OEM Tire Upgrade

[Mikey]

I like this idea! As much as I respect everyone's input about riding the Kendas since I will already have paid for them, my 2 wheel experience has been that I always put the absolute best rubber on, and change out before they really need it. I think tires are arguably the most important component on the cycle, right up there with brakes.

With that background, I'm thinking about having dealer install new, better, tires right out of the gate before I even take delivery. Yes it will cost me more, but from all that I've read and seen online about these Kendas, to me it would be worth the improved handling, safety and peace of mind. If those of you with Spyder-specific miles under your belt think this is nuts, please chime in!

If you have a Can-am dealer that will change out your tires for what you want, number one give him a hug and keep him around for a while!!!! And just change them out and join the club of happy people that have found some one that will do it for them! I have not found that person yet, but I am on the trail of one!!opcorn:

 

[h0gr1der]

If you have a Can-am dealer that will change out your tires for what you want, number one give him a hug and keep him around for a while!!!! And just change them out and join the club of happy people that have found some one that will do it for them! I have not found that person yet, but I am on the trail of one!!opcorn:

I bought a tire mounting machine and balance shaft and did it myself. It's really not that hard if you've ever done a motorcycle tire before. Fronts can be done at most any tire change place, just tell them it's for a Smart Car or boat trailer if they ask. Rear is kind of like a motorcycle/car hybrid, so it's slightly harder. Couldn't be happier with the results, but also not being held captive by dealerships as far as tires go.

 

[Mikey]

I bought a tire mounting machine and balance shaft and did it myself. It's really not that hard if you've ever done a motorcycle tire before. Fronts can be done at most any tire change place, just tell them it's for a Smart Car or boat trailer if they ask. Rear is kind of like a motorcycle/car hybrid, so it's slightly harder. Couldn't be happier with the results, but also not being held captive by dealerships as far as tires go.

I wished you lived next door, I would be your best friend next spring!!!!:yikes::roflblack:

 

[Fat Baxter]

I'll go against the consensus here about wearing out your Kendas before replacement. My vote is to change them out immediately. I replaced my rear tire at 6900 miles and the fronts at 12,000 miles. The change in handling and ride comfort was dramatic! So dramatic that I wish I had done it much sooner. I really feel it would have shortened my learning curve by a substantial amount. The bike was so jiggly, I really didn't feel confidant until about 1500 miles. If I had the Kumhos on the front from the get-go, I think I could confidently claim that I could have cut those initial 1500 miles by half.

IMHO, if you want to reduce your learning curve and gain confidence more quickly, dump the Kendas immediately. It will be worth the expense.

 

[h0gr1der]

I'll go against the consensus here about wearing out your Kendas before replacement. My vote is to change them out immediately. I replaced my rear tire at 6900 miles and the fronts at 12,000 miles. The change in handling and ride comfort was dramatic! So dramatic that I wish I had done it much sooner. I really feel it would have shortened my learning curve by a substantial amount. The bike was so jiggly, I really didn't feel confidant until about 1500 miles. If I had the Kumhos on the front from the get-go, I think I could confidently claim that I could have cut those initial 1500 miles by half.

IMHO, if you want to reduce your learning curve and gain confidence more quickly, dump the Kendas immediately. It will be worth the expense.

This is exactly why I said to run it until you're confident of it. You can say without a doubt, that your car tires made the difference. If you swap too early you might have the nagging feeling that it may have been the learning curve and not the tires.

 

[Al_lockup]

Other Tires

:welcome: The new one will come with Kenda's. Most dealers will NOT change them out.

The good news is...if you like the ride, you should not have to change out the fronts for about 20,000 miles or the rear for 15,000 miles. This is my track record over 4 different spyders.

This summer we went to "other" tires on both of our Spyders.

The additional good news for you is...don't worry about tires now. Drive the :spyder2: until you need them. There are a LOT of tire threads with very good suggestions. You have plenty of time to figure it out.

:bbq: :bbq: :bbq:

AR,

May I ask what tire did go to this summer?

 

[Revalden]

This is exactly why I said to run it until you're confident of it. You can say without a doubt, that your car tires made the difference. If you swap too early you might have the nagging feeling that it may have been the learning curve and not the tires.

Trust me, there is a learning curve but IT IS THE TIRES, they're CRAP!!!!

 

[PMK]

Arriving a bit fashionably late to this topic.

My opinion, you could ask your dealer. Very possible they will be against installing car tires, but maybe not.

Often, beyond the Kenda quality, the tires are mounted and incorrectly balanced.

If it were me, to avoid frustration, decide what tires you prefer, then see if a specialty ship is within a reasonable distance. Possibly Netzy ttire or similar could be a better alternative than the dealer for installing aftermarket tires. Or as others mentioned, maybe a local quality tire ship could do the mount and balance of the fronts, assuming you are comfortable removing and correctly installing them. Removal of the rear is more involved and not for everyone.

I also shy away from the Spyder dealer in regards to tire balancing since many dealers are not equipped with high quality balancing equipment. The Kendas are not great, and even worse when incorrectly balanced from new.