Non-OEM rear tire for RT - best for wet roads?

[UtahPete]

I think the most potentially hazardous situation for Spyder riding is on wet roads (well, after icy roads, but I wouldn't knowingly go out in those conditions).

If wet road performance is paramount over longevity, which tire would you recommend?

[PW2013STL]

I have had great success running Mitchlan Premier A/S tire. If you look it up in TireRack the description states it was designed to be the best wet road tire. I found it so on our RT.

[bluewoo]

Good question, I always went with the softest compound on my Goldwing vs mileage. A lot of Gold wingers used winter car tires on the rear, But I never tried it and I wasn't a fan of the side walls getting destroyed leaning on corners.

To my understanding the lower the UTOG number the softer the compound is.
Does anybody run a snow tire or even consider it on the rear on these spiders?

Good reading here https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?95760-Rear-Tire-What-is-the-Best-Option

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have had great success running Mitchlan Premier A/S tire. If you look it up in TireRack the description states it was designed to be the best wet road tire. I found it so on our RT.

I recommend the Vredestein Quatrac 5 ………… But the Premier is a very, very close second ……………. Mike :thumbup:

[Navydad]

Very pleased with my General Altimax and I have been in some frog stranglers.

[UtahPete]

Very pleased with my General Altimax and I have been in some frog stranglers.

That's what I have on there now. It's been a good all-around tire for me but lately the wet road traction hasn't been the greatest. Maybe it's just worn down too far (although it only has about 14k miles)

[UtahPete]

I have had great success running Mitchlan Premier A/S tire. If you look it up in TireRack the description states it was designed to be the best wet road tire. I found it so on our RT.

This one? https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Premier+A%2FS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=065HR5PREAS&tab=Sizes

[UtahPete]

I recommend the Vredestein Quatrac 5 ………… But the Premier is a very, very close second ……………. Mike :thumbup:

This one? QUATRAC 5 - SIZE: 205/65R15

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac+5&partnum=065HR5QT5

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I would check around for 205/60-15 ( Vredestein does make this )…… if not that one will work ……….. and it's 33 cheaper than the Michelin ……….plus it's slightly better in the wet …...jmho …. Mike :ohyea:

[Richardv]

I think the most potentially hazardous situation for Spyder riding is on wet roads (well, after icy roads, but I wouldn't knowingly go out in those conditions).

If wet road performance is paramount over longevity, which tire would you recommend?

...proxie 4 !!! Very predictable, and keeps it performance with wear.

[Tango]

Have matching Vredestein's on all three wheels. Love the handling. :thumbup: Tom :spyder:

[UtahPete]

...proxie 4 !!! Very predictable, and keeps it performance with wear.

Which Toyo Proxes 4? There are several.

[asp125]

Is that the complete name of the tire?

I think he means Toyo Proxes 4

[PW2013STL]

This one? https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Premier+A%2FS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=065HR5PREAS&tab=Sizes

I ran the 205/60R15. I purchased mine from Costco.

BTW - I agree with what you are experiencing with the General tire. At 14,000 miles I was having slipping issues in the rain, and by 17,000 I felt it was to dangerous to drive on.

[PW2013STL]

I would check around for 205/60-15 ( Vredestein does make this )…… if not that one will work ……….. and it's 33 cheaper than the Michelin ……….plus it's slightly better in the wet …...jmho …. Mike :ohyea:

Check out Vulcan Tire Sales as they may have this size.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I ran the 205/60R15. I purchased mine from Costco.

BTW - I agree with what you are experiencing with the General tire. At 14,000 miles I was having slipping issues in the rain, and by 17,000 I felt it was to dangerous to drive on.

IMHO when using Auto tires on our Spyders the PSI's in those tires need to be lower for the tire to perform at it's best ….. My Michelin Hydro-Edge had great wet weather traction up to about 25,000 mi. ( @17 psi ) then the traction got progressively less. The last time I rode it in rain , ( approx. 1/8 in. on the surface in Fla type rain :yikes: )) I couldn't go above 35 mph, it is coming off this winter. ……………..good luck …… Mike :thumbup:

[UtahPete]

I would check around for 205/60-15 ( Vredestein does make this )…… if not that one will work

Mike, regarding tire profile, why do you say that? Just curious about your reasoning. Thanks.

[SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN]

I recommend the Vredestein Quatrac 5 ………… But the Premier is a very, very close second ……………. Mike :thumbup:

Vredstein doesn't make the correct size for the rear so i went with kumho on rear with the quatrac's on the front. i'm happy.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Mike, regarding tire profile, why do you say that? Just curious about your reasoning. Thanks.

