i just bought an 09 gs500 and would like to know if it is possible (without great modification) to put a fatter rear tire on the bike
http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.RearWheel
The wiki is your friend :). Katana rear wheels are the most common and require only a little bit of work. A bandit wheel works with some more work.
For just tires you can run a 140/70/17 without problems.
I know a few run 150's but I went with a 140. Some tyre fitters will not fit a tyre other than the one specified for the bike so you have to look around.
When I bought my bike the PO had somehow weaseled a 180 rear tire on the stock rim. It pinched like nobody's business and the handling was very odd, but it goes to show you can fit lots of things with a little work. The only issue you might have is clearing the bar extending from the rear brake to the frame, but I've read on here that you can bend it without major issues. I've since put a more reasonably sized 150/70/17 on, and i haven't had any problems so far. Just make sure you don't mix bias-ply and radial tires, as that can drastically mess up handling characteristics once the tires warm up.
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=56003.0
Quote from: Twisted on April 28, 2011, 02:43:04 PM
I know a few run 150's but I went with a 140. Some tyre fitters will not fit a tyre other than the one specified for the bike so you have to look around.
Hey Twisted, I'm kinda due for a new rear and am thinking 140. How have you found the 140 over the 130?
Michael
Quote from: mister on May 23, 2011, 08:34:22 PM
Quote from: Twisted on April 28, 2011, 02:43:04 PM
I know a few run 150's but I went with a 140. Some tyre fitters will not fit a tyre other than the one specified for the bike so you have to look around.
Hey Twisted, I'm kinda due for a new rear and am thinking 140. How have you found the 140 over the 130?
Michael
No difference other than cosmetic.
I run Shinko 005 Advanced 120/60 front and 160/60 rear.I used a Bandit600 rear wheel.If I do it on one of my other bikes I will use a Katana 4.5 rear wheel.I also have details on my install.It required machining new spacers.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_AYmU9ozxu_o/TdxO5zkHZGI/AAAAAAAAApU/PhdxAh-l4sM/SportDemonOld2.jpg)(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_AYmU9ozxu_o/TdxO8Jt_x6I/AAAAAAAAApc/ai5jyjRlShc/SportDemonNew2.jpg)
Old Tire - Pirelli Sport Demon 130
New Tire - Pirelli Sport Demon 140
I notice a difference, slight and indescribable. A little more noise. But, this is more than likely due to the new rubber and deeper tread than anything.
For those interested, close to 6,000km ago the GS was relegated to commuting duties and so more of its riding was done on fairly straight roads and not leaned over in the twisties. So the wear was now more centered in the middle. Thus slightly shortening its life. I could maybe have gotten another couple thou out if it otherwise and changed it at the 42,000 service. But, time to change. And thus this old tire had a tad over 17,000km on it.
Michael