Laser wheel alignment

[Baron14y]

Spyder felt kind of squirlly so took it in to have the wheels laser aligned. They checked things out and said nothing needed. Reset the computer, and didn't charge me a dime. Now, I'm thinking to change out the front tires from the Kenda's (yuk) to General AltiMax RT43's, or Federal Formoza or SS657 in the 185/60R14 size. Any comments yea or nay?opcorn:

 

[Revalden]

I bought the Federal Formosa AZ01 (stock size) from WalMart on line ($58.00 ea.). Had to wait a few days for them to be shipped to my local store. Then took them to my favorite tire dealership to have them mounted and spin balanced. They stick to the twisties like they're glued. I love them, especially compared to the Krap-da.

 

[Baron14y]

I bought the Federal Formosa AZ01 (stock size) from WalMart on line ($58.00 ea.). Had to wait a few days for them to be shipped to my local store. Then took them to my favorite tire dealership to have them mounted and spin balanced. They stick to the twisties like they're glued. I love them, especially compared to the Krap-da.

How are they in the rain (it sometimes rains here in Florida)?

 

[canamjhb]

Having the alignment within BRP specs is not the same and usually not as good as a laser alignment. Getting rid of the Kendas is one of the very best things I did to improve my ride. I went with Federal Formoza AZ01 175/55R15s. Excellent handling tire. As far as rain, well, I live in Arizona so can't help you there. I believe SpyderAnn has the same tires and reports good things about it's handling the rain. Good luck..... Jim

 

[Baron14y]

Having the alignment within BRP specs is not the same and usually not as good as a laser alignment. Getting rid of the Kendas is one of the very best things I did to improve my ride. I went with Federal Fermoza AZ01 175/55R15s. Excellent handling tire. As far as rain, well, I live in Arizona so can't help you there. I believe SpyderAnn has the same tires and reports good things about it's handling the rain. Good luck..... Jim

You show 15" wheels. My fronts are 14".

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Your bio says you have a 2015 RT Ltd. Unless you’re asking about a different machine, your fronts are supposed to be 15”.

 

[Baron14y]

Your bio says you have a 2015 RT Ltd. Unless you’re asking about a different machine, your fronts are supposed to be 15”.

You are absolutely right. That's what is on my Spyder. See what happens when you are 78 and don't have your reading glasses on. But, what's 1" among friends.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Well, now that you’re looking for 15” tires, it changes the landscape quite a bit. More choices.

 

[Baron14y]

You are absolutely right. That's what is on my Spyder. See what happens when you are 78 and don't have your reading glasses on. But, what's 1" among friends.

I just ordered the Federal Formoza AZ01's, in 175/55R15. Also just ordered a BajaRon sway bar. Hope to have everything put on next week. Should ride like it is on tracks. Will let everyone know how it feels (assuming anyone is interested).hyea:

 

[canamjhb]

I just ordered the Federal Formoza AZ01's, in 175/55R15. Also just ordered a BajaRon sway bar. Hope to have everything put on next week. Should ride like it is on tracks. Will let everyone know how it feels (assuming anyone is interested).hyea:

When I changed my front tires I noticed the fender bolts protruded unnecessarily into the wheel area. I didn't think there would be a problem of rubbing the tires but just to be safe, I pulled each bolt out, one by one, and snipped about a 1/4 inch off each one with a bolt cutter. It was a quick and easy thing to do. Took maybe 10 minutes. If I remember right there are 3 bolts for each side. Once you remove your wheels you will be able to see what I am referring to. Necessary....? Probably not. But I just didn't like the looks of those bolt ends protruding towards my tires. Good luck..... Jim

 

[SpyderAnn01]

How are they in the rain (it sometimes rains here in Florida)?

The Formoza’s are awesome in the rain. I also run them in the stock size.

 

[CopperSpyder]

I just ordered the Federal Formoza AZ01's, in 175/55R15. Also just ordered a BajaRon sway bar. Hope to have everything put on next week. Should ride like it is on tracks. Will let everyone know how it feels (assuming anyone is interested).hyea:

Make sure and lower the air pressure in the new tires to about 16-18 max psi for best results.

 

[Baron14y]

Make sure and lower the air pressure in the new tires to about 16-18 max psi for best results.

A lot of people have said that. Will do.

 

[Baron14y]

The Formoza’s are awesome in the rain. I also run them in the stock size.

I just noticed that you hadn't ridden any of your Spyders to Hawaii. How come, too far to ride?:roflblack:

 

[Baron14y]

Reset the pressures to 18 front and 24 rear. The fronts were fine, but the rear (Arachnid) felt like it was trying to steer the machine instead of me. Going to put it back to 28 psi.

 

[SpyderAnn01]

Reset the pressures to 18 front and 24 rear. The fronts were fine, but the rear (Arachnid) felt like it was trying to steer the machine instead of me. Going to put it back to 28 psi.

Instead of changing the pressure in the Arachnid I would put on a better tire.

 

[Baron14y]

Instead of changing the pressure in the Arachnid I would put on a better tire.

Yeah, good idea. However, I've spent a good junk of $ already on things so, unless it really sucks and I can't make it better, will stay with the Arachnid for a while. Still a lot of tread on it.

 

[jakeman66]

I bought the Federal Formosa AZ01 (stock size) from WalMart on line ($58.00 ea.). Had to wait a few days for them to be shipped to my local store. Then took them to my favorite tire dealership to have them mounted and spin balanced. They stick to the twisties like they're glued. I love them, especially compared to the Krap-da.

Did you take the bike to your tire dealership or did you remove take just the wheels? thanks.

 

[Spyderlass]

Reset the pressures to 18 front and 24 rear. The fronts were fine, but the rear (Arachnid) felt like it was trying to steer the machine instead of me. Going to put it back to 28 psi.

Good idea. Running a tyre too soft is always a bad idea, more wall flexing, more tread squirming, less tread base control, more heat build up, more tread side wear, poorer aquaplaning resistance. To name just a few bad reasons... :yikes:.

If putting it back to 28psi makes a marked difference, it might be worth trying 30 and 32. Perhaps the tyre is a bit too flexi. :dontknow:

 

[Baron14y]

Good idea. Running a tyre too soft is always a bad idea, more wall flexing, more tread squirming, less tread base control, more heat build up, more tread side wear, poorer aquaplaning resistance. To name just a few bad reasons... :yikes:.

If putting it back to 28psi makes a marked difference, it might be worth trying 30 and 32. Perhaps the tyre is a bit too flexi. :dontknow:

I think I will split the difference, and go to 30 to see how it feels. If it wears the tire out more quickly, that is a good thing. It will justify spending the $ to get a good tire on the rear.:clap: