Thumbs down on Falkon rear tire

[bhfromme]

Ok I had 28,000 miles on my 2011 RT and needed my fourth rear tire so I decided to try the Falkon. I'm currently at 39,000 and although the Falkon still has some tread left on it probably good for another 5,000 miles the traction just isn't there. Wet pavement is a nightmare. I mean I like to fishtail the rear end and all that but this is getting ridiculous. If the pavement is the slightest bit wet that Falkon has no grip at all. I literally have to crawl out of a redlight when the pavement is wet otherwise the rear end just comes right around on me. I'm pretty sure I don't want to go back to the 2-ply Kenda but the Falkon certainly isn't the answer.

[Chupaca]

review..haven't heard anything bad about them. Know there are different types which could be the problem. We still have our OEM Kenda with over 15,000 miles on it and a good 5,000 or so left on it. There are a lot of past posts on tires you can search for other reviews...

[Bob Denman]

I think that I mentioned that it got,,, , as the tread wore down.
but it was pretty decent up to that point!

[MouthPiece]

? What is a "REASONABLE EXPECTATION" for the rear tire on a spyder whether RS, RT-S, or ST? I know this has been discussed before, but there are new people.

Chris

[Bob Denman]

Hi Chris,
The range seems to be about 8,000 to 12,000 miles or so for the Kendas...
But some folks manage to get a LOT more out of them!
I got 7,000 out of mine, and then 8,000 from the Falken.
The Kumho appeared to be bearing like IRON, when I traded the bike in; THAT would be my choice for a new tire!

[eagleeye299]

I think it will be interesting to see if people start getting longer tire life after having the laser alignment done.

[Bob Denman]

It couldn't hurt...Time will tell!

[MouthPiece]

Here's the problem I'm having. I'm hearing what we got. However, I'm not hearing what A REASONABLE EXPECTATION is.

Chris

[BajaRon]

There are a lot of variables. Loading, tire pressure, the way you ride, pavement type and temperature, speed, stop and go, etc. But a big factor is When you change your tire. My feeling is, some change their tire before it needs it. Tires wear more slowly as tread is lost. Changing your tire too soon means a great deal of lost mileage.

I am at 35,000 miles and I just put my 3rd rear tire on. I got about 14k from the OEM tire and 17k from my Toyo Proxies. Now about 4,000 miles on my Falken 912's.

The Falken's are wearing well but I agree, they are not a very good tire for the Spyder. Dry traction is ok, but wet traction is worse than either the OEM or Toyo's. There is more to tire value than how many miles they will take you.

[greatrides]

Hi Chris,
The range seems to be about 8,000 to 12,000 miles or so for the Kendas...
But some folks manage to get a LOT more out of them!
I got 7,000 out of mine, and then 8,000 from the Falken.
The Kumho appeared to be bearing like IRON, when I traded the bike in; THAT would be my choice for a new tire!

That is the one I went with....put it on 10,000 miles ago and still looks great. I got 14,000 out of the oem tire on my rs

[Dizneyman]

I think it will be interesting to see if people start getting longer tire life after having the laser alignment done.

I have about 16k on my rears, run them at 30lbs, ride 2 up 95% of the time and still have tread. When I had my Spder in for the laser alignment, they said it was dead on and did not need to be touched. As a side note, fronts look great also.

Maybe on to something here...

[Magdave]

I put Kuhmo's on my Corvettes and ran circles around Goodyear's. Wear like iron just a good tire and great in the rain. When the time comes that is what I am using.

[KX5062]

I've got about 5k miles on my rear Falken and so far have been more than pleased with it. It is wearing well and is performing much better than stock. However, I will be keeping an eye on it as it wears down, but so far, so good.

[Bob Denman]

Chris,
How do you define "reasonable" in court?

[MouthPiece]

Chris,
How do you define "reasonable" in court?

And that's my point exactly, Bob. I was trying to stimulate some debate on just what each of us EXPECT to get from our rear tires. I'm interested in seeing just how far off the reservation some may come up with. I guess what I'm trying to say is that perhaps our expectations far exceed what is reasonable? So far most responses have been what has occurred, but very little comments on what they expect.

Chris

[Bob Denman]

A Reasonable expectation: 10,000 miles
and Unreasonable: the stinkin' thing ought to last forever!!

[Magdave]

Some with Kuhmo's have reported 30k and rising

[MouthPiece]

Some with Kuhmo's have reported 30k and rising

So in your opinion, Dave, is this a reasonable expectation?

​Chris

[Bob Denman]

Since you asked him...
...saying nothing...

[Magdave]

So in your opinion, Dave, is this a reasonable expectation?

​Chris

Not for a Kenda but a sensibly ridden Spyder should get 20-30k+ on a Kuhmo from all I have read. Alignment and rider style and air pressure have a lot to do with expected mileage.

[Bob Denman]

NOW I'll ask:
Can there be a difference between a "Realistic Expectation". and a "Marvelous Result"?

[Dudley]

Some with Kuhmo's have reported 30k and rising

30K???? Are they serious? I am a very conservative rider and the best I ever got was just under 15K. I am not saying 30K isn't possible, but they must be riding on glass surfaces and under 30 mph. But, anyway, we ride, we maintain, and we enjoy. Our Spyders will treat us as we treat them. When I start counting the cost of the fun I have with the Spyder, I will sell it and ride my chair and wither away.

[Magdave]

30K???? Are they serious? I am a very conservative rider and the best I ever got was just under 15K. I am not saying 30K isn't possible, but they must be riding on glass surfaces and under 30 mph. But, anyway, we ride, we maintain, and we enjoy. Our Spyders will treat us as we treat them. When I start counting the cost of the fun I have with the Spyder, I will sell it and ride my chair and wither away.

Are you using a Kuhmo AST tire?

[Bob Denman]

My tires just didn't last either...
I think that it's our lousy roads up here!

[Magdave]

My tires just didn't last either...
I think that it's our lousy roads up here!

All I can say is if you read all the tire threads Toyo, Falken do not get much more than Kenda. It may be due to a soft tire compound. Kuhmo uses a stiffer compound and has a higher tread wear rating.My experience with them has been very good in all weather condition (- snow)