First Ride on my new front VREDESTEIN QUATRAC 5's

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10-11-2019, 11:45 PM
RTSJohn

First Ride on my new front VREDESTEIN QUATRAC 5's

I finally got in my test ride or the new Quatrac 5's. 90 miles in pretty strong Texas winds and found them to be outstanding. I really could feel the difference at low speeds in city traffic and then hit the open road cruising at 70 mph. The handling ... well all I can say is "WOW":clap:. I would have never expected to feel that much difference. I hope to get in a little cruising with Liz this weekend and see how the handling is with two up. To all those who have offered so much information that led me to this change ... Thank You. :clap:
10-12-2019, 07:17 AM
JKMSPYDER

What size for the rear tire on a 15” rim?
10-12-2019, 07:26 AM
PW2013STL

Quote:

Originally Posted by JKMSPYDER

What size for the rear tire on a 15” rim?

I am runing the Quatrac 5 in 205/60R15 size. I have 13,000 miles on it and it has been great. No issues in the rain (all types of rain) as well as dry roads. The only thing is tire wear as it looks like a 17 to 18,000 mile tire and the diffaculty of procuring one.
10-12-2019, 07:52 AM
SPECTACUALR SPIDERMAN

Try them in the rain & snow if you really want to see what they can do
10-12-2019, 12:11 PM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTSJohn

I finally got in my test ride or the new Quatrac 5's. 90 miles in pretty strong Texas winds and found them to be outstanding. I really could feel the difference at low speeds in city traffic and then hit the open road cruising at 70 mph. The handling ... well all I can say is "WOW":clap:. I would have never expected to feel that much difference. I hope to get in a little cruising with Liz this weekend and see how the handling is with two up. To all those who have offered so much information that led me to this change ... Thank You. :clap:

I'm glad your Glad you took the plunge :clap: …. You didn't mention what PSI you using …. the science and my opinion, say 17-18 psi ( front )…. Most folks here agree and are very happy running that range …. it won't matter what the load is …. it's a much stronger tire than the Crapenda's …. Mike :ohyea:
10-13-2019, 09:12 AM
starrider60

Changing the front tires on 2017 RTS made a big difference. Glad I did. Federal Formosas :doorag:
10-13-2019, 10:13 AM
RTSJohn

We did a 200+ mile ride yesterday and loved the ride. Two up tracking was straight as an arrow. I am given to overcontrol in strong winds but found this not to be an issue yesterday. I'm running 17 PSI on the front and 26 on the rear (Kenda). To say I am satisfied would be an understatement. I still find it hard to believe that i would notice so much difference. :ohyea:
10-14-2019, 10:12 AM
bobbarb4546

We took the advice of BLUEKNIGHT911's advice of upgrading our tires to the Vredestein Quantrac 5 tires Front 16 psi rear 18 psi and are currently riding the Smokie's and we are extremely pleased with the ride plus the increased safety of these wonderful tires. These tires make a HUGE difference in the ride!!!
10-14-2019, 10:29 AM
Lew L

Vredestein Quatrac 5's

Just ordered a set of Vredestein Quatrac 5's for the front. I'm sure I could have gotten a few thousand more miles out of the BRP tires ------- but its time. Besides---- I was out yesterday and feeling a bit frisky with the Stage 1 ECU upgrade and realized I could use a more substantial tire on the front.

Lew L
10-17-2019, 10:54 PM
RTSJohn

Got my RT "Squared Away" this afternoon at the Syders In The Hills Rally. I get my first road test of the completion of new front tires and a Laser Alignment tomorrow in the Texas Hill Country. :ohyea:
10-20-2019, 01:09 AM
RobertT

what size tires did you buy, I am going to change my stock tires out also, very twitchy and I'm a new Spyder rider so trying to over correct makes it worse.
10-20-2019, 02:03 AM
RobertT

who mounted them for you, I am also in Texas in the Houston area...
10-20-2019, 02:21 AM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobertT

what size tires did you buy, I am going to change my stock tires out also, very twitchy and I'm a new Spyder rider so trying to over correct makes it worse.

Spyders are not usually aligned well from the factory … If yours hasn't been Lazer aligned I would consider having it done ….. I chose the 165/60-15 Vredestein Quatrac 5 tire …. the 175/55-15 also works but it is about $18 to $20 more and I don't think it's worth the price difference ...jmho.. ….. Mike :ohyea: …….
10-20-2019, 05:19 PM
RTSJohn

I bought the 175/55-15 from tire rack. I removed my front wheels and took them and new tires to Discount Tire and the mounted with new valves for
$22 each. I just finished about 900 miles to-from-and during "Spyders in the Hills" and I am really pleased with the tires and the Laser Alignment I had done by Squared Away at the event. Enjoy that ride !!!
10-20-2019, 09:13 PM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by RTSJohn

I bought the 175/55-15 from tire rack. I removed my front wheels and took them and new tires to Discount Tire and the mounted with new valves for
$22 each. I just finished about 900 miles to-from-and during "Spyders in the Hills" and I am really pleased with the tires and the Laser Alignment I had done by Squared Away at the event. Enjoy that ride !!!

