GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 01, 2006, 11:53:12 AM

Title: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 01, 2006, 11:53:12 AM
hey guys !!!!! I was wondering on dry and wet how was the 150/60zr-17. Especaly on wet if its really good or is it goin to be really sleepery... if you had the experience if you could tell me about it.... it would be gratefull!!!!
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: TheGoodGuy on June 01, 2006, 12:14:55 PM
that's 2 sizes wider than stock.. first it wont fit on your rim. You will pinch it and its not worth..

the wet and dry handling is nt by tire size.. its by tread pattern and compound that is made up of.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 01, 2006, 12:24:46 PM
well its cause the wider you go sometimes also gives beter handling on dry but sucks on wet
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 01, 2006, 12:28:26 PM
and also since im thinking of it some guy already did it from what i believe so it should fit
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: hmmmnz on June 01, 2006, 12:49:58 PM
i have a 3.5 inch rim here, (same as gs, and its got the 150 tyre on on) i wouldn't ride on it though, because its to wide for the rim it flattens out the top,  so taking corners would no doubt be a dodgy affair, if you want to go bigger only go 1 size above standard,
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Chuck on June 01, 2006, 02:47:22 PM
Is the stock size tire (not stock rubber, which blows) giving you trouble?  I don't think the GS has enough torque to require a larger tire.  Or do you just want the GS to look like a bike with more torque?
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: TragicImage on June 01, 2006, 03:39:32 PM
I wouldn't go any bigger than a 140, unless you switch to a Katana Rim, then you can go up to a 160
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: rangerbrown on June 01, 2006, 03:39:57 PM
i think he want to lean way over.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: runsilent on June 01, 2006, 03:51:25 PM
Quote from: Chuck on June 01, 2006, 02:47:22 PM
Is the stock size tire (not stock rubber, which blows) giving you trouble?  I don't think the GS has enough torque to require a larger tire.  Or do you just want the GS to look like a bike with more torque?

Most common reason for putting the 150/60 tire on the 3.5" GS500 or EX500 rim is to use the supersport tires.  It's the only size they come in that can be used on the std rim and many are doing so.

If you want to run some good sport touring radials, the only size most come in to fit the GS rims is the 150/70 except the Dunlop D205 and Avon AV46 which also come in the 140/80 size.

Quote from: hmmmnz on June 01, 2006, 12:49:58 PM
i have a 3.5 inch rim here, (same as gs, and its got the 150 tyre on on) i wouldn't ride on it though, because its to wide for the rim it flattens out the top, so taking corners would no doubt be a dodgy affair, if you want to go bigger only go 1 size above standard,

Actually the 150 mounted on the 3.5" rim is rounder than it would be on it's preferred size 4.0" rim.  I've been running a 150/70 Lasertec rear for 6k miles now and it handles as good as anything I've used on the GS's including a couple 130/80 Z2 and a 140/80 AV45 sport touring radials.

Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 01, 2006, 11:53:12 AM
hey guys !!!!! I was wondering on dry and wet how was the 150/60zr-17. Especaly on wet if its really good or is it goin to be really sleepery... if you had the experience if you could tell me about it.... it would be gratefull!!!!

Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 01, 2006, 12:24:46 PM
well its cause the wider you go sometimes also gives beter handling on dry but sucks on wet

Someone on another current thread just ordered the Sportec M1 tires with a 150/60 rear.  The 150/60 M1 is 143 mm wide on it's 4.0 preferred rim so it would be 138 mm wide on our 3.5" rim or 5.43" wide.  The current GS500 OE BT45 130/70 tire is 5.3" wide on the 3.5 rim.  About .13 or a little over !/8" wider shouldn't make it suck on wet.   :laugh: :laugh:

Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Chuck on June 01, 2006, 03:53:02 PM
Quote from: rangerbrown on June 01, 2006, 03:39:57 PM
i think he want to lean way over.

I had to bondo and re-paint my fairing because of leaning over.  :) This was with a stock size tire.  I wouldn't worry about it unless you're really hardcore.  (I'm sure you are.)

