OEM vs car tires on Spyder 2014+ RT; let's consolidate the advice in one place

[UtahPete]

Correction; I should have said RT 2013+ not 2014+; I was trying to keep the discussion to the same size wheels

There are already many threads on tire replacements for the Spyder. And, that's the problem when trying to research for tire replacements - too many threads (with too many off-topic remarks) on different aspects of tire replacement using non-Kenda tires (which brand, which size, what pressures, where to buy, dealer issues installing non-motorcycle tires on a Spyder, etc). There are also differences in handling characteristics and sizes between Spyder models and between back and front tires, which further complicates the task of researching the issue on this forum.

I would like to see if we can consolidate your accumulated wisdom / advice (not unsubstantiated opinion) in this one thread. I understand OEM Kendas are a mixed bag; some people have had good wear and handling from them; others have not. So, we're not talking about Kendas here. We're also not talking about the Arachnids, which apparently are the only other true 'motorcycle' tire that fit the Spyder, but are universally considered inferior to Kendas (and much cheaper I guess). If there are any other true motorcycle tires that fit the Spyder and are worth considering, then please chime in with any first-hand experience with those.

Otherwise, I think we are talking about using car tires (i.e. 4-ply) at lower pressures (because of the reduced load of the Spyder vs. the car tire load rating). So, please respond with the following information about your experience using a non-Kenda tire on a 2014+ RT;

1. The brand, model and SIZE of tire
2. Whether it is for the front or rear of the bike
3. What pressure you run in the tire normally
4. How the handling differs from Kendas in dry and wet road conditions
5. How many miles did you have on them before replacement was needed? (or how many miles you now have on them and how many more you are expecting)
6. Whether you experienced any difficulty having them mounted and balanced
7. Whether you would buy them again

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

[Navydad]

Federal Formosa on the front in stock size and General Altimax on the rear in stock size. 18 PSI fronts and 20 PSI rear. I ordered them all online and my buddy who is an independent bike mechanic with his own shop mounted and balanced them. Wet weather traction is greatly improved on the rear, hydroplaning is no longer an issue. The handling is more precise and control is much better. I have had Nanny not only cut power, but also apply the brakes and the bike didn't feel anywhere near being in trouble. That never happened with the stock tires. I was never comfortable enough to push that hard with the Kendas. At 6700 miles the rear Kenda was shot, the fronts were good, but replaced anyway. I currently have 7100 miles on the car tire combination and wear is negligible. I would buy them again. 2015 RT.

[Chupaca]

Good luck with this venture....this is a GTO site and I have been running Kendas since new...just went to the second set on the front and third on the rear. Have 37,000 mile and they have done well. I run 17lbs in the fronts and 28lbs in the rear.... no problem mounting or balancing being as I do my own

[wd8ajj]

Federal Formosa on the front in stock size and General Altimax on the rear in stock size. 18 PSI fronts and 20 PSI rear. I ordered them all online and my buddy who is an independent bike mechanic with his own shop mounted and balanced them. Wet weather traction is greatly improved on the rear, hydroplaning is no longer an issue. The handling is more precise and control is much better. I have had Nanny not only cut power, but also apply the brakes and the bike didn't feel anywhere near being in trouble. That never happened with the stock tires. I was never comfortable enough to push that hard with the Kendas. At 6700 miles the rear Kenda was shot, the fronts were good, but replaced anyway. I currently have 7100 miles on the car tire combination and wear is negligible. I would buy them again. 2015 RT.

I have the same configuration and all around handling is better. Most that have used this setup were very happy so thats the way I went. Tires found on Ebay and my local shop did the front and had the dealer do the rear.

[Chupaca]

You don't remember yet remember the car... Gas / Tires / Oil......and we post a lot of each...also affectionately known as a Goat...the car not this site..

GTO? Don't understand. Great car though.

[SpyderAnn01]

This just becomes another thread about tires. Don't see how you're going to consolidate anything in one place or how anyone will know that this is "The Tire Thread"

[PaladinLV]

1. - 3. Federal Formoza AZ01 Tires in Front 23 psi; Kumho in Rear 26psi
4. Better handling then OEMs on all pavements
5. 12K on Front, 6K on rear; 4K on fronts; 10K on rear expecting another 10K on rear; to soon to tell on fronts
6. No problem mounting; balanced without any weights on front
7. Formoza yes, rear kumho not sure may try a Michelin next.

