New owner questions - tires, brakes, etc.

Discuss everything about Honda GoldWing. Feel free to ask any question related to GoldWing.

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
Treff
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:09 am

New owner questions - tires, brakes, etc.

#1

Post by Treff »

Ok, so I found out the rear tire, which looked brand New, was 10 years old. Not good. So I need a rear tire at least. I`m thinking white wall tires ! Anyone have experience With the Shinko 777 ? (because they`re inexpensive and I need to save where possible).
The rear Wheel (Lester Wheels front and rear) is a 16" size, and I believe it`s supposed to be 17". Any thoughts on tire size ? Should I still go With 130/90 ? With 16" rear Wheel I`m losing ground clearance, which I don`t like as I tend to use up all of it.
The brakes are impressive for a 70`s model, but I wouldn`t mind a little more bite up front. Are there rotors and/or pads that some of you have experience With that help ? The rear master cylinder is leaking and non-functional. Any Source of Complete rear master cylinder you can recommend ?
Any thoughts on suspension Upgrades ? I`m thinking Progressive Springs and Race Tech cartridge emulators up front, and Progressive Springs Complete shocks in the rear. I`m 280lbs, my girlfriend is "not small", and as mentioned above I tend to use up all the ground clearance. Any thoughts?
1977 GL1000 with Lester wheels.
User avatar
Whiskerfish
President
President
Posts: 36853
Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2006 9:34 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/whiskerfish/
Location: Norfolk Va

Re: New owner questions - tires, brakes, etc.

#2

Post by Whiskerfish »

Tires have been discussed to death. I will say this much, you get what you pay for. I do not have personal experience with the Shinko's but I do with other cheap tires and now I don't buy them anymore. I run either Metzlers or Battleaxe.
A 16 inch Lester should take a 140/80 with no problems on the back.
For the front brakes look at replacing the original lines. They are 40 years old and will swell when brakes are applied reducing the brake efficiency greatly. Try a search for replacements here, there are many companies offering them. After that if you do not have the improvement you want look at a replacement M/C. Numerous off the shelf aftermarket are available that work fine.
For the rear brake either rebuild yours or buy a used one and rebuild it. I have not heard of any aftermarket or replacements that bolt up. Georgefix on Flea bay sells the rebuild kits.
"Agreement is not a requirement for Respect" CDR Michael Smith USN (Ret) 2017
"The book is wrong, this whole Conclusion is Fallacious" River Tam
2008 GL1800 IIIA "TH3DOG"
1975/6/7/8/9 Arthur Fulmer Dressed Road bike
1975 Naked Noisy and Nasty in town bike
and a whole garage full of possibilities!!

Psst. oh and by the way CHANGE YOUR BELTS!!!!
User avatar
jdvorchak
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 5238
Joined: Mon May 25, 2009 8:01 pm
Location: East Alton, IL

Re: New owner questions - tires, brakes, etc.

#3

Post by jdvorchak »

I have used lots of Shinko 712 tires on my revives. Probably installed a dozen or so pairs and been happy with them all. Good grip wet or dry and rarely require much balancing. Not familiar with the 777 model but then I've never looked for white walls.

If you are thinking of changing the brake pads, use only Sintered pads. Don't fall for the "organic" or "Kevlar" pads. Semi sintered or sintered HH will give great initial bite and since I don't race I don't have to deal with getting the pads hot before they actually start gripping.

D2 Moto has the best price on brake pads and I buy tires from Bike Bandit. Best price and really quick shipping.

Just my 2 cents worth.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help:
http://ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST


Don't fix it 'til it's broke...
The person with the most toys wins!
If it has wheels or a skirt you can't afford it.
Amateur Radio Station WW9L

71 CL350 with Bingham side car
2021 HD Triglide
2008 HD Dyna Low Rider
83 KZ1100L1 Son totaled it
83 KZ550LTD Shaft sold

Previous bikes: 84 GL1200 STD, 83 KZ550LTD, 83 CB1000, 78 CB400A, 82 CB900F, 79 CB750K, 2001 GL1800, 2000 Dyna Super Glide, 1972 CB350 K4, 1985 GL1200A, 1997 1200 Sportster, 84 GL1200I, 82 Honda CM400E, 81 Suzuki GS650L, 72 Triumph Bonneville 750, 72 Honda CB350, 66(?) Honda 305 Scrambler, 6? Yamaha yz250, 62 650 Matchless (Norton-Villers).
John
Treff
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 10
Joined: Tue Jun 13, 2017 9:09 am

Re: New owner questions - tires, brakes, etc.

#4

Post by Treff »

Thanks guys! Anyone have thoughts on the suspension upgrades ?
1977 GL1000 with Lester wheels.
User avatar
RB
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 4268
Joined: Sun Apr 29, 2007 7:26 am
Location: AZ

Re: New owner questions - tires, brakes, etc.

#5

Post by RB »

Progressive springs up front and rear shocks.
98 1500 SE..
99 1500 SE SOLD
97 SE 1500 SOLD
83 SOLD
82 REBUILT sold!!!
81 DAILY RIDER sold her :(((!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!!
81 REBUILT SOLD!!
80 REBUILT SOLD
79 IN BASKET PARTS FOR SALE
79 CLEANED UP AND SOLD
78 REBUILT SOLD
77 REBUILT SOLD
76 SOLD/PARTIAL REBUILD
76 REBUILT AND SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILT SOLD
75 REBUILD SOLD


FAIR WINDS,
RB
User avatar
77Gowing
True Blue Steel Biker
True Blue Steel Biker
Posts: 2724
Joined: Wed Jul 22, 2015 4:31 pm
Location: San Angelo, Texas

Re: New owner questions - tires, brakes, etc.

#6

Post by 77Gowing »

RB wrote:Progressive springs up front and rear shocks.
+1
"Less is More" Anonymous

77Gowing
1977 GL1000 "O'le Blue." (sold :crying)
2014 Yamaha 950 V Star (sold)
2017 Indian Scout Std w/ABS (sold)
2009 Honda VTX1300R "Me Brudder's" (sold)
1984 Honda Interstate "84' 2outa4." Gone
1982 Honda GL1100 "After thought." Gone
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”