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Thread: GN250 tyres?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    26th October 2010 - 21:38
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    2007 Suzuki GN 250
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    Dunedin
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    GN250 tyres?

    Hey guys

    After my first crash (slid out from under me in the wet) and a lot of white knuckle moments I thought I better had upgrade from the stock 2007 GN250 tyres.

    On another thread on this site someone said Pirelli City Demons would be a good choice, I would lean to the side of performance over a long wearing tyre so would there be anything with better performance than these? Or any other recommendations or wisdom you would like to bestow on me?

    Thanks

  2. #2
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    7th October 2008 - 19:36
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    Talk to your local bike shop. Also tell them the problem and what riding you do. There are a lot of good tyres out there. Correct tyre pressure is also important for handling and incorrect pressure is a common mistake.
    Ride safe and have a good xmas.
    Ride it until the wheels fall off...

  3. #3
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    17th June 2008 - 22:48
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    What're the tyre sizes?

  4. #4
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    18th April 2007 - 18:51
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    I used to find that Pirelli City Demons we're awesome, I never managed to find the limit of traction with them =)

  5. #5
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    4th November 2007 - 13:39
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    welcome to kb check out my signature

    watch out for the first rain they are slippery no mater what tyre you have

    plastic fabricator/welder here if you need a hand ! will work for beer/bourbon/booze

    come ride the southern roads www.southernrider.co.nz

  6. #6
    Join Date
    26th October 2010 - 21:38
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    2007 Suzuki GN 250
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    Dunedin
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    Tyre size is 4.60 - 16 rear and 3.00 - 18 front if those are the right numbers.

    I went down to one of the local bike shop today but they couldn't really tell me what there was to choose from, he just said there wasn't much. I will hit the other one tomorrow.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    18th April 2007 - 18:51
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    Or metric its a 90/90-18 and 120/90-16, you will have more options with that size.

    If you didn't know, with a 120/90-16 the 120 is width in mm, 90 is they height in % of 120 and the 16 in rim size in inches..

    If you go with a 130/90-16 rear it makes it look a tad nicer and drops a few 100rpm at 100kmh

  8. #8
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    22nd June 2008 - 21:30
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    1992 GPZ500s
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    Wellington
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    Been going through the same process myself lately.

    My rear tyre is 120/90-16 and the only two options I've found are the City Demon and the Kenda K657.

    Apparently (google) the Demon is intended for bikes like the GN 250. Your trusty commuter. The Kenda is more performance orientated. I've ordered the Kenda. At the price it's certainly worth a try. Apparently they don't last brilliantly well, but I'm hoping this is because they have a softer grippy compound.

    City Demons on the other hand apparently wear well.

    I also looked into going to 130/90-16. It's what is on the bike now. Every dealer I've talk to said stick to stock size if possible. Only benefit in going bigger is looks. Although there are heaps more choices in this size.

    Good luck. If you don't get it sorted soon I'll report back on the Kenda.

    Cheers

  9. #9
    Join Date
    26th October 2010 - 21:38
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    2007 Suzuki GN 250
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    Dunedin
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    Hey thanks guys for your replies, Yeah it would be great to hear what you think about the kenda's, judging from the blurbs on either site they do sound more appealing than the city demons.

    Also looking at the kenda's they look more sport bike like and have a smoother tread, would this be an issue in the wet seeing as the wee GN doesn't have a lot of weight or is my understanding of how tyres work way out?

    And also doe's having the 130 rear over the 120 tyre have any negative effects? Reason I say this is because at the site I'm looking at it's cheaper than the 120.

    Thanks

  10. #10
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    22nd June 2008 - 21:30
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    Well I'm no expert so can only relay what I've been told. Apparently the are 2 downsides to going to a 130.

    One is that because its a taller tyre it has more side wall and therefore more flex in the tyre when cornering. Also if you are squeezing a wider tyre on a narrow rim it has the effect of creating a 'point' in the middle of the tyre, effecting the handling and making it wear quicker.

    This could be true. My rear 130 Bridgestone was shot in the middle and like new on the sides. Others have said thats normal. Don't know, but I guess I'll find out soon enough.

  11. #11
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    15th March 2007 - 20:38
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    The city demons I had on my GN250 were excellent.
    It would drag the pegs no worries and wet grip was improved 100 times over the stock rubber.

  12. #12
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    9th January 2011 - 15:38
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    Yeah city demons

  13. #13
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    26th October 2010 - 21:38
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    2007 Suzuki GN 250
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    Dunedin
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    I've been looking at the Michelin Pilot Sporty's for the GN, can I put a 120/80 16 tyre on a 120/90 16 rim?
    Also what are the difference's between the T and S symbols?

    Thanks guys

  14. #14
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    23rd August 2007 - 22:31
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    ask your favourite local bike shop about Bridgestones - the right sizes are on the shelf at the importers

  15. #15
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    5th February 2008 - 13:07
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    Quote Originally Posted by kmanmarr View Post
    can I put a 120/80 16 tyre on a 120/90 16 rim?
    For ages we stressed about fitting a 160/60 in place of a 150/70 (this was a rear on the hyo's) and all the tire shops frowned and glared at us for even asking, so we kept getting second opinions. One morning I was forced to fit one because I had a GT250 whose wheels had to go around that afternoon and only a spare half-worn 160/60. The result? It was mint. Now we fit the (awesome) Michelin PR2's (160/60+120/60) to the Hyo 250's and recommend everyone does the same.

    Moral of the story - if the tire is in the ballpark and you can get it on the rim, just fit the tyre and try it.
    "I am a licenced motorcycle instructor, I agree with dangerousbastard, no point in repeating what he said."
    "read what Steve says. He's right."
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