Pablo's site has a few pages about tires on the GS:

http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id22.html
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id26.html
http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id30.html

It looks like 150/60/17 is being used by a few people with success.  But they're not using this tire for the size, they're using it because better rubber compounds are available in that size.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: werase643 on June 01, 2006, 06:18:36 PM
get a 98 up katana 600/750 rear wheel.....slap it in the GS with the GS cush and install the 150 and it will actually have the correct profile

i think the brake pads will wear a little funny but i don't use rear brakes.....so i don't care

I just slid one in a RG-V swingarm moddified to fit a GS wheel
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: rangerbrown on June 01, 2006, 06:34:42 PM
Quote from: Chuck on June 01, 2006, 03:53:02 PM
Quote from: rangerbrown on June 01, 2006, 03:39:57 PM
i think he want to lean way over.

I had to bondo and re-paint my fairing because of leaning over.  :) This was with a stock size tire.  I wouldn't worry about it unless you're really hardcore.  (I'm sure you are.)



holy crap you too. i thought i was the only one draging a nee at full tilt
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Jason on June 01, 2006, 08:25:36 PM
QuoteIt looks like 150/60/17 is being used by a few people with success.  But they're not using this tire for the size, they're using it because better rubber compounds are available in that size.

Yes I just ordered the 150/60-17 M-1's because of both size and the compound. It is scheduled to be here the 8th so hopefully I can have them mounted that weekend and get a little ride report in. Ultimately I wanted a stickier radial tire, the fact that it will be a hair wider and posably look better is just icing on the cake.  O0
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: pantablo on June 01, 2006, 08:33:53 PM
yeah, I ran a 150/60 on the stock gs rim. nice and sticky. tire pinches on the rim slightly so it crowns more than usual, leaving you a smaller contact patch with the ground. I noticed it in how easily the rear would lock up under even moderate rear braking. the pinching also leaves about 1/4" of tread at the edges that cannot physically make contact with the ground, no matter how leaned over you are-engine will touch down before you get to it. as the tire wears though that edge where the tire is used/not used at the edge becomes very sharp and if you get to it as you're leaned over bike will suddenly flop into turn, unnervingly. also when you're on that edge you have minimal contact patch with the ground.

best to stick to 130 or 140 section tire. bike handles better too. more neutral turn in.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 04:30:17 AM
well its cause reason #1 looks beter  #2 i want michelin pilot power #3 the h rated tire doesnt stick for shaZam! wants to slide every where and i dont like that..... im not that crazy but soon ill be riding with an r6 so i got to find some thing to keep up lol when i get the cash ill put a jet kit
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: runsilent on June 02, 2006, 07:08:55 AM
Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 04:30:17 AM
well its cause reason #1 looks beter  #2 i want michelin pilot power #3 the h rated tire doesnt stick for shaZam! wants to slide every where and i dont like that..... im not that crazy but soon ill be riding with an r6 so i got to find some thing to keep up lol when i get the cash ill put a jet kit

You mentioned in another thread that your current tire was a 130/90 and now add it's H rated.  I had a MT90 (130/90) Dunlop touring tire on a GS that broke loose constantly, worse tire I had on the GS's for breaking loose; but it is a premium touring tire that serves it's intended purpose well.

There are many tires between H rated touring tires and an all out supersport tire.  Sport touring tires are a great compromise between touring and sport tires and the latest of these are excellent, bias and radial types.  You will pay for the excellent grip of the Pilot Power type tires with considerably shorter tire life, but they can be well worth it if you need/want the best possible street grip.  Many are doing so.

The 150/60 Pilot Power is the same width as my 150/70 Lasertec which is 149 mm reduced to 144 mm on the 3.5 wheel and is about as wide as you can put on the GS without altering the brake torque rod.  About 6 mm or 1/4" wider than the M1 Sportec mentioned above.  The Powers are highly rated in the wet and will be a world of difference better than the H rated touring tires in the wet regardless of tire width. 