Glad you are enjoying them …. have you been on any Wet roads yet ….. Mike :ohyea:
10-24-2019, 01:55 PM
Lew L

Just mounted the Vredestine in 165 size. Did and oil change also and I'll take the :spyder2: out this afternoon to feel how the tires are and check the oil level. Looking forward to a good experience with the Vredestein tires.
Lew L
10-24-2019, 02:43 PM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lew L

Just mounted the Vredestine in 165 size. Did and oil change also and I'll take the :spyder2: out this afternoon to feel how the tires are and check the oil level. Looking forward to a good experience with the Vredestein tires.
Lew L

Thanks - I also bought the 165/60-15 size ….. please tell us what PSI you are using also …… Mike :ohyea:
10-24-2019, 03:38 PM
Lew L

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911

Thanks - I also bought the 165/60-15 size ….. please tell us what PSI you are using also …… Mike :ohyea:

Hi Mike,
Well I took a little spin to get the feel of the new tires. I'm using 18 psi and that seems to give a great ride. Turn in seems quicker ( stiffer side walls??) The tires are quieter and an more " planted " in sharp turns. I purposely rolled over some rumble strips and the tires sounded vastly different---- deeper tone and not "slappy" like the wonderful OEM tires. ( better construction ??)

I'm very pleased. Thanks Mike for the good find.
Lew L
10-24-2019, 06:12 PM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lew L

Hi Mike,
Well I took a little spin to get the feel of the new tires. I'm using 18 psi and that seems to give a great ride. Turn in seems quicker ( stiffer side walls??) The tires are quieter and an more " planted " in sharp turns. I purposely rolled over some rumble strips and the tires sounded vastly different---- deeper tone and not "slappy" like the wonderful OEM tires. ( better construction ??)

I'm very pleased. Thanks Mike for the good find.
Lew L

Lew, " stiffer sidewalls " - That's interesting, the Max load rating is only 908 lbs. per tire ( in 165/60-15 ) I will check further, but I believe that is on the Low side as far as max weight is concerned. ….. Please do me a favor, take the psi down to 16, and do 100 miles. I'd like your opinion on this …… Glad you like them, everyone else does ….. Mike :ohyea:
10-24-2019, 06:58 PM
Lew L

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911

Lew, " stiffer sidewalls " - That's interesting, the Max load rating is only 908 lbs. per tire ( in 165/60-15 ) I will check further, but I believe that is on the Low side as far as max weight is concerned. ….. Please do me a favor, take the psi down to 16, and do 100 miles. I'd like your opinion on this …… Glad you like them, everyone else does ….. Mike :ohyea:

OK Mike, will do. I want to check the pressure after the R&R of the tires anyways. Check the lug nuts also. I ran the Crapendas at 24 or 25 psi ----- the Vredestiens at 18 psi felt much better/ more planted.

Lew L
10-24-2019, 08:18 PM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lew L

OK Mike, will do. I want to check the pressure after the R&R of the tires anyways. Check the lug nuts also. I ran the Crapendas at 24 or 25 psi ----- the Vredestiens at 18 psi felt much better/ more planted.

Lew L

Thanks for being willing to test them ….. some folks here have complained / suggested that ONLY if the tires are Actually tested on a Spyder does the info mean anything … I know better, but my ( tire ) knowledge base is greater than almost anyone on the Forum. The feedback from members here that have purchased these tires have been hugely positive ….. even more so than my other " best tire " the General Altimax RT43 ( the lower speed rated model ) …… thanks again for your input ….. Mike :ohyea:
10-24-2019, 08:57 PM
h0gr1der

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUEKNIGHT911

Lew, " stiffer sidewalls " - That's interesting, the Max load rating is only 908 lbs. per tire ( in 165/60-15 ) I will check further, but I believe that is on the Low side as far as max weight is concerned. ….. Please do me a favor, take the psi down to 16, and do 100 miles. I'd like your opinion on this …… Glad you like them, everyone else does ….. Mike :ohyea:

The OEM Kenda front tire load rating is only 481 Lbs @ 30 PSI (Max Sidewall). So running them at the recommended 20 PSI ±2 PSI, the load rating is less. One reason I switched away from the poor original tires, load factor safety margin.
10-24-2019, 10:43 PM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0gr1der

The OEM Kenda front tire load rating is only 481 Lbs @ 30 PSI (Max Sidewall). So running them at the recommended 20 PSI ±2 PSI, the load rating is less. One reason I switched away from the poor original tires, load factor safety margin.

I should have explained further …. I refuse to compare Kenda's with ANY Auto tire, they are so far apart in quality of construction, it just can't be done ….. My reference to the Q-5 tire @ 908lbs. was using a lot of other auto tire brands that will carry 200lbs. or so, more weight ( than the Q-5, ie 1100 +lbs. ).... IMHO there is a limit to how " soft " a sidewall can be.... I wouldn't go below 800lbs. because too much air pressure would be needed to keep them stabilized …. like the Crapenda's need …… Mike :ohyea:
10-28-2019, 05:27 PM
ChevyBuickDealer

So any thoughts on the Kumho below in the stock size on the rear to pair with the 175/55R15 Vredestein Quantrac 5's on the front?

Kumho Ecsta AST
High Performance All-Season
Size: 225/50R15 91H
UTQG: 400 A A

Thanks!
10-29-2019, 09:35 AM
BLUEKNIGHT911

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChevyBuickDealer

So any thoughts on the Kumho below in the stock size on the rear to pair with the 175/55R15 Vredestein Quantrac 5's on the front?

Kumho Ecsta AST
High Performance All-Season
Size: 225/50R15 91H
UTQG: 400 A A

Thanks!

The Q-5's are a great choice, they come in 205/60-15 so I recommend that for the rear. Many folks here report that the Kumho's lose wet traction at about 1/2 the tires wear life …… good luck …. Mike :ohyea: