83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

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

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
Crazzy450z
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:17 pm
Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada

83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#1

Post by Crazzy450z »

So.. With our rides now pushing over 40 years old. It seems like we are starting to run slim on choices for tires. The rear's seem to be fine, but finding the correct sized front tires is starting to become problematic..

My ride is a 83' GL1100 Aspencade.
Stock tires are 120/90-18 front, 140/90-16 rear..
Wheel sizes are 2.5x18 front and 3.0x16 rear..

I'm having trouble finding a matched set of correct tires. the narrowness of the stock front wheel is the hurdle.

To add to the confusion, I'm also planning on doing the GL1200 swing arm, GL1500 final drive / wheel swap.
the GL1500 stock rear tire size is 160/80-16 with a 3.5x16 wheel.. The GL1500's front tire is a 130/70-18 on a 3.0x18 wheel.

What is everyone running for available matched sets of tires? Can some of the guys who have done the rear end swap chime in on the widest tire they have been able to fit, and still find a matching front tire?

I was considering the Metezeler ME888 Marathon Ultra, but the closest front tire they make is a 110/90-18 which is slightly shorter tire. This would throw off the speedo and odometer even more then it already seems to be..

Am I being to OCD with wanting a matching set of tires? Does it matter??
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: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#2

Post by Whiskerfish »

Will a 160 clear the 1200 swing arm? I can not remember what they run normally. I run the 880's on most of my 1000's and the 888's on my 1800. good tires.
"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!!!!
Crazzy450z
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:17 pm
Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#3

Post by Crazzy450z »

The current tire on the wheel is a 160/80-16 and measures +-150 actual section, and it has at least 3/8" clearance on the driveshaft side. It seems to be a narrow tire..

If you look up theME888's in the Metezeler technical data book in that size, it says the max width in service is 184mm (7.25").

The Avon technical data book says the Cobra Chrome AV92 in the 160/80-16 has a width of 167mm (6.6"). So it seems like they are all over the place in widths.
Whiskerfish wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:24 am Will a 160 clear the 1200 swing arm? I can not remember what they run normally. I run the 880's on most of my 1000's and the 888's on my 1800. good tires.
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: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#4

Post by Whiskerfish »

Crazzy450z wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 2:23 pm SNIP So it seems like they are all over the place in widths.

SNIP
Height also. Very common to have significant disparity between different manufacturers.
"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
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7635
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#5

Post by Sidecar Bob »

The only dimension you can trust on any tire is the diameter of the bead where it meets the rim.

FWIW, I drove my '83 (originally an Interstate) on 2 wheels for about 12 years before I added the sidecar and if I was going back to 2 wheels on it I'd buy a set of Kenda Kruz (K673). What I liked best about them was the front's triangular cross sectional profile. When the bike was upright or leaned moderately it cornered like a much narrower tire (we should all know that skinnier tires lean into turns better) but as you lean farther the contact patch actually increases for better grip.
According to Kenda's website they are still available in 120/90-18 and 140/90-16
https://powersports.kendatire.com/en-us ... reet/kruz/

Unfortunately they didn't handle at all well on 3 wheels so I had to start experimenting again. With the sidecar I find I like Duro HF308 tires on the front and sidecar wheels and a Shinko E240 on the rear.
Note that I do not recommend the E240 for 2 wheeled use because it has a very square profile.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
NotSoLilCrippseys
Silver Member
Silver Member
Posts: 522
Joined: Sun Nov 29, 2020 8:21 am
Location: York County, Maine

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#6

Post by NotSoLilCrippseys »

I like the Michelin Commander 2s for their long tread life and good wet/dry traction. Turn in is good as well. I have about 10k on an '83 rear wheel with a Commander, and there's plenty of meat left. I may have a Michelin Pilot on one of our GL1100s. Fronts can be had in the '83 Wing stock size, I believe. Michelins are super pricey, of course. I never look at those tire and think, "wow, they're skinny."

I've used Shinko Tourmasters on a GL1100. Handling is solid on them, wet or dry, and lots of folks on this site use them. They're very reasonably priced, with a tradeoff in tread life. My thought: If the bike is going to put down only 1-2k miles per year, I'd consider going with Shinkos and refresh the rubber every 3-4 years.

I have nothing to offer on a swingarm swap and the larger rear tire.

I've bought at least two GoldWings with Kenda Kruz rubber on the rear. Sidecar Bob's experience may help explain the Kruz's popularity on the Wings. Dunlop 404s up front are what I've seen more than a few times on old Wings. I always thought the Kruz's tread pattern seemed unusual, and the 404s always look skinny.
Avatar is a summer '21 photo of the Blue Phoenix, our 1983 GL1100I rescue gone naked.

In the Stable and Ridable
1992 ST1100 - my longer haul tourer
1992 XJ600S - son's streetfighter
1987 VFR700 - son's latest, in blue/silver
1983 - GL1100I - naked Blue Phoenix (son's, really)
1982 GL1100I - naked bagger Cabernet
1979 GL1000 - Ginger Lynn, but not that Ginger Lynn (Wing and a Prayer)
1978 CB550K - son's cafe (carb issues still vex)

Active Project(s)
1979 GL1000 - Confirmed one owner, with original paperwork. Vetter fairing and bags, off the road in dry, heated storage for 35 years.

