Might just try a snow tire ...

[troop]

** THIS TIRE WILL NOT BE USED IN SNOW **

Like many others, I devour the the tire threads, seeing what is considered the latest and greatest. Thinking back to my days when I was "trooping" in WI winters, my tire of choice was the Goodyear Ultra Grip winter tire. I was so impressed with the quality of traction, that I actually left them on year round on all four corners. I likely put on several hundred thousand miles on them. Now, perusing tire sites, I see that Goodyear actually makes the Ultra Grip winter tire in a 215/60R15. No longer available from Walmart at $88 , I do see it for $145/delivered. While my Cooper CS Ultra A/S still has plenty of tread, I'm considering the traction properties of a full time snow in the back. Hell, it's mid winter in WI, I have to ponder something for the next couple/few months
* Picture shows with studs. It comes w/o studs*

[ARtraveler]

I have found that snow tires will "impede" your progress. The two front tires act as plows if you get into snow of any depth (about 5 inches). The rear wheel will just spin. If you get into a coating of ice, you are all done.

And for those who read the operators manual, we are cautioned that Spyders are not for snow driving or driving through water.

Studs were allowed in Alaska, but most lower 48 states outlaw them. They tear up the roads. Alaska is known for its "grooved" roads from the winter tire stud action.

Enjoy.

[troop]

I have found that snow tires will "imprede" your progress. The two front tires act as plows if you get into snow of any depth (about 5 inches). The rear wheel will just spin. If you get into a coating of ice, you are all done.

And for those who read the operators manual, we are cautioned that Spyders are not for snow driving or driving through water.

Studs were allowed in Alaska, but most lower 48 states outlaw them. They tear up the roads. Alaska is known for its "grooved" roads from the winter tire stud action.

Enjoy.

Ha .. I guess I should have been a bit more clearer. The tire will be for my NORMAL riding season. I WILL NOT be riding in snow. My Spyder is in a deep state of hibernation

[Tango]

I know of one other Spyder rider that put a snow tire on the rear. He never reported back how it went. Tom

[ARtraveler]

I know of one other Spyder rider that put a snow tire on the rear. He never reported back how it went. Tom

The owner of a dealership in Alaska tried snow tires. He went to work on the Spyder one day, and that was enough. I followed his advice.

[RayBJ]

The Q5 is essentially a winter (snow) tire also. They may be useless in snow/ice but still be better gripping cold roads. I definitely feel a difference after switching to the Altmax that breaks loose much easier than the Q5 did,

[canamjhb]

Just looking at the picture of the tire, to me, it looks like more of an all-season (M+S) tire and not particularly an aggressive snow tire. (Except for the studs). But I cannot imagine any condition, that I would want to ride in, when it could provide any advantage..... Jim

[troop]

Basically, other than tread life, a snow tire will perform very well on dry/wet pavement. The rubber compound is designed to be softer/more pliable than all season/summer tire rubber to grip better on ice/snow/cold pavement. One other small negative is that snow tires will be slightly less effective in preventing punctures due to the softer compound. They also maybe be a bit noisier due to the tread pattern. That's a reason why you see treadwear ratings of 400 on the Vredestein's.

[mecsw500]

Basically, other than tread life, a snow tire will perform very well on dry/wet pavement. The rubber compound is designed to be softer/more pliable than all season/summer tire rubber to grip better on ice/snow/cold pavement. One other small negative is that snow tires will be slightly less effective in preventing punctures due to the softer compound. They also maybe be a bit noisier due to the tread pattern. That's a reason why you see treadwear ratings of 400 on the Vredestein's.

From what I have read on tire manufacturers websites and my experience with being lazy with my wife's care during Covid, running winter ties in the summer is not generally such a good idea.

1. They will be too soft and not steer as well at warmer temperatures.
2. Braking distances are nowhere near as good at warmer temperatures.
3. Wet weather grip at higher temperatures is not so good.
4. Traction in the wet or when braking or turning is reduced even more when the accelerated wear is occurs.
5. Running winter tires in summer at low pressures makes all the above problems more marked.
6. There is some possibility of tire failure but I think that is much more likely given a heavier car or SUV at high speeds.

Me, I would stick to mud and snow all season tires as a compromise. They will be cheaper, perform better, run quieter and last appreciably longer. When it gets to the temperature where snow tires are better performers than the all seasons it's probably time to put it away for the winter.

