Suitable tyres for a GS500?

[MystikEagle]

I have recently bought a Suzuki GS500 that has tyres that look to me like fair weather track tyres

272727

So I am thinking that I will need something with a little more grip for riding in the wet...

I know nothing about bike tyres so am wanting some advice on the subject please

(I have a limited budget so can't afford anything spectacular but understand the need for decent rubber on the road!)

Thanks in advance KB'ers!

[LankyBastard]

Can you take a closer picture of the tyres on the bike or tell us what they are?

[Str8 Jacket]

What size are your tyres?

[James Deuce]

They're not track tyres. Have you tried them in the wet? What are they?

[Paul in NZ]

I like BT45's as a good all rounder but Avon's are probably grippier....

[Str8 Jacket]

I like BT45's as a good all rounder but Avon's are probably grippier....

Agree re BT45's. Conti road attacks are good too and a bit cheaper.....

[MystikEagle]

Sorry guys, was the only photo I had on hand. I will check what tyres it has/take better photos after work tonight

[Tigadee]

Probably look like track tyres because they're quite smooth... :laugh: Not a bad idea and time to change them.

[Maha]

But you could ride around a track on them..... right?

[ktm84mxc]

A little more info is required to give a rational choice on suitable tires for the GS, will it be used as a commuter , does it involve high use, will be punting it up on track days, will you be carrying a pillion regularly and whats your budget ? Stick to a name brand eg Pirelli, Michelin, Avon, Metzeler, Bridgestone , Dunlop, Yokohama etc
Have a talk to your local shops or try Hamilton.

[Ender EnZed]

Do you have any reason for wanting to change the current tyres other than appearance? Have you seen many other motorcycle tyres?

Pirelli Sport Demons would be a reasonable choice for that bike but there will be other options as well.

[Katman]

The sizes for your bike are 110/70-17 and 130/70-17.

My recommendations would be either the Pirelli Sport Demons (RRP $146 & $167), Metzeler Lasertecs (RRP $195 & $187) or the Bridgestone BT45 (RRP $160 & $187).

[Str8 Jacket]

The sizes for your bike are 110/70-17 and 130/70-17.

My recommendations would be either the Pirelli Sport Demons (RRP $146 & $167), Metzeler Lasertecs (RRP $195 & $187) or the Bridgestone BT45 (RRP $160 & $187).

You should work at a bike shop or something mister.

[Akzle]

2CTs,
BT45s
pilots
powers
my pick for your ride being either of the first two, with a slight bias to the second, cos it's what i'm on and they work good.

all dual compound steel belts - ideal tyre for me.

[Geeen]

The sizes for your bike are 110/70-17 and 130/70-17.

My recommendations would be either the Pirelli Sport Demons (RRP $146 & $167), Metzeler Lasertecs (RRP $195 & $187) or the Bridgestone BT45 (RRP $160 & $187).

Good advice here, there is cheaper around. But ultimately you get what you pay for. Have a yarn to Kat at Hamilton Motorcycles or the Guys at Hamilton Honda to see what they can do for you.

[mossy1200]

Whats all the numbers etc on the tyres you have.
It could be that they are suffering from old age more than tyre brand.

Alot off tyres have a form of serial number that includes year and month of manufacture.

[Geeen]

Whats all the numbers etc on the tyres you have.
It could be that they are suffering from old age more than tyre brand.

Alot off tyres have a form of serial number that includes year and month of manufacture.

http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/resources/6795/assets/images/FAQs/tyres/tyre_info/4_motorcycle_tyre_tire_markings.jpg

Just so you know what we are blathering about

[mossy1200]

Just so you know what we are blathering about

Ta. I couldnt find that pic.

[FJRider]

Just so you know what we are blathering about

Couldn't you find a bigger pic ... ???

must be at least 3 infractions in that pic alone ...

[Geeen]

Couldn't you find a bigger pic ... ???

must be at least 3 infractions in that pic alone ...

I will if you want me to..........:bleh:
Forgot to resize it, sorry

[FJRider]

I will if you want me to..........:bleh:
Forgot to resize it, sorry

It was easy to read ... with my eyesight the way it is, at my advanced age ... :doh:

[MystikEagle]

Probably look like track tyres because they're quite smooth... :laugh: Not a bad idea and time to change them.

