handling

[Skeldog]

I recently replaced the tires on my 98 with new shinko radials. the front tire that was on it was a well worn 130/70-18 Dunlop E-3. the Shinkos are very smooth riding and the heavier grade radials . I do notice it's much easier to turn, almost to the point of feeling wobbly at times.I expect the old tires being hard and worn nearly bald in the center gave the bike a different feel. only other thing I can think of is when I had the front off I had the cross brace under the fender off. I replaced the brake pads at the same time as well.I am sure I tightened the brace back good. that's the only thing I can think of that could maybe change the feel other than I also replaced the left rear shock. I'm pretty sure that improved the ride since the other one had leaked it's fluid out. now I could drop the air suspension from about 41 where I had it to I think 28 is where I let it down to. the bike lowered a little and doesn't have the galloping ride it did before unless I aired it up so high.

[Andy Cote]

replaced the tires on my 98 with new shinko radials
I had the cross brace under the fender off
I replaced the brake pads at the same time as well
I also replaced the left rear shock
I think 28 is where I let it down to

I do notice it's much easier to turn, almost to the point of feeling wobbly at times.

I think you have answered your own question.

[vcdc]

If I am not mistaken, the 1500 was meant to be run with bias ply tires.

[offcenter]

When I got my 1500, it had Dunlop E3s, front and rear.
And it handled like a truck! Plus, those tires howled like a banshee in turns.
At first I thought it was bearings going bad.
So, I put a Michelin Commander II on the front and a Austone taxi tire on the
rear.
WHAT A DIFFERENCE! The bike handles great now, like night and day!
Just my two cents....

[Skeldog]

Well I hope putting radials on it was not the wrong thing to do. I will play with lower pressures next time it warms up enough to ride. that could make some difference I expect. It may be that I need to get used to it. and dial in the tire pressure. I had them close to the max. and that may not be necessary.

[Andy Cote]

Many GL1500s out there with radial tires and no issues.

Worn tires will howl.

I prefer the tire pressures on the high side for wear, noise and overall handling.

I dislike the Shinkos for wear, delamination and wet handling.

YMMV.

[Skeldog]

well these are the 890 journeys and after reading several reviews from gold wing riders I think I just need to get used to them. they were generally very happy with theirs.