GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Hi,
I just bought my 6th GS, but my first GS500E.   Unfortunately it was an ebay buy and it was misrepresented and needs some rehab....  :guns:     :x

Anyway could somebody please recommend what type  of tires for my "new" bike (and the cheapest place online)?

I am looking for something other than a Kenda or Cheng Shen (or whatever they are called). They don't have to be high performance as long as they are good quality.  My budget is going to be spread very thin on this bike with all the repairs I have to make.  :(

Welcome to the nuthouse, and congrats on your new GS500E!

See this thread:

http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16409&highlight=tires+bt45+avon

gsJack has tested about a million or so tires!  :thumb:

Thank you for the quick reply  :)

I was in the neighborhood.... ;)

Besides, with the post I've posted here, no one can say I'm completely worthless!  :P   I've actually helped someone!  :mrgreen:  

And before JetSwing or Roadstergal junp on you, you can also click on search at the top, and then be sure to click "search for all terms."    :mrgreen:

Gotcha, I tried the search but am still learning this forum...

That's what I always figure when someone is new here.... so I try to help out....yanno...be *NICER* than all the others....  8)

BTW, will you give me shelter when they come to hunt me down and burn me at the stake!?  :mrgreen:

They know I luvz 'em!!  :kiss:

If I'd not sold my '92 just recently, I was planning on trying the Avons next. I had the BT45's, and those took me through a lot of miles (and the owner before me).  :thumb:

Srsly dude...  Spend a few extra bux on yer tires...  IT's you vs the pavement...  YOur tires are the first defence.

Just get some good ones and be OK with it...  Don't buy shaZam! tires and end up on your ass. :nono:

Quote from: pandyAnd before JetSwing or Roadstergal junp on you, you can also click on search at the top, and then be sure to click "search for all terms."    :mrgreen:

And before Phaedrus starts his crap, check out the GS500 FAQ:

http://gstwin.variders.com/

:thumb:

Quote from: RVertigoSrsly dude...  Spend a few extra bux on yer tires...  IT's you vs the pavement...  YOur tires are the first defence.

Just get some good ones and be OK with it...  Don't buy shaZam! tires and end up on your ass. :nono:

And learn to ignore RVertigo cuz he's just a drunk-post-aholic.... or just a drunk-aholic...  :lol:  :lol:  :cheers:

Quote from: gsbethesdaHi,
I just bought my 6th GS, but my first GS500E.   Unfortunately it was an ebay buy and it was misrepresented and needs some rehab....  :guns:     :x

Anyway could somebody please recommend what type  of tires for my "new" bike (and the cheapest place online)?

I am looking for something other than a Kenda or Cheng Shen (or whatever they are called). They don't have to be high performance as long as they are good quality.  My budget is going to be spread very thin on this bike with all the repairs I have to make.  :(

I've found AMT to be the best place pricewise for online tire purchases right now for most tires, but prices on various brands do vary since the various distributors get different deals from the mfgs on brands.

Was just comparing the prices of the major brand OEM size (110/70 & 130/70) sport touring bias ply tires from AMT, add about $20 pr for shipping:

B'stone BT45    $158 pr
Metz Lasertec    $167 pr
Mich Pilot Activ  $168 pr
Pitelli Demons   $164 pr

Sport touring radials will last longer and handle better in the dry and much better in some cases in the wet and cost a bit more.  Also from AMT:

Avon AV45/46        $194 pr (140/80 rear)
Mich Pilot Road       $207 pr  (150/70)
Pirelli Diablo Strada $179 pr (150/70)
Metz Z6                  $192 pr ( 150/70-prolly require brake rod alt)

http://www.americanmototire.com/

Have also bought from Southwest whose competitive prices include shipping if a pair is bought.

http://swmototires.com/

I'm trying the new Lasertecs right now and find them very good so far, final opinion next year.   :)

Wouldn't try the Cheng Shen myself but I've tried a couple Kenda tires and they were OK for the price.

I had metzlers on the front and back (ME 330/550) - then I got a screw in the back tire and put on a BT45.  I like the BT45 better.  It seemed to be a little more grippy and it is dual compound so it is wearing better too.

