Honda GB tires

[SpankMe]

Just wondering what tires are used on your GB500 / GB400 bikes.

Mine came with Dunlop TT100's and I've just replaced them with Pirelli Sport Demons (F: 100/90, R: 120:90). First thing I noticed that they raised the seat height as I could no longer get my feet flat on the ground.

The main problem is that the front is a really tight fit. The right sometimes rubs against the mudguard but only very slightly. I'm goona have to bend it a bit. Overall they are good tires and an improvement on cornering over the Dunlop’s. But I've found that I'm 10kph down on top speed, not that top speed is that important on this kind of bike anyway.

This site has a lot of suggestions.

[froggyfrenchman]

have owned a few gbs, i swear by the sports demon!

[SpankMe]

So did you have the same fitting problem on the front?

[GB500nz]

Easy mistake to make: you've got the wrong size on. The GB handles way better with 90/90-18 on the front and 110/90-18 on the back. A friend with a much-modified GB stuck the bigger tyres on because he thought he needed them for the extra power and was very unhappy with the result. DO NOT ride the thing with that front tyre on -- it'll hook into the mudguard and flip you ass over tip.
Most GB people prefer Metzler 33s on the front and 66s or 67s on the back.

[Bonez]

Metzeler ME 33 90/90 on the front and Barracuda 100/90 on the back-couldn't get an ME55 that size. ME33s are not as fat a profile as other brands and a 100/90 should fit quite easily up front. Went down a size on the back. Seems to suit the bike well. Did the Pahongina valley road, Apiti, Ohingaiti, Viniger Hill loop on the weekend and no problems at all. Very stable and controllable even on the bits of road that didn't see any sun- read very slippery. 120 on the rear is just over tyring the things IMHO.

[SpankMe]

Colemans have said they are going to replace the front tyre for me with a 90/90. Not sure what yet, they are looking to see whats available.

[Lou Girardin]

Colemans have said they are going to replace the front tyre for me with a 90/90. Not sure what yet, they are looking to see whats available.

Metzeler ME33 is one of the best cross ply sport tyres. Give me a call if they can't get you one.

[DogBreath]

On the subject of tyres, my Goose has just worn through its first set, Dunlop D102 140/70-17's. I found them great, but I'm returning to biking from loooong lay-off, and don't know shit from clay when it comes to tyres.
Can anyone recommend a tyre better than the BT45? I commute on country (read winding) roads, and want an all-weather tyre, I don't mind trading a bit of wear for stickiness, and I doooo like to lay it on a bit.
Any suggestions?

[GB500nz]

They say the BT45's good, but I still prefer Metzlers: 33s front, 60 or 70 series rear. Last tyre change they didn't have Metz so I agreed on a Pirelli front. It's OK, but nowhere near as stable. I won't do that again.

[pritch]

I've found that I'm 10kph down on top speed

Umm if the new tyres have a greater diameter than the originals, and from your comment about them keeping you on your toes, it would seem they do.

That would raise the gearing of the bike a little. It could possibly also change the way the speedo reads depending on the mechanics of the thing?

[Two Smoker]

Colemans have said they are going to replace the front tyre for me with a 90/90. Not sure what yet, they are looking to see whats available.

not too much around in that size... i think the Pirelli MT75 comes in that size...

[SpankMe]

Yep, had a Pirelli MT75 fitted yesterday. Will keep the 120 rear until it wears out, then replace it with a 110 or 100.

[Paul in NZ]

Ah... The world of skinny tyred bikes...

Yes - the Metz 33 IS the most universal , bestus front tyre EVER. Designed to work with nearly every rear.

BUT

Last 2 I've had don't feel quite as bomb proof in the wet as the earlier one though? (probably just me) I can recommend a Metz 99 rear. It was designed for proddie racing and wears out real fast but is brill on the Guzzi.

On the trumpy - Avon AM18 / 23 combo.... Scary good but really don't work on La Guzzi (too heavy??) Nice round profile for a even tipping into bends..

Cheers

ps - BT45 don't really work for me but shoulda tried em front and rear I suppose...

[Ixion]

..

ps - BT45 don't really work for me but shoulda tried em front and rear I suppose...

I reckon you need a light bike for BT45s. Guzzi's probably too heavy. I reckon they're good on Li'l ratty, but he only weighs in at about 130 kg

[Paul in NZ]

I reckon you need a light bike for BT45s. Guzzi's probably too heavy. I reckon they're good on Li'l ratty, but he only weighs in at about 130 kg

The Moto Guzzi guys in Aussie swear by them for long life and acceptable grip but I think our roads chew them up quickly enough to make it barely worthwhile. Good price though!