The tread on them is pretty decent still, just not much of it. I will take photos tomorrow, got way too busy today sorry

[MystikEagle]

A little more info is required to give a rational choice on suitable tires for the GS, will it be used as a commuter , does it involve high use, will be punting it up on track days, will you be carrying a pillion regularly and whats your budget ? Stick to a name brand eg Pirelli, Michelin, Avon, Metzeler, Bridgestone , Dunlop, Yokohama etc
Have a talk to your local shops or try Hamilton.

Lots of questions!

Not a commuter... I live on site :)
Will mainly be used for road trips, 100+ kms at a time
Not looking at doing any track days in the near future
Still on my learners so no pillion
Budget is flexible but don't want to spend 3 or 4 hundred per tyre

Hope this helps you guys help me!

[kiwifruit]

Lasertecs .

[ktm84mxc]

The humble GS500 can trace its parentage back to the GS400 of 1978/9 , the go to tyre back then were Pirelli Phantoms which are now sold as Sport Demons . a touring tire will be more than suitable for your needs and Continental make great touring/all rounder tires.
Get some quotes on suitable tire options and ring around to get the best deals.

[FJRider]

Budget is flexible but don't want to spend 3 or 4 hundred per tyre



Have a look in the tyre section of any bike shop. With your bikes tyre sizes in mind ... check out the price range. Or PM Katman and ask his advice .... He wont put you wrong.

Tyres ARE a major feature in a motorcyclists budget. Petrol is only about half of what it costs to run a motorcycle. On your bike ... probably 9000 - 14,000 (my guess) kilometers on a rear tyre. Twice that from the front. Depending on tyre choice (hard/sticky) and type/style of riding ... and even on roads you choose to ride.

[SMOKEU]

+1 to Sport Demons.

[Banditbandit]

The tyres look fine - they certainly look like road tyres not track tyres ... the amount of tread on them is pretty standard - there are legal road tyres out there with less tread - the more rubber on the road the more grip .. tread patterns reduce rubber - it's a compromise for riding on wet roads ... The first time I put Conti Road Attacks on my bike I was worried about the lack of tread pattern for wet riding .. but they were fine.

Try different options ... Tyres work with a bike/riding style ... some work better tha others for different styles so it's a matter of finding what you like. I'd start with the Conti Road Attacks because they are a good price (and I love them) - but there are plenty of other suggestions here ...

[Katman]

Just to clear up what seems to be a bit of confusion.....

Conti Road Attacks are radial tyres.

The bike in question is designed to use bias ply tyres.

There are no radials that will fit.

[neels]

The bike in question is designed to use bias ply tyres.
Out of interest, are there any issues putting radials on a bike that was originally designed for bias ply tyres?

Anyway, had a set of BT45's on my old XJ600 which never caused me any issues, riding summer/winter hot/cold wet/dry

[Katman]

Out of interest, are there any issues putting radials on a bike that was originally designed for bias ply tyres?


Not really any issues if you can find radials in the correct sizes.

[jim.cox]

Not really any issues if you can find radials in the correct sizes.

You should replace both tyres though.

Mix and match radial and bias ply is not a good idea

[Katman]

You should replace both tyres though.

Mix and match radial and bias ply is not a good idea

Yes, I meant correct sizes as in both correct sizes.

[MystikEagle]

Here are some better photos of the current tyres

272806272807

They are a Road Winner...

[ducatilover]

Here are some better photos of the current tyres



They are a Road Winner...

IRC RX-01 f and r respectively, to be precise my dear Watson.
They're cheap shitty nylon puss and should be thrown away

Katman has nailed the hit on the hammer with the head in his first post.
I've always liked Sport Demons, run them on all my smaller bikes and never had an issue, good all round rubber.
BT45s are in the same class too
Never tried Lasertechs, but they're supposed to be great

[MystikEagle]

IRC RX-01 f and r respectively, to be precise my dear Watson.
They're cheap shitty nylon puss and should be thrown away

Katman has nailed the hit on the hammer with the head in his first post.
I've always liked Sport Demons, run them on all my smaller bikes and never had an issue, good all round rubber.
BT45s are in the same class too
Never tried Lasertechs, but they're supposed to be great

Thanks alot for that! :niceone:

Do you have to go to a bike shop for tyres or can you get them from a tyre shop? My bike has a weird chain (o ring I think, and doesn't have an un-doing link), will this make a difference to who can change them for me?

If you can't tell already... I know nothing much about bikes :o I am slowly learning though...

[Captain_Salty]

Some tyre shops sell bike tyres but don't let them talk you into some cheap crap they might have in stock.
I have a Dunlop GT501 on the front and BT45 at the rear. My local suzuki shop have BT45's on their GS loan bike

[ducatilover]

Thanks alot for that! :niceone:

Do you have to go to a bike shop for tyres or can you get them from a tyre shop? My bike has a weird chain (o ring I think, and doesn't have an un-doing link), will this make a difference to who can change them for me?

If you can't tell already... I know nothing much about bikes :o I am slowly learning though...

Chain makes no difference for tyre changing.
You can buy and fit them at a local bike shop, I don't know any tyre retailers who will bring bike tyres in (silly, I know)
I change my own ones, but that's a different kettle of unicorn.

[MystikEagle]

Ok, so I have three tyres to look into (BT45, Sport Demon and Lasertech) and I will need to go to a bike shop to buy them and get them fitted (and balanced?)...

Also, are all types suitable for front and back? Is there any variation in the brand? Want to know all I can so I don't get taken for a ride being a "vulnerable" female...

[Geeen]

Want to know all I can so I don't get taken for a ride being a "vulnerable" female...

If you go to a DECENT bike shop this shouldn't happen. The best parts sales people I have dealt with were both chicks. Karen who works at Bayride in Tauranga and now Kat at Hamilton Motorcycles. Both very good at their jobs. If you listen to the people on here who know their stuff ( Katman, Crasher and others who are in the industry) you wont go far wrong

[neels]

Here are some better photos of the current tyres

Without even knowing what they are, they look horrid.


I have a Dunlop GT501 on the front and BT45 at the rear.

I had GT501's on my XJ which seemed OK, but the new BT45's that replaced them were much nicer, could just be the newer tyres but I trusted them a whole lot more


Ok, so I have three tyres to look into (BT45, Sport Demon and Lasertech) and I will need to go to a bike shop to buy them and get them fitted (and balanced?)...

Also, are all types suitable for front and back? Is there any variation in the brand? Want to know all I can so I don't get taken for a ride being a "vulnerable" female...
Bike tyres are specifically front or rear, and unless you have really odd sized wheels (it appears from Katman's earlier post that you don't) you should have no problem getting a matching set.

Ring some bike shops for prices, they may need to get the tyres in for you which could take a couple of days. I'm lazy so I ride the bike there, go for a walk and get a coffee while they take the wheels off and fit the tyres, pay the extra few bucks for their time and ride home.

[MystikEagle]

If you go to a DECENT bike shop this shouldn't happen. The best parts sales people I have dealt with were both chicks. Karen who works at Bayride in Tauranga and now Kat at Hamilton Motorcycles. Both very good at their jobs. If you listen to the people on here who know their stuff ( Katman, Crasher and others who are in the industry) you wont go far wrong

Thanks! I was thinking I will go into Hamilton Motorcycles next days off. How long does it take for tyres to get changed?

[tbs]

Those Road Winners on there are horrible horrible tires. They lack any sort of feel and don't grip very well, especially in the wet. Mine fought me when I tried to turn the bike too.

I liked the Sport Demons when I had a smaller bike. Really confidence inspiring and a cool looking tread pattern. Kiwifruit is a track instructor and knows his stuff, so if he says Lazertech, then you can be sure they'll be great.

Change both at the same time. Katman has given you the sizes that are correct for your bike. The front and rear tires are supposed to be different, so just get a set fitted. Don't mix brands.

Whichever brand, Dunlop, Metzler or Pirelli, your bike will feel much better!

[nathanwhite]

How long does it take for tyres to get changed?

1-2 hours depening on how caffinated the mechanic is and some other things too I think.

