I'm thinking of putting new tires on my F3T . Front I'm thinking Continental contiprocontact 175/55/r15. For the back I'm thinking either Bridgestone B340 or Kumo solis kh-16 or Toyo proxes 4. Any thoughts guys?
I'm thinking of putting new tires on my F3T . Front I'm thinking Continental contiprocontact 175/55/r15. For the back I'm thinking either Bridgestone B340 or Kumo solis kh-16 or Toyo proxes 4. Any thoughts guys?
any of the listed would serve you far better than the OEM's!!
All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!
2018 F3-T
My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
I like to keep all tires the same. Doesn't Continental make a tire suitable for the rear as well....? Here's a question for the tire guru's out there. Car tire designs are such that they push debris and water out to the sides so the rear tires have better surface contact. In our case that would push it all into the path of our rear tire hence more rear flats and squirrly rear end in the rain. So what design would best suit a reverse trike...???
Gene and Ilana De Laney Mt. Helix, California
2012 RS sm5
2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black
...For the back I'm thinking either Bridgestone B340 or Kumo solis kh-16 or Toyo proxes 4. Any thoughts guys?
I ran the Toyo Proxes 4 on my ST. Great tire, its an exact fit. Its an all-Season tire and performs well in cooler (cold) temps. Consider 20-24 psi with that tire. They seem to be hard to get in some parts of the U.S. but readily available for us in Canada.
I just returned from my dealer. My bike has just under 13,000 miles on it and wanted my tech to look at my tread. He said the front tires are still fine and need only to be swapped to the other side. The rear tire needs replacement. I asked about aftermarket tires and he said..... NO! I asked him why he only stocks OEM. He told me of people putting car tires on the Spyder only to return complaining they are slipping and sliding in the rain. He went on about softer rubber, weight of the Spyder etc. He no longer will install anything but OEM because of the issues people are having with car tires. I told him ok because I have not had a single issue with my OEM and respect his opinion. He has too many years doing this work and has never had negative feedback. Never mess up a good thing.
I just returned from my dealer. My bike has just under 13,000 miles on it and wanted my tech to look at my tread. He said the front tires are still fine and need only to be swapped to the other side. The rear tire needs replacement. I asked about aftermarket tires and he said..... NO! I asked him why he only stocks OEM. He told me of people putting car tires on the Spyder only to return complaining they are slipping and sliding in the rain. He went on about softer rubber, weight of the Spyder etc. He no longer will install anything but OEM because of the issues people are having with car tires. I told him ok because I have not had a single issue with my OEM and respect his opinion. He has too many years doing this work and has never had negative feedback. Never mess up a good thing.
.... Well here's some ...... He/She/It doesn't know what they are talking about !!! ... First of all SPYDERS ....CAN'T slip & slide in the Rain or wet ..... the VSS prevents this ....That's why folks can put car tires on their Spyders and pump them up to 40 PSI and live to say " feels fine to me "...... I suspect the REAL reason for this change is SOMEONE contacted BRP and ratted on this dealer , and BRP told the dealer in no in-certain terms if they continue to do this they will be punished.... BRP wants to continue selling those Crappy Kenda's for ....10 X's what they cost to make ....... ( might actually be closer to 15 x's )..... Your welcome , Mike
.... Well here's some ...... He/She/It doesn't know what they are talking about !!! ... First of all SPYDERS ....CAN'T slip & slide in the Rain or wet ..... the VSS prevents this ....That's why folks can put car tires on their Spyders and pump them up to 40 PSI and live to say " feels fine to me "...... I suspect the REAL reason for this change is SOMEONE contacted BRP and ratted on this dealer , and BRP told the dealer in no in-certain terms if they continue to do this they will be punished.... BRP wants to continue selling those Crappy Kenda's for ....10 X's what they cost to make ....... ( might actually be closer to 15 x's )..... Your welcome , Mike
That is basically what my dealer told me when I asked about switching to car tires in the future and about the low tire pressure BRP recommends in the OEM tires. He said they use to install car tires, but were instructed by BRP not to anymore.
BRP dealers install Kenda tires because they HAVE to by contract. BRP made them well aware of the conditions of the dealer agreement. They do not sell them because the tires are great because they simply are not. The dealers know which side of their bread is buttered....
I sincerely doubt you will find ONE independant Spyder service shop or mechanic that sells or recommends kenda tires. The independant shops recommendation is based on real world usage, tire quality and driving dynamics. Kenda fails on all these accounts.
I do recommend you stick with high quality name brand, top tier tires. Your life literally is riding on them.
