White wall tires for the GL1000

[John H Rogers]

Thanks Gunny. That information is very helpful. I wonder if you can tell me anything more about the rear wheel you mounted the 16" tire to. I have ordered a 16" Lester wheel that was made for the GL1000, & I wonder if thats what you have? Can I expect to have to "shave" down the driveshaft also? If you don't have a Lester wheel, what do you have etc.?

[Gunny]

They are Lester Wheels. They made wheels for many different bikes back in the 1970's and 80's they are out of business now as most new bikes started coming with mag wheels from the factory. They sell now for around 400.00 a set if you can find a good set. The ones on this bike were new old stock when installed in 2001. The assembly of the drive shaft housing did not look to be a precise piece. There was a seam on mine that was a little overkill so we took a portable grinder and shaved it down without breaching the housing so as not to let moisture in there. Jundging from the amount that had to be trimmed I would say it would be a safe bet that you'll have to do the same. "Cycles Unlimited" in Decatur Alabama put the tires on and did the shaving as a courtesy. Not a big deal. I really like the 16' wheel in the rear and the front forks were dropped down 2 inches to give it a lower stance and with the tank being under the seat it has a low center of gravity combined with these tires make it a fun ride!

Gunny

[Try]

I really like the 16' wheel in the rear and the front forks were dropped down 2 inches to give it a lower stance and with the tank being under the seat it has a low center of gravity combined with these tires make it a fun ride!

Hello and welcome aboard Gunny.
Very nice of you to join us and answer question.
Thank you very much.

[Boxern]

They are Lester Wheels. They made wheels for many different bikes back in the 1970's and 80's they are out of business now as most new bikes started coming with mag wheels from the factory. They sell now for around 400.00 a set if you can find a good set. The ones on this bike were new old stock when installed in 2001. The assembly of the drive shaft housing did not look to be a precise piece. There was a seam on mine that was a little overkill so we took a portable grinder and shaved it down without breaching the housing so as not to let moisture in there. Jundging from the amount that had to be trimmed I would say it would be a safe bet that you'll have to do the same. "Cycles Unlimited" in Decatur Alabama put the tires on and did the shaving as a courtesy. Not a big deal. I really like the 16' wheel in the rear and the front forks were dropped down 2 inches to give it a lower stance and with the tank being under the seat it has a low center of gravity combined with these tires make it a fun ride!

Gunny

wlcome to the group gunny very nice gl1000

[John H Rogers]

Thanks so much for the info Gunny. I've ordered a Lester 16" rear wheel & Also the same Maxxis tires you've got. I'm on the lookout for a Lester 19" for the front, but if I don't find one I'll have to use mismatched rims. I have saddle bags on my bike so it won't be quite as obvious. At any rate I'm expecting those tires to dress it up a lot & I'm glad for the direction.

[Gunny]

No problem John. I apologize for the tardy reply but I had no idea how extensive this site was until a few days ago. I would have replied sooner but am still learning how to navigate through. I get on e-bay any chance I can and will keep an eye out for that front rim. it's the least I can do for a retired firefighter. FYI, the first set of Maxxis tires that Dennis Kirk sent me had to be returned. I did not feel the white walls were as white as they should be (blue stain) I called Maxxis and they said that they have had that problem before but it was not wide spread, a few here and there. I returned the set for new and was very pleased. As I understand it, if the blue protective strip is placed on the tire before it completely cools then that is what happens. Let me know how it goes.

Joe "Gunny"

[Try]

As I understand it, if the blue protective strip is placed on the tire before it completely cools then that is what happens. Let me know how it goes.

I have been wondering about that, thank you for the explanation Gunny.

[John H Rogers]

Thanks again! It turns out the front tire I ordered was on "backorder" so I'll have to wait a bit on that, but I should be getting the rear within days. I'll post when I get them in. 8)

[Bandanna]

GLAD YR SORTED JOHN.............

AWAIT PICS WITH YOUR WHITEWALLS ON!!

[Zryder]

Yes John , I'll want to see those pics also as I want to order white walls for my GL .

Zryder crosso

[2fer-bob]

another option is to find a 75 or 76 rear spoked wheel. Then respoke to the 16'' rim. There is a place in California that does a very good job of making the spokes. Their name is Buchanan Spoke and Rim Inc.

http://buchananspokes.com/

[John H Rogers]

Thanks for that info. I'm already doing the "lester wheel", but I appreciate knowing there are options. I don't expect to have my bike back together till the end of April or so, but I'll post some photos when I finish it!

[BIG T]

hey all check this site foe whitewall tires in all goldwing sizeshttp://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx

[BIG T]

try this swite for goldwing white wall tires in all the sizes
http://www.jpcycles.com/productgroup.aspx