[tbs]

I was going to say about an hour. By the way, take it easy on the new tires for while. They tend to be quite slippery until whatever coating they come covered in gets scrubbed off. Whoever fits your tires should tell you about that anyway.

[ducatilover]

Thanks! I was thinking I will go into Hamilton Motorcycles next days off. How long does it take for tyres to get changed?

I manage 30 min each on my ZX6 doing it by hand.
25-30min per tyre is a fair expectation though, incl balancing (easier for bikes than cars)
Generally the shop will tell you a typical or fixed fitment fee :niceone:

Buy a matching set too, the best deal on any of those 3 tyres would be brilliant.

[Geeen]

Thanks! I was thinking I will go into Hamilton Motorcycles next days off. How long does it take for tyres to get changed?

The boys should get it done in an hour or so

[ktm84mxc]

Some motorbike tire shops will fit tires for free if you bring in the wheels, yes it can be a hassle but I've heard of a certain shop on the shore charging up wards of $100 to fit and a disposable charge of $10 per tire a set.

[mossy1200]

With more time in the saddle you might like the tires you have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqrGbiGYs6A&feature=related


:no:

[Geeen]

With more time in the saddle you might like the tires you have.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqrGbiGYs6A&feature=related


:no:

Mr Stoner is one talented cookie:eek::Punk:

[tbs]

With more time in the saddle you might like the tires you have.

:no:


Not 100% convinced I'd try that on cheap Korean rubber....:crazy:


Having said that I did slide on the Road Winners a few times. I spent a while trying to do a stoppie one day. It was while I was practicing hard braking and tight turns. The tires were nice and hot but I could not get the back of the bike to lift before the front would lock. Not a good feeling.

[Akzle]

They tend to be quite slippery until whatever coating they come covered in gets scrubbed off. Whoever fits your tires should tell you about that anyway.
it's wax, used in the moulds the tyres are made in. (to get them out) soaks into tyres. heat is required to melt it out the tyre's surface. (road riding is enough) do some burnouts.



Generally the shop will tell you a typical or fixed fitment fee :niceone:

shop should throw balancing/fitting in for free when buying new set of tyres. if they don't, go up to drury performance tyres, cos they do.

[Katman]

it's wax

It's silicon.

[Akzle]

It's silicon.
you're silicone.

[MystikEagle]

Silicone on my tyres! Awesome! :crazy:

[Geeen]

Silicone on my tyres! Awesome! :crazy:

Just take it easy for the first wee while and you'll be fine

[MystikEagle]

Ok, so, technicalish question...

If I get new tyres fitted on my days off (wed, thur, fri), will they be ok for the Pro Rider course next weekend?

I won't get much time to ride on my days off (previous commitments), but there is the ride to Taupo which I will be doing after work the day before. Probably leaving home around 7pm (just incase that little bit of info makes a difference...)

Otherwise I could just get them after the course...

Any input would be muchly appreciated!

[Grumpy]

I had a GS500 a few years back. Threw some Sport Demons on it. I used that bike for commuting, did a couple of track days on it and it got a pretty torrid time on some long trips. Those tyres were great.

Sent from my GT-I9000T using Tapatalk 2

[FJRider]

If I get new tyres fitted on my days off (wed, thur, fri), will they be ok for the Pro Rider course next weekend?

I won't get much time to ride on my days off (previous commitments), but there is the ride to Taupo which I will be doing after work the day before. Probably leaving home around 7pm (just incase that little bit of info makes a difference...)

Otherwise I could just get them after the course...

Any input would be muchly appreciated!

They'll be fine by then ... just take it easy on the way to Taupo.

[Owl]

Out of interest, are there any issues putting radials on a bike that was originally designed for bias ply tyres?

Triumph did it with their Bonneville A1/SE. Mismatched of course (MEZ4/MEZ2), but they lasted a long time. Now running BT-45's, but also considered Michelin Pilot Activ's.

[GrayWolf]

Lots of questions!

