Vredestein Quatrac 5 tire question

[wrb3004]

Hello, I put Federal Formoza tires on the front of my RT a couple of years ago and like how they really smoothed out the ride. I would like to change out the fronts on my F3L also and based on all of the good feedback I am thinking about going with the Vredestein tire. The question I have is I can buy (2) Federal Formoza tires for about the same price as (1) Vredestein. Are they really that much better and worth the difference in price?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Hello, I put Federal Formoza tires on the front of my RT a couple of years ago and like how they really smoothed out the ride. I would like to change out the fronts on my F3L also and based on all of the good feedback I am thinking about going with the Vredestein tire. The question I have is I can buy (2) Federal Formoza tires for about the same price as (1) Vredestein. Are they really that much better and worth the difference in price?

Up to about 6 mos. ago no one here had been using the Vredestein Q-5 tire. I discovered it, and learned it is probably the best tire currently available that will fit the Spyder. … I have been recommending it ever since, because it's traction wet/dry exceeds all the rest …..that being said, I would not say that traction is twice as good as the Federal's. So from a cost / value point the Federal's are a much better buy. Since you said " Two ", I'm thinking front tires. For any Spyder front traction is not as critical as REAR traction. … The Spyder has Computer influenced TRACTION properties, but they don't over-ride the REAR tire as far as acceleration and stopping goes... I'm all about safety - and IMHO the Q-5 provides the best overall traction …. good luck ….Mike :ohyea: …………….PS, the members here who have the Q-5 say they Love them ….. :clap:

[Lew L]

I'm happy with mine. Better than the Kendas that they replaced( which were not worn out). I don't have a lot of miles on them yet but they do have a stiffer side wall and react to steering input more confidently.

Lew L

[Mazo EMS2]

If you're satisfied with the Federals, just go with them. I put a set of Q-5's on but don't have any miles on them yet. I don't mind spending $160 for 2 tires. Looking forward to seeing how much better they are than the stock

[RICZ]

I'm happy with mine. Better than the Kendas that they replaced( which were not worn out). I don't have a lot of miles on them yet but they do have a stiffer side wall and react to steering input more confidently. Lew L
"MINE" being Q-5 or Formoza? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Lew L]

"MINE" being Q-5 or Formoza? Inquiring minds want to know.

For the curious -------
Vredestein Q-5

[4boywonder6]

Where can you buy the Quatrac 5 tires?

[troop]

www.tirerack.com

[4boywonder6]

ok--I just looked and they didn't have much for the Q5s

[ransman]

Got mine at Vulcan Tire.

[MONK]

Two questions, please. First, what size would I need (front/rear) for a 2018 RTL? Second, I ride year round (I'm in NC). I've ridden in rain all of my life. I haven't had the "opportunity" to ride in snow on the Spyder yet as we've only had about an inch total all winter. How are the Q5s in rain? How are they in snow?

[troop]

ok--I just looked and they didn't have much for the Q5s

Front tires ? Right here .. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac+5&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=66HR5QT5&tab=Sizes

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Two questions, please. First, what size would I need (front/rear) for a 2018 RTL? Second, I ride year round (I'm in NC). I've ridden in rain all of my life. I haven't had the "opportunity" to ride in snow on the Spyder yet as we've only had about an inch total all winter. How are the Q5s in rain? How are they in snow?

With a 15 wheel there are a few choices in sizes that will fit in the Q-5's …. rear they make a 205/60 & 65 that will also fit …. Rain - the Q-5 has the best rating I've seen so far … snow - no other All season tire comes close unless you are going to mount a real Winter ( not likely )… they aren't widely distributed but are woth looking for … try Vulcan tire , Simple tire, and tire rack ….. Mike :ohyea:

[MONK]

$277 all in for all (3) tires, shipped to me (not that I need new tires right now). That's dirt cheap. I just paid double that for the (2) tires I put on my Kawasaki Nomad.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

$277 all in for all (3) tires, shipped to me (not that I need new tires right now). That's dirt cheap. I just paid double that for the (2) tires I put on my Kawasaki Nomad.