AJ

There are already too many threads on tire replacements for the Spyder. And, that's the problem - too many threads (with too many off-topic remarks) on different aspects of tire replacement using non-Kenda tires (which brand, which size, what pressures, where to buy, dealer issues installing non-motorcycle tires on a Spyder, etc). There are also differences in handling characteristics and sizes between Spyder models and between back and front tires, which further complicates the task of researching the issue on this forum.

I would like to see if we can consolidate your accumulated wisdom / advice (not unsubstantiated opinion) in this one thread. I understand OEM Kendas are a mixed bag; some people have had good wear and handling from them; others have not. So, we're not talking about Kendas here. We're also not talking about the Arachnids, which apparently are the only other true 'motorcycle' tire that fit the Spyder, but are universally considered inferior to Kendas (and much cheaper I guess). If there are any other true motorcycle tires that fit the Spyder and are worth considering, then please chime in with any first-hand experience with those.

Otherwise, I think we are talking about using car tires (i.e. 4-ply) at lower pressures (because of the reduced load of the Spyder vs. the car tire load rating). So, please respond with the following information about your experience using a non-Kenda tire on a 2014+ RT;

1. The brand, model and SIZE of tire
2. Whether it is for the front or rear of the bike
3. What pressure you run in the tire normally
4. How the handling differs from Kendas in dry and wet road conditions
5. How many miles did you have on them before replacement was needed? (or how many miles you now have on them and how many more you are expecting)
6. Whether you experienced any difficulty having them mounted and balanced
7. Whether you would buy them again

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.

[Fat Baxter]

This just becomes another thread about tires. Don't see how you're going to consolidate anything in one place or how anyone will know that this is "The Tire Thread"

It might work if someone consolidated the inputs into a single chart, then asked Lamont to post it as a sticky in the General Discussion. "Summary of Tire Threads" or somesuch.

Probably ought to preface it with some disclaimer about BRP's policy on non-OEM tires, for the newbies.

[SpyderAnn01]

	Rear Tire Mileage:
1	Kenda	9,600
2	Arachnid	8,355
3	Kumho	20,774
4	Arachnid	8,882
5	Yokohama S Drive	8,734
6	Arachnid	5,009
7	Kumho	10,946
8	General Altimax RT43	15,704
9	General Altimax RT43	14,295
10	General Altimax RT43	16,300
	Front Tire Mileage:
1	Kenda	17,955
2	Federal Evo	29,656
3	Federal Evo	24,689
4	Kenda	17,489
5	Federal Formoza still on the RT	32,200

For what its worth this is what I have run on my 14 RT. Would I ever run an Arachnid again, heck no. Why did I get only 8,734 miles on the beloved Yokohama S Drive? Your guess is as good as mine but I get much better mileage out of "Third World Tires" so I'll stick with them. Sometimes I will change my tires because we are going on a big trip and not because they are completely worn out.

[wrb3004]

I spent a lot of time searching and reading about tires and tire pressure etc. And based on what I read I went with Federal Formoza AZ01 on the front and General Altimax RT43 on the rear. There are a lot of opinions about tire pressure but right now I am running 20# all around.

[Bob Denman]

This just becomes another thread about tires. Don't see how you're going to consolidate anything in one place or how anyone will know that this is "The Tire Thread"

I'm afraid that it's just another thread... in an unending pile of "another threads"...

[jcthorne]

	Rear Tire Mileage:
1	Kenda	9,600
2	Arachnid	8,355
3	Kumho	20,774
4	Arachnid	8,882
5	Yokohama S Drive	8,734
6	Arachnid	5,009
7	Kumho	10,946
8	General Altimax RT43	15,704
9	General Altimax RT43	14,295
10	General Altimax RT43	16,300
	Front Tire Mileage:
1	Kenda	17,955
2	Federal Evo	29,656
3	Federal Evo	24,689
4	Kenda	17,489
5	Federal Formoza still on the RT	32,200

For what its worth this is what I have run on my 14 RT. Would I ever run an Arachnid again, heck no. Why did I get only 8,734 miles on the beloved Yokohama S Drive? Your guess is as good as mine but I get much better mileage out of "Third World Tires" so I'll stick with them. Sometimes I will change my tires because we are going on a big trip and not because they are completely worn out.

Your milage on the Yoko baffles me. I currently have about 9k on my current one and have lots of tread left and even wear across the tire. The few I have replaced have all been in the 16k or so range. And I KNOW I am harder on my rear tire than you were on your RT.