That's just my opinion.

[vito1943]

Wow, it never even occurred to me to consider snow tires for the Spyder or any motorcycle that I have owned in the last 40 years. Even without a drop of snow or ice on the road, when it's cold enough to worry about anything freezing its too cold, in my opinion to be riding in anything but a heated car or truck.

[ks4hcoach]

Hey Troop,
Interesting looking tire that comes with pretty good reviews. It is definitely listed as a winter tire and with the directional tread design and lots of drainage sipes. It looks like it may be a good choice for the rear tire of the Spyder and like it would be an excellent tire for wet traction. I see your second post that you don't ride in snow. Neither do I. That would not be my cup of tea on the Spyder, especially the older one like my 2009 GS with it's in your face overly aggressive traction control.

Goodyear doesn't list the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grade) values on their website and they have "N/A" listed for the estimated tread life...so it is probably a pretty soft rubber compound that will wear out more quickly that the typical all season touring tire. One thing that stood out on the Goodyear specs is that the thread depth is listed at 13/32 inch. This is significantly more tread depth than the Vredesteins 10/32 inch. All in all though, this might be a good thing for wet traction vs. harder, longer wearing tires, and the extra tread depth will help durability.

Note the diameter of the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter in 215/60R15 is listed at 25.2"
The VRedestein Quatrac 205/60R15 is listed at 24.8" (I have the Quatrac 5 in this size on my 2009GS and a new Quatrac, also in 205/60R15 waiting for the time to install on the new RTL. This seems to be the most common size used for Vredestein tires on the rear of the Spyders)
The VRedestein Quatrac 215/60R15 is listed at 25.5"

If you get the Goodyear Ultra Grip Winter, let us know how it works out. On paper, it looks like a great choice for wet traction.

[2dogs]

Been trying to post a link to adjustable zip tie tire chains but the links won't post correctly. Check out zip tie tire chains.

[T.P.]

Been trying to post a link to adjustable zip tie tire chains but the links won't post correctly. Check out zip tie tire chains.

HERE YA GO, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc3xsqWjgzY

T.P.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Studs were allowed in Alaska, but most lower 48 states outlaw them. They tear up the roads. Alaska is known for its "grooved" roads from the winter tire stud action.

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...=1#post1613825

[2dogs]

HERE YA GO, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc3xsqWjgzY

T.P.

Hey, Thanks T.P. Maybe stuffing a half dozen of these things in the bottom of your frunk for wintertime may not be a bad idea. They could assist you to get home and into the garage safely under tuff circumstances. To ARtraveler, these things are not studded with metal studs. They are all plastic.

[pegasus1300]

Utah does allow studs and even requires them in certain areas and times of the year.

[Hoginedgewood]

I have a mud/snow tire on the back of my 2 wheel HD. Original tire lasted 10k, this Goodyear has only given up 1/32 in 5k miles.
I say go for it. I will be following your results for when the wife kills the rear on her 21 F3s

[Mikey]

Wow, I am worried about Mike, a tire tread and he hasn't made one comment yet!!!

[troop]

GUYS .. GUYS ...GUYS ... FORGET about the studs. This will be a normal riding season tire. My F3S is in hibernation here in Wisconsin

** Tire ordered today. Will not be able to give input for a few months I'll keep apprised **

[troop]

Tire arrived today. It does look more like an aggressive all season tire versus a pure snow tire. Gonna be a bit before I swap it out.

[Knizar]

Tire arrived today. It does look more like an aggressive all season tire versus a pure snow tire. Gonna be a bit before I swap it out.

Troop, I like it ! My only concern is will it be a mud slinging stone thrower after crossing some gravel patches.

[troop]

I won't find out till late March/early April. Heck, I'll wait for 45* + day to R/R it

[trikermutha]

Holey crap looks like a truck tire.

[Peacekeeper6]

You couldn't pay me enough to ride in snow.

With idiots around me who think their 4WD and AWD vehicles are immuned to the natural laws of physics, it would pretty much be a death wish.

[Lew L]

You couldn't pay me enough to ride in snow.

With idiots around me who think their 4WD and AWD vehicles are immune to the natural laws of physics, it would pretty much be a death wish.

+1 And--- it's as though "they" forgot how to drive in the snow over the summer, fall and spring.

Lew L