Going From Stock Tires to (Non-OEM) Car Tires?

[wrb3004]

Front tire pressure is way to high

I have a F3-L and the owners manual says 15 (+-2). I experimented with 17 and 19 and the handling was very squirrely. I put it back down in the 14-15 range and it handled noticeably better. I plan on putting Federal Formoza's on fairly soon. I put them on my RT and it's amazing how much it smoothed out the ride.

 

[MikeT]

You sound like you have a good grasp of the whole Kenda vs. car tire thing .....please try 15 psi front and 18 psi rear , the sidewalls of the car tires will work much better at those psi's....the traction will be better and since the tire will be more compliant the ride will be more comfortable ..... I really know about this subject and would NEVER suggest something that could Hurt you ..... but be aware your speed in the Twistie's could really give the Nanny fits:yikes: ..... Mike :thumbup:

What are your car tire pressure recommendations on a '15 RT Limited that is ridden 2-up 95% of the time (combined weight 350 lbs)
Thanks
Mike

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

FEDERAL FORMOZA's

I have a F3-L and the owners manual says 15 (+-2). I experimented with 17 and 19 and the handling was very squirrely. I put it back down in the 14-15 range and it handled noticeably better. I plan on putting Federal Formoza's on fairly soon. I put them on my RT and it's amazing how much it smoothed out the ride.

If you are buying front tires, the Vredestein makes two sizes that will fit the 15" wheel ..... They have very, high performance numbers ..... The Tire Rack has them and will ship this tire to you for FREE , which makes them very attractive from a price standpoint ......... A few here have tried them and liked them a lot ..... Mike :thumbup::yes:....PS, the tire is the Quatrac 5 model .... pick your width :yes:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

tire pressure

What are your car tire pressure recommendations on a '15 RT Limited that is ridden 2-up 95% of the time (combined weight 350 lbs)
Thanks
Mike

Mike , because this tire is rated for about a 1500lb load ..... it can very easily support the added weight you have , using 17-18 psi .........even if you added a fully loaded trl. that tire will still be good at 17-18 psi .........Mike :thumbup:

 

[newbert]

I think you're fronts are high and that will make the tires hard. I run 18-20 in the front to make them softer. I did try a higher pressure a couple of years ago and remember some of what you're describing - a sort of 'bobbling' at the front as the tires were bouncing a lot. Caused a lot of handlebar movement that I had to control.

My advice - drop the fronts to 20 and try it then. Be aware though it does drop the ride height a bit so the nose might start catching the ground where it didn't before.

I went one better and dropped the fronts to 19. Tried it out for 35 miles and it does seem to help make the overall ride smoother.

Thanks!

 

[monkeyboymorton]

I went one better and dropped the fronts to 19. Tried it out for 35 miles and it does seem to help make the overall ride smoother.

Thanks!

:thumbup:

 

[Jeffmal]

Vredestein

If you are buying front tires, the Vredestein makes two sizes that will fit the 15" wheel ..... They have very, high performance numbers ..... The Tire Rack has them and will ship this tire to you for FREE , which makes them very attractive from a price standpoint ......... A few here have tried them and liked them a lot ..... Mike :thumbup:

Mike,
Which Vredestein tire do you recommend for an F3T?
Jeff

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

VREDESTEIN TIRES

Mike,
Which Vredestein tire do you recommend for an F3T?
Jeff

I hate getting OLD :banghead::banghead::banghead: .......... It's their Quatrac 5 model .... there are two 15" sizes that will fit - your choice ..... they have really good performance numbers, may be the best available currently .... Mike :thumbup:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

RIDE HEIGHT

I think you're fronts are high and that will make the tires hard. I run 18-20 in the front to make them softer. I did try a higher pressure a couple of years ago and remember some of what you're describing - a sort of 'bobbling' at the front as the tires were bouncing a lot. Caused a lot of handlebar movement that I had to control.

My advice - drop the fronts to 20 and try it then. Be aware though it does drop the ride height a bit so the nose might start catching the ground where it didn't before.

MBM - the actual ride height drop for that air pressure change will be approx. 3mm....IMHO He does not have to be concerned :gaah:........and I'm 99% sure that at 15psi His ride will be really nice ( and safe ) ...............Mike :thumbup:

 

[Jeffmal]

Rear?

I hate getting OLD :banghead::banghead::banghead: .......... It's their Quatrac 5 model .... there are two 15" sizes that will fit - your choice ..... they have really good performance numbers, may be the best available currently .... Mike :thumbup:

Will this one work for the rear?
[h=1]Quatrac 5 - Size: 205/65R15[/h]Do you know anyone that has these on all 3 wheels??
Thanks...

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

WILL 205/65 FIT

Will this one work for the rear?
Quatrac 5 - Size: 205/65R15

Do you know anyone that has these on all 3 wheels??
Thanks...

I hadn't given that one any thought, but I'll check the numbers for US ... stay tuned .........PS I think Peter Aawen or Peteoz . runs a 65 aspect tire ...... Mike :thumbup:. OK I did some research on this size ..... I used the Altimax RT43 for comparision because they have a number of tires exactly and similar in size ..... The Quatrac 5 in 205/65-15 is only a Hair different than the Altimax in 215/60-15 and we all know that Altimax FITS all Spyders ...... So my answer would be ..go for it:yes::yes:.....the actual width difference between a 205 & 215 might be 1/4 inch ......hope this helps ..... Mike

 

[Easy Rider]

That’s opposite to what I have actually experienced, Easy Rider.....I have to ride over a 10km, potholed, secondary road to go anywhere from home. My Kuhmos, running at around 18-20 psi, feel definitely softer than the Kendas did at 18 and 26. .....

Pete

Good report.
Just picking any old brand/model of tire I doubt that would be the case.
This might be just what he needs.

 

[Gcclubs]

Vredestein

BK what are the sizes you are referring to, I can only see 175-55-15 on the tire rack site.

If you are buying front tires, the Vredestein makes two sizes that will fit the 15" wheel ..... They have very, high performance numbers ..... The Tire Rack has them and will ship this tire to you for FREE , which makes them very attractive from a price standpoint ......... A few here have tried them and liked them a lot ..... Mike :thumbup::yes:....PS, the tire is the Quatrac 5 model .... pick your width :yes:

 

[Jeffmal]

I hadn't given that one any thought, but I'll check the numbers for US ... stay tuned .........PS I think Peter Aawen or Peteoz . runs a 65 aspect tire ...... Mike :thumbup:. OK I did some research on this size ..... I used the Altimax RT43 for comparision because they have a number of tires exactly and similar in size ..... The Quatrac 5 in 205/65-15 is only a Hair different than the Altimax in 215/60-15 and we all know that Altimax FITS all Spyders ...... So my answer would be ..go for it:yes::yes:.....the actual width difference between a 205 & 215 might be 1/4 inch ......hope this helps ..... Mike

Mike, I sent this to Peter as well..I value both of your opinions and trying to figure this out.

I found that Vredestein also produces a 205/60R15 91H or 91V What do you think of these choices? How will they affect the speedometer and odometer and Nanny?
For the fronts I found 165/65R 81T and 165/60 R15 77 H. Should I match up the 60s ? Your thoughts on this combo?
Thanks again for all your input!! Jeff

 

[stmike 1800]

Does anyone use runflat tires ,had one on the rear off the Wing worked good ,but never had a flat. But just felt safer with it on.

 

[Peteoz]

Good report.
Just picking any old brand/model of tire I doubt that would be the case.
This might be just what he needs.

Yeah, but it wasn’t any kind of scientific data on my part, Easy Rider, just seat of the pants stuff.

Pete

 

[Peteoz]

One thing I will throw out here, is that when I installed my Kuhmo KH17 175x60 fronts, my speedo trued up. It now matches my GPS speed perfectly. This was BEFORE I had installed my Kuhmo rear. Peter A couldn’t understand this, which caused a lot of self doubt, but after checking everything again, there is no question that the install of those size fronts, definitely trued up my speedo.

......and the install of a KU22 205/55 rear, did not alter it .

Pete

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

WHAT FLAVOR - VREDESTEIN

Mike, I sent this to Peter as well..I value both of your opinions and trying to figure this out.

I found that Vredestein also produces a 205/60R15 91H or 91V What do you think of these choices? How will they affect the speedometer and odometer and Nanny?
For the fronts I found 165/65R 81T and 165/60 R15 77 H. Should I match up the 60s ? Your thoughts on this combo?
Thanks again for all your input!! Jeff

PM sent ............ Mike :thumbup:

 

[WackyDan]

Immediate difference.

This is all subjective based on the car tire you choose... but with the right car tires I've:

Had way better dry traction front and back
Had way better wet traction front and back
Had way better standing water performance front and back

The Kumho that I tried on the rear of my GS lasted 11k miles - about 1k more than the OEM Kendas. The Kuhmo was a fine touring tire, but overall it's dry and wet performance was pretty bad. Only benefit of the Kumho for me was even tread wear across the entire tire width.

On the GS fronts the Bridgestone Potenza RE-92's were absolutely awesome.
On the GS the best rear I had was the Toyo Proxes 4 (no longer made). That tire was super sticky in the dry and it's wet and rain performance was incredible. Between a nail in one Toyo and selling the GS I never figured out what miles I could get to with the Toyo (on the GS)

On the F3-S I switched to the Federal Evos for the fronts. Did it early. Bit stickier than stock and better in the rain. I switched out the Kenda fronts at 4500 miles and to be honest I would have been ok keeping the OEM fronts, but decided to switch early.

