Need new tires

[Ida2100]

Hello, looking for new tires all around . 2010RSS. What is good, what to say away from. DIY or need to go to dealer. Thx everyone.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Hello, looking for new tires all around . 2010RSS. What is good, what to say away from. DIY or need to go to dealer. Thx everyone.

What your front tires are ( as long as it's an auto tire ) isn't as critical as the rear. Just get a size that fits your fender type ..... For the rear get a 215 ( and shim rear fender 1/4in. first ) or a 205 / 60- 15 size General Altimax RT43 ....This Altimax has very good performance in wet and dry conditions ..... and you only need 18 psi in it for the best ride and traction .....As far as the Dealer goes if you have one that will mount it your good to go , if you don't you must remove it and take it to most any place that does cars / trks , they won't balance it , but I haven't had my last 4 REAR tires balanced ...... Mike

[Raprider]

I haven't had my last 4 REAR tires balanced ...... Mike

Mike...I'm curious...can you explain why not?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Mike...I'm curious...can you explain why not?

For me it's difficult & expensive to get the rear done ......I balanced my first rear auto tire back in 2010..... I didn't balance the next rear tire, also an auto tire .... I couldn't tell the difference from a balanced one and the non-balanced one ( 25,000 miles )...... I believe auto tires are way better made & usually don't need much to balance them ..... Also the rear wheel ( on a Spyder ) is supported on both sides by a strong swing arm, and this is likely to negate any vibes from an imbalanced tire ...... I haven't balanced my last four rear tires and don't plan to do it to any others ...... Also I don't use any balancing liquid or beads etc....... jmho ..... Mike

[canamjhb]

My OEM rear tire had a "ton" of balancing weights. Replaced it with Altimax tire and LaMonster wheel balancer. Smooth as can be and I will never need to think about the balance again.

[PistonBlown]

I take my rear wheel to the car tire place. They fit the new tire and balance it for me without any issues. I think it depends what balancing machine they have. I do strip the wheel right down.

My favourite tire on the rear for grip is a Toyo Proxie T1R. Wear wise its only a little better than the EOM Kenda tires but the grip is fantastic. Did try Toyo Proxie 4, they lasted twice as long but the grip was only a little better than the Kendas. Grips what's important to me so I now stick with the T1Rs.

For the front the Kenda's do ok but if you do replace them with car tires then go for a cheaper tire with a lower weight rating. There's very little weight on the front tires when you compare them to a car and so if you get something that's got too hard a tire wall it will negatively affect handling and comfort. I'm currently running Kingstar which have been pretty good on the grip front and also wearing well.

There are lots of tire threads on this site but a lot of the comments are by RT riders who tend to have different requirements/riding styles from the RS riders.

[PistonBlown]

Lamonts video on the best way to remove the rear wheel on a GS/RS/ST. This approach means you don't have to worry about belt tension.

https://youtu.be/u_QV0WaRNVM

[SpyderAnn01]

Stay away from Vee Rubber Arachnid and, of course, Kendas.

[Deanna777]

Stay away from Vee Rubber Arachnid and, of course, Kendas.

Deanna