I Can't Find Tires Anywhere

[Ian]

I bought myself a used 2001 Gz250 a few months ago. Drove it home and garaged it.

Finally took it out the other week to get it safety ticketed and insured.


Turns out my bikes needs new tires, chains, and a few other items. I don't mind paying to fix problems and what not.

But my mechanic is having an impossible time tracking down my tires in a matching set.

I'm located in Toronto, Ontario and he's explained that the area has a contract to only get tires from one dealer that covers Ontario but they can't seem to find my a proper pair.

How in the fuck is this possible? Like this is a bike still being produced and has plenty of models, how is it my tires are so difficult to find?

Anyway have any advice, or know a specific place to get tires?

My tire numbers are: 110/90/16 front and 130/90/15 for the back.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Ian

he's explained that the area has a contract to only get tires from one dealer that covers Ontario

Does that mean that each dealer, individually, has signed the contract? If he's not signed, then I can't see how he's legally obliged to go to any particular supplier. If he did sign, seems like he needs his head examining. Or is he just bullshitting you?

Anyway, you don't need a matching pair, from just one manufacturer. I've just fitted whatever the bike shop had on the shelf, in my size, with no problems.

[Ian]

Yeah the guys seem real legit and honest and came highly recommended.

I don't know to much about this tire contract these shops have. Something about only one supplier for the entire province.

But they're trying to find just any tire that will work and comes in a pair. They can find 2 different brands but said that could be dangerous and they don't recommend it.

I'm gonna call them up today and see whats up. Bikes been in the shop 2 weeks or more now.

[blaine]

I always ran a 100/90-16 & a 140/90-15.Could never find the 110 for the front.Never had a problem running the 100.If anything it makes the speedo a little more accurate.I always use Kenda's. Good wearing & good price.

[Water Warrior 2]

Go to Motovan for a choice of tires. Their online catalog will knock your socks off. You might as well get tubes too if they are original.

[Ian]

Finally got some info.

My tires, chain and other parts were at a few different locations so the supplier had to round it all up and ship it. Somehow the order got derailed and he then went and got all items again and shipped those as well.

While on the phone, a pair of tires showed up, which happen to not be mine. But he's hoping for the damn order to finally get in tomorrow just in time for the weekend.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by Ian

They can find 2 different brands but said that could be dangerous and they don't recommend it.

Dunno why. :??: That's the way I've ridden for the past 50 years, with no problems. At the moment, I've got a shonko on the front, and an MC7 on the back. Can't find anything wrong with the way it handles.

The only thing I've ever heard about not mixing tyres is :- don't mix radial with crossply, but I don't think anyone uses crossply these days. Seems to me like he's trying to make the most profit he can from a newbee, but that's just me being cynical.

[jonathan180iq]

Modifying the GZ - What's Available? viewtopic.php?f=9&t=1058
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There aren't many tire options for our bike that come in a matching set. There are, however, many options if you don't mind mixing up tire brands and/or going to a slightly smaller tire up front.

The factory tires sizes are: 110/90-16 (F) & 130/90-15 (R)

The rim width for the front wheel is 2.5" and the rear wheel width is 3.0"
That being the case, a size 100/90-16 front tire will work on this bike. It does have an overall diameter decrease of 9mm over the 110/90-16 but that isn't really very drastic.

Samato has verified that alternate tire size 100/90-16 will mount up with no problem.

As well, the 120/80-16 alternate tire size is another choice for the front tire and has been successfully mounted by MRLMD1.

Factory replacement tires: 110/90-16 & 130/90-15
Dunlop D404 (only available through a Suzuki dealer)
Metzeler ME77 (only available through a Suzuki dealer)
Cheng Shin C906 & C907 (possibly no longer available)

Rear Factory Replacements: Kenda Challenger
Pirelli MT66 (Route 66)
Maxxis M6103
Cheng Shin Marquis
Metzeler Me 77

Factory Replacement Front:
GBC Green Shark
Metzler Lasertec
Pirelli Sport Demon
Avon Roadrider AM26
Conti Ultra TKV11
Kenda K671 & K673

100/90-16 Front: Bridgestone BT45
Maxxis M6002
Cheng Shin C6000
Kenda Cruiser
IRC Durotour

Matching tires with low profile front: 100/91-16 & 130/90-15
Kenda Cruiser



For more discussion and lots of info, see these posts:

http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=722

&

http://www.gz250bike.com/forum/viewtopi ... =10&t=1818






This list is not complete but will be updated as more options are discovered...

[Ian]

Very useful info. Thanks.

[Rookie Rider]

I have 2 different brand tires on my gz.