Are you happy with your aftermarket CAR tires?

[JohnRuckus]

I don't want to say I was skeptical, but I wasn't quite sold on all the rave reviews prior to me changing tires. I was really going to try to keep things OEM, but.... I'm glad I didn't. I've only put on a little over 100 miles since having them installed. The difference is very noticeable. On day 1 I had to adjust the tire pressure down from the 28 to the suggested psi. I think I dropped it to 20 until I was able to find the ~18 psi recommendation.
So, after 3 days of short rides, I can say that there is a difference in aftermarket Riken Raptors vs OEM Kendas for sure. I didn't think I would notice that much of a difference by just replacing the rear. Now, I'm eager to replace the fronts too.
I'm not going to tell anyone to go after market. That's your choice, but if you do, I'd say give the Riken Raptor a try. I don't know how to describe it other than saying it just rides better than the OEM. Traction feels better and even ride comfort seems a little softer (that could just be me though).

:riding:

 

[Jesster72]

I put the Altimax 45 on the back and Quatracs on the front - all at the same time, at about 12,500 miles, a week or so ago. The rear was shot, the fronts had ok tread, but I wanted to get it all done in one shot. Before I left the dealer, I adjusted all to 18 psi. I had a (solo) 100 mi ride from the dealer to home, mixed interstate and 2-lane, with a few sprinkles thrown in for good measure. The next day, I took my wife for a ride, about 60 miles. She even noticed the difference in the ride.

I'm looking forward to getting out again and see if my initial perception holds, that the bike tracks even better than before, and the ride seems much smoother. But, with all the rain over the last 4 days, then yesterday and today it is snowing, I'll have to wait a few days before getting out again.

Thanks to all who shared their knowledge on tires here. Without you and the site, I would have put the Kendas on when it was time. I appreciate you (all).

 

[Cobwebs]

I put the Altimax 45 on the back and Quatracs on the front - all at the same time, at about 12,500 miles, a week or so ago. The rear was shot, the fronts had ok tread, but I wanted to get it all done in one shot. Before I left the dealer, I adjusted all to 18 psi. I had a (solo) 100 mi ride from the dealer to home, mixed interstate and 2-lane, with a few sprinkles thrown in for good measure. The next day, I took my wife for a ride, about 60 miles. She even noticed the difference in the ride.

I'm looking forward to getting out again and see if my initial perception holds, that the bike tracks even better than before, and the ride seems much smoother. But, with all the rain over the last 4 days, then yesterday and today it is snowing, I'll have to wait a few days before getting out again.

Thanks to all who shared their knowledge on tires here. Without you and the site, I would have put the Kendas on when it was time. I appreciate you (all).

Don't all new freshly balanced tyres feel like that though, regardless of the vehicle.
Just sayin'..........

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I don't want to say I was skeptical, but I wasn't quite sold on all the rave reviews prior to me changing tires. I was really going to try to keep things OEM, but.... I'm glad I didn't. I've only put on a little over 100 miles since having them installed. The difference is very noticeable. On day 1 I had to adjust the tire pressure down from the 28 to the suggested psi. I think I dropped it to 20 until I was able to find the ~18 psi recommendation.
So, after 3 days of short rides, I can say that there is a difference in aftermarket Riken Raptors vs OEM Kendas for sure. I didn't think I would notice that much of a difference by just replacing the rear. Now, I'm eager to replace the fronts too.
I'm not going to tell anyone to go after market. That's your choice, but if you do, I'd say give the Riken Raptor a try. I don't know how to describe it other than saying it just rides better than the OEM. Traction feels better and even ride comfort seems a little softer (that could just be me though).

:riding:

"Ride comfort softer" ..... No, it's not just you .... I posted numerous times that the Tires are part of the suspension ..... Even the Auto tires have stiffer sidewalls, using 15 to 17 PSI in the fronts WORKS - period ..... good luck ... Mike :thumbup:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Don't all new freshly balanced tyres feel like that though, regardless of the vehicle.
Just sayin'..........

NO ......Mike :roflblack:

 

[Cobwebs]

NO ......Mike :roflblack:

All mine have. How can a worn out multiple heat cycled tyre give more traction and feel better than a new example then?

