Are there "Run Flat" tires for Spyders?

[vito1943]

Our Spyders, like all bikes except the Ural do not have spare tires. Getting a flat stops you dead on the road unless the cause of the flat is minor enough to allow you to make a roadside repair. I am wondering if any tire manufacturer makes a "run flat" tire that would work on a Spyder. I have a Mini which did not come with a spare, but was equipped with run flat tires and it seems to be something that would make sense for motorcycles as well, especially for three wheeled motorcycles which do not have to be able to lean in curves.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Our Spyders, like all bikes except the Ural do not have spare tires. Getting a flat stops you dead on the road unless the cause of the flat is minor enough to allow you to make a roadside repair. I am wondering if any tire manufacturer makes a "run flat" tire that would work on a Spyder. I have a Mini which did not come with a spare, but was equipped with run flat tires and it seems to be something that would make sense for motorcycles as well, especially for three wheeled motorcycles which do not have to be able to lean in curves.

I looked into this a couple of years back and couldn't find any sizes that would fit .... There arn't many " run flat " makers , so the sizes are quite limited ..... Go on Tire Rack and see if they have any ..... Mike

[BajaRon]

There are Run-Flat tires that will work on the Spyder. However, this feature is accomplished by making the sidewalls stiff enough to support the weight of a full size car without any air. Car tires will already have a stiffer sidewall than the OEM Kenda's (which is a good and needful thing for our Spyders). Going to a Run-Flat tire with much stiffer sidewalls, considering the relatively light weight of a Spyder, is going to give you a harsh ride. You want some sidewall compliance in your tires to soak up the small to medium bumps.

Flats are uncommon on the Spyder. Especially with a good quality car tire. And there are alternatives like Ride-On or a plug kit. Not to mention the very limited tire choice and higher cost associated with Run-Flat tires.

[Flamewinger]

I own a Mini Cooper and I run with runflats. When I’m on cement roads that haven’t been smoothed out, it’s the most bumpy ride ever. Many Mini owners switch to normal tires because it’s a much smoother, less pounding ride. You really don’t want run flats on a Spyder.

[BajaRon]

I own a Mini Cooper and I run with runflats. When I’m on cement roads that haven’t been smoothed out, it’s the most bumpy ride ever. Many Mini owners switch to normal tires because it’s a much smoother, less pounding ride. You really don’t want run flats on a Spyder.

Well said! With much less verbiage! I need to work on this!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

There are Run-Flat tires that will work on the Spyder. However, this feature is accomplished by making the sidewalls stiff enough to support the weight of a full size car without any air. Car tires will already have a stiffer sidewall than the OEM Kenda's (which is a good and needful thing for our Spyders). Going to a Run-Flat tire with much stiffer sidewalls, considering the relatively light weight of a Spyder, is going to give you a harsh ride. You want some sidewall compliance in your tires to soak up the small to medium bumps.

Flats are uncommon on the Spyder. Especially with a good quality car tire. And there are alternatives like Ride-On or a plug kit. Not to mention the very limited tire choice and higher cost associated with Run-Flat tires.

I just contacted " Tire Rack " and did a Chat ..... He couldn't or wouldn't or even figure out what I was asking for ...... So I'm not interested in them for the reasons stated .... Mike

[BajaRon]

I just contacted " Tire Rack " and did a Chat ..... He couldn't or wouldn't or even figure out what I was asking for ...... So I'm not interested in them for the reasons stated .... Mike

I found some just a few weeks ago. I'll have to dig up that info and get back to you. I'd love to have someone try them. Though I don't think they will like them at all.

[Woodaddict]

I found some just a few weeks ago. I'll have to dig up that info and get back to you. I'd love to have someone try them. Though I don't think they will like them at all.

YEAH!!!! lets find a guinea pig spyder owner to try them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I found some just a few weeks ago. I'll have to dig up that info and get back to you. I'd love to have someone try them. Though I don't think they will like them at all.

Thanks, but the op Vito wants to know ..... Mike

[Tango]

Not all tire shops will touch run flat tires. They are more difficult to mount on the rim. That and the already mentioned stiffer ride makes them a poor choice. IMO. Tom

[BajaRon]

YEAH!!!! lets find a guinea pig spyder owner to try them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYEXzx-TINc

[EdMat]

I think they would work fine for the right rider.

Fair weather only.

Always rides below the speed limit.

No fast starts or stops.

Their idea of the twisties is slowly searching a parking lot for a spot.

And the most desirable trait....only rides on glass smooth roads.