That is basically what my dealer told me when I asked about switching to car tires in the future and about the low tire pressure BRP recommends in the OEM tires. He said they use to install car tires, but were instructed by BRP not to anymore.
As a new member of the forum, and a new Spyder owner, I have noticed that almost nothing generates more controversy than Spyder Tires and/or Tire Pressure. Coming from the two-wheeler world, it's a new issue for me. I'm hesitant to weigh in (but I will anyway)
It seems likely to me that this is likely a BRP Product Liability Issue (read Lawyers) rather than some subterfuge involving a BRP/Kenda Unholy Alliance. My understanding is that Kenda is the only "motorcycle-rated" tire that will fit on a Spyder. Alternatives are all car tires that have no motorcycle rating. Is that correct?
If it is correct, imagine Joe Schmoe goes to a BRP "Certified Dealer" and has car tires put on his bike by the dealer. Joe then gets hurt badly in a wreck and his lawyer starts following up the Product Liability Chain.....BRP "Certified Dealer" installed the tires....dealer says BRP never said there was a problem with it....liability chain moves up to BRP which actually has some $$. BRP is forced to settle or fight in court, they probably settle. I'll bet this has already happened, so BRP has clamped down on the practice of installing car tires, which means Kenda's are all there is. I really don't blame BRP if that's the case.
The solution would seem be to have more "motorcycle-rated" tires available for Spyders, or have some of the car tires certified for Spyders. I don't know if this is possible or who would do the testing/certification.
Sorry if I said something inaccurate about the tire ratings issue, but it is what I had picked up from other similar threads on the forum.
I'm thinking of putting new tires on my F3T . Front I'm thinking Continental contiprocontact 175/55/r15. For the back I'm thinking either Bridgestone B340 or Kumo solis kh-16 or Toyo proxes 4. Any thoughts guys?
My F3L has thousands of miles on the Conti's and a Yokahama S Drive in the rear. The fronts and the back aren't fighting because they are two different brands. I will say that these tyres have made the most significant improvement in ride quality, smoothness, no vibrations, hold the road like there's no tomorrow. I keep 15lbs in the front and 18 lbs rear. I would do it all over again when these are worn. Just my 2 cents worth.
As a new member of the forum, and a new Spyder owner, I have noticed that almost nothing generates more controversy than Spyder Tires and/or Tire Pressure. Coming from the two-wheeler world, it's a new issue for me. I'm hesitant to weigh in (but I will anyway)
It seems likely to me that this is likely a BRP Product Liability Issue (read Lawyers) rather than some subterfuge involving a BRP/Kenda Unholy Alliance. My understanding is that Kenda is the only "motorcycle-rated" tire that will fit on a Spyder.......WRONG .... The " Arachnid " made by Vee Rubber Co makes a Mtc tire for the Spyder - but it is probably WORSE than the Kenda !!!!! Alternatives are all car tires that have no motorcycle rating. Is that correct?.... I'm not sure about the RATING thing. Our Mtc tires are stamped .. " for special motorcycle use only " ...Which in truth means If you use this CAR tire on a car - it will fail because it's poorly made ... this isn't BS either
If it is correct, imagine Joe Schmoe goes to a BRP "Certified Dealer" and has car tires put on his bike by the dealer. Joe then gets hurt badly in a wreck and his lawyer starts following up the Product Liability Chain.....BRP "Certified Dealer" installed the tires....dealer says BRP never said there was a problem with it....liability chain moves up to BRP which actually has some $$. BRP is forced to settle or fight in court, they probably settle. I'll bet this has already happened, so BRP has clamped down on the practice of installing car tires, which means Kenda's are all there is. I really don't blame BRP if that's the case.
The solution would seem be to have more "motorcycle-rated" tires available for Spyders, or have some of the car tires certified for Spyders. I don't know if this is possible or who would do the testing/certification.... I agree , this would be great , however the logistics will most likely prevent this from occurring . Kenda did it for the MONEY , they have what's known in the Corporate world as a " sweet Heart deal ".... They can make a Cheap tire for little cost ( to them ) and sell them to Dealers at a HUGH mark up ie. PROFIT annnnnnnnnnnnd since they are the ONLY tire that is sold by Can -Am dealers they have a MONOPOLY ...... ...... hope this clarifies things for you ..... Mike
Sorry if I said something inaccurate about the tire ratings issue, but it is what I had picked up from other similar threads on the forum.
Cheers!