Any of the current sport touring radial tires and the latest of the bias sport touring tires are that much better than the touring tires on the GS in the wet.   :thumb:

Although I would  never choose a tire based on appearance I totally agree that the 150 looks better than the 130 on the GS.   So why not if there is no performance loss to get the better look.    :laugh:

Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Alphamazing on June 02, 2006, 08:46:12 AM
Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 04:30:17 AM
well its cause reason #1 looks beter  #2 i want michelin pilot power #3 the h rated tire doesnt stick for shaZam! wants to slide every where and i dont like that..... im not that crazy but soon ill be riding with an r6 so i got to find some thing to keep up lol when i get the cash ill put a jet kit

1) It shouldn't be about looks alone, that's pretty f%$king stupid if you ask me.
2) Why not get some Sport Demons in stock sizes instead?
3) H rated has nothing to do with how well a tire sticks. That's simply a rating for maximum allowable speed

And instead of thinking sticky rubber will help you keep up, why not invest in some skills? I ride regularly with liter bikes and 600s and have no problem keeping up. Try being smoother so the tire doesn't break out as often, try keeping your corner speed up, etc.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 10:26:03 AM
dont worry about me i was the only one to grind pedals with a gs400 in the course !!!!! i can corner really good its just i put it to the part it want to start to slide, and the speed rating also helps for faster responce trust me.....
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 01:26:05 PM
there is no way thinking about it that you can touch the fearing to the ground unless you droped it even if your leaned that bad your knee would of scraped the ground first badly
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Chuck on June 02, 2006, 01:38:17 PM
Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 01:26:05 PM
there is no way thinking about it that you can touch the fearing to the ground unless you droped it even if your leaned that bad your knee would of scraped the ground first badly

No, I checked my knees again just now and they're fine.  Thanks.  :icon_rolleyes:
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ajgs500 on June 02, 2006, 01:46:07 PM
Why didnt you get a bigger bike if you are sooooo concerned with "keeping" up???
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: runsilent on June 02, 2006, 01:50:21 PM
Quote from: ajgs500 on June 02, 2006, 01:46:07 PM
Why didnt you get a bigger bike if you are sooooo concerned with "keeping" up???

Can't answer for ets; but for myself, I find it so much more satisfying doing it with a GS500.   :thumb:
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 02:09:29 PM
well cause 1 its my first bike 2 insurance 3 money couldnt aford biger
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ajgs500 on June 02, 2006, 02:12:57 PM
Well then learn how to ride this bike and you will be able to keep up just fine.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 02:15:57 PM
you try to follow a guy crazy like him and then come back to me even some guys with 600 cant keep up to him
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ajgs500 on June 02, 2006, 02:18:16 PM
If he is that crazy maybe you SHOULDNT try keeping up with him.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Kasumi on June 02, 2006, 03:07:59 PM
True - this is like joining the local Moto GP race and whinging because the concept 200+bhp bike lapped you 14 times and you were trying your hardest.

Face facts - an R6 with a loony rider is out of the GS500's league no matter what your ability. All your going to gain is an injury trying to keep up. Either get him to slow down or find a new riding buddy.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 03, 2006, 04:12:45 AM
yeah i know but my other main rider couldnt put insurance on her bike shes waiting for a check wich could take a wile all the others have cruisers boring ride
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: TragicImage on June 03, 2006, 06:29:19 AM
why don't you just ride your own ride.... I dunno if you think this is some kinda fashion show or something, but when I'm in the canyons, I'm happy with just doing MY best, not being able to reproduce some one else's slop.


and if you were scraping pegs in the corners on gs400 (I'm assuming thats a typo and you mean 500) then how much further over do you think different tires are going to get you?



and if you did mean GS400, didn't you just say that this was your first bike?
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 03, 2006, 07:14:38 AM
no where i went for the course they had bikes and it was the gs400 that i had wile the others had like 250 or the other 4 big 400.... but the pegs on the gs400 are alot lower then the gs500 and the gs500 is my bike and...... i just like riding with him cause its a challenge and the day ill be able to ether keep up or pass him with a lil 500 ill be very happy its for my own satisfaction
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ajgs500 on June 03, 2006, 10:32:56 AM
What it's a challenge not to die???
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 03, 2006, 10:46:11 AM
Quote from: ajgs500 on June 03, 2006, 10:32:56 AM
What it's a challenge not to die???
no were just havin fun and while riding.... hes just really crazy tho
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ajgs500 on June 03, 2006, 10:48:43 AM
Explain crazy..... what does he do that makes him "crazy"????
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: TragicImage on June 03, 2006, 10:50:33 AM
I would also like to know "crazy"


I mean, I follow a liter bike through canyons, and don't have too much of a hard time following through the curves....

Maybe I'm crazy....
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Kerry on June 03, 2006, 12:09:10 PM
The July 2006 of Cycle World arrived yesterday, with a column by Peter Egan on page 16 titled "The fine art of riding your own bike".  Read the whole page if you can, but here are a few excerpts:

Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: TragicImage on June 03, 2006, 04:04:21 PM
Ride your own bike.



Flipping absolutely perfect.... I'm getting it tattoo'd on my neck as we speak.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: sinfulgs on June 03, 2006, 06:54:59 PM
ive used 150 on my gs all the time even a 160 on the 3.5 rim which does pinch but i needed the sticker tire for the track but a 160 rear wheel will fit the bandit 400 rim which is 4.0 inches wide and the tire is 160 mm wide on it and it will fit into a gs swingarm no mods use need the bandit cush drive and gs spacer from the left and the one on the brake caliper side on pantablos site is says to make spacers and use the gs cush drive that is incorrect and would cause it to line up funny and be off center. i run power pilots 160 60 17 on my gs for the track and have no problems the bandit wheel even uses the same rotor unlike the newer kat wheels some of you are taking about using which is smaller in dia if you want pics send me a message ill take some with the rear wheel removed and with what spaces from the gs i used and all that so it can be archived if you really want
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: pantablo on June 03, 2006, 09:09:38 PM
Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 02, 2006, 04:30:17 AM
well its cause reason #1 looks beter #2 i want michelin pilot power #3 the h rated tire doesnt stick for shaZam! wants to slide every where and i dont like that..... im not that crazy but soon ill be riding with an r6 so i got to find some thing to keep up lol when i get the cash ill put a jet kit

let me tell you something. parked next to that R6 (with its 180 tire) the 150 will STILL look tiny. The fact its pinched on the stock gs rim will make it look less wide than if it were on other rims. Trust me. I've been there. when you measure the 150 on the gs rim it will only measure out to about 140...been checked.

have you checked if the powers come in a 150? I doubt it. I think they come as small as 160 only. please verify as I'm not 100% sure...

150 wont gaurantee sticky. again, I strongly suggest you get pirelli demon sports-damn close to the powers in stickyness. and remember, the 150, pinched on the rim will have a SMALLER contact patch, making them not so sticky in a bad way.

I understand why you want that sized tire, and everyone, almost, that comes here (Including me) has wanted to do what you propose.  Do what you will, but you heard it here.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: runsilent on June 04, 2006, 06:52:22 AM
Pilot Power Sizes: 
  FRONT
  110/70 ZR 17 
  120/60 ZR 17 
  120/65 ZR 17 
  120/70 ZR 17 
  REAR
  150/60 ZR 17 
  160/60 ZR 17 
  170/60 ZR 17 
  180/55 ZR 17 
  190/50 ZR 17

The Powers do indeed come in the 150/60 size as did the Pilot Sports they replace. 

However, I just don't see the use of the supersport tires on the GS500 for street use.  The current sport touring radials are as much tire as the GS500 needs handlingwise unless your middle name is Rossi and they give much better life than the supersports do.  As I have said before, the newest sport touring bias tires like the Demons or Lasertecs are as good for our street purposes as the sport touring radials are in my opinion and experience and come in OE sizes.