Not a commuter... I live on site :)
Will mainly be used for road trips, 100+ kms at a time
Not looking at doing any track days in the near future
Still on my learners so no pillion
Budget is flexible but don't want to spend 3 or 4 hundred per tyre

Hope this helps you guys help me!

it's not a heavy or 'powerful' bike... Bikes like my ZZR (240kg) or the MT (260kg) are really hard on the softer compound tyres. Although its a twin the torque is low so you wont 'shred' the tyre with the 'power pulses' you get from singles or high torque twins.
Unless you are going to be going 'hard out' most of the stickier sprot tyres wear out a lot faster than 'touring' or commuter tyres. Reality is the extra stickiness is a 'nice to have' but it isnt a pre requisite. The modern budget tyre far exceeds what many of us used to ride on 30 yrs ago on 1000cc 'superbikes'. If you want to do rides with lots of corners later on, then the dual compound sport/touring tyres are a good option.... harder rubber in the centre for longevity, softer compound on the edges. I use the BT23 (high load) on the MT and have had very good results for mileage, and I have NO issues in the handling dept... Although I am sure that some of the more 'exuberent' riders (like Drew <_<) would say they can find the tyres 'limit'... and my 'chicken strips' are pretty small. :yes:

[GrayWolf]

Ok, so, technicalish question...

If I get new tyres fitted on my days off (wed, thur, fri), will they be ok for the Pro Rider course next weekend?

I won't get much time to ride on my days off (previous commitments), but there is the ride to Taupo which I will be doing after work the day before. Probably leaving home around 7pm (just incase that little bit of info makes a difference...)

Otherwise I could just get them after the course...

Any input would be muchly appreciated!

rough rule of thumb is be aware for about 100-150 km's... Tyres will quickly scrub in in the centre (high usage) but the angle of lean and amount of leaning dictates how long it needs to scrub in the sides and edges.... so 20-50k's? the centre and immediate tread to the sides will be just about done... then just remember to be aware as you tip the bike into corners... especially in the wet for a while. By the time you've done a tank of gas? they should be well sorted....

[MystikEagle]

Thanks alot guys! Looks like the bike will be getting new tyres wednesday ish then :)

[MystikEagle]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I got new tyres today. BT 25's I think, not sure on the number.

Went back into Hamilton tonight and went for a group ride to raglan and back. The new tyres made such a huge difference! I didn't realise how hard I was working to lean the bike around corners before. It is so much easier now and I think I'm leaning almost twice as far and cornering about 10km faster!

I really feel so much more confident now!

[ducatilover]

Bring it over to Te Puke and I'll pull some fully sick wheelies on it? ;)

[ckai]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I got new tyres today. BT 25's I think, not sure on the number.

Went back into Hamilton tonight and went for a group ride to raglan and back. The new tyres made such a huge difference! I didn't realise how hard I was working to lean the bike around corners before. It is so much easier now and I think I'm leaning almost twice as far and cornering about 10km faster!

I really feel so much more confident now!

Yip, tyres make a huge difference that's why it's an asshole buying them;)Some people don't like how some tip, some don't like grip on the edges of others, some don't like how some slide. I suppose that's a good thing you can chew through the rubber on a bike and try a different set if one doesn't work for you.

You'll certainly scrub those tyres in more on Sunday :scooter:

[Geeen]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know that I got new tyres today. BT 25's I think, not sure on the number.

Went back into Hamilton tonight and went for a group ride to raglan and back. The new tyres made such a huge difference! I didn't realise how hard I was working to lean the bike around corners before. It is so much easier now and I think I'm leaning almost twice as far and cornering about 10km faster!

I really feel so much more confident now!

Nothing like fresh rubber... Looking forward to Sunday

[neels]

Went back into Hamilton tonight and went for a group ride to raglan and back. The new tyres made such a huge difference! I didn't realise how hard I was working to lean the bike around corners before. It is so much easier now and I think I'm leaning almost twice as far and cornering about 10km faster!
Yep, amazing the difference it makes. When I got new tyres on my old bike, first corner I chucked it over like I'd been doing previously and just about steered straight into a bus shelter, so much easier to turn.

[MystikEagle]

Yep, amazing the difference it makes. When I got new tyres on my old bike, first corner I chucked it over like I'd been doing previously and just about steered straight into a bus shelter, so much easier to turn.

That's kinda what happened to me. Took it easy for a little bit but got to a corner and went to lean it over like normal and was like, hello road, where did you come from?!