Goldwing size guide
Goldwing Darkside Tire Size Guide
Goldwing riders do not search for darkside tires in the abstract. They search by generation: GL1200, GL1500, GL1800 2001-2017, and the newer 2018+ bike. That is the right way to research it, because rear wheel, fender clearance, tire height, and available reports all change by platform.
GL1200: Sparse Reports, Measure Everything
The GL1200 shows up in darkside searches, but the report base is thin. Our finder keeps the Nexen SB802 165/80R15 as a research-only card because at least one rider report names that tire and pressure, while other notes mention bead-seating trouble. Treat this generation as a measurement project before it is a shopping project.
GL1500: The Taxi-Tire Era
The strongest GL1500 search phrase is still built around the Austone-style 175R16 taxi tire. GoldwingDocs lists it as a legacy all-GL1500 reference, with pressure and inner-fender clearance notes. It is taller than stock, so riders should expect to verify full-compression clearance instead of assuming every GL1500 will behave the same.
Other GL1500 cards in the finder include the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D DSST in 175/60R16 and Westlake RP18 in 195/60R16. Those are not the same kind of recommendation. The Dunlop report is appealing because it is narrower and run-flat, but lower in diameter. The Westlake report exists, but the notes are more mixed around rub and sidewall feel.
GL1800 2001-2017: Start Around 195/55R16
The first GL1800 generation has the richest Goldwing darkside signal. The common search cluster is GL1800 darkside 195/55R16 run flat, and the finder currently gives the Bridgestone DriveGuard the cleanest evidence status. Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 ZP and Yokohama Avid Envigor reports are also kept as source-backed reference points, while Pirelli P1 remains a candidate until stronger rider follow-up is attached.
Some discussions mention 60-series or 205-width experiments, but the 195/55R16 pattern is the safer starting point for research because it has better repeat signal and fewer immediate clearance questions.
2018+ Goldwing: Needs a Separate Source Pass
The 2018+ Goldwing uses a different stock rear size and should not inherit the older GL1800 cards automatically. The finder keeps the generation visible so riders can select it, but tire reports need a separate 2018+ evidence pass before they should be published as cards.
Use This Like a Research Map
A darkside size guide is not a fitment guarantee. Verify wheel diameter, load rating, speed rating, clearances, bead seating, valve stem condition, pressure behavior, and local rules. Then compare what you found against rider reports from your exact platform and year range.
Sources used: GoldwingDocs darkside list, GoldwingDocs GL1800 discussion, GoldwingDocs GL1200 discussion.