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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: DWMAC on July 19, 2005, 07:16:26 PM

Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: DWMAC on July 19, 2005, 07:16:26 PM
I've looked all around and haven't found anything about front tire sizes above 110/70.  Looking at my front fender, I can't inagine having room for anything bigger, but who knows with all you sprocket heads out there shoe-horning every trick part imagineable on a GS.  I'm also looking at the possibility of a 150/70 on the back.  The only thing I see that might present a prob is the caliper stabilizer bar not giving clearance.  Any input?  Whose put the bigger shoes on their bike?
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: goat on July 19, 2005, 08:43:03 PM
I ended up with a larger rear tire. If I had known that the tire was oversized when I got it, I wouldn't have bought it and I won't do it again.

The only advantage is the looks. You lose some in the performance department becuase the tread has to bend more and you get less contact with the pavement.
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: BigTwin on July 19, 2005, 08:45:04 PM
Are you going for looks or performance? If for looks I believe a 120 fits up front, and you can get a 140 on the back no problem. BUT changing to these tires will lead to sluggish steering compared to stock sizes.

Look into the Pirelli Sport Demons or Michellen Pilot Activs, both great tires for the GS!

Check out online places like www.ironpony.com (shameless promotion of my workplace, good stuff though)
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: stefman722 on July 20, 2005, 02:30:45 AM
what do you guys recommend. The BT45s or the Sport demon.
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: BigTwin on July 20, 2005, 07:46:02 AM
For performance get the Sport Demons, but if you do touring or just highway riding get the BT-45s.

-BigTwin-
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: fettcols on July 20, 2005, 09:43:55 AM
No problem with the self promotion stuff... Bigtwin works at a pretty damn cool place... I know I've spent at least $500 there in the past year.

My rear tire is starting to show some wear, I was thinking about going for the demons but I probably have few good months left on the bt's
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: stefman722 on July 20, 2005, 12:04:49 PM
Quote from: BigTwinFor performance get the Sport Demons, but if you do touring or just highway riding get the BT-45s.

-BigTwin-

Right now i have a a BT45 in the front. My main concern is mixing tires. My front one has lots of tread left, its my rear that just needs replacing as its totally square. Is the Pirelli 140 series widder then the 140 BT45? or not as wide. Someone who has the sport demons chime in.
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: isa on July 20, 2005, 04:50:03 PM
i installed a 150/70 dunlop d205 in the rear and d205 110/70 front
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: stefman722 on July 20, 2005, 05:07:06 PM
Quote from: isai installed a 150/70 dunlop d205 in the rear and d205 110/70 front

how does it look/fit? Got pictures?
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: VersOne on July 20, 2005, 05:41:24 PM
sport demons...cheaper and better. When they wear out...buy new ones.

As far as size goes...bigger front would make the bike steer like a cow...
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: DWMAC on July 20, 2005, 06:26:51 PM
Now, I'm thinking, Why do the gixxers and ninjas and R's have 180's and 120's, then?  They're supposed to be the most agile two-wheelers on the planet.  If the smaller tires put more rubber on the road and handle better, wouldn't it make sense for them to have 130's and 110's?
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: VersOne on July 20, 2005, 06:37:54 PM
it's a HP thing...all that extra power wouldn't go to the ground with a 130...
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: Dragonfly on July 20, 2005, 08:26:19 PM
yup, the more horsepower, the more rubber required to handle it.
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: Maireeka on July 21, 2005, 05:47:04 AM
That applies to the rear wheel, but what about the front tire's larger size?
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: gsJack on July 21, 2005, 06:11:49 AM
Quote from: MaireekaThat applies to the rear wheel, but what about the front tire's larger size?

They have much stronger brakes too.   :)
Title: Let's talk tires
Post by: Maireeka on July 21, 2005, 06:41:08 AM
gotcha.