bigger front tire?????

[Bob Denman]

Those big boys also use traction-enhancing techniques and additives for their short runs...

 

[Campverdefela]

Those big boys also use traction-enhancing techniques and additives for their short runs...

That's right, very sticky tires. I know from my winter experience back in Pennsylvania that a narrower tire gave better traction in the snow.

 

[BajaRon]

That's right, very sticky tires. I know from my winter experience back in Pennsylvania that a narrower tire gave better traction in the snow.

In poor traction situations a wider tire acts like a ski. Snow, standing water and mud, for example. In these situations (except for packed snow) you want to get through the problem down to where traction exists, so narrower is better.

Like Scotty says, each situation and combination of circumstances prescribes a certain 'Ideal' tire. The problem is, we don't usually have a rack full of different tires like a race team, and no one to swap them out every time the conditions warrant. So we select the tire that will do us the most good in the majority of situations we encounter. This always requires compromise.

Then, hopefully, we are aware of the weaknesses of our chosen tire and ride accordingly when the tire is not optimal for that particular condition.

 

[NancysToy]

In poor traction situations a wider tire acts like a ski. Snow, standing water and mud, for example. In these situations (except for packed snow) you want to get through the problem down to where traction exists, so narrower is better.

Like Scotty says, each situation and combination of circumstances prescribes a certain 'Ideal' tire. The problem is, we don't usually have a rack full of different tires like a race team, and no one to swap them out every time the conditions warrant. So we select the tire that will do us the most good in the majority of situations we encounter. This always requires compromise.

Then, hopefully, we are aware of the weaknesses of our chosen tire and ride accordingly when the tire is not optimal for that particular condition.

Well said, Ron! :thumbup:

 

[Bob Denman]

Since we're tlaking tires here; does anybody know of a 155 or 145 section width shoe that could work up front? I've been wondering if that might help Doc on his WFO runs at Bonneville...

 

[BajaRon]

Since we're tlaking tires here; does anybody know of a 155 or 145 section width shoe that could work up front? I've been wondering if that might help Doc on his WFO runs at Bonneville...

I think Doc might be better off with pizza cutters on the front for his run. Less friction...

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree:; but I don't know what tires are actually available, or what's allowed in the class(es) that he runs... :dontknow:

 

[hecoon]

got the 175/65/14 's put on the bike friday.
rode 263 miles on sat and 326 on sunday.
174.09 out the door from tire kingdom.
i usually order from tire rack but there was only a few dollars difference so i let the local store do it.

did not notice any difference in the handling of the bike

 

[steve635]

got the 175/65/14 's put on the bike friday.
rode 263 miles on sat and 326 on sunday.
174.09 out the door from tire kingdom.
i usually order from tire rack but there was only a few dollars difference so i let the local store do it.

did not notice any difference in the handling of the bike

What brand? And did Tire Kingdom mount and balance them on your Spyder?

 

[BajaRon]

got the 175/65/14 's put on the bike friday.
rode 263 miles on sat and 326 on sunday.
174.09 out the door from tire kingdom.
i usually order from tire rack but there was only a few dollars difference so i let the local store do it.

did not notice any difference in the handling of the bike

What tire did you get?

 

[SllimG]

The softness of the rubber has more to do with traction than anything else. Police vehicles typically use a "V" or pursuit rated tire. They are made of very soft rubber. Great for traction, but they wear out quickly. That is the reason race cars go through so many tires. Soft rubber wears a lot faster.

 

[StriperKing]

This is what I have and am very happy with them. Just another choice. About 10,000 miles and no noticable wear. General Altimax HP 185/60R14

 

[larryd]

Front tires 175/60R14

I'm thinking about trying a pair of these on the front of my 08 GS...Anyone have any information or feed back???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Federal-FORMOZA-FD1-175-60R14-79H-TL-BSW-TIRES-/330804451764

 

[BajaRon]

I'm thinking about trying a pair of these on the front of my 08 GS...Anyone have any information or feed back???

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Federal-FORMOZA-FD1-175-60R14-79H-TL-BSW-TIRES-/330804451764

A typical issue with a summer tire is that when it gets cooler/cold, they get pretty slick. They have to be warm to work.

 

[Mike X]

Will the rims take different sizes of tyre ? I love the look of wide tyres but I thought the wider you go the more the tyre would be pinched causing the surface area contacting the road to be reduced but maybe that could be controled by varying tyre pressures ?..........my head hurts .

 

[Bob Denman]

You might want to contact "rnet" in here about those issues...
He's been installing wider and larger tires on the front end of Spyders for a while now; I'm pretty sure that he can address those issues for you. :thumbup: