Hi...have any fellow gs riders tried either a 130-80/17 or 120-90/17 "front" dual sport tyre?...are there any clearance issues apart from maybe having to replace/raise front fender?....and finally as choice appears to be very limited for a matching pair what are the issues with running a rear tyre on the front?
ps...probably going for a 130-80/17 or 140-80/17 on the rear.
cheers guy's..
I've run 110/70, 110/80, 120/70 front and 130/70, 130/80, 130/90, 140/70, 140/80, 150/60, 150/70 rear tires on my GSs on the stock 3.0 and 3.5" wheels. No alterations are required to the bike for any of these sizes on stock wheels except the 150/60 and 150/70 which come close to or touch the brake rod and may require bending the rod a bit.
You can get dual sport tires made for the adventure type bikes like the Avon Distanzia or Shinko 705 in 120/70 front and 140/80 or 150/70 rear that should fit with minor alteration at most. Other brands available also. Many dual sport tires are made for both front/rear application, I wouldn't run rear on front myself unless made for both.
http://www.shinkotireusa.com/tire/705-series
http://www.avonmoto.com/products/adventure-sport/distanzia
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500tirelogs_zpsoxtnjzsi.jpg
I have 120/70 and 150/60 distanzias which required no modification
...thanks for the info guy's, very useful ...just to add has anyone tried 120-90/17 front & 140-80/17 rear adventure tyres?...
incidentally, my bike is a 1994 GS500E model with just 2000 genuine miles! and I also need to replace the stock clip-on style bars with traditional type handlebars....in your opinion would it be easier to replace top yoke for one which accepts "normal" handlebars or can I fit bar risers to the existing top yoke to replace the factory clip-on's? (if fitting bar risers will the Top Yoke need drilling where there appears to be holes which are covered with chrome caps? or can the chrome caps be removed easily to reveal holes beneath?)
many thanks, Jeff
Kent, England
Dont know if its a bit too late but yes you can fit risers if you pop the shiney covers off and get longer bolts atleast 85mm thats how i did it.