com (discount motorcycle tire..i should have them by wednesday).. 177 shipped!

[denman]

hey dude try to find a non dealer shop around your town.   i have allways had good luck with them.     + you will help them stay in business.  see ya.

[gsJack]

One supplier gets better prices on one brand of tire and another supplier gets a better deal on a different brand.  I always check prices from these three before ordering.  I have had good service from all of them.

http://swmototires.com/
http://www.discountmotorcycletire.com/
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/

Be sure to compare S&H costs.  MAW frequently has the best price on a tire and then adds in higher S&H costs than the others.

[Cal Price]

Welcome, always good to greet another "Born again biker" back after a layoff. There's a lot of us about.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the welcome and the quick info.  Just got back from a ride with the wife and some practice in the parking lot.  I'm getting better, it's slowly coming back, I can turn around in about a 10 foot circle.  Anyone know why we're more comfortable turning in one direction over another?  I make really tight left turns but going right I "need" about 2-3 more feet.  Going left I feather the clutch/throttle, use the rear brake and lean nicely, Going right I just feel awkward and want to put my foot down.

As for getting the tire put on...   Hmmm...  Hadn't thought about them NOT doing it.  I'll have to make a call and see what's up with that before I order one.  I know if THEY sell me the tire it will cost $45 an hour for the mounting.  I'll have to see what they say about ME getting the tire.  My nearest motorcycle shop is 30 miles, there are 2 others 40 miles in different directions.  I live in the sticks.  I'll also check out those links you sent me, thanks.

As for "back to riding", oh yea, just as much fun as ever.  I just need to get my confidence up again.  Soon I'll be back to scraping the center stand on turns...   just like the old days.

Anyone else in the S. AL area?