Need GL1000 Tire Recommendations/Sources

[WingMan71]

As a "new" vintage GL1000 owner, I need new tires for her. I am clueless about tube-type MC tires so I need help.

I'm going to keep the original wire wheels on her, so I know I need tube-type tires... or do I ?

So that's my first question: Do you have to use tires that are specified as tube-type tires, or can you put tubeless tires on rims meant for tube-type tires as long as you put inner tubes in? Or, are the rims actually different?

Also, what are your recommendations for tube-type tires for the GL1000 and where do you buy the tires and the tubes? Do you prefer a particular brand of tire, and why?

Haven't bought inner tubes in ages... How are the inner tubes themselves specified, I'm guessing it's by the tire size?

I would appreciate your advice and experience. Baby needs a new pair of shoes!

[SnoBrdr]

As a "new" vintage GL1000 owner, I need new tires for her. I am clueless about tube-type MC tires so I need help.

I'm going to keep the original wire wheels on her, so I know I need tube-type tires... or do I ?

So that's my first question: Do you have to use tires that are specified as tube-type tires, or can you put tubeless tires on rims meant for tube-type tires as long as you put inner tubes in? Or, are the rims actually different?

Also, what are your recommendations for tube-type tires for the GL1000 and where do you buy the tires and the tubes? Do you prefer a particular brand of tire, and why?

Haven't bought inner tubes in ages... How are the inner tubes themselves specified, I'm guessing it's by the tire size?

I would appreciate your advice and experience. Baby needs a new pair of shoes!

Tubeless rims ARE different.

They have a inner bead that the tire catches on and holds the air in.

Obviously with spokes you can't run tubeless tires.

I'm assuming you are running stock rims, so your options are limited on what tires you can buy.

Do you plan to mount them yourself?

If so then you are just buy tires by price and not with service involved.

I'm running Bridgestone SpitFire S11s and have done so for the last two sets.

I got the last pair at BikeBandit.com, it was $242.85 including shipping but that was back in mid 2014.

That was for both tires and the tubes.

Bridgestone Spitfire S11 Motorcycle Tire 41833 $94.95

Bridgestone Spitfire S11 Motorcycle Tire 41844 $113.00

IRC Motorcycle Tube 1634159 $11.95

Metzeler Motorcycle Tube $22.95

Hope this helps.

[WingMan71]

Hello Snobrdr,

Thanks very much for the detailed tire recommendation.

I have put the Bridgestone Spitfire S11 on another vintage bike and liked them a lot.

I'm having trouble finding the correct size rear S11 from online tire stores. I'll try Bike Bandit and see if they have it.

I don't have any tire mounting equipment, so I take my wheels off the bike and take them to a local shop and they mount them for me for a reasonable fee.

Thanks again!

Bob

[badandy]

I use Shinko tires on all my bikes and am quite happy with them. Tend to wear a bit faster, but I don't put on a ton of miles between three bikes. The GL1000 has a set of Shinko 712's on it. Nice ride and stick like glue.

[offcenter]

I also have a '76 Gl 1000.
My bike had some cheap chinese tires on it when I got it and
it handled AWFUL!
I put Michellin Commander II tires on it and it feels like
a completely different bike!! Handles like a dream now.
Michellin doesn't make a Commander II tire to fit the
rear of the Wing, so I put a Commander II front tire
on the rear. It handles great, but it seems to be
wearing a bit faster than it should.
I have about 4,000 miles on these tires so far.

[SnoBrdr]

I also have a '76 Gl 1000.
My bike had some cheap chinese tires on it when I got it and
it handled AWFUL!
I put Michellin Commander II tires on it and it feels like
a completely different bike!! Handles like a dream now.
Michellin doesn't make a Commander II tire to fit the
rear of the Wing, so I put a Commander II front tire
on the rear. It handles great, but it seems to be
wearing a bit faster than it should.
I have about 4,000 miles on these tires so far.

They call them front tires for a reason.

They are not designed to go on the rear for various reasons.

[kndw]

Other good tires are Bridgestone BT45. These are popular with vintage bike owners. I had them previously (twice), and was happy with the handling. However, they wore out too quickly i.m.o.. Therefore, I now decided to try out AVON RoadRider tires. These are a bit cheaper than the BT's, and the handling is similar. However, these also seem to wear out quite fast... Maybe the short lifespan is due to the bike's large weight.

[rudolphwolven]

On a Japanese GL1000 there is only 1 brand with the right and best tire..............Bridgestone BT45.........they understand for years already what a heavy Japanese bike needs......
The GL1000 loves walking with Japanese shoes......they understand each other utmost.....it is like a brother and sister and they feel at home.....that's why both enjoy to do their best to make you happy about the driving qualities of your GL1000....
If you do not believe this, trust me and try it.......then you will be conviced by yourselve.....

Happy BS BT 45 consumer

[WingMan71]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I put the Bridgestone Battleax BT45s on my LTD.

They ride and handle really well so far. Good choice!

***

[Solina Dave]

Bridgestone Spitfire II tires with a top of the line Bridgestone, or Michelin tube. Definitely not a discount tube, and definitely a quality installation. I've been using these tires on my '78 GL for years. I average about 16,000 to 19,000 kms. or 10,000 to 12,000 miles per season. And I go through one pair per season.
They are the best tire I've ever used. I noticed a distinct improvement in handling and an elevated feeling of confidence within the first 5 minutes that I'd used them. It was a very noticable improvement over previous tires that I'd used. I tried the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 tires a couple of years ago, thinking that Bridgestone was upgrading the Spitfires. But I found them to be less confidence inspiring, and they certainly didn't wear as well. So that was twice I tried the BT45s. The first time, and the last time. Then it was back to the Spitfire IIs.
In my opinion the Spitfire II tires are a very good choice for an early GL. I have Comstar wheels as opposed to the spoked wheels on the pre-'78 Wings, and I use a 110/90-19 front, and a 130/90-17 rear. Load and speed ratings are 62 (max.584 lbs.---H (130 mph) front, and 68 (max.694 lbs.---H (130 mph) rear.

They're my suggestion Wing Man. Good luck.............................Dave