Hey Folks,

I hope this is the correct forum for tech talk. If not, please accept my apologies. I have a 1979 Suzuki GS550E that was just given to me. Hadn't run in 2 yrs, but cleaned the carbs put a new battery on it, changed brake fluid, and it's running beautifully. Problem is...tires. I've read front tire size of 3.25 x 19, and rear tire size of 3.75 x 18. I'm sure you understand the problem already. What metric tire size do I buy for this bike? I've been told front: 100/90/19, and rear: 110/90/18. Does this sound right? Any idea on where I can go to get a definite answer before ordering tires online?

Thanks,

NavyGuy

I think it would be worth it for this new-to-you-bike to go to a nearby shop and let them do the tire job THIS TIME.

I was just reading on another forum about someone who used an online tire place and got a tire that is NOT ROUND. He discovered this AFTER the tire was mounted. Oops!

A shop that has a relationship with a tire supplier will get 'new' first rate tires to begin with, saving you the agony of possibly mounting then having to UNMOUNT tires that are a problem. Worth the extra expense this time around.

P

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I would be hesitant to order tires online also ... except here in Italy, the freaking tires are unbelievably expensive. If you are in North America however, I would recommend seeing the product before buying!

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Since it appears you're handy, you might take your wheels off the bike and take them to the shop for mounting/balancing. My local shop charges $20 for removing/ installing one wheel, in addition to the tire mounting charge, so you could save a few bucks doing some of the work yourself. Just a word of caution: don't buy tires online intending to have the shop mount them - ever had a bouncer hurl you out into the street?:laughing:
I wouldn't recommend this for just anyone, but I bought a set online last summer and did the whole job myself. I enjoy doing my own maintenance and such. Turned out great and the tires were perfect. After all was said and done, I saved about half. Thing was, I spent a lot more time on it than they would have - you just can't beat a man at his own profession!

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Let me get this straight... it's one down and four up, right?

That looks like probably the best size for your bike. The 100/90/19 is same size as your front, but the 110/90/18 is a bit wider than your 3.75x18. Again I'd suggest the Bridgestone S11 tires for your bike. See other recent thread on this forum:

http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=24

For the definite answer you seek, check 2 things. Look all around your rear rim to find the rim size. Should be there somewhere. The 110/90/18 tire is recommended for fitment on a 2.15-3.0" rim. Also check for ample clearance for the wider tire on your bike. The 110/90 will be about 1/2" wider than your 3.75 tire. About 1/4" on each side. See if you have clearance.

I have mounted many, many mail order tires myself with no problem. Did it for many years until I thought I was gonna croak doing it one hot August day when I was then in my 60's, so I pull the wheels and take them for in for mounting now. Never had a problem with any out of round tires, but they can look that way if the bead doesn't seat properly. Just break the bead loose and reseat. A little liquid dish wash soap on the bead makes a good lube to get the tires on easily and get them seated properly.

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403,475 miles in 10,413 days (28.53 years) for 14,142 miles/year average. Started 7/21/84, updated 11/29/12

I've been looking at Dunlop D404s. This was suggested by a local bike shop based on price vs name brand etc. I've been told I can't go wrong with even Dunlops "value" tires. Any thoughts on this? Second, I have a buddy with a mounting machine and balancing machine he uses to do the tires on his BMW bike. Another buddy who worked for several years in a bike shop. I feel obligated to do the work myself (I enjoy it too!). Is out-of-round really an issue? or was the response listed above simply due to a bad job of seating the tire?

Thanks again!

NavyGuy

I was thinking about the out-of-round situation and I remembered reading that a common mistake is not deflating a tire after the initial bead-seat, then re-filling up to recommended pressure. According to the writer, this can make a tire act like it's not round when really it's just not seated evenly on the rim. Makes sense to me, especially when we're talking about a quality, name-brand tire.

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Let me get this straight... it's one down and four up, right?

Hey Folks,

You've been most helpful. I'll definitely be coming back here for more tech questions regarding this bike. Thanks again, God bless,

NavyGuy

In 30+ years of riding I can tell you how many out of round tires I have gotten. Exactly one. Yes, it was a major brand. As soon as the problem was discovered, they wanted the tire back and it was replaced immediately. No fuss, no hassle. If you can do the work yourself, have at it.
Something to think about. You have a VERY small contact patch with the road. Personally, I don't think that I want any manufacturers bottom line tire making this small contact. You don't have to spring for the latest premium tire but I would try to get a good tire.

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