I recall the favorable comments Pablo had for the 140/80 AV46 sport touring radial which he put on to replace the 150/60 Pilot Sport after the falling in incident he described with the squared off worn Sport.  I was running the AV45/AV46 ST tires at the time.  Pablo is already closer to Rossi than I'll ever be since I'm already slipping down the slope of advancing years.   :cry:

I now have over 6500 miles on my 150/70 rear Lasertec with considerable life left in it.  Recalling my experience with the AM52 tire handling after it became well worn, I'll reserve my final opinions on the 150/70 Lasertec until it's used up.   :)






Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 04, 2006, 01:18:06 PM
ok well thats a great saying there.... but if i think i can continue doin it
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 05, 2006, 09:42:21 AM
so any ways thanks for you advice.... i will take a note and c what ill do not decided yet lol..... i might just end up trying the pirellis alot of people are talking good about them so will c will post when i try it and the tires are done lol
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Jason on June 05, 2006, 07:47:29 PM
My Sportec M-1's are supposed to be here the 8th. Somebody posted the M-1's are a "smaller" 150mm tire only measuring in at 143mm on a 4 inch rim compared to 148-149mm like some competitor tires.  This should in affect reduce the "pinching" and still provide an addequate contact patch. I am thinking/hoping they will fit more like a 140, but with the benefit of being a radial supersport tire.  I feel I have nothing to lose. With the stock BT45's I lock up the rear wheel under medium braking and during downshifting. I have had the rear end slide ways more than once and I have had the front tire slide (minimal,but anytime your front end pushes it is un-nerving) in turns and I am by no means an over aggresive rider. I will say the stock BT45's have atleast 65% tread at 5,700 miles, but I will trade that off if it sticks better. JMO. I should have the tires mounted and a nice 100-200 mile ride in on the 9th weather permitting.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Jason on June 09, 2006, 01:45:28 PM
Well they are finally mounted. They look great. I will get them installed and try to take a pic or two. The 100-200 mile ride isn't going to happen until monday as I work all weekend. I will try to hit a nice twistie road this evening to see how they feel.  :thumb:
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 09, 2006, 02:03:37 PM
cool cant wait to hear about it
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Jason on June 11, 2006, 07:59:55 AM
 http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/displayimage.php?album=2&pos=503  (http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/displayimage.php?album=2&pos=503)

There is a pic of it. First impressions are I like them. The bike turns so much quicker. I find myself turning later into the corners than before as the bike seems to steer much more precise. I don't know if this because of the aggresive nature of the tire or the fact that they are radials. I think it looks a little better than the 130, but probably no better than a 140 due to the 3.5inch wheel taking away some of the width. The diameter is close to the 130 as I am getting an indicated 5,100rpm at 60 mph where I was getting 5,200 rpm unofically  ;)  I will try to get a good agressive ride on them and post back later.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 16, 2006, 10:30:24 AM
so how does she feel on twisties ??
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Jason on June 16, 2006, 08:07:02 PM
I love it so far. I have been trying to ease into it as the tires make me feel like superman on my bike because they have so much more grip. I do not see any disadvantage to using this particular tire in the 150/60-17 size. I think it would be possable to use the entire tread if you had your knee dragging the ground. I haven't got quite that far yet. but I am inching closer. If I get 4,000 miles out of these tires they will be money well spent to me.  :thumb:
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 17, 2006, 06:54:22 AM
cant wait until these one are used up..... i think ill try to smoke it once see if the bike can lol
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Alphamazing on June 17, 2006, 01:43:42 PM
Quote from: ets_gs500f2004 on June 17, 2006, 06:54:22 AM
cant wait until these one are used up..... i think ill try to smoke it once see if the bike can lol

It can. You just need to know how to do it correctly.
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: Kasumi on June 17, 2006, 02:35:04 PM
Petrol and a match . . .


:laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: how does 150/60zr-17 handles
Post by: ets_gs500f2004 on June 19, 2006, 04:23:23 AM
sher ill get on that petrol and that match lol  :thumb: just kidding no ill try to c how bad it can smoke !!!