[UtahPete]

It might work if someone consolidated the inputs into a single chart, then asked Lamont to post it as a sticky in the General Discussion. "Summary of Tire Threads" or somesuch. Probably ought to preface it with some disclaimer about BRP's policy on non-OEM tires, for the newbies.

I'm hoping to do just that. In fact, I started out researching the threads with that intent but gave up and thought I'd try this instead.

[SPYD3R]

[Ex-Rocket]

	Rear Tire Mileage:
1	Kenda	9,600
2	Arachnid	8,355
3	Kumho	20,774
4	Arachnid	8,882
5	Yokohama S Drive	8,734
6	Arachnid	5,009
7	Kumho	10,946
8	General Altimax RT43	15,704
9	General Altimax RT43	14,295
10	General Altimax RT43	16,300
	Front Tire Mileage:
1	Kenda	17,955
2	Federal Evo	29,656
3	Federal Evo	24,689
4	Kenda	17,489
5	Federal Formoza still on the RT	32,200

For what its worth this is what I have run on my 14 RT. Would I ever run an Arachnid again, heck no. Why did I get only 8,734 miles on the beloved Yokohama S Drive? Your guess is as good as mine but I get much better mileage out of "Third World Tires" so I'll stick with them. Sometimes I will change my tires because we are going on a big trip and not because they are completely worn out.

I'd be switching to the Kumho on the rear unless your totally in love with the General, which it appears to be the case, since your last 3 tires have been Generals. Not sure why the second Kumho only netted over 10,000 miles though as the first Kumho had over 20,000 miles. I got a Kumho mounted right now on my 2015 RTS and put a little over 9100 miles in it and still looks good with even wear across the tire.

[jcthorne]

I'd be switching to the Kumho on the rear unless your totally in love with the General, which it appears to be the case, since your last 3 tires have been Generals. Not sure why the second Kumho only netted over 10,000 miles though as the first Kumho had over 20,000 miles. I got a Kumho mounted right now on my 2015 RTS and put a little over 9100 miles in it and still looks good with even wear across the tire.

Because the Kumho has very poor traction in the rain. We have replaced several with good tread left for just this reason.

[UtahPete]

Because the Kumho has very poor traction in the rain. We have replaced several with good tread left for just this reason.

Please respect my request to keep this thread free of OPINIONS. This is what ruins serious threads, what makes it so difficult to get to the facts in them, and why I felt compelled to start this one. Please delete this post and save your opinions for one of the many other threads that are almost nothing but. Thank you.

[AeroPilot]

Since your request was for info on the 14+ RT only, we have run 2-3 Kumho Ecsta ASTs on a 15 RT-S and a 15 base RT.

The 15 RTS got 2 new Kumho Solus KH16s fronts at 23,500 miles, and my base 15 RT got new Solus KH16s fronts at 26500 miles both in the 155/60R15 size.
Wifes bike had good tread all around when she traded for the F3T this spring at 44,000 miles, so 20,000 miles plus rolling at 17 psi cold. My fronts are brand new but also at 17-18 cold.

No problems ordering or mounting. Switched from the OEM Kendas due to quicker wear and "feathering" and they required a few more weights to balance, but otherwise OK.

REAR oems Wore out with the characteristic center wear at 12,500 and 13,500 miles. The last one on my RT had 17 1/4 oz weights on the rear. I have over 28,500 now on the Kumho Ecsta rear in 225/50/15 size so over 15,000 miles with even wear at 26 psi cold pressure. It is wearing even and I put 6 1/4 ounce weights on. I'd say I have another 7-10,000 miles of wear left in it.

We must have put another Kumho on the wifes RTS because when we traded it still had good rubber and I doubt we got 30,000 plus out of it...hmmm

Trying a General RT43 on the wifes new F3T but thats another unit with lighter weight and different ryding! Kumhos have been reliable with good service for us IMO.

[SpyderAnn01]

I'd be switching to the Kumho on the rear unless your totally in love with the General, which it appears to be the case, since your last 3 tires have been Generals. Not sure why the second Kumho only netted over 10,000 miles though as the first Kumho had over 20,000 miles. I got a Kumho mounted right now on my 2015 RTS and put a little over 9100 miles in it and still looks good with even wear across the tire.