On the F3-S rear I have once again a Toyo Proxes 4. My OEM Kenda was ready for replacement near 4500 miles. After 5500 on this current Toyo it looks like I might make 8k miles before needing a new rear. So I'm not getting great mileage out of the rears on the F3. I chalk that up to riding style. My Spyder doesn't do low heat around town puttering. When I ride I'm out for 8+ hours a day of riding twisties with hard braking and acceleration. No burnouts other than some wheel slip now and then.

Best advice? Any car tire is going to perform better than the Kendas and wear evenly. You may or may not get more miles out of the rear specifically. The Kumho is fine for many, but I suggest spending the extra $ on something better like the Yokohama s drive 205/50R15. It may even be in the same price range but people seem far happier with the Yokohama than the Kumho.

As for air pressure I'll only say you will find lots of opinions and a lot of apparent tire experts here. Yes the Spyder is lighter than a car and thus the tires aren't even pushing their load ratings. I've run 20-22 PSI on the fronts for thousands of miles with no issues and anywhere from 28-30 on the rear with no issues. You go too low of a PSI and the tire may create too much heat via sidewall flex and may break a bead in an abrupt swerve. Some here suggest some very low PSI in the tires.... "Tread" carefully... Get it?

I buy mine for performance and not price and not the miles I get out of them. True, I wish the tires would last longer on my F3-S but that is probably my fault more than anything else. Just remember that at some point after your 2nd or 3rd rear tire you should have your rear bearings inspected and potentially replaced.

I will be mounting my last Toyo Proxes 4 this summer at some point... I really wish they still made that tire.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

LOW PSI

Immediate difference.

This is all subjective based on the car tire you choose... but with the right car tires I've:

Had way better dry traction front and back
Had way better wet traction front and back
Had way better standing water performance front and back

The Kumho that I tried on the rear of my GS lasted 11k miles - about 1k more than the OEM Kendas. The Kuhmo was a fine touring tire, but overall it's dry and wet performance was pretty bad. Only benefit of the Kumho for me was even tread wear across the entire tire width.

On the GS fronts the Bridgestone Potenza RE-92's were absolutely awesome.
On the GS the best rear I had was the Toyo Proxes 4 (no longer made). That tire was super sticky in the dry and it's wet and rain performance was incredible. Between a nail in one Toyo and selling the GS I never figured out what miles I could get to with the Toyo (on the GS)

On the F3-S I switched to the Federal Evos for the fronts. Did it early. Bit stickier than stock and better in the rain. I switched out the Kenda fronts at 4500 miles and to be honest I would have been ok keeping the OEM fronts, but decided to switch early.

On the F3-S rear I have once again a Toyo Proxes 4. My OEM Kenda was ready for replacement near 4500 miles. After 5500 on this current Toyo it looks like I might make 8k miles before needing a new rear. So I'm not getting great mileage out of the rears on the F3. I chalk that up to riding style. My Spyder doesn't do low heat around town puttering. When I ride I'm out for 8+ hours a day of riding twisties with hard braking and acceleration. No burnouts other than some wheel slip now and then.

Best advice? Any car tire is going to perform better than the Kendas and wear evenly. You may or may not get more miles out of the rear specifically. The Kumho is fine for many, but I suggest spending the extra $ on something better like the Yokohama s drive 205/50R15. It may even be in the same price range but people seem far happier with the Yokohama than the Kumho.

As for air pressure I'll only say you will find lots of opinions and a lot of apparent tire experts here. Yes the Spyder is lighter than a car and thus the tires aren't even pushing their load ratings. I've run 20-22 PSI on the fronts for thousands of miles with no issues and anywhere from 28-30 on the rear with no issues. You go too low of a PSI and the tire may create too much heat via sidewall flex and may break a bead in an abrupt swerve. Some here suggest some very low PSI in the tires.... "Tread" carefully... Get it?

I buy mine for performance and not price and not the miles I get out of them. True, I wish the tires would last longer on my F3-S but that is probably my fault more than anything else. Just remember that at some point after your 2nd or 3rd rear tire you should have your rear bearings inspected and potentially replaced.

I will be mounting my last Toyo Proxes 4 this summer at some point... I really wish they still made that tire.

Dan, in all the Car tires I have used ( for the rear ) ...they have been in 16 to 18 PSI range ....well over 100,000 miles of riding ...... I have never had a tire even SLIP on the Rim let alone break a BEAD ....Over-inflating a Car tire ( for the Spyders weight ) is #1. - giving you less traction ...and #2. - a punishing ride..... This is tire Science not " what someones Butt told them " ...... To ALL those tire Science doubters just try this ..... On your Spyder , deflate a tire to about 5 psi ( this won't break the Bead on a parked machine ) ... now start IN-FLATING it, you can Actually see the tire FOOTPRINT getting smaller ....this begs the question - How can a smaller Footprint give better traction - Answer IT CAN'T..............and if you think it CAN - then you should " PROVE IT " ........ Mike :thumbup: