Tires!!!!!

[Sidecar Bob]

I used to like Tourmasters on my '83 until I tried Kenda K7673 (Kruz) tires on it. The front had a triangular profile so it handled like a narrower tire (narrower tires are always easier to lean into a turn) but had more contact area when leaned.
When I added the sidecar I had to change because the K673s were not suitable for that application. Last spring I replaced the Shinko 240 on the rear and the Duro HF308 on the rear with the same types because they work very well for me on 3 wheels (I would NOT recommend the 240 on a 2 wheeler).

I've often said that the tires you buy should depend on how you use the bike but also how much you use it. Any tire should be replaced after 5 years no matter how much of it's tread is left because old rubber simply can't flow around the road irregularities well enough to grip (especially in cool or damp conditions) so if you only put, say, 1000 miles on the bike in a year it really doesn't make sense to pay the big $$ for a tire that would last for 20,000 only to replace it when it still has 75% of it's tread left when you can get a less expensive tire that grips & handles just as well but has less than half of it's tread left after 5 years.

[tlbranth]

I generally run 38 front 40 rear on the Metzelers and expect 10,000 miles plus on a rear and close to 20 on a front.

Whisker, what model Metzler are you fond of? Are you using them on a 1000 with tubes?

[Whiskerfish]

I do not have any tube rims in service right now. My 75 is running a 78 front end with a comstar and a Lester for a rear rim. I generally run the Marathon 880 tire on the 1000's but the 888 on the big bike

[Gowing]

I appreciate the information. If I can remember, now I know where to get real information when I need my tires soon. My 404’s, which have been fine for my 2000 miles a year, 20-40 miles at a time, are near replacment time. Maybe shinkos this time. Thank you

[Explorer]

Just my opinion but I really like the pair of Michelin Commander II's that I had on the 1100 prior to rebuild, the only issue was that they didn't make a 120 for the front, so after a lot of thought I went for the 110. I didn't feel any difference in overall performance, but it did seem to make the front end react faster to steering input than a 120 in slower speed maneuvers.

For sticking to the road and longevity they're the best I've ever had.

[tlbranth]

Then on the advice of Oldewing and Rat I tried the Metzelers. I have been stuck on those for about a decade now. They cost significantly more than the others but are just about unbeatable for cornering and wet traction. Once you make your decision also pay strict attention to the pressure. The cheaper tires do not have the life so lower pressures are generally Okay as they will wear out before cupping gets significant. I ran 32-34 on the IRC's and the 404's and was reasonably happy with that. That was fine for them. The higher end tires that last longer tend to cup if run that low. I generally run 38 front 40 rear on the Metzelers and expect 10,000 miles plus on a rear and close to 20 on a front. Higher pressures definitely reduce the comfort of the ride but make a big difference in the life of the tire. Also individual riding style has a huge impact on longevity.

Wisker, what model/size metzlers would I use on a '75? I'm interested mostly because of the longevity. Changing tube-tires is not my favorite thing to do.

[Whiskerfish]

On my 75 I have a 150/80-16 BT45 Bridgestone Battlax on the back mounted to a Lester. The entire front end is off a 78 and is running a Comstar with a Metzeler 880 mounted. The Front has a tube in it.

My 78 Is running 880's front and back. It has a Lester on the front running tubeless and a Comstar on the back running tubeless.

[kabinenroller]

Sorry to hijack the subject but in reading everyones posts I believe someone here may be able to answer my question.(s)
What tires were original equipment on a 1975 GL1000?
Is there an available tire that has the same look as the original?
I am not interested in a tire that looks modern (sport bike) I want a tire that looks period correct, performance and wear resistance in not important.
I have a unmolested (except for the tires) ‘75 GL with 4,200 original miles that I would like to be as close to factory looking as possible. I would be interested in seeing photos of the tires Honda installed.
Thanks!
Jim

[redglbx]

Mop, all the tires you listed are good tires, 15-20yrs old not so much,just keep an eye on them for cracking. My LTD had the oe Dunlop’s (K87’s ?) on it after I put it back together, many years old at that time.

I was washing not to long after getting it back together & noticed the front had some funny white strips in the middle (cords) ,,, replaced with a D-404,the other is still oe but the bikes been in storage for a lot of years now. Spitfires are still my fav’s and typically run 12-14k miles, but any that have been listed here are all pretty good with the exception of my previously mentioned Maxim shite. Those are just terrible, unsafe tires imho.

[redglbx]

In 76 you could get a bike with Dunlop k87’s or Bridgestones, sorry but I can’t remember the model. One handled much better than the other as I had both sets on my bike at one time or another. Not sure which but back then I was into dragging hard parts, not so much anymore !

[tlbranth]

Here's the thing about the tires mentioned: they don't last long. Changing tubed tires is a pita in its own right but here's another problem I've run into: I put new Dunlop K70's on my CB750 for a get-together in Colorado. That was maybe 3,000 miles. Did some local stuff. Then because my GL1000 went lame starting out for Deadwood, I hurredly went home and switched over to the 750. By the time I got to Deadwood I had a practically bald back tire and spent the whole time there trying to find a replacement. I get 6,000 miles tops from a rear K70. So, say it's half way through its life and you're going on a trip. Do you risk running out of tread or do you toss a tire that's only half worn? I have spitfires on the GL1000 right now and the rear is getting down there but has some life left. But I ain't risking it for the Deadwood trip. Even though they won't look quite right, I'm switching to Dunlop Elites whenever I can get one the right size. On My GL1500 I get 30,000 on a rear and 20,000 on a front with Elite III. I see there's a new tire called American Elite with a slightly more traditional tread. I'm going to inquire about it.