Car Tire on a 1995 goldwing se 1500

[rampal55]

I have searched the forum for my question and have not been able to find a good answer. What car tire should I use on my 1995 1500 goldwing SE ? I would like the size and make and what modifications I need to make to insure a safe and proper fit.. I am not interested in the debate over bike tires vs. car tires. I would also appreciate a straight and forward answer to my questions. I have been reluctant to ask questions on this forum as there are several comedians that will post an answer they feel is funny or demeaning to the person asking the question (just my opinion, you may not agree with my opinion but it is in fact my opinion). I am a fairly new goldwing owner and have much to learn and have many questions to ask.
I don't know if it is proper to ask this question but here goes.... Any ideas on how to troubleshoot the air outlet. My compressor works fine to pump up the suspension shock but does not allow me to use the outlet to fill a tire. I found out this feature didn't work when I had a flat rear tire this past weekend. Thanks again for your help....

[WingAdmin]

For discussions on car tire usage on the GL1500, have a look at:

viewtopic.php?t=18885

viewtopic.php?t=27454

As for the compressor - how are you attempting to use the compressor? What steps did you take?

[aj1500]

I learned after the fact when I needed it that to use the compressor to add air you have to turn the key backwards like going to an acc position in a car
as to the tire question, there are a couple choices, I am now running the Goodyear fuel max, my results and opinions will differ as it's on a bike with a sidecar, I did ride on it some 2 wheels and will say it was a bit soft feeling but not bad. I ran the wintersport before this and loved it. sadly it is not availible anymore. the Austone is recommended a lot also
the Austone is a little taller so it will lift the bike a tad and you need to tie back the inner flap so the tire won't rub, the goodyear is shorter so of course it will lower the bike some
I for one like the lower stance. I also run a pilot ativ rear tire on the front. even without the sidecar I find that a great combination
I ride 2 up and pull a camper quite a bit so I like the added load rating and bigger footprint on the ground where I need it

[rampal55]

I have tried to turn the key backwards to the P position with no luck. Is there a trick to getting this key to turn? Any suggestions? Thanks for the info on the tire. Still trying to figure out what would be my best option.. Thanks again.

[thomba]

Here are several car tires that will fit on the rear of the 1500:
Austone 175/85/16
Dunlop Winter Sport ROF 175/60/16
General Tire AltimaxHp 195/55/16
I am running the Austone tire and am quite happy with the wear & handling.
Good luck on your choice.

[WingAdmin]

I have tried to turn the key backwards to the P position with no luck. Is there a trick to getting this key to turn? Any suggestions? Thanks for the info on the tire. Still trying to figure out what would be my best option.. Thanks again.

You have to push down on the key to get it to go to the P position.

[rampal55]

Thanks for all the information. Ordered the taxi tire.. Had a fellow winger show me how to get outlet working... I was pushing down on key while trying to turn. The thing I was doing wrong was not turning handlebars far enough to get key to work... Thanks again to all for being patient with a newbie asking simple questions...thanks to all..

[RoadRogue]

I found 48psi was the sweet spot for the austone taxi tire. Much lower and there was a mushy feeling to the rear. Adjust yours a couple pounds at a time till you find your sweet spot.

[rampal55]

How many ounces of dyna beads be added to balance tire or should I go ahead and use wheel weights?

[aj1500]

I use 2 oz in the front and 3 in the rear and have been very happy with the ride and tire wear
I removed all my old weights

[WingAdmin]

You can use 2 oz in both tires. More beads won't hurt, but not enough will. I have 2 oz of beads in both of my GL1500 tires, and have had for several years. You remove all wheel weights when the beads are installed.

[thomba]

I run a Dunlop Elite 3 in the front at 42 psi and 2oz balance beads. On the rear I run the Austone tire at 50 psi and 3oz balance beads. Handles best for me at this set up. Incidentally, I had to deflate the Austone tire to install the wheel.

[gordonv]

I just got back from Inzane XV. 3K miles + since I put the Austone TT on my 88' GW. First had 44 psi, then upped it to 48 psi.

Took the bike out for a quick test after mounting the tire on the bike, and did not notice any difference from the MC tire. Very happy with it.

[rampal55]

Just got in from a short ride after putting my austone tire on the rear, changed the final drive, did maintenance, etc. Thanks for all the info. I am sure I am going to like the new changes. Couldn't have done it without everyone's help .. This is what makes this forum great...

[minimac]

Out of the choices you have for the 1500, IMHO, the best choice is the Austone. My reasons for that is the six ply rating, the stiffer sidewalls and the load rating. It also is just a bit taller, which knocks a few hundred rpms off at interstate speeds while not interfering with stop and go traffic. The better wear, better traction, better handling and better loading make it stand out from the rest.

[TAZZ]

Ok I have two question if you install a car tire do you have to install your front tire backwards and does anyone here in So.Cal in Los Angeles know who will install a car tire on a motorcycle wheel.

[rampal55]

I had my car tire mounted on the rim at the same place I get my car and truck tires. Most places will not even know that that is a car tire unless you tell them. I have heard from some that the tire guys won't mount the tires using the excuse of liability issues.. I ask them have you ever mounted a car tire on a truck or trailer? What is the difference? I have an E3 mounted on the front of my 1500. I did not change direction of rotation on tire... I don't understand the reasoning behind that thought. I have heard so many technical arguments using words that I do not understand (BTW... Most of the technical jargon is spelled wrong). Now if someone could tell me a reason in simple terms I might change my mind. I am sure you will hear many different theories or opinions, this is mine...

[gordonv]

No, adding a CT to the rear does not have anything to do with the front tire.

Until you change your front tire, there is no change. It is when you use a tire designed for the rear wheel, which has an accelerational force, and mount it on the front of your vehicle, then you have decelerational (braking) force. That is why you reverse the rotational direction. ONLY on those tires that have that arrow that shows the direction rotation when you mount it. No Arrow, no worry.

Better??

[TAZZ]

Thank guys I don't need a new back tire now but went i do I'm think of try the CT just hope to find a place here in Santa Monica Ca.

[HandymanHerb]

I took my saddle bags off to change tire and found my air hose was crushed shut,so found out why mine wasn't inflating, made sure it stayed out of the way went bags went on, it now works.

Put MC tires on it as I just bought the 97 GL 1500 so still trying to get it back to close to new and give me time to research on it, everyone I knew that did it were on 1800's

[RoadRogue]

Here are several car tires that will fit on the rear of the 1500:
Austone 175/85/16
Dunlop Winter Sport ROF 175/60/16
General Tire AltimaxHp 195/55/16
I am running the Austone tire and am quite happy with the wear & handling.
Good luck on your choice.

Good choice, I'm still very happy with my AltimaxHp as well