As I said in my post there were some tires changed when they had a little tread left but not enough for a big trip. I do not like the way the Kumho handles in the rain and that is why I have switched to the General.

James, the Yokohama was not one of the tires that I changed out early. It was worn out after our trip to Alaska. I was towing for the entire life of that tire but I tow most of the time anyway and I get similar life out of other brands that I've run.

[Buckeye Bleau]

What are you, some kind of a 1330 snob, only 2014 and newer?

I will have my say, like it or not!

I recently removed the OEM on my 2013 RTL, after 25k, they were showing high wear on the inside of both, so I replaced them with Federal Formosa AZ01 but in the 175 55R15 size, I got them on Amazon, took the tires and wheels to my usual tire shop, they charged $37 for removal, mounting, disposal and balance.

The difference is significant with almost complete erasure or all Road Rut Bounce, I mean even on the worst ruts that I know of it tracks like a champ.

Wear, I have not had them on long enough to make a statement and I run them with 16#.

Joe

[UtahPete]

I recently removed the OEM on my 2013 RTL, after 25k, they were showing high wear on the inside of both, so I replaced them with Federal Formosa AZ01 but in the 175 55R15 size, I got them on Amazon, took the tires and wheels to my usual tire shop, they charged $37 for removal, mounting, disposal and balance. The difference is significant with almost complete erasure or all Road Rut Bounce, I mean even on the worst ruts that I know of it tracks like a champ. Wear, I have not had them on long enough to make a statement and I run them with 16#. Joe

My understanding is that earlier RT's used a smaller wheel, which is why I specified 2014+. Am I wrong about that?

I'm guessing you are talking about the fronts? And, you're saying the OEMs lasted 25k? Amazing.

What about the rear? When did you have to replace that, and with what?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

What are you, some kind of a 1330 sno, only 2014 and newer?

I will have my say, like it or not!

I recently removed the OEM on my 2013 RTL, after 25k, they were showing high wear on the inside of both, so I replaced them with Federal Formosa AZ01 but in the 175 55R15 size, I got them on Amazon, took the tires and wheels to my usual tire shop, they charged $37 for removal, mounting, disposal and balance.

The difference is significant with almost complete erasure or all Road Rut Bounce, I mean even on the worst ruts that I know of it tracks like a champ.

Wear, I have not had them on long enough to make a statement and I run them with 16#.

Joe

Joe, if you haven't had a ROLO / Tru Trac LAZER alignment you need one .... inside tire wear means they are OUT of alignment ........ It's not critical, so you can wait until Oct... Derrick Netzley will be there and He does them and does them well ....I've had mine done and am very pleased with the results .... Mike

[Buckeye Bleau]

My understanding is that earlier RT's used a smaller wheel, which is why I specified 2014+. Am I wrong about that?

I'm guessing you are talking about the fronts? And, you're saying the OEMs lasted 25k? Amazing.

What about the rear? When did you have to replace that, and with what?

My rear tires last about 7-9,000 miles, I always bought them from the dealer but no longer, I will need one this fall, but the current one has about 7K on it and is still very good.

A little history lesson for you, the 2013 RT was slated to be the first model with the new 1330 engine, new frame, cooling, components location (like the battery) and all. However something ran amuck and the 1330 was not ready, so they took the redesigned RT and snuggled the 998 into it. This caused other issues. All of that said the 2013 are more similar to the 2014 than the 2012.

Joe

[jcthorne]

Please respect my request to keep this thread free of OPINIONS. This is what ruins serious threads, what makes it so difficult to get to the facts in them, and why I felt compelled to start this one. Please delete this post and save your opinions for one of the many other threads that are almost nothing but. Thank you.

Sorry but the FACT that the Kuhmo has less wet road traction than most other recommended tires and the Yokohama S-Drive that we replace them with for this reason is not an opinion when it has been proven in real world results time and again on the Spyder. Back to back testing on the same bike, time and again, same results. This is first hand knowledge having installed many replacements.

[jcthorne]

My understanding is that earlier RT's used a smaller wheel, which is why I specified 2014+. Am I wrong about that?

I'm guessing you are talking about the fronts? And, you're saying the OEMs lasted 25k? Amazing.

What about the rear? When did you have to replace that, and with what?

Front wheel size changed from 14 to 15 in 2013. All Spyders since 2008 run the same size rear.

25k from Kenda fronts IF they do not come apart and start delaminating is pretty routine. From what we have seen, less than half live to run out of tread.