Hi there,

Here are my tire recommendations from a previous thread:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=24322.0

Here are my recommendations from that thread:

I tried Dunlop Elites on my GS500E several years ago and was VERY unhappy because they didn't have 70 Series tires and I had to use 80 or 90 Series aspect ratios. Terrible handling, and the bike FELL into corners. Unnerving.

The Solution:

Then last spring I mounted a set of proper 70 Series Michelin Macadam 50/50E tires and they are GREAT! I'm still very satisfied with their performance, wet and dry traction and reasonable prices if you buy them from one of the better and cheaper online companies.  Check Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse and others, then call Dennis Kirk to give you the tires for a dollar less than the best price you can get, including shipping.

Here's the Michelin Web page for the tires:
http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004104059&codePage=2092004104059_10092004111900&lang=EN
My bike handles great again, traction is excellent wet or dry, braking is phenomenal and my bike is much improved.  I used stock sizes and am VERY pleased.

The full tire recommendation thread from last October is at:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=22069.0

Good luck,
Yours,
Todd

Ron Ayer's has these Avon AM51 front and AM52 rear. They are less than $135 including shipping. I haven't tried these so maybe someone else will know about their performance and longevity. They seem to be marketed towards commuters but have a sporty looking tread.

http://www.ronayers.com/catalogs/tires/parts.cfm?secid=7&type=165

Quote from: corndog67 on May 27, 2006, 12:27:46 PM
I put a Kenda on a BMW K100 I used to have.  In the rain the Beemer would spin that tire in 5 th gear just rolling on the throttle.  It was, in my opinion, very dangerous.  I wouldn't buy another one. 

I wouldn't have put the first Kenda on a K100 or on any other literbike.   

Quote from: Trwhouse on May 27, 2006, 01:58:12 PM
Then last spring I mounted a set of proper 70 Series Michelin Macadam 50/50E tires and they are GREAT! I'm still very satisfied with their performance, wet and dry traction and reasonable prices if you buy them from one of the better and cheaper online companies.  Check Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse and others, then call Dennis Kirk to give you the tires for a dollar less than the best price you can get, including shipping.

The Mac 50's are just about obsolete now having been replaced by the new Pilot Activs.  The Activ has the latest in tread compounds and should be even better in wet and dry traction and also last longer according to Michelins claims.  They are competative with the Demons and Lasertecs as I mentioned above, the latest in sport touring bias ply tires that come in GS500 OE sizes.

 I just ordered the Sportec M-1's in a 110/70zr-17 front and a 150/60zr-17 rear from Motorcycle-Superstore.com The total was just under $200. I personally was not overly pleased with the stock BT45's. My front is cupped causing even more vibration to be transmitted through the handle bar and my rear is wearing down the center like I go on cross country trips all with 5,550 miles. yes I could probably get another 8,000 out of them if I kept riding it this way but I don't want to. I just feel if I have to replace my tires every 5,000 or so miles I want something that is gonna be stickier and wear out as opposed to something harder that is gonna cup and upset the bike. JMO.

*shrug* I just mounted up a Maxxis Promaxx in the front. It was definitely better than having a dry rotted no tread oem tire. Can't really beat 40 bucks shipped to my door in just under a week either. got it from chapparel-racing.com

hey guys !!!! I work in a tire shop but we dont deal with the motorcycle ones tho... to get to the point !!!! the problem is that you might have the best power bike or the best brakes....... but if you cant apply it to the ground whats the point of having every thing..   like a car has about four packs of smoke patches that touches the ground and now you have smaller then 2 packs of smoke..... in the end why risk your life for money... id say park it if you have to and save up and buy good ones and if you save a ding on the bike it will save you alot more money !!!!

you know something i have worked with tires before in a tire shop and unless you are racing there is no difference from a expensive tire and a cheap tire

thats what you think.... lets say your taking a curve like a everyday driver the car in front of you slams the brake do you think your tires arent doin anything good because your not racing... weither you like it or not tires can save your ass and a flick of a second something can happen and if the tire cant take what your asking for it well guess what its bang your in it to...... so yes tires are important trust me ive seen stuff been true stuff and i try out tires like crazy exept on my car and it does a dif so dont think if i dont race tires dont make a difference.... because yes it does and i know what im talking about !!!!! i went true courses and stuff to see the diffrence in tires and it is true tryed it been there 

so what your are telling me is that because i bought cheap tires im screwed when i bought my tires i called maxxis i talked with them about there tires they are as good as any other tire and i have talked to several of my buds who say they are good tires beside if you lock the brakes up on a bike your pretty much screwed any ways

Quote from: william.betts on June 01, 2006, 06:33:17 AM
so what your are telling me is that because i bought cheap tires im screwed when i bought my tires i called maxxis i talked with them about there tires they are as good as any other tire and i have talked to several of my buds who say they are good tires beside if you lock the brakes up on a bike your pretty much screwed any ways

You were looking for budget tires and in spite of all the good and bad advice you received here, I think you made a good choice in tires for your needs.  Quite a few members here have tried the ProMax and commented favorably on their performance.