Sold
Not lookin' back to avoid regrets
Crazzy450z
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:17 pm
Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#7

Post by Crazzy450z »

Whiskerfish wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:24 am Will a 160 clear the 1200 swing arm? I can not remember what they run normally. I run the 880's on most of my 1000's and the 888's on my 1800. good tires.
Are you running a 180/60r16 ME888 on your 2008 1800?? Would you mind measuring the actual installed overall width of the tire? I'd like to compare the actual installed width to what they have posted on their tech paper.. That would give me an idea what to expect..
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7635
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#8

Post by Sidecar Bob »

Something to consider is how far you expect drive it in the next few years and how far the tire is expected to last.
If the more expensive tires will only be, say, 25% worn out when they age out you will be more likely to leave them on past the recommended 5 years.
On the other hand if you can pay less for tires that work just as well but will probably be over 75% worn out in 5 years (or better yet worn enough to replace before then) you will be more willing to replace them before the rubber becomes unable to grip well when you need it to.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#9

Post by Whiskerfish »

I run a 180 70R 16. it measures to just a hair over 200 maybe 205 mm. Don't have a set of calipers that big so had to use a metric Square but should be very close.

Crazzy450z wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 9:07 pm
Whiskerfish wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:24 am Will a 160 clear the 1200 swing arm? I can not remember what they run normally. I run the 880's on most of my 1000's and the 888's on my 1800. good tires.
Are you running a 180/60r16 ME888 on your 2008 1800?? Would you mind measuring the actual installed overall width of the tire? I'd like to compare the actual installed width to what they have posted on their tech paper.. That would give me an idea what to expect..
"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
ericheath
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 9580
Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 11:20 am
Location: Winnipeg, Manituba

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#10

Post by ericheath »

I had a 215/60/16 car tire on the back of a 1200 swingarm with an 1500 final drive and wheel. It had about 3/8” clearance. I’m pretty sure I shaved a little off the inside on the closer side. It was shorter in height than the stock 1500 tire, but the stock 160 tire handled nice when it was on.

Mine was a morphed conglomeration of parts. I believe I recall others having issues with any wider than 160 rubbing on the upper fender. You’ll have to check tank clearance too.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
Crazzy450z
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:17 pm
Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#11

Post by Crazzy450z »

That's promising.. The Metzeler TSB has the 180/70R16 listed as 199 mm wide, that mean's they are at least very close to reality.. Thank you for checking.
Whiskerfish wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 10:46 am I run a 180 70R 16. it measures to just a hair over 200 maybe 205 mm. Don't have a set of calipers that big so had to use a metric Square but should be very close.

Crazzy450z wrote: Sun Jan 29, 2023 9:07 pm
Whiskerfish wrote: Sat Jan 28, 2023 9:24 am Will a 160 clear the 1200 swing arm? I can not remember what they run normally. I run the 880's on most of my 1000's and the 888's on my 1800. good tires.
Are you running a 180/60r16 ME888 on your 2008 1800?? Would you mind measuring the actual installed overall width of the tire? I'd like to compare the actual installed width to what they have posted on their tech paper.. That would give me an idea what to expect..
Crazzy450z
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:17 pm
Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#12

Post by Crazzy450z »

Good point.. I'm more worried about finding a good tire that fits, and is as wide as reasonable, without making stupid huge modifications to everything..
Sidecar Bob wrote: Mon Jan 30, 2023 12:22 am Something to consider is how far you expect drive it in the next few years and how far the tire is expected to last.
If the more expensive tires will only be, say, 25% worn out when they age out you will be more likely to leave them on past the recommended 5 years.
On the other hand if you can pay less for tires that work just as well but will probably be over 75% worn out in 5 years (or better yet worn enough to replace before then) you will be more willing to replace them before the rubber becomes unable to grip well when you need it to.
Crazzy450z
Tin Member
Tin Member
Posts: 12
Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:17 pm
Location: Guelph, Ontario, Canada

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#13

Post by Crazzy450z »

Wow.. So you had a 215 wide car tire on there. Do you recall if it actually measured out close to 215??? Were you able to get it centered in the swingarm/frame??

Mine is also going to be a combo of parts.. Its a '83 1100a frame, a 1200 swingarm, a '90 1500 final drive & wheel.. For the brake I plan to run a 88-89 1500 rear disk as its 296mm dia x 7.5mm, so it will match the caliper bracket I have.. I run full stinted pads front and rear and have great feel and bite, so I wanted to stay with the same size disk..

I want to find a bare 1100 frame to use as a jig / mock up to see how everything works. But can only find a 1200.. I'm sure there are enough differences that is not worth using..
ericheath wrote: Tue Jan 31, 2023 12:13 am I had a 215/60/16 car tire on the back of a 1200 swingarm with an 1500 final drive and wheel. It had about 3/8” clearance. I’m pretty sure I shaved a little off the inside on the closer side. It was shorter in height than the stock 1500 tire, but the stock 160 tire handled nice when it was on.

Mine was a morphed conglomeration of parts. I believe I recall others having issues with any wider than 160 rubbing on the upper fender. You’ll have to check tank clearance too.
User avatar
Sidecar Bob
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 7635
Joined: Sun Jun 11, 2006 10:14 pm
Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#14

Post by Sidecar Bob »

Why does everyone want wider tires? All they do is make it harder to lean into turns....
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
User avatar
CYBORG
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 24538
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:52 pm
Location: Muskegon mich

Re: 83' GL1100 Tire replacement Suggestions

#15

Post by CYBORG »

I think it is a drag racing mentality. And Americans have always had a "bigger is better" mind set.
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”