205/60-15 tire …. " 60 " is the aspect ratio , which is the distance between the RIM & the TREAD surface ..,.. OEM is a 50 aspect ….. 65 is quite a bit higher …. you want to stay as close to 50 as possible for many reasons - like clearance ………… I think I read that some folks in Australia have use 65's on the rear tires ….. maybe they will chime in ….. hope this helps ….. Mike :ohyea:

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Vredstein doesn't make the correct size for the rear so i went with kumho on rear with the quatrac's on the front. i'm happy.

…….… Other than the KENDA brand I think there are ONLY 4 other tire makers that make this size ( 225/50-15 ) …… annnnnnnnnnnnnd they are ODD brands ( except for Kumho's ) that I have not seen any performance test for ……………… Almost everybody on this Forum use " 60 ' series tires on the Rear ….. and have not had any issues.

[chris56]

I used the TOYO T1-R on my RT - its symetrical and worked very well here in the Alps, also ordered one for my new Ryker - the Dealer was happy to have a new Kenda in stock now ..

https://www.reifen-guru.at/produkt/Toyo/Proxes-T1-R/205-55-ZR16/R-282532

[UtahPete]

205/60-15 tire …. " 60 " is the aspect ratio , which is the distance between the RIM & the TREAD surface ..,.. OEM is a 50 aspect ….. 65 is quite a bit higher …. you want to stay as close to 50 as possible for many reasons - like clearance ………… I think I read that some folks in Australia have use 65's on the rear tires ….. maybe they will chime in ….. hope this helps ….. Mike :ohyea:

And the 205 is the surface width of the tread, I think. Is a wider tire (like the 235) better or worse for what I'm trying to do? Or, maybe the issue with the wider tire is clearance at the swing arm...

[jcthorne]

Yokohama S-Drive 205/55-15. We have installed MANY of these to lots of happy customers. They come back and get more when they wear out too. Great tire, rain or shine on a Spyder. Better traction than the soft compound and weak carcass Kenda and still lasts considerably longer with even tread wear. Quality, made in USA tire.

[Deanna777]

Hi,


I am running the General Altimax RT 43 rear ( size 215/60R15).
Wet 8.5

Hydroplaning Resistance 8.6

Wet Traction 8.5.


I have a 2014RTS-SE6.


Next month I am going to order an other General Altimax RT 43 tire to replace my current rear tire( General Altimax RT43) . The first tire has about 16,576 miles on the General.


Deanna

[SpyderAnn01]

A good question to ask is how many miles do you have on the tire you are recommending? Not saying that anyone posting here doesn’t have enough miles to make a recommendation but I have often seen people make recommendations when they have fewer miles on their ride then many of us put on in a day.

I have had great wet weather handling on the General running 24-26 psi and although I live in the desert, I frequently ride in the rain. 30,000+ annual miles

[PW2013STL]

To answer Ann's question the last two Mitchlan Premier A/S tires averaged 24,000 miles each.

[UtahPete]

I have had great success running Mitchlan Premier A/S tire. If you look it up in TireRack the description states it was designed to be the best wet road tire. I found it so on our RT.

The closest size I've found in this tire is 195/60-15. Is that what you're running? https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Premier+A%2FS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=96HR5PREAS&tab=Sizes

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

And the 205 is the surface width of the tread, I think. Is a wider tire (like the 235) better or worse for what I'm trying to do? Or, maybe the issue with the wider tire is clearance at the swing arm...

235 ?????? ……….. I never said 235 …. and 205 COULD be the tread width …..OR NOT …… tire specs usually list sidewall width and tread width separately ….. Mike :ohyea:

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

The closest size I've found in this tire is 195/60-15. Is that what you're running? https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Premier+A%2FS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=96HR5PREAS&tab=Sizes

Something to consider about Tire sellers ( or anyone who sells things ) …… They list what they have to sell ….. To get the MOST accurate product information is by going to the Manufacture's WEB site …….ie Google " Vredestein Tire co. " …. This is where I get my Vredestein tire measurements from....All manufacture's have their own WEB sites …..not always easy to find, because most search engines are skewed to the search engines MOTIVES ….. Mike :ohyea:

[PW2013STL]

The closest size I've found in this tire is 195/60-15. Is that what you're running? https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Premier+A%2FS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=96HR5PREAS&tab=Sizes

No.
205/60 x 15 is what I ran. Purchased from Costco. TireRack use to have the 205 in stock.