Quote from: 500riderI had metzlers on the front and back (ME 330/550) - then I got a screw in the back tire and put on a BT45.  I like the BT45 better.  It seemed to be a little more grippy and it is dual compound so it is wearing better too.

I replaced the OEM tires on my first GS with the BT45s and got 9500 miles from the rear and 13600 from the front.  Three years and 40k+ miles later, I put on another BT45 rear and it was half worn out in 2k miles when I replaced it with the Z4/Z2 radials.  I was so surprised at how fast the 2nd BT45 wore that I took a pic of it and saved it to show how the tire was worn nicely rounded and was not worn flat from too many highway miles.



I have to agree that while not up to the latest Demon and Lasertec tires in handling, the BT45 are quite good and probably one of the best at the time they came out.  The Demons and Lasertecs now have the latest in tire construction and tread compounds.

After that first set of BT45s I thought I'd probably stick with them until I got such short life from the 2nd rear BT45 and went to the sport touring radials for three years.  Still wonder if that one BT45 was maybe not up to par, maybe they mixed a few wrong?

The new Lasertecs now replace the ME33, ME330, ME55, ME550, ME99, and ME1 tires.

Believe me I wan't going to put Cheng Shen's on the bike. The Bridgestones look like the best value. I have to admit, I have always used Metzelers. They are great for grip and have a nice ride.

I think I am going with the BT45's:

30-0742    Bridgestone BT45 110/80H-17 Front    1    $80.95    $80.95
30-0753    Bridgestone BT45 130/80H-17 Rear    1    $77.95    $77.95
                                                                             Total:    $158.90

Especially if shipping is free from Southwest.

It's only a little over $6.00 difference, but I'll take it.

Jack:

Thanks for the update on tires.  I will check them out the next time I need them ... by then there'll be something new out again.   :lol:

I'm an idiot... I just realized I ordered the wrong size tires...
:(

What a way to start an unplanned project... Sigh...

I just emailed them and told them to change the order to
Front: 110/70-17 54H
Rear: 130/70-17 62H

Instead of the 110/80 and the 130/80 I ordered...

Quote from: gsJackI have to agree that while not up to the latest Demon and Lasertec tires in handling, the BT45 are quite good and probably one of the best at the time they came out.  The Demons and Lasertecs now have the latest in tire construction and tread compounds.

Have I mentioned lately that you're my hero, gsJack? I knew you'd have the latest. I just wish you rode an SV650S so that when it's time to replace the tires, I wouldn't have to work so hard researching. :(   :mrgreen:

Wow... They already got back to me and confirmed the change in tire size I requested...

Quote from: PhaedrusAnd before Phaedrus starts his crap

Too late.... :(  





:kiss:  :mrgreen:

Quote from: gsbethesdaWow... They already got back to me and confirmed the change in tire size I requested...

Sounds like a good company!  :thumb:

Are you going to mount them yourself? Some shops will give you grief about mounting "outside" tires.

I just bought F/R BT45's at my local shop for $175 total, they were competitive with online prices.

There is a local shop called CAD cycles that will charge $18 per tire if I bring them the rims (which I will), or $34 each if I bring them the bike. I probably should have just bought them there... Again, didn't think this out very well... But lesson learned...

$18 per tire??!?! Do it, man! They charge $30/wheel here when they are off the bike.

Computer balanced no less... Believe it or not there is a dealer locally that still mounts tires the "old fashioned way" and charges $150.00 to mount two tires.   :o

Obviously not even a consideration...

Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLastAnd learn to ignore RVertigo cuz he's just a drunk-post-aholic

:lol:  Good call...  But, I still say spending money on tires is a good idea.

Wow... The tires arrived today.

I ordered them on Sunday... Wild...

Quote from: gsbethesdaWow... The tires arrived today.

I ordered them on Sunday... Wild...

You got'em on yet? What do you think so far?

I'm interested to hear how things went at CAD.  That's where I've gone the two times my GS needed new tires, never thought about ordering my own and bringing 'em in.  

jeff

I still have to get the bike running. Next week, I am going to rebuild the carbs, replace the plugs, lube the chain, and change the oil/filter.

I have had CAD mount tires for me before, they're fne. Just don't buy a bike from them and be careful about other repairs from them (hit or miss on more major stuff).

Also stay away from Iron Works Cycle in Gaithersburg (they will rip you off).