............. SEE ANSWERS ABOVE IN RED ...... Mike
MC tires are designed for more grip and leaning ability. The Spyder does not lean but you still need that extra grip because the Spyder does not weigh a few thousand pounds like a car. Car tires are designed to last longer and hold more weight. Are BRP tires better? I only know that I have gotten 13,000 miles on my rear tire and only need to swap my front tires. I could easily have gotten a few thousand more miles out of my BRP tires but have upcoming trips planned so I want the work done now. I have put my faith in my dealer who so far has done an excellent job. Could there be a conspiracy of lawyers, BRP tire manufacturers and the dealers?.....sure but until I see proof positive I'll stick with BRP recommendations. Its worked so far.
MC tires are designed for more grip and leaning ability. The Spyder does not lean but you still need that extra grip because the Spyder does not weigh a few thousand pounds like a car. Car tires are designed to last longer and hold more weight. Are BRP tires better? I only know that I have gotten 13,000 miles on my rear tire and only need to swap my front tires. I could easily have gotten a few thousand more miles out of my BRP tires but have upcoming trips planned so I want the work done now. I have put my faith in my dealer who so far has done an excellent job. Could there be a conspiracy of lawyers, BRP tire manufacturers and the dealers?.....sure but until I see proof positive I'll stick with BRP recommendations. Its worked so far.
Just to be clear, I have no problem with the Kenda's on my trike as far as handling goes (for me and the way I ride). I only have about 2500 miles on them but they seem fine with traction and handling. Can't say about mileage yet. I also will stick with the OEM tires unless I come up with a huge reason not to. It seems this is a very rider-specific issue, like fuel mileage and certain farkles.
.... Well here's some ...... He/She/It doesn't know what they are talking about !!! ... First of all SPYDERS ....CAN'T slip & slide in the Rain or wet ..... the VSS prevents this ....That's why folks can put car tires on their Spyders and pump them up to 40 PSI and live to say " feels fine to me "...... I suspect the REAL reason for this change is SOMEONE contacted BRP and ratted on this dealer , and BRP told the dealer in no in-certain terms if they continue to do this they will be punished.... BRP wants to continue selling those Crappy Kenda's for ....10 X's what they cost to make ....... ( might actually be closer to 15 x's )..... Your welcome , Mike
I disagree on the slippage issue. Traction control and ABS only goes so far. BRP sees the issues coming back to them first hand from warranty work thru dealers. They do not want their product to be considered defective because some people decided...."they know better", then go back to the dealer complaining their bike needs warranty work. Harley admits their biggest problem (complaint) is people alter the bikes with aftermarket farkle then return for warranty work. They refuse to accept that by altering one item it effects another. My thoughts.
Putting the wrong tires on your Spyder can indeed impair its handling and road holding.
The tires we install significantly improve road grip from the crappy Kenda tires in all weather types. And they just happen to last a bit longer along the way. The kendas dont wear out quick because they have soft grippy rubber (they dont). They wear out quickly because they have very poor construction quality and no tread area support. They baloon at speed and you ride down the freeway on a contact patch only a couple inches wide in the center of the tire. How is that safer than a full width tread engagement with the road? Its not.
Putting the wrong tires on your Spyder can indeed impair its handling and road holding.
The tires we install significantly improve road grip from the crappy Kenda tires in all weather types. And they just happen to last a bit longer along the way. The kendas dont wear out quick because they have soft grippy rubber (they dont). They wear out quickly because they have very poor construction quality and no tread area support. They baloon at speed and you ride down the freeway on a contact patch only a couple inches wide in the center of the tire. How is that safer than a full width tread engagement with the road? Its not.
Where did you get this info? Not being rude but I would like to read up on what you said or are you basing this on experience? I can only state that my Kenda/BRP tires lasted 13,000 for the rear and the front tires only need to be swapped. I could easily get another 3,000 (?) miles on the rear if I wanted to. What mileage do you get with aftermarket tires? .......20,000-30,000 miles? My thoughts
I totally agree with that. The difference becomes very clear if you are sporty rider or someone who like to ride your Spyder little bit harder than average rider. Kendas are fine for cruisung speeds, but if you try to go little bit faster they do not perform at all. I have noticed the ballooning especially in front tires and because of that they do not have any good grip when taking the curves in higher speeds. I have now installed the Toyo Proxes T1R tires back and front and the handling is like day and night compared to Kendas. But as I said, if one likes to cruise and do not like fast driving, then he or she do not feel that big difference probably.
Allan
Originally Posted by jcthorne
Putting the wrong tires on your Spyder can indeed impair its handling and road holding.
