1980 GL1100 Tires??

[OldguyGlen]

Lots of posts about tires, most of them several years old. Some Mfr's no longer make the size for the rear.
Size 110/90-19 (F), 130/90-17 (R).
Dunlop D404 are available, reasonable pricing.
What about Shinko 230, or Bridgestone? Want to avoid center groove treads due to poor tracking on bridges / grooved pavement.
I have full dresser (Vetters) at about 735 lbs curb wt. Casual, cautious rider (78 yrs old), around 2- 3000 miles yr. I mostly avoid freeways and long distance speed runs.
Appreciate comments, suggestions...

[Good Hondog]

Hi Glen. I'm in the same boat as you with the 1980 Goldwing 17" rear tire. Unfortunately Bridgestone has abandoned the production of the original equipment Spitfire S11 rear tire in the 130/90H-17" size. That would have been my first choice for a replacement. The only other ones I've found so far that are the right size besides the Dunlop D404 and the Shinko 230 you already mentioned are as follows:
Continental Conti Go 130/90-17
Bridgestone Battlax BT-45V 130/90-17
Shinko 712 130/90-17
Avon AM26 Roadrider 130/90-17
Duro HF261A Excursion 130/90-17
Duro HF918 130/90-17
Pirelli Sport Demon 130/90-17
Kenda K657 Challenger 130/90-17
Michelin Pilot Activ 130/90-17
IRC Durotour RS-310 130/90-17
There's also a Metzeler Lasertec in the right size but WingAdmin warned everyone to never use Metzeler tires on Goldwings so avoid that one. There are lots of members on this site who have 1980 or 1981 Goldwings with the 17 inch rear wheel so I'm sure there will be many first hand experiences with most of these tires already when they reply to your post. Based on the style of riding you described yourself as doing and the low annual mileage you keep it to, I would think any of these tires are suitable. The only additional point I would consider is finding the tire with the largest overall diameter. That data is available for each tire on the manufactures website where they show the specifications of each tire they sell. Good luck with your search for new tires.

[OldguyGlen]

Expanding the questions. I've decided on the Dunlop D404's.
Valve stems... I want 45 or 90 deg metal. Can't confirm hole size (want to get all parts before I tear it apart)
Some sites show lot of models, but description does NOT specify diameter. Is my 1980 a 11mm, 11.3 mm, .453" (11.5mm) or what??
Would automotive units work (7/16" or 11.1mm)?
Chrome or Nickle plated models never state the underlying metal... probably brass, but I'd prefer steel.
Some models say fitment good for GL1500 or GL1800, but hole size is 11 mm, which is what I "think" my GL1100 is. So why do they say it won't fit mine?

I need to get things on order soon... Help! and thanks.

[Wilcoy02]

I have heard the stories about Metzlers. I still ride on Metzlers and have for past 20 yrs. I've never had a problem.