FWIW, I had been trying to find an auto radial 16” tire that would fit the GL1500. First, it had to be narrow enough (6.5” or less) and second, it had to be pretty close to the OEM OD (26.1”). I found two but the ODs were .5” or .75” larger. Based on what I found with my Virago sidecar rig, I didn’t feel going larger would be a good thing. I had went with a .5” smaller OD tire on Virago rear which gave me better torque from a stop with a passenger in the car. I was finding with a passenger in the car the GL1500 was lacking some torque from a dead stop with the standard 26.1” OD rear tire. Going with a bigger OD would make this issue worse.
1,000 miles ago, I went with a Metzeler Lasertec 150/80-16 (25.4” OD) (5.9” wide) ($110.00). The dead stop getting started is much better now with a passenger in the car, even uphill grades from a dead stop are not an issue. I notice the increase in torque through all the gears. The rpms are 400 higher. I have a loss of 3 mpg. For now, I’ll take the trade-off for more torque. It did stick to the road during a pretty good rain storm one night.
I did find a bias ply 500/525-16 Excelsior auto tire requires a tube (26.0” OD) ($76.00). Maybe, maybe not????
HI;Just looking at your post under car tires.Looks like you are using them on the 1500 wheels other posts say that have to change wheels to use them?See that 1800 in the classifieds says he is running 195-50R-16s but then they say in other posta that can run car tires on 1800 but not on 1500??Any thoughts on that.Thanks BOB
Bob,
I've NOT run a car tire on my GL1500A rear. The 16" car tires I've found are too big of a OD. I feel I would lose too much power if I go with a bigger OD than the standard 26" OD tire. The 1800 has more room for a wider tire. The 1500 max width is 165. If I could find a car tire that was a radial 16", 155 to 165 wide, and between 25.4" and 26" OD; I would look at installing it. I haven't found it so I'm looking into a 15" rear wheel conversion at KOSMAN Specialities.
