New Tire Results - Toyo

[DragonSpyder]

Just installed the new Toyo tire since neither of the local dealers were willing. Removing the rim/tire and replacing was fairly simple once you have the correct tools (36MM sockets).

First thing I did was weigh the tires side by side. The new Toyo weighed 16.2Lbs and the bald stock weighed 18Lbs. The stock was probably a Lb or 2 heavier when new. I pushed down on each to check the sidewall and they seemed similar. The tread was a bit stiffer across the top as it was easier to depress the middle of the stock tire. This could be partly because of loss of tread.

Took the tire to the local tire shop and they mounted the tire only to find out they cannot balance. Found a MC repair shop to do the balancing. Tech. said it was close enough that I probably did not need to balance.

The ride is much smoother with the Toyo, especially 2up. That is with 32Lbs of air in the tire vs 28Lbs in the stock tire. Traction seems to be better on dry roads but have not ridden in the rain yet.

The only issue I have with the new tire is wandering. Not sure why but for some reason the Toyo tire makes the Spyder want to wander more, especially on uneven roads. It actually feels a lot like the stock Spyder did before I added swaybar and did a slight toe-in on the frontend. This is with 32Lbs so I am going to try more and less pressure to see if that makes a difference. I have to believe this is due to either more traction on the tire or sidewall flex, which should have been similar to the stock based on my preinstall comparison.

If I can stop the wandering issue this tire is a win/win. I will keep everyone informed as I try different pressures.

 

[BajaRon]

Just installed the new Toyo tire since neither of the local dealers were willing. Removing the rim/tire and replacing was fairly simple once you have the correct tools (36MM sockets).

First thing I did was weigh the tires side by side. The new Toyo weighed 16.2Lbs and the bald stock weighed 18Lbs. The stock was probably a Lb or 2 heavier when new. I pushed down on each to check the sidewall and they seemed similar. The tread was a bit stiffer across the top as it was easier to depress the middle of the stock tire. This could be partly because of loss of tread.

Took the tire to the local tire shop and they mounted the tire only to find out they cannot balance. Found a MC repair shop to do the balancing. Tech. said it was close enough that I probably did not need to balance.

The ride is much smoother with the Toyo, especially 2up. That is with 32Lbs of air in the tire vs 28Lbs in the stock tire. Traction seems to be better on dry roads but have not ridden in the rain yet.

The only issue I have with the new tire is wandering. Not sure why but for some reason the Toyo tire makes the Spyder want to wander more, especially on uneven roads. It actually feels a lot like the stock Spyder did before I added swaybar and did a slight toe-in on the frontend. This is with 32Lbs so I am going to try more and less pressure to see if that makes a difference. I have to believe this is due to either more traction on the tire or sidewall flex, which should have been similar to the stock based on my preinstall comparison.

If I can stop the wandering issue this tire is a win/win. I will keep everyone informed as I try different pressures.

I am very happy with my Toyo. I'm surprised that the new Toyo is lighter than the stock tire, especially a worn out stock tire!

The Toyo has a stiffer tread section with more plies. The stock tire is a 2 + 2 and the Toyo is a 2 + 4 (2 plies sidewall and 4 plies tread section).

This is understandable because the Toyo is designed to carry the weight of a car where as the stock tire was designed for the much lighter Spyder.

I have noticed a bit of a squirmy feeling from the new Toyo. I attribute it to several things.

1-A very aggressive directional tread pattern which may be more susceptible to reacting with anomalies in the roadway.

2-A very deep tread. More rubber means more wiggle as it is further from the stabilizing effect of the steel plies underneath.

3-New tires will usually give a different feeling as we've gotten used to how the old, worn tire feels. Worn tires give better dry traction and road stability as they become a virtual slick. The sudden change to new rubber on a very sensitive vehicle like the Spyder may exaggerate the effect.

It did bother me a bit at first but I've decided that the feeling is probably much more than what is actually happening. And I notice it more on some roads than others.

As for balancing, Lamont has talked me into Ride-On. Though they don't promise it will balance your tire, it almost always does. It will keep your tire balanced throughout it's life span and at all speeds (which weights on your rim will not). And it will keep you from getting a flat tire in most situations (get your wheel weights to do that!).

Sounds good to me. I took about 3 oz. of lead off my wheel and I've got a great balance from Ride-On. And we only put in 9 oz of Ride-On when the recommended amount is 13 oz. (we ran out).

Lamont took nearly 6 oz. off his rear wheel when he went to Ride-On and it fixed him up as well. (I get no commission from either Toyo or Ride-On, just wanted to make that clear )