[BajaRon]

Thanks, but the op Vito wants to know ..... Mike

Well, it doesn't matter. I thought Uniroyal made a 215/60R15 in a Run-Flat tire. But they don't. And I can't find anyone who makes anything we can use. The closest I can find is a 195/65R15. That isn't going to work for anything with fenders on it.

But then, if you're really serious about a Run-Flat tire. You can always take your fenders off. But you'll have to put one on the rear as well to keep the Nanny sane.

[bikerdawg]

I have wondered about this also. They are big in the Goldwing community. I had one on my 1800.

[BajaRon]

I have wondered about this also. They are big in the Goldwing community. I had one on my 1800.

I assume you are talking about Run-Flat tires made specifically for motorcycles. A much different animal than Run-Flat tires made specifically for cars. And usually heavier cars/trucks at that.

[canamjhb]

I had a BMW Z4 with run flats a few years ago. First thing I did was to replace them. They were horrible. And, the place where I ordered the new tires could not or would not remove the run flats. They said there was too great of a chance that damage would be done to my wheels when trying to remove those stiff tires...... I'm not a fan.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Our Spyders, like all bikes except the Ural do not have spare tires. Getting a flat stops you dead on the road unless the cause of the flat is minor enough to allow you to make a roadside repair. I am wondering if any tire manufacturer makes a "run flat" tire that would work on a Spyder. I have a Mini which did not come with a spare, but was equipped with run flat tires and it seems to be something that would make sense for motorcycles as well, especially for three wheeled motorcycles which do not have to be able to lean in curves.

Another possibility are products that you put in your tire that Prevents Flats ..... someone will tell you product they used and if it works. I think LaMonster sells it ..... good luck .... Mike

[mikthebik]

I own a Mini Cooper and I run with runflats. When I’m on cement roads that haven’t been smoothed out, it’s the most bumpy ride ever. Many Mini owners switch to normal tires because it’s a much smoother, less pounding ride. You really don’t want run flats on a Spyder.

Exactly. On our 2012 Mini Contryman All4, the ride was awful with the run flats. Contis have been mounted ever since those awful, stiff rocks died a grateful death. Can't imagine mounting them on the Spyders. Ron mentioned other options to avoid (or fix) flats if you're fearful.

[vito1943]

I own a Mini Cooper and I run with runflats. When I’m on cement roads that haven’t been smoothed out, it’s the most bumpy ride ever. Many Mini owners switch to normal tires because it’s a much smoother, less pounding ride. You really don’t want run flats on a Spyder.

I also own a Mini Cooper with run flat tires (Hancook) and maybe its me, but I don't find the ride unduly harsh. I just assumed that the suspension on the Mini is not the greatest. To consider switching to regular tires would mean figuring out a place to put a spare tire, which would likely be in or on the back seat, which is certainly not ideal. I think I'll stick with the run flats. Having them on my Mini is what got me thinking about finding some for the Spyder, but based upon what others have said here, as well as my own failure to find any run flat tires in the sizes needed for my RT, I think I will just stick with the Kendas for now.

[bikerdawg]

I assume you are talking about Run-Flat tires made specifically for motorcycles. A much different animal than Run-Flat tires made specifically for cars. And usually heavier cars/trucks at that.

No, I was talking about cars tires. I ran my Wing on the darkside. Ran a Michelin Primacy Alpin.

[pidjones]

I put over 80000 miles on run flat car tires on the rear of my GL1800. They ran smoother than MTs, but we ran the pressure much lower. ~3X the mileage per tire, equal handling on dry roads and better on wet or gravel in turns. Might be an option for the rear of an RT, but not sure of the difference in weight bias.

[Steve W.]

After reading through this thread, it appears that there might be some run-flats available, but personally, I will do whatever I can to AVOID them.

Had them for a few days on a used van that I bought. Fortunately, they were near the end of legal tread life, so I put some REAL tires on there. Smoother, quieter, better handling. Did not have the run-flats on there long enough for a gas mileage comparison, but I don't really care, I like the real tires MUCH better.

.

[KX5062]

I'm another voted against the run flats. I have a BMW X3 with Pirelli run flats and they give a terrible ride. Presumably, because the sidewalls are so stiff. Next tire change, which is rapidly approaching, they're going away. I share Ron's opinion about a Spyder being too light for them to be completely safe.

[wyo85]

Anyone install a run flat tire on their Spyder and how does it perform?

[chipveres]

Please read the Wikipedia article on run-flat tires and see if you still want one.