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Which ones

Started by Chelsea494, Saturday, 17 May 2025, 03:39 AM

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GSXKING

Hossack front end very rare in the modern age.
It looks so different to conventional forks I had my doubts at the launch many years ago now. The lack of dive under braking is similar to the Telelever BMW designed.
GSXKING 3:^)
Chris
Best allrounder I've ever owned 👍

Eric GSX1400K3

Yes, not sure of the correct terminology, I think you are right Chris that its Telelever, but anyway, not conditional forks by any means. Rigid fork yoke that holds the wheel and brakes, pivots off centre via an upper and lower ball joint and offset steering, held in place by an upper and lower control arms (y or u shaped parts), the front monoshock keeps everything suspended, and a steering damper.  Best thing is it separates steering from suspension, gives great feedback and cornering.  Worst thing is if any of those parts are worn, its amplified by the system. 

I've grown to love it, gives great control and is confidence inspiring (except when tyres are worn).
I try to take one day at a time, however sometimes several days catch up with me at once.

GSXKING

BMW called it duolever on K1200's.
Similar to GoldWing front end but too much weight 💩💩💩😳
GSXKING 3:^)
Chris
Best allrounder I've ever owned 👍

Eric GSX1400K3

That's it, same on 1200 and 1300's. Mines the GT,. Surprisingly most of the weight is in the engine and rear drive.  The front duolever fork is precision cast aluminium alloy, really strong but really light.  I reckon a std telescopic front end including yokes and triple clamp would almost weigh the same.  Regardless, it works. Just need new tyres...
I try to take one day at a time, however sometimes several days catch up with me at once.

grog

Tough choice on tyres Eric. Every test I read has a different best🤷🏼I don't do the big ks anymore so I'm thinking next time something super sporty.Avon Spirit do get great reviews but most brands do.

Stevel3

I will be up for tyres fairly soon. Reading everything I can only seems to make a decision harder haha. I don't do a lot of k's on my bikes, so handling and grip are the most important. On my Harley's i now use Metzler Cruise techs. Best tyre I've run on a Harley yet. My riding generally includes a bit of highway then mostly country roads with a few decent corners. I like a quick steering front tyre. It currently has Bridgestone Battlax BT016 on the front and rear. With only 18,100klms on it when I picked her up yesterday, I'm wondering if they are the original tyres.

lurch

Quote from: Stevel3 on Sunday, 16 August  2026, 07:19 AMI will be up for tyres fairly soon. Reading everything I can only seems to make a decision harder haha. I don't do a lot of k's on my bikes, so handling and grip are the most important. On my Harley's i now use Metzler Cruise techs. Best tyre I've run on a Harley yet. My riding generally includes a bit of highway then mostly country roads with a few decent corners. I like a quick steering front tyre. It currently has Bridgestone Battlax BT016 on the front and rear. With only 18,100klms on it when I picked her up yesterday, I'm wondering if they are the original tyres.
No chance of BT016's lasting that long.

I'm probably a minority here but if I get 5000km out of tyres I'm happy. Many years on dirt and adventure bikes between roadbikes means I'm probably a little out of touch on current offerings but I have no complaints against the Diablo Rosso Corsa's that are currently on my 1400.

Stevel3

The main reason i thought they might be original is because they stopped making them a long time ago. Well according to Google that is. The rear is pretty much done, must have been borderline passing safety certificate inspection. The front does have more left. The grip seems okay in the dry but they are a slow steering tyre.

Eric GSX1400K3

Quote from: Stevel3 on Sunday, 16 August  2026, 07:52 AMThe main reason i thought they might be original is because they stopped making them a long time ago. Well according to Google that is. The rear is pretty much done, must have been borderline passing safety certificate inspection. The front does have more left. The grip seems okay in the dry but they are a slow steering tyre.
check the 4 digit number inside the oval on the sidewall. It will tell you the week and year of manufacture.
I try to take one day at a time, however sometimes several days catch up with me at once.

GSXKING

Steve the whole tyres for me debate is a can of worms no one can definitively answer.
I used to use Pirelli when I was receiving a very healthy discount. Once that stopped I did switch to Michelin Road 6 GT on both my GSX and BMW R1200RT. Grip is excellent dry or wet, hot or cold and longevity is the best I've personally experienced.
Hervey Bay is quite a flat area. Where and how far are any twisty roads ?
We have friends who live in Aldershot and visit regularly.  :boogie:
GSXKING 3:^)
Chris
Best allrounder I've ever owned 👍

Tony Nitrous

If you do lower mileage and value grip and feel, I'd 100% fit my favorite S23's and personally I like the slightly taller 55 rear. The 14's geometry isn't real sporty and the taller rear is a nudge in the right direction. It just offers better shape, tip in etc.

Not doing huge mileage, wanting grip and liking corners I'd rule out any Angel or Road touring tyre and enjoy what a sports tyre offers.

I'd also consider the S22's. I still use them if I can't get a 23 in the size I like or if there's a smoking hot deal. Sportsbike tyre of the year back to back are real popular with Hayabusa owners.

To be honest, most modern tyres are pretty good, they just suit different folk. The exception being the crappy Angel GT2's. ...
.

grog

BT016 were re released as BT016 Pro. Not sure how long ago. Prob correct Tony, most modern tyres are bloody good, some of the crap we used to ride on, scary to think about.Im gonna get sporty tyres next time, don't do many ks now.Angels have been good over a decade, pity they messed up GT2.

Stevel3

Quote from: GSXKING on Sunday, 16 August  2026, 09:38 AMSteve the whole tyres for me debate is a can of worms no one can definitively answer.
I used to use Pirelli when I was receiving a very healthy discount. Once that stopped I did switch to Michelin Road 6 GT on both my GSX and BMW R1200RT. Grip is excellent dry or wet, hot or cold and longevity is the best I've personally experienced.
Hervey Bay is quite a flat area. Where and how far are any twisty roads ?
We have friends who live in Aldershot and visit regularly.  :boogie:

We live about 45 minutes from Aldershot. I ride for about an hour before heading inland at Childers. I do about one and a half hours of country roads and end up in Maryborough. Quick steering and grip is more important than how many k's i get from them.

Stevel3

Quote from: grog on Sunday, 16 August  2026, 04:15 PMBT016 were re released as BT016 Pro. Not sure how long ago. Prob correct Tony, most modern tyres are bloody good, some of the crap we used to ride on, scary to think about.Im gonna get sporty tyres next time, don't do many ks now.Angels have been good over a decade, pity they messed up GT2.
Quote from: Tony Nitrous on Sunday, 16 August  2026, 01:03 PMIf you do lower mileage and value grip and feel, I'd 100% fit my favorite S23's and personally I like the slightly taller 55 rear. The 14's geometry isn't real sporty and the taller rear is a nudge in the right direction. It just offers better shape, tip in etc.

Not doing huge mileage, wanting grip and liking corners I'd rule out any Angel or Road touring tyre and enjoy what a sports tyre offers.

I'd also consider the S22's. I still use them if I can't get a 23 in the size I like or if there's a smoking hot deal. Sportsbike tyre of the year back to back are real popular with Hayabusa owners.

To be honest, most modern tyres are pretty good, they just suit different folk. The exception being the crappy Angel GT2's. ...

Yeah a few choices now, Commander 6, S23 and a few others. I'm only 168cm so not sure if the 55 profile will make it a fair bit more difficult to get secure footing. At the moment im not having any issues. I will be getting the seat modified in the near future. I did it on my last 14 and he made it much better for me.

grog

Tyres, your choice Mate, pretty much how it is. After Hardlys even Chen Shings will feel brilliant 😎

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