[UtahPete]

No.
205/60 x 15 is what I ran. Purchased from Costco. TireRack use to have the 205 in stock.

Michelin's own web site has no 205 in a 15" that I could find.

[Peter Aawen]

The closest size I've found in this tire is 195/60-15. Is that what you're running? https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Premier+A%2FS&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=96HR5PREAS&tab=Sizes

That 195 width is going to be too narrow for the rear rim on a Spyder & too wide for the OE front rims too! (I dunno about the Rykers, what rim widths do they run?) Some 205's might be a tad hard to get onto that rear rim as well, so you will need to check the actual physical dimensions before committing, but you can probably look at tires between 205 and 225 in 50 to 60-65 profiles; bearing in mind that the stock tires are 225/50's & if you go down one size in width you will usually be fairly safe to go up one size in profile & still remain fairly close to the same rolling diameter. :thumbup:

That means you could try 215/60's or 205/65's & they should be close; but once again, you'll need to check the ACTUAL dimensions not the nominal tire sizes to know for sure! For example, I think it's the General Altimax 205/55R15's that are almost identical in rolling diameter to the OE Kenda 225/50R15's. ;)

[PW2013STL]

Michelin's own web site has no 205 in a 15" that I could find.

All Brands Michelin Premier A/S 205/60R-15 29199

IMAGE DISCLAIMER

(6)
Michelin Premier A/S
205/60R-15

Part Number: 29199 Service Description: 91 H UTQG: 640AA Sidewall: BW Load Range: B (4 Ply) Treadlife Warranty: 60000 miles Type: Passenger All Season
View Full Specs & Details

FREE SHIPPING
RISK-FREE GUARANTEE
Today's Price
$106.98

https://simpletire.com/michelin-205-60r15-29199-tires?stmodel=premier-a-s&stcategory=all-season&sttype=passenger&msclkid=5f7a0d1cc7df1181e9835145d7a808bf&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Finch%20Shopping%3A%2018685%20US%202&utm_term=4579878246684780&utm_content=94961%3A%20Michelin%20Premier%20A%2FS% 20All%20Season%20Tires%20205%2F60R15%2091H%2029199

[PW2013STL]

Michelin Premier All-Season Highway Tire 205/60R15 91H
Average rating:3.5out of5stars, based on30reviews
30 reviews
MichelinWalmart # 556257265
$120.99
Other costs





Free shipping


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Michelin-Premier-All-Season-Highway-Tire-205-60R15-91H/43084260?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&msclkid=a642c13c3910105503d89d65287c7d24&adid=22222222222031177043&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10359628238&wl4=pla-1103062308560:aud-807586654&wl12=43084260_0&wl14=michelin%20premier%20a%2Fs%20205%2F60%20r-15&veh=sem

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

That 195 width is going to be too narrow for the rear rim on a Spyder & too wide for the OE front rims too! (I dunno about the Rykers, what rim widths do they run?) Some 205's might be a tad hard to get onto that rear rim as well, so you will need to check the actual physical dimensions before committing, but you can probably look at tires between 205 and 225 in 50 to 60-65 profiles; bearing in mind that the stock tires are 225/50's & if you go down one size in width you will usually be fairly safe to go up one size in profile & still remain fairly close to the same rolling diameter. :thumbup:

That means you could try 215/60's or 205/65's & they should be close; but once again, you'll need to check the ACTUAL dimensions not the nominal tire sizes to know for sure! For example, I think it's the General Altimax 205/55R15's that are almost identical in rolling diameter to the OE Kenda 225/50R15's. ;)

I just checked the specs for the Michelin Premier ...195/60-15 …. they say it will work on wheels/rims between 5.5 & 7 inches ………. I believe the rear wheel on the RT ( and others ) is 7 inches ………. Mike :ohyea:

[UtahPete]

Michelin Premier All-Season Highway Tire 205/60R15 91H
Average rating:3.5out of5stars, based on30reviews
30 reviews
MichelinWalmart # 556257265
$120.99
Other costs





Free shipping


https://www.walmart.com/ip/Michelin-Premier-All-Season-Highway-Tire-205-60R15-91H/43084260?wmlspartner=wmtlabs&msclkid=a642c13c3910105503d89d65287c7d24&adid=22222222222031177043&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=10359628238&wl4=pla-1103062308560:aud-807586654&wl12=43084260_0&wl14=michelin%20premier%20a%2Fs%20205%2F60%20r-15&veh=sem

I'll be hornswoggled! Thanks!

