There are 3 models of the FIM pattern tire listed and of course most of use the Code GOP3176 90/100-21 "Fatty" when discussing a purchase they told me they had a GT216AA Front HBN 90/100-21 Ahhh?? anyone know what the HBN model is??
GT216 THB (winter, wet) GOP3168THB 140 / 80 - GT216 HBN (summer, dry) GOP3168HBN 140 / 80 now im getting somewhere, but only those letters for rear tires
I got a GT216DST from Ty's last batch. Haven't mounted it up yet. I guess they do that compound for the rear 523 also.
everyone sticks to the name/type/family of the tire--- I think the best way is to refer to the specific tire GT alpha numeric code ex GOP3176 which happens to be the tire I want So what we know that GT has different rubber compounds of the same pattern and sizes in different compound designators like HBN, THB, DST etc. It just doesn't seem consistent or maybe they are adding these designators as they go forward and the older tires didn't get these added to the mold form. I believe that the Koreans are the source for all these compounds and have heard that they are chemical kings of rubber compounds sourcing at the moment. I am going to contact the GT USA guy and see if I can get an education, before I order this HBN designated tire. But truth is by what I see that is the correct compound for us us out here HBN=summer dry.
Thanks! I'm planning on 1 soon and now know to make sure I get THB compound, can you post whatever you find out please.
So I looked at all my 216 tires from old to new and the bummer is that there's nothing in the mold to differentiate them. Except the DST of course.
My favorite local shop just signed on as the west coast Golden Tyre distributor. It looks like I will be switching over as soon as the first batch rolls in. https://www.facebook.com/Goldentyrewest?fref=ts Their first shipment should be here in 4-6 weeks if all goes well. Later,
The original 216aa 90/100 21 front I bought from zipty didn't say HB. The last 3 I received from zipty all say HB. The original appears wider to the naked eye and it did wear better overall. The new versions work good as well but not as good as the first one from a couple years back. I have no idea how to get the plain old 216aa non HB version.
GT216AA 90/100-21 HB is a 2 ply tire and the most popular version GT216AA 90/100-21 DST is a 4 ply and best for Baja type stuff
I've got both and other than a stiffer sidewall on the DST, performance is same. At least to a slow racer like me.
12-14 psi. I've gotten away with less, but even with the stiffer carcass it still feels squirrelly without at least 10. But with the rocky terrain I tend to ride I prefer a little wiggle room. The one thing I have noticed is that with an HD tube, I haven't gotten a pinch flat at lower pressures.