:clap::clap::clap: …..folks who are actually looking for this tire, would like to know who/where did you buy …. and what sizes did you get ….. Thanks …. Mike :ohyea:

[MONK]

Metzler Cruisetec on the front and Dunlop American Elite on the rear. Both are dual compound and others are getting great mileage. They're pretty sticky, too. I'll have to look on the tires when I uncover the bike next for the sizes. Bought them from my LBS.

[troop]

What size AE do you have on the back ?

[4boywonder6]

thanks

[Arion]

Front tires ? Right here .. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac+5&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=66HR5QT5&tab=Sizes

Absolutely. That's where I bought mine. Same size and price as indicated in the link. Paired with a set of PPA wheels and I'm very pleased with the improvement. Thanks Mike for the tip several months ago now.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Absolutely. That's where I bought mine. Same size and price as indicated in the link. Paired with a set of PPA wheels and I'm very pleased with the improvement. Thanks Mike for the tip several months ago now.

Your welcome - please keep us posted about how you like them :thumbup::thumbup:...…………. Mike :ohyea:

[4boywonder6]

I looked a the current size on the bike and the ones on tire rack are not the same, I'm guessing a little taller or a little wider is not that big of an issue?

my current

165 55 R15
225 50 R15

2014 RT

179245

[troop]

Correct .. 165/60R15 works really well. Some run 165/65R15 but I didn't want to go any taller than the 60 profile. Vredestein rear would be 205/60R15, a bit narrower. many here run it and like it. That tire is available here .. https://www.vulcantire.com/cgi-bin/tiresearch.cgi?stock=22083&f=quatrac5_s.cst

[4boywonder6]

great--thanks for the info

[4boywonder6]

another question on the Quatrac 5s ,is the air pressure still the same as OEM tires?

[troop]

17.5# for the front seems to be the recommended pressure. Not having a Vredestein rear, I am not sure.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

another question on the Quatrac 5s ,is the air pressure still the same as OEM tires?

Any AUTO tire will be strong enough for a PSI of 15 lbs...… at this psi the tire will give a more comfortable ride and not sacrificing anything in the handling area ….. your option …. Mike :ohyea:

[4boywonder6]

thanks

[gjklockhart]

Hope I'm not hijacking this thread... I'm trying to decide what size tire to put on the front of my 2017 RT.
I'm going to try the Vrendestein Q5. Several people here have gone to 165/60... but I'm concerned with fender clearance.
The OEM Kendas were 165/55. According to a chart I found online, 165/60's are .66 inch taller than 165/55. Will that much cause any clearance problems?
I replaced the original Kenda's last year with 155/60 Kumho's which are only .18 inch taller than OEM (but of course not as wide). The 155/60's fit fine with plenty of clearance.
So, what is the recommendation of those who have used different sizes? Would 165/60's be better than 155/60's? Would there be any clearance issues with 165/60's on the front of a 2017 RT?
By the way, the Kumho's are wearing bad on the outside edges. I've been running 16-17 psi. and the front end is properly aligned (laser).
Any ideas on what would cause the outsides to wear?
Thanks,
Greg

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Hope I'm not hijacking this thread... I'm trying to decide what size tire to put on the front of my 2017 RT.
I'm going to try the Vrendestein Q5. Several people here have gone to 165/60... but I'm concerned with fender clearance.
The OEM Kendas were 165/55. According to a chart I found online, 165/60's are .66 inch taller than 165/55. Will that much cause any clearance problems?
I replaced the original Kenda's last year with 155/60 Kumho's which are only .18 inch taller than OEM (but of course not as wide). The 155/60's fit fine with plenty of clearance.
So, what is the recommendation of those who have used different sizes? Would 165/60's be better than 155/60's? Would there be any clearance issues with 165/60's on the front of a 2017 RT?
By the way, the Kumho's are wearing bad on the outside edges. I've been running 16-17 psi. and the front end is properly aligned (laser).
Any ideas on what would cause the outsides to wear?
Thanks,
Greg

