Buying a 2010, Tire Questions

[3dogs]

Hi All,
I am seriously considering a 2010/11 GS. I have ridden one at Bob’s BMW in Maryland and have ridden earlier models of the GS since 2000. I currently own an FJR that has 80,000 miles on it.

I have a couple of tire questions:

1. Avon lists several tire choices for the GS. In addition to the Distanzia the Azaro-ST is listed for the front and the Storm 2 Ultra for the rear (both tires seem to be the correct size for the GS). I have looked at the tire thread on this forum (has lots of good info) but this particular combination is not listed. Has anyone used these tires on a GS? I have used both tires on my FJR and they work well for sport touring. I don’t plan on taking my GS off road, so street tires would be my preference.

Here is the http://www.avonmotorcycle.com/ link to Avon Tire. If you go to the right side of the page "Find an Avon Tire etc.." and select the GS you will see these recommendations.

2. Has anyone considered or tried to adapt a 17 inch wheel to the front of the GS? This would greatly increase tire selection for street tires.

Thanks in advance for any answers. Looking forward to learning more about the GS.
Tracy Martin…

 

[Slowdown]

If you're not going off road and just want a road tyre then the Azaro front/Storm rear option is just about as good as it gets. A British Magazine did a review of tyres from quite a few manufacturers and this combo was the fastest on the track by some way. I loved them on mine (on '07) - they were as good as anything in the dry but really excelled in the wet.

The downside is the price.

Theres quite a few people who've put 17" wheels on the front - try a search on here or on ADVRider.

Welcome, by the way!

 

[Achim]

There are plenty of road-oriented tyres available now for the GS so there's no need to go through the added complication (and expense) of buying a 17" front wheel: I've been very happy with Dunlop Roadsmarts. Michelin Pilot Roads are good, too. Continental offers the RoadAttack, Bridgestone the 023.

The list goes on...

Achim

 

[rodsharp]

We all have different views, but I found the Avons to be superb right to the end (5000 miles) whereas Michelin Pilot Roads were noisy and made the bike feel cumbersome ,we really didnt gel at all. The PR will last forever though so the choice is yours.