Another Tire Thread

[Bob Denman]

can someone enplane to me why spyders eat tires so fast. is it poor craftsmanship on the tire mfg. if so why doesn't BRP drop them, or is it that the bikes ride different than others. i had metzlers on my 08 wing and they lasted 13 thousand miles, i really don't understand tires and if we can buy a tire that gets better millage, than why will some dealers only instal the tires that came with the bike.

John,
These are GOOD questions...
As far as answers... :dontknow:

BRP probably had a decent amount of inquiries go out to find a Company that could provide tires for the Spyder.
Since it's mtorcycle tires that only fit ONE brand of bike; they probably either didn't get a lot of proposals, or they simply took the lowest bidder.
Hopefully; we'll start to see some more options as these bikes become more "mainstream". :2thumbs:

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I don't know if there is something different with the tire on the 2014 or if it is the Spyder. I got 13,000 miles on my original tire on my 2013 and over 15,000 on the 2010.

 

[ARtraveler]

I don't know if there is something different with the tire on the 2014 or if it is the Spyder. I got 13,000 miles on my original tire on my 2013 and over 15,000 on the 2010.

RE: tire longevity. I have consistently got 13K to 15K miles out of the rear tires on all pre 2014 Spyders owned. Front tires have been a consistent 20K to 23K.

I am having to replace the front tires on the 2011 RT at 12,000 miles do to the fact that right one is wearing unevenly on the inside edge. No laser alignment available here and I am kind of getting the run around from the dealer in how do I fix the front end so this does not happen on the new set.

Time will tell what I find on the 2014. Will have 2K miles on by the end of the week. Have mentioned this before, but as a high mileage rider, I surely don't want to replace three rear tires a season. (at $250 or so per episode).

Time to start complaining to BRP--IMO of course. Once again--a $30K machine that goes through tires like snacks? There has to be a better quality and longevity option available.

 

[mcatell69]

Another tire thread

When I saw the picture I too thought too much air. But I believe that because this is a motorcycle tire and is softer, as you ride faster the tire expands in the middle causing it to wear the way it is. The 2014's are heavier and the tires aren't lasting as long. Thoughts?

 

[Bob Denman]

My thought; the Automotive rear tire option is looking more attractive! :thumbup:

 

[SpyRyd]

My thought; the Automotive rear tire option is looking more attractive! :thumbup:

:agree: Got a Khumo Ecsta AST on order to be delivered to my dealer. Dealer will install for $85.00. If I get 15-20,000 miles on the Khumo I'll be a happy camper...or is that being a little too optimistic?

 

[MikeT]

The OEM Kendas are a two-ply tire... :gaah:

As I suspected, the 2-ply construction of the OEM Kenda tires is inferior. If they have a UTOG rating, it is probably not rated well for Treadware and/or Temperature. No way would I put my life, or my passanger's life, on the line riding on 2-ply rated tires.
Mike

 

[Bob Denman]

Mike, they're not dangerous :shocked:; they're just not as good as some other options... :thumbup:

 

[MikeT]

Mike, they're not dangerous :shocked:; they're just not as good as some other options... :thumbup:

I would think that for the $$$$$$ a 1330 powered Spyder commands, BRP would put 4-ply tires under their RT line. My Touring H-D Dunlops were 4-ply. My Bridestone BT-45 on the front , and the Michelins on the rear of my GL1800 Hannigan are too. Time for BRP to step up to the plate.
Mike

 

[Magdave]

does the Arachnid tire say how many plies it has in the sidewall or tread?
Still haven't seen any specs on this tire
Thanks
Don

I saw and Talked with Mike about the Arachnid. It IS 2 ply but has a harder rubber tread area and stiffer sidewall than Oem FYI. PM him for more info.

 

[Ronbo]

Tire Wear...

Replaced my rear tire today with an Arachnid at 9,600 miles.. I'll have a few thousand on it after next week so I'll give you a report then.

Ann,
i'm really interested to see what you find out, as this is a very interesting tire to me. My only experience is from selecting tires for previous Corvettes. The on-going problem was always choosing the softness of the compound of the tire for grip/performance vs how often you have to replace them. I personally don't mind sacrificing mileage for increased performance up to a point. Back in the day Michelin tires seemed to be a good solution. My current rear tire on my 2014 RT needs replacing,but has provided wonderful handling! Thanks for keeping us posted.

