Tire report offered and needed
I spent last winter researching an automotive rear tire for my 2017 F-3L. I settled on a General Altimax, pumped it to 18 psi cold, and rode it two up all summer, mostly in dry weather. The tire worked great. After 6,000 miles, it shows very little wear and has performed perfectly.
Now, with 16,000 total miles on the bike, l’m looking for front tire recommendations. I would like to hear from you if you’ve run car tires on the front for a season. I’d like to know what you bought, what psi you use, and how the bike handles. Does it steer well? Does it hold the road on curves? Does it shed water or hydroplane?
I would appreciate hearing from the voice of experience.
Federal Formoza & General Altimax.....
Formoza's with 8k+ and Altamax with 7k+ all with 18 psi cold and no issues so far.
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Like Peteoz says - everyone rides different
"There are so many factors involved here like road surfaces, cambers, riding styles, weather etc etc etc, that the perfect tire for one rider may not work for another simply because of where they live."
The fronts seem to be getting better on the OEM Kendas, so no worries for us until we get the wear out of them at about 30,000 miles plus.
Since then we have had 3 sets of Kumho Solus KH16s in the 155/60R15 size and have been very pleased with the handling, roll and grip in dry and wet conditions. We run them at 17 psi on the F3T and 19 psi on the RT making sure to keep them equal side to side.
However on our last trip I hit a rock and blew the sidewall on the right Kumho and couldn't get a Kumho at the Show Low AZ Discount tire shop (nearest supply was either Nevada or Dallas TX). I do feel that the heavier sidewal and carcass of the Kumho prevented damage to the wheel and allowed me to roll about two miles to a wide spot where I could pull over safely.
The Discount tire shop had a set of Nankang AS-1 tires in the same 155/60R15 size at $61 a piece so I now have run them about 1000 miles with good roll and balance, but am not as pleased with their grip. They seemed to drift a little too much on the curves. I may need to to play with the pressures as I still have them at about 20 psi. But they were a godsend when you're stranded on the road.
I guess that I'm open to most suggestions on a front car tire replacement but will be looking also at what Walmart might carry so that I can secure a replacement if needed while on the road..