78 100/7 tires, handling and Givi windshields

[127338]

Tried to locate a thread discussing tire types,pressure and handling issues and possibly a spot on those using a GIvi universal handlebar mount A 660 shield.
I have a 78 100/7 and am using
(fronts) Metzler ME33 Laser 350-19 and getting close to replacement period. Tread is getting sparse.
( rears) Metzler ME 88 marathon 120/90 B-18.71H
I have a new Givi windshield with a small attached wunderlich
Air visor at top.
I am noticing a fair amount of right / left movement while crusing at around 70-80 mph. Air is quiet without outside air turbulence.
I do realize I may need to fine tune the windshield yet. I could use some tips on doing so with one of these styles, and also some suggestions on tire updates.
I am touring solo and occasionally two up with my wife. Road conditions mostly dry and primarily country roads. Thanks, R

 

[PGlaves]

Tried to locate a thread discussing tire types,pressure and handling issues and possibly a spot on those using a GIvi universal handlebar mount A 660 shield.
I have a 78 100/7 and am using
(fronts) Metzler ME33 Laser 350-19 and getting close to replacement period. Tread is getting sparse.
( rears) Metzler ME 88 marathon 120/90 B-18.71H
I have a new Givi windshield with a small attached wunderlich
Air visor at top.
I am noticing a fair amount of right / left movement while crusing at around 70-80 mph. Air is quiet without outside air turbulence.
I do realize I may need to fine tune the windshield yet. I could use some tips on doing so with one of these styles, and also some suggestions on tire updates.
I am touring solo and occasionally two up with my wife. Road conditions mostly dry and primarily country roads. Thanks, R

Step one. Look at the back of the bike. Consider the state of the shocks. Is the swingarm centered? Is there odd luggage or a backrest or anything else that catches wind? Then look at the windshield.

And, those are perfectly appropriate tires for that bike.

 

[20774]

As Paul suggest, consider your suspension, including the front. Proper tires can make a difference. My recommendation is to proper tires, which means the inch-size versions...the metric tires, while close, are not correct for the bike. Unless you made a mistake typing the front tire, it should be a 3.25x19. The rear tire should be a 4.00x18.

 

[james.a]

Shocks are maybe the most neglected chassis components. I once had a small Givi windscreen on an R75/5, and I did not sense any ill effect of having it installed. While Kurt is correct in the OEM type tires being sized in 3.25f and 4.00r, I have used the nearest metric sized equivalents without issue. The 120x18 rear is a tight fit. I use the 110x18 when I go metric.

 

[20774]

I, too, have used the metric tires but have since gone back to inch-sized tires. I have the same bike as the OP and can attest to the fact that with metric tires, the bike sits lower to the ground effectively making the side stand unusable...the profile of the metric tires is less making the radius of the installed tire smaller. The bike sits up much straighter than normal with the metric tires. Couple that with the self retracting side stand (I personally like it), it's very easy for the bike to unload the side stand, fold up, and the bike fall over. BTDT.

Also, with the bike sitting lower, getting the bike up on and off of the center stand is also made more difficult.

So while riding geometry might not be noticeable to us average riders, these factors are quite noticeable.

 

[james.a]

Kurt, I have lately taken to parking my bikes with the transmission in first gear for the very reason you alluded to earlier. I have no issues with the side stands on either of my bikes, having taught myself to use them the way the gods (Germans) intended.