The tires we install significantly improve road grip from the crappy Kenda tires in all weather types. And they just happen to last a bit longer along the way. The kendas dont wear out quick because they have soft grippy rubber (they dont). They wear out quickly because they have very poor construction quality and no tread area support. They baloon at speed and you ride down the freeway on a contact patch only a couple inches wide in the center of the tire. How is that safer than a full width tread engagement with the road? Its not.
Where did you get this info? Not being rude but I would like to read up on what you said or are you basing this on experience? I can only state that my Kenda/BRP tires lasted 13,000 for the rear and the front tires only need to be swapped. I could easily get another 3,000 (?) miles on the rear if I wanted to. What mileage do you get with aftermarket tires? .......20,000-30,000 miles? My thoughts
Here is a picture of my Kenda with 9,510 miles on it. All Highway driving at 75 MPH. Good example of the "Ballooning" wear on the stock Kenda!IMG_0128.jpg
You can clearly see the wear bars on the edges. I don't think there is any argument on the ballooning effect of a tire at 18psi. The Yokahoma S Drive is going on now!
give some consideration to:
HANKOOK for the front - 20160411_150313 (1).jpg20160411_150121.jpg20160411_154943.jpg
and MICHELIN Hydro-Edge in the rear - hard to find, but worth the search...
i rode on these from SC to Nova Scotia and back with ZERO concern... after all, they are car tires and we are a heck of a lot lighter than a car....
give some consideration to:
HANKOOK for the front - 20160411_150313 (1).jpg20160411_150121.jpg20160411_154943.jpg
and MICHELIN Hydro-Edge in the rear - hard to find, but worth the search...
i rode on these from SC to Nova Scotia and back with ZERO concern... after all, they are car tires and we are a heck of a lot lighter than a car....
BEST OF LUCK on your choices....
Dan P
SPYD3R
PS: pay no attention to the KUMHO's below...
Car tires do not belong on a vehicle 1/3 the weight of what they are intended for. Will they work? If you do not use them to the max that's needed. I want soft rubber for better grip so I'm sticking with my OEM. No issues so far so why change.
Where did you get this info? Not being rude but I would like to read up on what you said or are you basing this on experience? I can only state that my Kenda/BRP tires lasted 13,000 for the rear and the front tires only need to be swapped. I could easily get another 3,000 (?) miles on the rear if I wanted to. What mileage do you get with aftermarket tires? .......20,000-30,000 miles? My thoughts
As I have stated in another thread on tires ... I have two miles of gravel to travel in order to get to pavement. Very early in my Spyder ownership, I tested the contact patch of the Kenda in order to determine the best pressure for my weight and what I carry on the Spyder. It was VERY clear that, at speed, the center of the Kenda is ALL THAT IS IN CONTACT with the road. For example, pull off our gravel road onto fresh pavement and crack the throttle to quickly get up to 60 - 65 mph; stop quickly (but safely) and inspect the tire. Guess what? I nice dark stripe right down the middle of the tire and nice light dust residue on the edges ... so JCTHORNE is right; you are (at speed) running only on the center 2 inches or so of the Kenda. In my book, that is NOT safer than full contact.
Consider, also, that the Yokohama S-drive (and many of the other car tires chosen by Spyder ryders) are actually performance tires for sports cars. So, they are already designed for a car on the lighter side and for speed with good traction (best of all worlds, in my opinion).
All the best .... Ann
__________________________________________________ _ 2016 RT Limited -- "Jubilee" (as in Cherries)
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Car tires do not belong on a vehicle 1/3 the weight of what they are intended for. Will they work? If you do not use them to the max that's needed. I want soft rubber for better grip so I'm sticking with my OEM. No issues so far so why change.
Well what's your OPINION on poorly constructed tires that can BARELY support the weight of A Spyder ...... Because that's what you probably have ....a KENDA ................. Mike
New tires
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Originally Posted by Dmartin
...... He/She/It doesn't know what they are talking about !!! ... First of all SPYDERS ....CAN'T slip & slide in the Rain or wet ..... the VSS prevents this ....That's why folks can put car tires on their Spyders and pump them up to 40 PSI and live to say " feels fine to me "...... I suspect the REAL reason for this change is SOMEONE contacted BRP and ratted on this dealer , and BRP told the dealer in no in-certain terms if they continue to do this they will be punished.... BRP wants to continue selling those Crappy Kenda's for ....10 X's what they cost to make ....... ( might actually be closer to 15 x's )..... Your welcome 