 

[Peter Aawen]

All mine have. How can a worn out multiple heat cycled tyre give more traction and feel better than a new example then?

Well, apart from the fact that you might be used to and comfortable with the way the old tire feels, and not quite so used to &/or comfortable with how the new tire feels... not YET anyway.

Then unless it's completely worn out and no longer functioning as a pneumatic tire, the old & worn out tire can do this simply by running the old tire at the RIGHT pressure for the tire/its age/its construction/the load/the ambient temps etc vs running the new tire at the WRONG pressure for the tire/its age/its construction/the load/the ambient temps etc... :thumbup:

Altho it's not a simple concept, it's not rocket science; but it's the volume of air inside the tire that actually carries the LOAD imposed upon it by the vehicle/its content etc. and forms an integral part of the vehicle's functional suspension capabilities; and it is also the volume of air inside it that needs to allow the tire to flex appropriately in order to bring the tread and its compound up to its ideal/optimal operating temperature, a volume that may change a little as the tire ages & its tread & compound varies with age; and ever since the invention/introduction of pneumatic tires, the Law of Physics that refers to all this and applies here has not changed, nor has our understanding of it, at least not enough to make any significant variation in OUR use with regards to Spyders, or pretty much any vehicle tire that we are likely to use for that matter.

Just Sayin' hyea:

 

[Snoking1127]

A new tire can be a bit slippery for the first few dozens of miles and might squirm a bit on the road.

 

[Cobwebs]

Well, apart from the fact that you might be used to and comfortable with the way the old tire feels, and not quite so used to &/or comfortable with how the new tire feels... not YET anyway.

Then unless it's completely worn out and no longer functioning as a pneumatic tire, the old & worn out tire can do this simply by running the old tire at the RIGHT pressure for the tire/its age/its construction/the load/the ambient temps etc vs running the new tire at the WRONG pressure for the tire/its age/its construction/the load/the ambient temps etc...

Altho it's not a simple concept, it's not rocket science; but it's the volume of air inside the tire that actually carries the LOAD imposed upon it by the vehicle/its content etc. and forms an integral part of the vehicle's functional suspension capabilities; and it is also the volume of air inside it that needs to allow the tire to flex appropriately in order to bring the tread and its compound up to its ideal/optimal operating temperature, a volume that may change a little as the tire ages & its tread & compound varies with age; and ever since the invention/introduction of pneumatic tires, the Law of Physics that refers to all this and applies here has not changed, nor has our understanding of it, at least not enough to make any significant variation in OUR use with regards to Spyders, or pretty much any vehicle tire that we are likely to use for that matter.

Just Sayin' hyea:

I probably could have worded my question/post better.
My observations are new tyres always feel better than those replaced. I suspect this is what everyone is reporting as to why they think Kendas are crap when they fit alternatives. The replacements feel great but it's because they are new with no wear induced foibles... yet.
Given time the replacements show their true characteristics, and my example is that it has gradually lost grip even with lowering of pressure to try to compensate. That it started with what I suspect is a higher UTQG rating than the Kenda is what I think is its weak point. I've attempted to get the treadwear specs from Kenda with no luck so this is pure speculation on my part, but they must be in the 200 to 300 range versus anywhere from 400 to 600 on recommended tyres from Mike and others here if you factor in the lifespan results reported.
Spyders are a performance machine first and foremost IMO with a touring version available that can be hustled if desired. I don't want tyres with less grip than the Kendas.
98% of respondents are happy with their aftermarket tyres doesn't mean they perform better in all ways than Kendas. It could also be interpreted as being willing to compromise one advantage for another.

 

[CheMar9-spyder1]

Rear Kenda was worn out at 5000 miles. Nothing but auto tires since. Handles better, rides better, longer tire life for less $$$. I know there are folks who like the Kenda, but I have never had good luck with a Kenda on any vehicle I have had them on. Bicycle, scooter, dirt bike, or Spyder. As I have said before; I wouldn't push a vehicle with a Kenda on it.

I'm learning. Does one need to change the rim to mount an auto tyre or ??

 

[RangerRick]

I'm learning. Does one need to change the rim to mount an auto tyre or ??

Nope

 

[CheMar9-spyder1]

I have General Altimax on rears and Achilles(sp) on the front. I didn't put them on the rear because I was worried about "heel" damage.

