Lets talk tires.....

[jeeps84]

PPR's front and rear for me. Medium rear and soft front.

[No Worries]

Got some new Metzeler Lasertec's for my GS1000. These are bias-ply and use a tube. With the stock wheels, I can't fit a radial or tube-less tires. The front is a 100/90 V19 and the rear is a 130/90 V17. Just 10mm wider than most front tires on modern bikes. And the 90 percent height gives the tire a very rounded profile.

The bike came stock with IRC tires, but I have used Continental, Michelin, Pirelli, and Metzeler. I've been using the Laser model from Metzeler for about 20 years now. Many of you have probably never seen a block-pattern like that used on the front tire, but it works very well. On the rear, I've used the ME99 and ME55 models. I believe the Lasertec is the same as the ME55. The Metzeler ads say they use a new formula for these tires.

The old Suzuki handles very neutral with the Metzeler's. I like that. I don't go crazy into corners, but I like to power out of them. The GS only makes around 80hp, but has a ton of torque down low. The Metzelers work very well with the gas on and leaned over. Only got 6K out of them and like on my CBR, the front wore out before the rear. Actually, I should have replaced them at 5K. I ride mostly streets and backroads, and rarely take the highway, but I recommend the Lasertecs for older bikes that use bias-ply tires.
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[jeeps84]

Originally Posted by No Worries

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I think you needed them along time ago.

[No Worries]

Originally Posted by jeeps84

I think you needed them along time ago.

I did. Luckily it hardly ever rains here. I had them mounted on Friday afternoon and put the wheels on Saturday. Took me two hours, but I measure the chain sag and wheel alignment very carefully, and torque every bolt.

It's like having a new bike with power steering. I always say I'm not going to wait so long to replace my tires, but I always do. At least the tires wore evenly and the cords weren't showing.

[jeeps84]

You got your moneys worth out of them.

[ceo012384]

Find a buddy who races or does a shitload of trackdays and get his DOT takeoffs (i.e. diablo supercorsa, pilot race, etc) for free/cheap.

They will have tons of meat left in the center and be very cost effective, not to mention great grip for twisties.

[PhiSig1071]

Originally Posted by ceo012384

Find a buddy who races or does a shitload of trackdays and get his DOT takeoffs (i.e. diablo supercorsa, pilot race, etc) for free/cheap.

They will have tons of meat left in the center and be very cost effective, not to mention great grip for twisties.

Honestly, the grip isn't all that great. I haven't run anything but take-offs on my bikes for a couple years now, and I can get the back end to spin up pretty easy on the street. Track specific rubber doesn't get hot enough on the street.