#1. - many, many others here are using 165/60-15's on the front and have zero issues ...... #2.- 16-17 psi is great & not causing a WEAR issue .... a three year old spyder shouldn't have wear issues YET on suspension parts, ( but it is possible ) , so my thought is - whoever did the LAZER alignment didn't do it correctly. ....Lazer alignment is the much preferred way to align , however the person doing it MUST know how ...... good luck .....Mike :thumbup:

[Arcamguy]

I had the same concern running 165/60/15 Vredestein 5's. Zero issues running this slightly taller tire but what an improvement it makes. Can't say enough about them, great tire that will awaken your Spyder.

[Flyback]

I just put the Vredestein 5’s on my 2020 RTL this past week and am very happy with them. Big difference over the stock tires. Thanks Blueknight911 for the recommendation!

[DougE]

I went with the 175/55/15 Vredestein Quatrac 5. No clearance problems. Excellent tires.

[gjklockhart]

Thanks for the replies... I'll go with the 165/60's
Mike, what kind of alignment problem would cause both tires to wear on the outside edges?
I have the Baja Ron shock adjusters and was wondering if the setting had anything to do with the tire wear. I found that the wheels lean out at the top slightly when the shocks adjusters are at their lowest setting (Right leans out .90 degree and Left .15 degree) I've been running the shock adjusters on setting #5 which makes the wheels lean out a little more (Right 1.85 degree and the Left .90 degree) (measurements are without any weight on the bike).
Is that much positive camber normal and would it have anything to do with the tires wearing on the outside?
Thanks,
Greg

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks for the replies... I'll go with the 165/60's
Mike, what kind of alignment problem would cause both tires to wear on the outside edges?
I have the Baja Ron shock adjusters and was wondering if the setting had anything to do with the tire wear. I found that the wheels lean out at the top slightly when the shocks adjusters are at their lowest setting (Right leans out .90 degree and Left .15 degree) I've been running the shock adjusters on setting #5 which makes the wheels lean out a little more (Right 1.85 degree and the Left .90 degree) (measurements are without any weight on the bike).
Is that much positive camber normal and would it have anything to do with the tires wearing on the outside?
Thanks,
Greg

#1.- there is NO camber adjustment, BRP used a compromise setting .... and it's built into the system ..... I would ask " Spyderann01 " to explain wear and what causes it on which part of the tire..... from what I know if you change the height of the front end it will effect the alignment , however I don't think the height range available with the adjusters is enough to cause an alignment issue ..... In the past I've have had work done by " EXPERTS " .... that actually screwed things up worse......Mike :thumbup:

[vindex1963]

Here's the 14" front tire for those with the "older" Spyders.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?zip-code=85541&width=165/&ratio=65&diameter=14&rearWidth=165/&rearRatio=60&rearDiameter=15

[Hammer]

Does anyone have a good tire website for us up north here in Canada ?

[gjklockhart]

Thanks everyone.
Mike, you are correct... there is no camber adjustment... just wondering if there was a spec. camber measurement from the factory. And there seems to be a little difference between my left and right sides (assuming my garage floor is level)... wondering if that is common.
Also, from what I can see, raising the height (with the shock adjusters) does change the camber a little... but probably not enough to cause any problems.
Also wondering what mis-alignment condition would cause both tires to wear on the outsides... both toed in... both toed out... one in and one out?

Spyderann01, would you have any ideas?

