I have a 2000 gs500 with avon tires and i was wondering what would be a good set to throw on the bike as these are alittle cracked and dry rotted?

do a search for all terms, using "tires avon" and restrict it to user "GSJack"

that will return tons of threads with great info.  Jack is the resident tire expert, and I think he has tried all the avons that fit the GS.  I followed his advice and got some Avon AV45/46's for my bike--been very happy with them, other than some rubbing on the rear brake arm.

True, a search will net you a tonne more data than you'll draw with your post here, but a quick answer is that Bridgestone BT-45's are reasonably priced and very well thought of on this board.

The problem with tires is that they're like ice cream -- generally similar but everyone tends to have a favorite.  Perhaps a poor analogy, but what the hell.  The Avons are well thought of but the rear doesn't come in the stock 130x70-17; the 140x80 fits but is a taller profile.  

The Michelin, Metzeler, and Pirelli all make GS500 sizes.  Again, search for "Tires" and follow the ones that tickle your interest.  

yup, the avon raises the back a decent amount.  Also, mine rubs the rear brake arm rather badly, and I need to hammer the arm out a bit.

If you're talking matched set in stock sizes there's a good selection available.   The usual suspects (cut/pasted from MAW listed by ascending price):

$43.95 Cheng Shin Maxxis ProMaxx 110/70-17 Front Tire
$61.95 Cheng Shin Maxxis ProMaxx 130/70-17 Rear Tire

$53.95 Avon AM51 110/70H 17 Front Tire
$60.95 Avon AM52 130/70H 17 Rear Tire

$75.95 Bridgestone BT45H 110/70H17 Front Tire
$82.95 Bridgestone BT45H 130/70H17 Rear Tire

$84.95 Metzeler Lasertec 110/70H17 Front Tire
$99.95 Metzeler Lasertec 130/70H17 Rear Tire

$81.95 Michelin Pilot Activ 110/70H17 Front Tire
$101.95 Michelin Pilot Activ 130/70H17 Rear Tire

$92.95 Pirelli Sport Demon 110/70HB17 Front Tire
$98.95 Pirelli Sport Demon 130/70HB17 Rear Tire

Do you get what you pay for? :dunno:  

I wouldn't hesitate to buy Cheng Shin, but would feel better about taking Pirelli to the track.  A review database (comfort; grip; mileage; handling; durability; appearance; whatever) would definitely be helpful.

Oops.  Sorry to have forgotten about the Avon X-ply line (AM 51 & 52).  My thinking was on getting the Azaro-ST 45's & 46's.  (Per GSjack's endorsements.) Great tread pattern.

Nice piece of research Gisser.  

I ran Dunlops, Metzeler, Bridgstones and Michelin's. Based on my personal experience, the Michelin pilot Activs are the top tires for the GS.

Quote from: raylarrabeeyup, the avon raises the back a decent amount.  Also, mine rubs the rear brake arm rather badly, and I need to hammer the arm out a bit.

I haven't had a problem with mine rubbing the brake arm, but there's not much clearance back there either.  It does raise the rear end, and the higher profile looks a little goofy to my eye, too.  Especially on a white rim.

I've got almost 1k miles on my Avon AM 51/52.  They're great tires, really grippy (although I'm comparing to the stock GS tires).  My next pair will definately be another set of Avons.

Don't forget the new Avon Roadriders to also be available in our OEM sizes.   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

http://www.avonmotorcycle.com/us/en/Product.asp?ProdType=TouringXply

Want to try those and also try the Metz Lasertecs and Michilin Activs, just gonna have to live another 73 years to try them all I guess.  

Quote from: gsJackDon't forget the new Avon Roadriders to also be available in our OEM sizes.   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

http://www.avonmotorcycle.com/us/en/Product.asp?ProdType=TouringXply

Want to try those and also try the Metz Lasertecs and Michilin Activs, just gonna have to live another 73 years to try them all I guess.  

Just let us know how we can help.  Ride Jack, Ride...

Quote from: StevenEI ran Dunlops, Metzeler, Bridgstones and Michelin's. Based on my personal experience, the Michelin pilot Activs are the top tires for the GS.

What makes Michelin Pilot Activs top?

Comfort?
Grip?
Mileage?
Handling?
Durability?
Appearance?
Ad Copy? (20% greater mileage than M50's)

Rate 'em.  What makes 'em better than the others?  :dunno:

Quote from: gsJackDon't forget the new Avon Roadriders to also be available in our OEM sizes.   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

http://www.avonmotorcycle.com/us/en/Product.asp?ProdType=TouringXply

Whoa, that's gonna be a major tire line!  V-rated, too!  Probably will replace the venerable Super Venom and Roadrunner X-plies.

Also neglected to list IRC's latest offering:

ROAD WINNER RX-01 BIAS SPORT BIKE TIRES

IRC RX-01 TIRE FR 110/70-17     $47.16  
IRC RX-01 TIRE RR 130/80-17     $58.92

On sale @ http://www.americanmototire.com/

Quote from: Gisser

Quote from: gsJackDon't forget the new Avon Roadriders to also be available in our OEM sizes.   :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

http://www.avonmotorcycle.com/us/en/Product.asp?ProdType=TouringXply

Whoa, that's gonna be a major tire line!  V-rated, too!  Probably will replace the venerable Super Venom and Roadrunner X-plies.

Seems to be the same move that Metzeler took with their new Lasertec tires.  They replace the ME33, ME330, ME55A, ME550, ME99A, and ME1 bias ply tires to become their only bias ply line.

With all the new sportbikes, the naked bikes, and a growing number of cruisers going to radial tires it would seem that all bikes will have radial tires much the same as the auto industry changed over completly years ago.  Probably one line of bias ply tires will be enough to service the remaining older bikes with bias ply tires and wheels too narrow for radials.

i recently got the perelli sport demons front and rear on my bike. havent ridden but 20 miles on them and my bike broke down again. should have it up and running tomorrow and give a better report but what i rode on them they felt awesome, much more grip and comfort on them than my stock equivalents. would highly recommend them but am not sure how long they will last.

Wow gsJack.  I hadn't seen the new Avon Roadriders.  I really like the tread pattern.  Anyone have more info on them?