R80GS - 1989 - wheel sizes

[BrianS]

As a naive new owner, I couldn't understand why I was getting so much trouble in finding suitable tyres for the front of my GS. It clearly said 2.50X18 on the rim so waht was the problem? Just had a call from a mate who looked the model up in his Haynes manual - it seems like it should be a 21" rim - booger......

What has happened - is there a similar model with a tubeless spoked Akront 18" front wheel that the previous owner could have done a swap for?

I am trying to think what effect it is having on the suspension and steering - should I go back to 21" pdq???

Advice appreciated.

Brian

 

[Spout]

Are you riding your bike backwards?

 

[mikyh]

Me thinks

that early G/S had 18 back wheels. Probably the previous owner had his front wheel rebuilt with 18 rim for some reason.
The original was 21 for sure.
Miky

 

[BrianS]

Its got what I thought was the standard rear 17" - for the 89 GS at least. Or is this wrong as well?

The bike looks as if someone started to make it look a bit SuperMotoish - but it hasn't worked!

Brian

 

[Mick Fagan]

It is possible that the front wheel has come from the R80ST. I think that is what is was called.

Basically it was an 80 G/S with some parts from the R65 on the front end and wire spoked wheels. The front wheel was 18".

It was a great bike except that the tank was too small and with only one petcock the seat was not good and the high rise exhaust of the G/S made the pannier situation terrible for a touring bike.

Mick.

 

[BrianS]

Thanks for the advice folks. I am now on the lookout for a 21" front wheel and will try and get the GS back to standard.

Brian

 

[Howard Millichap]

Its got what I thought was the standard rear 17" - for the 89 GS at least. Or is this wrong as well?
Brian

Std rear is 17". 130/80S17TUBELESS on a 2.50 rim.
Std front is 21" 90/90S21TUBELESS on a 1.85 rim.

That's straight out of my owners handbook.

 

[BrianS]

Thanks Howard - I have advertised on the wanteds and have already got a couple of useful leads.

Assuming that I can get a 21" wheel rim. presumably the disc and calipers currently on the 18" rim should just transfer over?

Also, is it a stupid idea to think about lacing the 18" rim currently decorating the front of the bike onto the rear hub in place of the 17" to give me a better choice of offroad tyres?

Having run a one-model Yamaha TTR250 forum for a few years I can hear some groans about "newbies" but please bear with me - I will try and learn fast. Best thing is that I love that GS ;o)

Brian