Just put a Battlax 130/80 17 on my otherwise standard '06. It is replacing a Kenda which I tried for better mileage. The original Battlax 130/70 did 12,000 km, the Kenda handled like the original but only got 9,000 km so I went back to Bridgestone. The shop only had a 130/80 when I went in today, so I thought I'd try that. First impression is that I really like the handling, it seems to lean over a little more easily, but mainly it feels more predictable at steeper lean angles. I really like it so far (only 50km!).
Anybody else tried this or got any thoughts. (GS Jack?  ) (The front is still the original Battlax).

I normally notice a little change in rpm with a new tyre, the /80 is noticeably a bigger change than normal. Couple of 100 rpm.

which kenda tire did you try..and  tire spec

It was a 'Cruiser ST' K671. I did less highway/70+mph on that tyre than the old Battlax, but it didn't last as well. Was maybe $5 cheaper.

right now Kenda ST 671 is available on Ebay for like 69$ with free shipping....almost 40$ cheaper than Battlax..I am on a tight budget ,Kenda will  work for me now if lasts 9000 miles.How is the grip especially in wet weather
Manoj

Kenda calls the K671 a sport tire and the K657 a sport touring tire.  I put a K671 on my old CM400A winter bike but didn't use it long enough to determine milage but it performed as well as the old BT45 tires I thought.  My 02 GS came with a new K657 rear tire and it was only half worn at 5k miles when I went to radials.

http://www.kendausa.com/motorcycle/street.html

I've used 110/70, 110/80, 120/70 front and 130/70, 130/80, 130/90, 140/70, 140/80, 150/70 rear tires and never felt the size made as much difference as the type of tire did, they all worked well enough for me.

Quote from: the mole on October 07, 2009, 12:07:31 AM.................The shop only had a 130/80 when I went in today, so I thought I'd try that. First impression is that I really like the handling, it seems to lean over a little more easily, but mainly it feels more predictable at steeper lean angles. I really like it so far.....................

Most new tires feel like that since they have a better shape than the worn ones they replaced.  The taller 130/80 will make your rake a bit steeper making the steering faster adding to that feeling.  It was really noticeable when I went from a 130/70 to a 130/90 rear on my 97 GS years ago.

The oem G spec 110/70 and 130/70 BT45 tires have 1/32" less tread depth than other BT45 so you should get more milage from the 130/80 BT45 than you did fron the oem BT45.

I have Kenda K671's on my '89 GS and have no complaints so far (about 1k miles).  My '01 and Kay's '95 have BT-45 Battlaxs and I don't really notice any handling differences between them and the Kendas.

-Jessie

Quote 'How is the grip especially in wet weather'

The Kenda 671 seemed to handle much like the BT45, wet or dry.

Thanks for the input Jack!