Ron

 

[r1100rider]

Ann,
i'm really interested to see what you find out, as this is a very interesting tire to me. My only experience is from selecting tires for previous Corvettes. The on-going problem was always choosing the softness of the compound of the tire for grip/performance vs how often you have to replace them. I personally don't mind sacrificing mileage for increased performance up to a point. Back in the day Michelin tires seemed to be a good solution. My current rear tire on my 2014 RT needs replacing,but has provided wonderful handling! Thanks for keeping us posted.

Ron

Spyders are going to wear rear tires there is no weight on the rear and a lot of power even more so with the 1330 a Spyder won't back up anything with even the slightest incline there just isn't any traction on the rear ,'the Michelin hydro edge that I put on are doing very well but still won't come close to what they would have done on an economy car with some weight on them for traction

 

[MikeT]

Spyders are going to wear rear tires there is no weight on the rear and a lot of power even more so with the 1330 a Spyder won't back up anything with even the slightest incline there just isn't any traction on the rear

Are you saying that if you ride 2-up 98% of the time, you'll get better wear out of the rear tire????? From what I've read here, the problem with the OEM Kenda is that the sidewall is "weak" and causes the tire to balloon at highway speeds. This results in the tire wearing out in the center, even though it is not ver inflated.
Mike
I'm currently running the Corvette specific Michelin run flats on my '02 C5 Z-51.

 

[KX5062]

can someone enplane to me why spyders eat tires so fast. is it poor craftsmanship on the tire mfg. if so why doesn't BRP drop them, or is it that the bikes ride different than others. i had metzlers on my 08 wing and they lasted 13 thousand miles, i really don't understand tires and if we can buy a tire that gets better millage, than why will some dealers only instal the tires that came with the bike.

I think the key to the explanation is in the sizing of the tires. Meaning, they are a weird and hard to find size. If you stick to the stock size on either tire, then you're basically left going to the dealer for their almost proprietary tire sizes. They really don't want you riding your bike into brand X tire store and buying an off-the-shelf tire. What they do want is for you to stay with their dealership network for all of your motoring needs.

It's just like why Kenda? They are a low end Chinese company that is famous for making barely marginal tires. Answer: profit.

Why a 2 ply tire that says it's for motorcycles, when in reality it is a car tire? Bear in mind, if they catagorize it as a motorcycle tire, then the specs are not published, if it's designated as a automotive tire, then they must publicly publish the specifications. Again, the answer is profit.

No don't get me wrong. I'm a total believer in capitalism, but there's limits, and IMO, BRP is at times at the limits of tolerability. :lecturef_smilie:

 

[vtrider]

:agree: Got a Khumo Ecsta AST on order to be delivered to my dealer. Dealer will install for $85.00. If I get 15-20,000 miles on the Khumo I'll be a happy camper...or is that being a little too optimistic?

Where did you order your Khumo Ecsta AST tires from? I like the Khumo tire. I used these on my 2008 GS. I have ordered them before from Tire Rack, but when searching for the 225-50-15 tire size they didn't have the Khumo Ecsta listed.

 

[tigerdr]

Where did you order your Khumo Ecsta AST tires from? I like the Khumo tire. I used these on my 2008 GS. I have ordered them before from Tire Rack, but when searching for the 225-50-15 tire size they didn't have the Khumo Ecsta listed.

Look at this link--> http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/searchTiresBySize.do?cs=225&ar=50&rd=15

 

[Spyderal11]

Kuhmo Tire

I just received one of the kuhmo's from discounttiredirect took just a few days good price.

 

[KX5062]

Look at this link--> http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/searchTiresBySize.do?cs=225&ar=50&rd=15

Says back ordered. :sour:

 

[vtrider]

Says back ordered. :sour:

I ordered my Khumo AST tire this morning from Discount Tire. They called me and I was told that I should have it in about 3 to 4 days.

 

[mob133]

tire wear

when at the factory tour this question came up BRP response was they are aware of the tire issue on 2014 rt, apparently kenda is using a softer compound and yes they are re-evaluating there tire supplier options

Replaced my rear tire today with an Arachnid at 9,600 miles.. I'll have a few thousand on it after next week so I'll give you a report then.