Tire questions again

[Warlock]

Getting ready to order tires for my wife's spyder. It's a 08 SE5.
Was thinking about mounting 185/65/14 on front and 215/60/15 on back. Did a tire comparison and at indicated 70 mph with stock tires the front 185/65/14 would read 66.48 mph and the rear 215/60/15 would read 66.96. Very close in speed and was thinking by these it would make the speedometer read better and not mess with the speed sensors. I think I read where you could add a 1/2 inch spacer to use the 185/65/14 tires. Any though on this and is anyone running this set-up?
Thanks, David

 

[scooterexpress]

question to all that have changed out tires i'm not quite understanding the concept of all these tire issues can't you just buy any type of tire you want as long as its the same size as the book states? i was thinking that when it was time to do tires i was thinking on good year or michelins looking at 60-70k mile tires like cars have is this not possible? well if i'm wrong please educate me further on this. thanks

scooterexpress

 

[kinggeek]

I am runninng General Altimax HP 185/60 R14 on fronts no spacers and speedo is REAL close to the GPS reported speed, before it was 2 MPH off.

LOVE THEM! HUGE upgrade in handling.

 

[NancysToy]

question to all that have changed out tires i'm not quite understanding the concept of all these tire issues can't you just buy any type of tire you want as long as its the same size as the book states? i was thinking that when it was time to do tires i was thinking on good year or michelins looking at 60-70k mile tires like cars have is this not possible? well if i'm wrong please educate me further on this. thanks

scooterexpress

There are other things to consider besides size or mileage. The tread pattern is one. The OEM tires on a Spyder are directional for a reason...to pump out water that would make them hydroplane. Look for a fairly high Wet Traction rating. Another consideration is dry traction. You do not want a tire that does well in the wet or cold, but tends to slide when hot and dry. Look at the Dry Traction rating. In addition, you want a tire that is rated at or beyond the maximum speed your vehicle can reach...not just the fastest you ride. Look at the speed rating on the tire. It should be as high or higher than the OEM Kenda. In some states with vehicle inspections, you might even need a tire that is motorcycle rated. That would limit you to the OEM tires. Choosing the proper tire is more than a matter of mileage guarantees, size, and price. Be sure to get one that meets or exceeds the OEM specs in all areas, for safety's sake.

 

[Warlock]

There are other things to consider besides size or mileage. The tread pattern is one. The OEM tires on a Spyder are directional for a reason...to pump out water that would make them hydroplane. Look for a fairly high Wet Traction rating. Another consideration is dry traction. You do not want a tire that does well in the wet or cold, but tends to slide when hot and dry. Look at the Dry Traction rating. In addition, you want a tire that is rated at or beyond the maximum speed your vehicle can reach...not just the fastest you ride. Look at the speed rating on the tire. It should be as high or higher than the OEM Kenda. In some states with vehicle inspections, you might even need a tire that is motorcycle rated. That would limit you to the OEM tires. Choosing the proper tire is more than a matter of mileage guarantees, size, and price. Be sure to get one that meets or exceeds the OEM specs in all areas, for safety's sake.

Looking into getting the Falken 512 or 912 series. Good tire. Have run the 512's series on back of my Honda Valkyrie.
David

 

[rnet]

Getting ready to order tires for my wife's spyder. It's a 08 SE5.
Was thinking about mounting 185/65/14 on front and 215/60/15 on back. Did a tire comparison and at indicated 70 mph with stock tires the front 185/65/14 would read 66.48 mph and the rear 215/60/15 would read 66.96. Very close in speed and was thinking by these it would make the speedometer read better and not mess with the speed sensors. I think I read where you could add a 1/2 inch spacer to use the 185/65/14 tires. Any though on this and is anyone running this set-up?
Thanks, David

The front tire is the one my son has been using here in his tire shop, but it is wider, so you need to adjust the fender out for clearance. I recommend The stock size Toyo Proxes 4 for the back, but there are a few others this size. Both of these tires have high traction and speed ratings. Some are using the Michelin hydroedge in the size you mentioned for the rear, but I'm not sure they still make it in that size. If you are having uneven wear on the fronts, make sure you get them aligned and don't listen to a dealer that say's it's normal.