GPZ500S rear tyre?

[MikeyBrown]

I am looking to replace the rear tyre on my GPZ500S, as it has about 2-2.5mm of tread on it

It's the 1991 model with 16" rims. Does anyone have any recommendations of what tyre to go for?

I would ideally like one that'll do a good amount of mileage before becoming knackered, but that also has better grip than cheap tyres (if that makes sense) my budget is around £80-£100 realistically.

It currently has a BT45 on it, but I was just wondering if there were any similar tyres for; 1. less money and/or 2. better spec tyres for the same money

Cheers in advance,
Mike
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Past Bikes: '97 CG125, '91 GPZ500S, '01 FZS600, '07 S/Triple, '99 ZX9R, '82 GP125, '83 GP100, '03 SV1000S, '98 ZX6R
Current Bike: '07 FZ1N
Trackdays: Darley Moor - 15/6/12, Donington - 28/8/12

[iCraig]

You can't get better than a BT45 for a GPZ500, don't even look at anything else.

No one has come close to beating the BT45 on commuter bikes, and you're limited anyway as not alot of tyre companies make the size the early GPZ takes. IIRC its 120/90-16 right?

[MikeyBrown]

[iCraig]

Like I say, you can't better a BT45 for all round performance and grip etc.

Whatever you do don't go anywhere near Dunlops, I had a K503 on the back of my old GPZ and it slid everywhere it shouldn't!

[Macie_UK]

[jjdugen]

If you live near Manchester I have a wheel with near brand new tyre doing nothing but get in my way. The brake drum has rusted at one point so gives a pump to the pedal, it will probably clean itself up with use but I just replaced it.

[Snorty]

Thought the gpz had a 130 90 16? That's what mines got on it, a 'barracuda'... Quality tyre . Going to upgrade to a battlax soon.

[iCraig]

The rear tyre can take a 130/90-16 but the original spec is 120/90.

The newer ones are 130/70-17 though.

[yambabe]

Another vote for the BT45.

Avon Roadrider if you can get the size isn't a bad option for a commuter in terms of grip and mileage either.
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Sod falling in love, I wanna fall in chocolate.

[Cheeseybeaner]

[iCraig]

I never had any issues with abnormal wear on BT45s in the 7 years I used them. But I suppose it depends on your riding style and usage.

If you're on the motorway all week then they will square off like any tyre.

They are old now, but if they ain't broke they don't need fixing. Surely that says something though they've been out for donkeys years now and bridgestone haven't and cannot better them.

When you look at Avons, Metzelers and Dunlops they're always trying to improve them...

[MikeyBrown]

Hmmmmm, I'll look into both the BT45s and those Avon RoadRiders (the mileage of the Avons appeals to me, but the grip of the BT45 does too :/ ahaha)

Just a quick question on the oversized 130 back tyre. What difference will this make and is it wise to overlarge the tyre or should I just get the 120/90 and keep it standard?

Thanks again for all your comments
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Past Bikes: '97 CG125, '91 GPZ500S, '01 FZS600, '07 S/Triple, '99 ZX9R, '82 GP125, '83 GP100, '03 SV1000S, '98 ZX6R
Current Bike: '07 FZ1N
Trackdays: Darley Moor - 15/6/12, Donington - 28/8/12

[Cheeseybeaner]

[Cheeseybeaner]

[iCraig]

[Cheeseybeaner]

[stinkwheel]

There is plenty of grip with ther BT45. I like them and that bike likes them.

My mate Duncan who is a pretty capable club racer rates roadriders pretty well on both the road and for track racing obscure bikes with oddball tyre sizes. He had them on his RD500 and rode absolute rings round me on my VFR.

That said, GPZs can be fussy about tyre choice, BT45s are a known quantity and they provide enough grip to scuff the belly-pan on a dry, grippy road.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[evoboy]

Im running a Conti -Go tyre on the rear of my GPZ and a Pirelli MT75 on the front!

Both grip enough to grind the centre stand away.
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

[yambabe]

I had contis on the 400 Zeph (before changing to roadrunners) and I found them absolutely dreadful in the wet.

I'm not exactly the most extreme rider you will encounter in any conditions but the rear slid on me on roundabouts a couple of times when I was running the contis. Never had a problem once I swapped to the roadrunners. I have BT45s on the 550 Zeph and if anything I would say the grip is slightly better, especially in the wet. I could spin up the 400, not mnanaged that on the 550 yet!

Can't really comment on the life though as I sold the 400 with the roadrunners on after about 1000 miles and so far I've probably done about 5000 on the 550 since I put the BT45s on it. They still look like new.....
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Sod falling in love, I wanna fall in chocolate.

[MikeyBrown]

[evoboy]

I dont really expect any road tyre to work 'well' in wet conditions. ( after running a set of race wets, nothing compares)

They grip fine. As do the majority of tyres.

An 80 is a lower profile than a 90. So itll probably be slower steering. As to if you notice it? I have no idea as ive never ridden an early GPZ on a 90 and an 80 profile tyre to tell!
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Suzuki GT250 x7------- Fazer 600------CB250RS------Aprilia Rally 70----- Bandit 600

APT Motorcycles

[hellkat]

*invokes foreign language translator program*


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Not nearly as interesting in real life.

[ratfighters ftw]

pirelli sport demons on mine

[ratfighters ftw]

pirelli sport demons on mine

[Snorty]

As above, what difference does it make using a 130 instead of a 120? I would hate to put a 120 on it, that's smaller than an aprilia rs125!!!