Dave what size you running? I have General on my Subaru and Jeep and love them, no noise, quiet ride.

 

[jjc54]

Tap into some of the untapped potential of your machine by putting good quality car tires on her. I love the Vredesteins all the way around. If I had stayed with Kendas for the rear, I would be on tire 6 by now. I just changed the rear, and that is number 4. I would still be on 3 if I hadn't run the Kuhmo PSI according to the operator's manual. I should have listened.

 

[CheMar9-spyder1]

Nope

Ok change the tyre size then?

I just ordered VRT 350 for the rear, there time looks a change of tyre by the looks of the comments

Replaced the Kenda's on my '13 RTL w Federal Formoza (front) and Gen'l Altimax and it was like a different machine, much better ride, put 29,000 miles on them before selling and the tread still looked new.
Replaced the Kenda's on my '18RTL in Jan '24 at 8,000 miles or so with Vredestein's all around, have had a couple 3 hr plus rides, and again, feels like a much better ride. Tomorrow will be my wife's first ride with me and we'll see if she even notices., But they do look better,
View attachment 207235

What size tyre for the General?

 

[troop]

What size tyre for the General?

For the rear, 215/60R15

 

[Peter Aawen]

Just a reminder people, if you 'out' your dealer or a tire fitter here on the public pages as being someone who will fit anything other than OEM tires &/or their clones onto Spyders, then as has been reported here on the Forum, there's a fairly high chance that someone will come the heavy on them and that they won't be fitting any non-OEM tires for you or maybe anyone else ever again!!

So if someone/a dealer/tire fitter does do that 'fit non-OEM tires to your Spyder' thing ^ for you, and you want them to keep on doing that, then don't broadcast it to the world on the public pages, be a little discreet, and if you want to know or share any specific details of WHO has actually fitted non-OEM tires &/or their clones with others, use DM's.

Just Sayin' - AGAIN!

 

[Snoking1127]

For the rear, 215/60R15

That is the size Generals I run on both of mine. Corrected the speed indications a bit.

 

[Bfromla]

Just a reminder people, if you 'out' your dealer or a tire fitter here on the public pages as being someone who will fit anything other than OEM tires &/or their clones onto Spyders, then as has been reported here on the Forum, there's a fairly high chance that someone will come the heavy on them and that they won't be fitting any non-OEM tires for you or maybe anyone else ever again!!

So if someone/a dealer/tire fitter does do that 'fit non-OEM tires to your Spyder' thing ^ for you, and you want them to keep on doing that, then don't broadcast it to the world on the public pages, be a little discreet, and if you want to know or share any specific details of WHO has actually fitted non-OEM tires &/or their clones with others, use DM's.

Just Sayin' - AGAIN!

Agree (word of mouth better than a searchable post)
Car tire yes improved mileages for roughly same prices, & when came in question - having car patched was not a problem. Removed from bike & brought to a shop, that is. The Kenda’s do have Motorcycle on the sidewall & can denied for patchwork on that alone.

 

[BajaRon]

There really are no downsides to using the right car tire on a Spyder. It's all upside.

One of the misconceptions here is that we all use the term 'Car Tire'. But the truth is, the OEM Kenda's are car tires as well. They are just too light duty to handle the added weight of a car. So, all we are talking about here is swapping out a much sturdier car tire for a very weak and poorly constructed car tire.

Many thousands of riders over probably millions of accumulated miles have proven the BRP rhetoric about tires to be false.

But I suppose there is one downside. Though it really has nothing to do with safety. And this is that dealers usually won't install a 'Car' tire for you.

 

[Snoking1127]

There really are no downsides to using the right car tire on a Spyder. It's all upside.

One of the misconceptions here is that we all use the term 'Car Tire'. But the truth is, the OEM Kenda's are car tires as well. They are just too light duty to handle the added weight of a car. So, all we are talking about here is swapping out a much sturdier car tire for a very weak and poorly constructed car tire.

Many thousands of riders over probably millions of accumulated miles have proven the BRP rhetoric about tires to be false.

But I suppose there is one downside. Though it really has nothing to do with safety. And this is that dealers usually won't install a 'Car' tire for you.

Won't install a better quality tire for you!!!! Is a better statement.