165/55 R15

[Huddleston]

I'm trying to find front tires for my 2013 RTS SE5. I've read all the messages on the board about using car tires and am not interested in discussing that issue. I'd appreciate it if someone who is actually using a car tire size 165/55 R15 could tell me what brand you have and where I might buy two of them. I know there are a number of people who have pre-2013's that use the R14 tires, but those don't help me. Thanks.

[OJ UK]

I'm trying to find front tires for my 2013 RTS SE5. I've read all the messages on the board about using car tires and am not interested in discussing that issue. I'd appreciate it if someone who is actually using a car tire size 165/55 R15 could tell me what brand you have and where I might buy two of them. I know there are a number of people who have pre-2013's that use the R14 tires, but those don't help me. Thanks.

It is my understanding that Kenda make these tyres under license from Can-Am and thus the ONLY place you can buy these
is at a Can-Am dealer.

[Magdave]

Best possibility is going to a 60 size 55 is virtually non exisistant. That being said this is a might fine tire

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSe...60&diameter=15

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/infoTireMath.dos

[flamingobabe]

how many miles on your 2013?

[Huddleston]

how many miles on your 2013?

9,000

[flamingobabe]

9,000 and you already need front wheels....that is crazy....that is not normal....I have 10k and wheels are evenly thread and in good shape......what is the problem.....

[Huddleston]

9,000 and you already need front wheels....that is crazy....that is not normal....I have 10k and wheels are evenly thread and in good shape......what is the problem.....

There is no problem. I'm just locating tires for when I do need to change them. The wear is even and not down to the wear bars. I have always had to replace MC tires at 10 to 12K. Just looking ahead. I already have a Kuhmo for the rear.

[OldCowboy]

The only car tire I've been able to find which is commonly available in North America in 165/55R15 is the Federal 595 Evo.

The Kumho ECSTA SPT KU31 is available in 165/55R15 from suppliers in Japan, Australia and Russia.

With the closeness of the 2013 fenders to the tires, a taller or wider tire could be a problem. I wonder if BRP did this on purpose to force 2013 ryders to purchase the OEM Kenda tires.

[Huddleston]

The only car tire I've been able to find which is commonly available in North America in 165/55R15 is the Federal 595 Evo.

The Kumho ECSTA SPT KU31 is available in 165/55R15 from suppliers in Japan, Australia and Russia.

With the closeness of the 2013 fenders to the tires, a taller or wider tire could be a problem. I wonder if BRP did this on purpose to force 2013 ryders to purchase the OEM Kenda tires.

Thanks, I'll look for those. I would bet money that BRP knew what they were doing.

[Huddleston]

The only car tire I've been able to find which is commonly available in North America in 165/55R15 is the Federal 595 Evo....

Thanks again. I found two on Ebay and ordered them.

[Magdave]

I knew about the Evos but can't find any ratings on it. I gave you a link to tire sizing so you could see the difference in 60 vs 55 is very little. There is 2/3 in difference in diameter divide by 2 and that would be the the additional width at the fender. My measurement show ~1 1/2 in diameter clearance and 1/2 in width clearance. A 60 tire is the same width and 1/3 of an inch closer to the fender in Diameter. You saw the ratings on the Conti Pro it is an outstanding tire and will be on mine when the time comes.

[NancysToy]

The only car tire I've been able to find which is commonly available in North America in 165/55R15 is the Federal 595 Evo.

The Kumho ECSTA SPT KU31 is available in 165/55R15 from suppliers in Japan, Australia and Russia.

With the closeness of the 2013 fenders to the tires, a taller or wider tire could be a problem. I wonder if BRP did this on purpose to force 2013 ryders to purchase the OEM Kenda tires.

They did it to improve the fuel mileage over the previous arrangement. The wide-spaced fenders were not as aerodynamic.

[gypsy_100]

9,000

There is no problem. I'm just locating tires for when I do need to change them. The wear is even and not down to the wear bars. I have always had to replace MC tires at 10 to 12K. Just looking ahead. I already have a Kuhmo for the rear.

Thanks again. I found two on Ebay and ordered them.

Hope you don't mind holding them in your inventory. If you scoured the forum, you'd see that fronts commonly last 30K or so, not what you're used to on two-wheelers. 9K for the rear is about time to do it but the fronts will be there for a while.