I've ordered a set of Vredesteins and would like to not have them wear out prematurely too.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Here's the 14" front tire for those with the "older" Spyders.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.jsp?zip-code=85541&width=165/&ratio=65&diameter=14&rearWidth=165/&rearRatio=60&rearDiameter=15

I hope everyone interested rereads the performance numbers .... the Q-5 is very very impressive .... and they have a nice choice in 14" sizes .....Mike :thumbup:

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks everyone.
Mike, you are correct... there is no camber adjustment... just wondering if there was a spec. camber measurement from the factory. And there seems to be a little difference between my left and right sides (assuming my garage floor is level)... wondering if that is common.
Also, from what I can see, raising the height (with the shock adjusters) does change the camber a little... but probably not enough to cause any problems.
Also wondering what mis-alignment condition would cause both tires to wear on the outsides... both toed in... both toed out... one in and one out?

Spyderann01, would you have any ideas?

I've ordered a set of Vredesteins and would like to not have them wear out prematurely too.

:agree: if at all possible get the alignment figuered out ..... PM Her with your question ..... I think ONLY a ground clearance change will effect the alignment ..........Also note your Ground Clearance is actually changing constantly so the range of possible change has already been DIALED in as it comes from BRP ..............hope this helps ..... Mike :thumbup:

[gjklockhart]

Thanks Mike,
I tried to look her up in the member list but didn't see her. Hoping she runs across this.

[bigbadbrucie]

Message to Hammer

I bought my Vredestein Quatrac 5 on the internet from Quattro Tires. Sorry don’t remember the URL for them....just use google and they should come up. I’m not 100% but I think they are in Quebec. Hope this helps.

[Hammer]

Thanks bigbadbrucie

Found the link. For our Canadian Tire supplier. Quattro Tires

https://www.quattrotires.com

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Thanks Mike,
I tried to look her up in the member list but didn't see her. Hoping she runs across this.

Look under " S " She's on page 50 in the middle ...... Mike :thumbup:

[Davisjason]

The car that I own also runs with Quatrac 5 tires, its price is not high, but it provides excellent handling in dry and wet conditions. You should try that tire.
Perhaps this will help you with more information https://tiredeets.com/vredestein-quatrac-5-review/

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

The car that I own also runs with Quatrac 5 tires, its price is not high, but it provides excellent handling in dry and wet conditions. You should try that tire.
Perhaps this will help you with more information https://tiredeets.com/vredestein-quatrac-5-review/

This exactly why I started recommending them about 6 mos. ago ...... IMO the best tires made for any Spyder, especially if you ride during cooler / cold temps ...... Mike :thumbup:

[ssmcclub]

ARE the quatrac 5 a non dericinal tire?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

ARE the quatrac 5 a non dericinal tire?

Maybe ..... but why is it important to you ???? .... If your thinking - well then I can rotate them easier ..... Which isn't really beneficial unless ... #1.- you do it for free and #2. - you do it every thousand or less miles.... once a serious wear pattern forms, the damage is done and can't be reversed or corrected ..... good luck ..... Mike :thumbup:

[Hammer]

Well ordered my 2 front tires
Vredestein QUATRAC 5 From https://www.quattrotires.com
Here in Canada. 7 to 10 days free shipping
I like That.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Well ordered my 2 front tires
Vredestein QUATRAC 5 From https://www.quattrotires.com
Here in Canada. 7 to 10 days free shipping
I like That.

I hope you bought the " V " rated tire it was quite a bit less .... even tho it has a higher speed rating ............. Mike :thumbup:

[DingerD]

FWIW, my local tire store suggested the Hankook Ventus V4 ES in 175/55R15. I run 18PSI on the fronts and it made a world of difference compared to the "twitchy" Kendas. I'm really happy with the Hankooks.

[Hammer]

Yes still waiting for them to come in. But got my Ultimate Seat delivered and installed wife and I put 1000 km. On it absolutely a well built and comfortable seat for both of us

[RICZ]

The Ultimate looks way better than the stock on too. I love that it's one piece and not the hard to put on two piece original.

182047