ok so i found 2 tires.  the me1 and the me22 (if i can remember correctly).  both are 130/80.  both are 50 bucks on clearance!  comments, opinions, suggestions!!!  pertaining to these 2 tires please (i know some of u guys will try to convince me of a different brand/model  :lol: )

anyone?

The only thing I know about the ME1 is that it's great with the ME33 Comp K front on my freind's SRX600; great grip, decent mileage.

After reading a handful of tire threads, I'm disappointed that many of the best tires are not available in sizes that fit the GS500.  Many of the tires that you guys mention appear to be sport routing tires and not semi race compounds (Pirelli Diablos, Michelin Pilot Powers, Metzler Sportecs, etc.)  From experience, I never thought sport touring tires offered the same feel, grip, or assurance that is afforded by the aforementioned tires.  Not to mention, the softer compounds generally warm up much quicker as well.  Albeit, the one disadvantage is that they do wear quicker (especially on big bore bikes).

Considering this, do you guys think you miss the advantages in softer compound tires or would the benifits of using them be negligible?

Depending on the riding. While some more aggressive riders would benefit from the stickier tires, many of us are conservative (re: cheap <ducks> I mean, frugal) and are willing to sacrifice said grip for a little more mileage for our dollar, or we're just learning and may not be able to utilize the aforementioned 'grip'.

Scratch, there is certainly no question to the advantages, both monetary and convenience, of not having to replace tires (especially the rear) every 2000-3000 miles.  I concur with you 100%.

Even with my limited time riding this bike (I do share it), I found it is certainly more than capable of utilizing the technology used in sport tires.  I think even a beginner would be able to take advantage of sport tires especially in a track environment.   Albeit, if your riding style does not include track days or regular canyon carving, then I'm sure the durability and price advantages of the available selection of tires for the GS500 outweigh the value of gripier rubber.


Funny...my sportbike days are dwindling.  The type of riding I'm propagating to involves sport touring.  I'm beginning to lust for the Honda VFR  

so back to the original question.. me22 or me1?

Sorry about going off topic, weaselnoze!

no no its fine its just that these tires are on sale for 50 bucks and i wanna grab one before they dissapear

Just try them... Then tell us what you think.

Personally I don't ride (on the street) anywhere NEAR the limits of my tires (BT-45) because of the unknowns.  A patch of sand/gravel and you're history if you're riding on the edge of your traction.  On a track you don't have that worry, you can be reasonably sure that traction will remain constant through all corners.

which one is stickier? which one is better in wet? which one last longer?  thats what im lookin for i guess.. maybe no one here has/had either one?  :dunno:

My 02 Metz Application Guide recommends 110/80/17 ME33 K front and 130/80/17 ME1 rear tires for 89-02 GS500/E models.  I assume the ME1 is Comp K also and those are good sport touring tires.  Comp K indicates a stickier tire than same tires w/o Comp K compounds.  Don't think the non Comp K M1 tires are still available in this size.  Later Metz Guides recommend the ME330/550 tires.

Don't know much about the ME22 tires, they are more like a high milage touring tire.  They come in scooter sizes too.  I'd go with the ME1 myself out of those 2 choices unless they are too old, could be reason for bargain price.  Wouldn't touch either if they are more than about 4 yrs old.  Check the last 4 digits of the DOT number on the tire.  They show week and year of mfg.  For example 3603 would be 36th week of 2003.

thanks jack.  i'll look into it next time i head up there!