1983 gs 1100e needs new tires

[Rc51 1976]

Got my stator sorted, and had to replace the stator cover as well took a month to get part!!! Need to get some new tires soon, my tires are getting hard as rocks and wanted to know what some solid tires are for this thing? Thanks BARF family, look forward to some assistance.

 

[Wicked4Racin]

I may have some new ones for cheep, can you PM me some sizes. I have a few from older goldwings and other odd sized tires. Brand new from parts unlimited.

 

[EastBayDave]

I owned same bike for ~6 years. I ran Dunflop's on it for the duration. The thing to find out 1st is do they STILL make a 19" front Dunlop "Qualifier" of the right size for your bike? I'm pretty sure they do.

I'm sure you will have no trouble getting an 18" rear...:thumbup

 

[Tim-That CX Guy]

What is your rim size?

 

[Rc51 1976]

I have a 19 inch front wheel, and a 17 inch back wheel....

 

[Tim-That CX Guy]

Look on the rim, you may see some kind of marking.
Is it 19x1.85, 19x2.15, 19x2.5,
17x2.15, 17x2.5, 17x3?
That will determine the optimum size tire, and what tire we can recommend based on your riding style and use.

For example, Dunlop 404 is a good distance tire, Pirelli Sport Demon is a good high performance tire, Metzeler Lasertec is a really good all arounder for durability, rain, and dry.
Lots of variables.

 

[Tri750]

Front 100/90-19
Rear 130/90-17
If you've got the money, get the Mezteler Lasertec's. They stick like glue wet or dry. I've had them on my old, heavy Yamaha Triple and of course my old Airheads. The compound is a modern one even though the tread pattern has been around for 20 years.

If you need to cut back on price but still want a good tire, go with the Avon AM26. I used these on both my early Interceptors and they did fine on trackdays. They will do well on the wet because, well, they're Avons. The tread pattern looks right and is pretty sexy too.
When I get my Bonneville going, I'll likely put those on it even though they aren't "correct" I've just had some great times on those tires.

Conti has some new vintage sized radials out but your chassis wasn't made for radials so I would be reluctant to try them.

You might be able to squeak a next size wider rear in there with the old inch size to metric conversion, but leave the front alone.

If the wallet is just dead see if the Kenda Challenger comes in your rear size. I don't use them, but I know several budget minded vintage guys that do and they really seem fine for simple riding. It's an old technology tire but better than the old hard tires you may have.

 

[Tim-That CX Guy]

I have had wear issues with two sets of Avon AM26's.
Premature sidewall cracking, and burned through a pair after 2500 miles on my one of my turbos. The GS is almost as heavy, so take that advice for what it is.

 

[Rc51 1976]

I had the Lasertec's on my VFR when I had it they were great tires. I think I can last on these through the season, but if I can get the scratch will get new tires soon. I will look into the Avon's, I appreciate the advice. I just want a tire that will perform, not going to any track days but will hit the twisties or the 1 highway for weekend fun. I gave up my SP1 so knee dragging is out of the question lol.

 

[ratlab]

sport demons are a great tire-grippy and stable,with a nice neutral profile,but they will wear out faster than most-just saw you will use for weekend sportiness-sport demons ftw.

 

[Tri750]

Back for more:
One of if not the best trackdays I ever did was a constant rain day at B/W. It did a steady rain all day.
I had my ZRX and my '75 BMW R90S with over 300K miles on it and a set of Lastertec's.

The skinny, threaded tires were great in the wet. I had signed for C for the BMW and B for the ZRX. The ZRX never came out of the trailer.
I ran the Beemer both classes all day as riders went home as the day went on.
The several BMW riders I came down with did ok as they had their BMW gear and ABS.
I was passing the quick guys in our group under braking. Not happy to see a fat guy on a 30+ year old bike go past their modern stuff. So, I got a teaching moment on telling them smooth, feel, no sudden anything, pick the bike up soon.
About 3:30 I was the only one left on the track droning on. My boss, the BMW shop owner wanted to go home so he had them flag me in.
I come in to hot pit and he yells in my helmet (a Texan) if y'all are gonna stay out there all dam day, go on then! We'se going to have Taco's and go home!
He always bought so I loaded up.
Those Lastertec's are incredible.

 

[Rc51 1976]

Well, I can afford the Avon tires right now or wait and ride these tires out and try to save for the lasertecs... I am not going to go with dunlops I am just not a fan....I am going to sit on it for a week or so and think what is the best course of action...right now I am just going to ride:cool

 

[Tri750]

Do the Avons. I've used them on several bikes with no complaints.
Again, I'll be using them on my '77 Bonneville project with no hesitation.