Ok I know that this has been discussed before.

But what is the widest tire that can go on a 96 gs500 , with out cutting, or modifying anything.

According to proper fitment  guides from the tire companies and based on the size of the stock GS500E wheels you can in some cases depending on the tire fit the following sizes to the rear or the GS500E.  

In some cases one  companies tire of same size as another companies tire will not fit the same size wheel according to their tire fittment charts that  can be found on their web sites in most cases.

The stock GS500E tire sizes are 130/70 17 rear and 110/70 17 front

The widest with proper fitment would be a 140/80 17 on the rear according to fitment charts I have seen.

I was running a 140/70 17 on the rear which was not a proper fitment according to Bridestone.

Your best bet is to trust the tire companies and do a little research on the web sites of the brand tire you wish to use and see what they offer to fit the stock GS500 wheel sizes.  This way you will know that the tire you are using was designed to fit your size wheel and should then know it to be a safe fitment.

I'd go with a 190......

bling, bling......


whack, whack........pablo.....

Quote from: knut's96gs500Ok I know that this has been discussed before.

But what is the widest tire that can go on a 96 gs500 , with out cutting, or modifying anything.

Ken-smartass.

Widest tire that will actually fit (regardless of tire fitment guides) is a 150/70, just barely (also depends on manufaacturer-Michelin definitely fits with 1-2mm clearance to brake arm but other mfg. may not fit since there's slight differences in widths).

150/60 fits easily.
140/80 and on down all fit without problem.

For best handling-look to get a 140/70 or 140/80. Anything bigger doesn't do you any good (from size standpoint-but good radial rubber is available in 150/60 as smallest size).

Even a 150 doesn't look big when you park next to a bike with a 180...still looks small and a 150 will always have chicken strips because of how it is deformed (not allowing you access to the edges of tires). You'll also notice with a 150 that it tends to "fall into" a corner when leaned over hard (again, when you reach the relative edge and it deforms inward).

If you want big wide tires get a 88-89 gsxr wheel and swap it out.

I have a Macadam 90x 150/70 on my rear and I had to re-locate the rear brake arm. Also, since it's pinched not only does it "drop in" as you get to the edge but you lose a lot of contact patch and traction.

For safe handling and wider looks go 140/80. Tires in that size were designed with a 3.5" rim in mind and some actually turn out to be wider than a pinched 150 when mounted.

Quote from: Black SnowmanI have a Macadam 90x 150/70 on my rear and I had to re-locate the rear brake arm. .

Interesting as the 150/70 I saw that barely fit was a Michelin Macadam 100, mounted on Doug's (Gudly) bike.

Quote from: pantablo
Ken-smartass.


Even a 150 doesn't look big when you park next to a bike with a 180...still looks small and a 150 will always have chicken strips because of how it is deformed (not allowing you access to the edges of tires).

If you want big wide tires get a 88-89 gsxr wheel and swap it out.

Pablo.....feeling a little self conscious.....

size matters??
says the man with a little.....tire
:mrgreen:

my old TL had a 200 on it when I got it...... :nana:

sorry, duck jokes are still funny.....

Quote from: werase643sorry, duck jokes are still funny.....

and you've gone to greater lengths than anyone else to fit a 150 on your GS, now haven't you...

If you think size doesn't matter, then you're too small.

I was going to say that....but i went with my creative side....

start a poll.....or would that be a pole???

Quote from: pantablo

Quote from: werase643sorry, duck jokes are still funny.....

and you've gone to greater lengths than anyone else to fit a 150 on your GS, now haven't you...

If you think size doesn't matter, then you're too small.

not actually, i spent an hour.... wheel had been in basement for 2-3 yrs
i spent more time writing an e-mail to you (with pics of the conversion)
if it will make you feel bad....I have one more left :nana: ....holding up my 88 GSXR chassis....another project
most others talk of stopping by the machine shop....those boys don't play cheap........

be happy with a 130 or 140....

have you priced 180/190/200 tires....