[Huddleston]

Hope you don't mind holding them in your inventory. If you scoured the forum, you'd see that fronts commonly last 30K or so, not what you're used to on two-wheelers. 9K for the rear is about time to do it but the fronts will be there for a while.

Holding them in inventory is not a problem. Thanks

[clueless]

anyone find any other tires for the front in 165/50 R15? other then the Federal tires?

FEDERAL FORMOZA FD1 = http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-NEW-165-50...p2054897.l5663

or

FEDERAL 595 EVO TIRES = http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-165-55...p2054897.l5659


both tires got bad reviews for WET traction ... great DRY but poor wet = http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Federal/595EVO.htm

putting on the Kumho AST for the rear tire (waiting for more reviews on the post 2013 thread wear). the OEM Kendas are wearing out around 7k miles on the rear and front are wearing out faster then the Kendas that I had on the 2010 RTS. Supposedly they changed the tire makeup recently. but until someone starts getting more mileage will go with the Kumho. only thing is the Kumho is an H Rated tire. would like to see a V rated on the rear but should be fine. and tons have used them already.

just looking for front now. where i think breaking traction and wet grip more important then wear.

[Bob Denman]

The Kumho Solus; at 155/60-15, is a contender...
Other than being a bit narrower; it matches up real well...
The narrower section width MIGHT play out as less aerodynamic and rolling resistance: better fuel economy!

[cyberbern]

anyone find any other tires for the front in 165/50 R15? other then the Federal tires?

FEDERAL FORMOZA FD1 = http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-NEW-165-50...p2054897.l5663

or

FEDERAL 595 EVO TIRES = http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-NEW-165-55...p2054897.l5659


both tires got bad reviews for WET traction ... great DRY but poor wet = http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Tyre/Federal/595EVO.htm

putting on the Kumho AST for the rear tire (waiting for more reviews on the post 2013 thread wear). the OEM Kendas are wearing out around 7k miles on the rear and front are wearing out faster then the Kendas that I had on the 2010 RTS. Supposedly they changed the tire makeup recently. but until someone starts getting more mileage will go with the Kumho. only thing is the Kumho is an H Rated tire. would like to see a V rated on the rear but should be fine. and tons have used them already.

just looking for front now. where i think breaking traction and wet grip more important then wear.

I have about 9000 on a rear Kumho on my 2013 RT Limited. That's about the same mileage I had when I had to replace the Kendra. The Kumho is hardly worn!

[Bob Denman]

That's good to know... I've got a Kumho with my name on it, at Netzley Tire!

[RandyL]

Thought I'd revive this thread since it's been a while. Anyone found a suitable replacement in this size?

[PaladinLV]

Another alternative is Bridgestone Potenza RE030

AJ

I'm trying to find front tires for my 2013 RTS SE5. I've read all the messages on the board about using car tires and am not interested in discussing that issue. I'd appreciate it if someone who is actually using a car tire size 165/55 R15 could tell me what brand you have and where I might buy two of them. I know there are a number of people who have pre-2013's that use the R14 tires, but those don't help me. Thanks.

[BikerDoc]

Thanks, I'll look for those. I would bet money that BRP knew what they were doing.

I have Federal Evo on the front of my 2014 RTL. My original OEM tires were defective and these have 24000 miles on them and still look good...

[jcthorne]

Another alternative is Bridgestone Potenza RE030

AJ

What size Bridgestone Potenza are you running and with which fenders? They are not available in the stock 165/55-15.

[Craigger_T]

Hope you don't mind holding them in your inventory. If you scoured the forum, you'd see that fronts commonly last 30K or so, not what you're used to on two-wheelers. 9K for the rear is about time to do it but the fronts will be there for a while.

I've got 18,000 + miles on an F3-S, replaced the rear (worn out) with a Kuhmo car tire and am very happy with it so far. Over the last two years I can't keep the front Kenda's balanced. Lately they go out of balance in a day! Lots of tread left but they have to go!

[Bensonoid]

My Kenda's had lots of tread left but were starting to scallop so I got rid of them last year.

[UtahPete]

My Kenda's had lots of tread left but were starting to scallop so I got rid of them last year.

My original Kendas on both bikes have plenty of tread left at 17k miles. They've had the scalloped pattern for most of those miles but it hasn't caused any handling or vibration issues. I'll probably try a car tire once I get to 20k.