So I finally get around to replacing the stock tires on my GS with a new set of Pirelli Sport Demons and what a difference. After getting them mounted, I went for a ride to scrub them in--nothing too harsh given their newness. During the ride it felt as if I were on a different bike; a more expensive, better handling bike. The steering was lighter and more responsive. Of course part of that probably has to do with getting rid of the squared off rear, but even when the rear was prestine, it was nowhere near as responsive as these tires.  

Again, I didn't push it, but every corner I encountered I noticed that the GS had a quicker turn in and felt more stable through the curves. And then there is the aesthetic factor. I didn't change tire sizes but the rear profile of the Pirellis make the rear tire seem wider. From the back it really makes the GS look sportier almost like a "real" sportbike. When I went to tank up, this woman started walking quickly towards me at the pump. I thought to myself, "Oh boy, here she comes about to lecture me about the dangers of motorcycling, or is she about to invite me to her church, what is she doing?" Come to find out, she also owns a GS, saw the rear tire and wanted to know why it looked bigger than her's. She gave a nod of approval and then drove off.

On another note. This site really rocks. Of course that's a good thing and a bad thing. Its a good thing from the sense that every question I've had about my GS has been answered with a quick search. On the other hand, because of that, I never get a chance to post questions. What are the best replacement tires for the GS? (Answered) Where can you find replacement mirrors and other parts? (Answered) Can you jump start a dead battery using a car? (Answered) The knowledge and overall sense of community on this website is very welcome. Love this site and love my GS.

Vince

NEW SHOES are GREAT!!!!!!

can you believe this?? with all the search posts lately this guy has really shown that it is a good idea!  

I just got a set of Sport demons as well.
Went from BT45's 110/80/17 130/90/17!!! To stock sizes.

WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!!!
just like VincefromFAM said, the turn in is amazing!!!! IT just falls into the corner, absolutly beautiful!
Now I have and do run the piss out of these tires. They stick beautufily.
Very stable while leaned over, and VERY tolerant of moderate trail braking.

2 down sides tough, due to the more agressize rear profile the rear brake is much more prone to lock up (making for bitchin MotoGP braking slides!!)
Also also due to the profile, the bike seems to "fall" into the turn at lower speeds. This isnt a problem for me, but a newer rider might feel a bit uncomfortable.

what is the rear brake for??

i was told the front brakes do about 75% of braking....
experience....99.5%
only time i use the rear... is for ORE...grass

This is what the rear brake is for....

http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=158486&highlight=#158486

I have, about an hour ago, ordered some BT45s, not up to Sport Demon standards but I'm hoping for a big improvement on stock which I have just about worn out at 6500m.

Quote2 down sides tough, due to the more agressize rear profile the rear brake is much more prone to lock up (making for bitchin MotoGP braking slides!!)

I don't understand how the tire profile will affect rear brake lock-up :dunno:

I have a set of the same tires and feel the same.  They Rock!

new set radial tires  

I just fitted the (free) Sport Demons on my GS two days ago. I took it easy during the scrub-in period, and then decided to have a bit of fun.

I took an expressway ramp that I take every day on my commute a full 10% faster than I used to on my Metzeler 330/550's I just had swapped out, and felt so much more planted the whole time. Even the BT-45's I had on before that didn't give that kind of confidence.

The tires so far seem to be rock solid. I just hope they last as long as my previous sets (Exedras lasted 15,000km, BT-45's lasted 13,000km, Metz's lasted 12,000km)

Quote from: juno

Quote2 down sides tough, due to the more agressize rear profile the rear brake is much more prone to lock up (making for bitchin MotoGP braking slides!!)

I don't understand how the tire profile will affect rear brake lock-up :dunno:

I have a set of the same tires and feel the same.  They Rock!

The rear tire is shaped like a V, less contact while straight up and down, but more rubber on the ground while leaned over.
It will absolutly affect how much rear brake you can use while straight up...

I use about 80% front brake, but using the rear brake is very important to maintaining chasis stability. Not to mention the little extra stoping power.