[Richardv]

I think he means Toyo Proxes 4
...Yes, Toyo Proxie 4 in 225/50R15. see my signature

[UtahPete]

Check out Vulcan Tire Sales as they may have this size.

They want $30 shipping!

[UtahPete]

I tried buying the Vredestein, but the places I tried are out of stock (or they want $30 shipping).

So, found the Michelin Premier A/S in 205/60-15 at SimpleTire.com for $91 and ordered it. Joe Meyer will be installing it for me. Thanks for all the great feedback.

[PW2013STL]

I tried buying the Vredestein, but the places I tried are out of stock (or they want $30 shipping).

So, found the Michelin Premier A/S in 205/60-15 at SimpleTire.com for $91 and ordered it. Joe Meyer will be installing it for me. Thanks for all the great feedback.

FYI - I ran mine at 18# pressure, and got the best wear and mileage. This was riding two up 95% of the time and with a loaded RT 622 30% of the time.

[UtahPete]

FYI - I ran mine at 18# pressure, and got the best wear and mileage. This was riding two up 95% of the time and with a loaded RT 622 30% of the time.

That's good to know. Thanks.

[Navydad]

I also run 18 in my General and with 18,000 miles on it it still has plenty of tread and still does great in a heavy rain. 95% of my riding is two up as well and maybe that has something to do with the traction in the wet. When traveling solo I am on two wheels.

[WisconsinDavid]

Is this the size of Quatrack that folks are running: Vredestein Quatrac 5 205/50-15. Fitting it on a 2010 RS. Thanks.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Is this the size of Quatrack that folks are running: Vredestein Quatrac 5 205/50-15. Fitting it on a 2010 RS. Thanks.

That would be the perfect size for the RS / GS etc. …… and at 18 psi it will give the best all around performance ………. Mike :ohyea:

[cptjam]

I tried buying the Vredestein, but the places I tried are out of stock (or they want $30 shipping).

So, found the Michelin Premier A/S in 205/60-15 at SimpleTire.com for $91 and ordered it. Joe Meyer will be installing it for me. Thanks for all the great feedback.
See you next week! Joe

[WisconsinDavid]

Ordered the Vredestein from TireRack... 104 to be delivered today. Great service always through them (in my experience). Will put on before spring, when the garage warms up a bit and I do too. Thanks for the information. 18 psi it shall be, make it so!

UPDATE: Ordered and delivered next day. The tire's tread pattern is impressive. I'm looking forward to getting this on the rear wheel and seeing how it handles dry and wet. Thanks again for the great source of information this board provides!

[Fat Baxter]

FYI for those who are happy with the General Altimax RT 43: Walmart carries them for about $80.

[Dc8cappie]

I’ve got this 205/55-R15 waiting in the wings for my 2016 RTL.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=S.drive&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=055WR5S&tab=Sizes

[Lobo]

Does anyone have experience with Kumho Ecsta AST - 225/50R15 91H Tire?

[UtahPete]

Does anyone have experience with Kumho Ecsta AST - 225/50R15 91H Tire?

Are you asking generally, or specifically to its wet-weather performance?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Does anyone have experience with Kumho Ecsta AST - 225/50R15 91H Tire?

It has been reported here by many who have used this tire that, when only about half the TREAD has been worn it begins to lose traction on wet roads. The Vredestein Quatrac 5 has one of , if not the best wet traction tested as reported by Testers at the Tire Rack..... Mike :ohyea:

[papanorm]

I have the Michelin Defender T+H in size 206/60/15 on the rear of my F3 and it is working out very well. It also has a very high rating for wet weather riding.

[Lobo]

Both.

[Lobo]

…….… Other than the KENDA brand I think there are ONLY 4 other tire makers that make this size ( 225/50-15 ) …… annnnnnnnnnnnnd they are ODD brands ( except for Kumho's ) that I have not seen any performance test for ……………… Almost everybody on this Forum use " 60 ' series tires on the Rear ….. and have not had any issues.

If you need to keep as close to the oem size, would a 225/60R15 work?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

If you need to keep as close to the oem size, would a 225/60R15 work?

Maybe someone from Australia will chime in on this size 215/65 -15 ……. if this will work ( and I think it does ) then a 225/60-15 should fit on an RT ….. the F-3's fender are is a lot closer and that might have fitment issues ……. Mike :ohyea: