Correction; I should have said RT 2013+ not 2014+; I was trying to keep the discussion to the same size wheels
There are already many threads on tire replacements for the Spyder. And, that's the problem when trying to research for tire replacements - too many threads (with too many off-topic remarks) on different aspects of tire replacement using non-Kenda tires (which brand, which size, what pressures, where to buy, dealer issues installing non-motorcycle tires on a Spyder, etc). There are also differences in handling characteristics and sizes between Spyder models and between back and front tires, which further complicates the task of researching the issue on this forum.
I would like to see if we can consolidate your accumulated wisdom / advice (not unsubstantiated opinion) in this one thread. I understand OEM Kendas are a mixed bag; some people have had good wear and handling from them; others have not. So, we're not talking about Kendas here. We're also not talking about the Arachnids, which apparently are the only other true 'motorcycle' tire that fit the Spyder, but are universally considered inferior to Kendas (and much cheaper I guess). If there are any other true motorcycle tires that fit the Spyder and are worth considering, then please chime in with any first-hand experience with those.
Otherwise, I think we are talking about using car tires (i.e. 4-ply) at lower pressures (because of the reduced load of the Spyder vs. the car tire load rating). So, please respond with the following information about your experience using a non-Kenda tire on a 2014+ RT;
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.
There are already many threads on tire replacements for the Spyder. And, that's the problem when trying to research for tire replacements - too many threads (with too many off-topic remarks) on different aspects of tire replacement using non-Kenda tires (which brand, which size, what pressures, where to buy, dealer issues installing non-motorcycle tires on a Spyder, etc). There are also differences in handling characteristics and sizes between Spyder models and between back and front tires, which further complicates the task of researching the issue on this forum.
I would like to see if we can consolidate your accumulated wisdom / advice (not unsubstantiated opinion) in this one thread. I understand OEM Kendas are a mixed bag; some people have had good wear and handling from them; others have not. So, we're not talking about Kendas here. We're also not talking about the Arachnids, which apparently are the only other true 'motorcycle' tire that fit the Spyder, but are universally considered inferior to Kendas (and much cheaper I guess). If there are any other true motorcycle tires that fit the Spyder and are worth considering, then please chime in with any first-hand experience with those.
Otherwise, I think we are talking about using car tires (i.e. 4-ply) at lower pressures (because of the reduced load of the Spyder vs. the car tire load rating). So, please respond with the following information about your experience using a non-Kenda tire on a 2014+ RT;
- The brand, model and SIZE of tire
- Whether it is for the front or rear of the bike
- What pressure you run in the tire normally
- How the handling differs from Kendas in dry and wet road conditions
- How many miles did you have on them before replacement was needed? (or how many miles you now have on them and how many more you are expecting)
- Whether you experienced any difficulty having them mounted and balanced
- Whether you would buy them again
Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses.
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