Ryker front tires size is Proprietary! Thanks again BRP........

[Michaelscs]

@hyperone

Thanks for the suggestion. I looked on the internet for 145/65R/16 and found none. I did find some 145/65R/15 in Europe.

Perhaps you can point me to the 145/65R/16 please? When BRP made the decision to use 16 inch wheels they really locked us into Kenda tires unlike anything Spyder owners can imagine.

It's going to be much harder to fix a automotive tires to the front of a Ryker anyway you look at it.

I think potential buyers should be aware of this fact.

I also think that the decision to use a single aluminum alloy wheel retaining nut is a terrible idea. It's going to create unnecessary complications for owners in the future. If BRP had stuck with normal steel lugnuts it would be far easier to service. They are making a big sales push by saying how easy it is to maintain a Ryker, Okay well what's up with an 65 mm aluminum nut on a steel spindle. That is going to corrode and the nut is going to get damaged with impact tool usage by some unknowing user. Top it off with the fact that 225 ft/lbs of torque is required to install and uninstall the nut. This is stupid!

Leland, do you have or are you planning to purchase a Ryker? You certainly have made plenty of negative posts about it... not just this thread, but other Ryker threads. Just trying to get a feel of where your coming from. I think some of the negative posts have been unwarranted. We don't even know if some of the issues you've posted negative comments on will ever be a problem. The Ryker is too new. For example, do we know that these front tires won't be great, handle great, and last 20,000 miles?

I think there's quite a few people on this Ryker forum who are very proud and excited about their new Ryker and they don't need to be brought down by unwarranted negativity!

 

[Leland]

Michaelscs

I understand your comments and concerns, yes I'm in the process of making a decision to purchase a Ryker. That decision requires critical thinking and analysis. It means looking at what is good and what is not so good about a design/product/part/etc. Pointing out various limitations, design flaws or poor engineering is important and others may not have consider these matters. It is clearly within my right to make these comments. If you don't like my ideas then I'm sorry it is not my intention to offend you or others, rather to bring serious matters to the attention of the public.

Remember the old saying "Don't shoot the messenger".

People don't like to hear that they may have made a bad purchase decision or that a recall is due etc. That facts are the facts, this is a new machine, problems are appearing, short comings are also appearing. Expecting everyone to ignore these matters is not using critical thinking skills. There are others that have made similar comments pertaining to concerns regarding this product. We have to watch, listen, and discuss these matters, good or bad.

Service bulletins regarding low or possibly missing crankcase oil are worthy of discussion at any level. The fact that the choice of tires for the front of the Ryker is severely limited is also a topic that prospective purchaser should know. The fact that changing a tire requires specialized tools and the lack of these tools during a flat tire will be a serious concern are all topic that I've discussed. Yes they are negative, so what. The truth is often unpleasant.

I'll let you get the last word in for what ever you choose to say, but I'm still going to be here after your comment(s). Good day to you.

 

[Michaelscs]

Point taken. I guess I'm just more a "glass is half full" guy.
Maybe it's the comments like "It looks like the Ryker has more that one shaft associated with it. Thanks again BRP........" that had me more concerned.
You have a good day too.

 

[Hypurone]

@hyperone

Thanks for the suggestion. I looked on the internet for 145/65R/16 and found none. I did find some 145/65R/15 in Europe.

Perhaps you can point me to the 145/65R/16 please? When BRP made the decision to use 16 inch wheels they really locked us into Kenda tires unlike anything Spyder owners can imagine.

It's going to be much harder to fix a automotive tires to the front of a Ryker anyway you look at it.

I think potential buyers should be aware of this fact.

I also think that the decision to use a single aluminum alloy wheel retaining nut is a terrible idea. It's going to create unnecessary complications for owners in the future. If BRP had stuck with normal steel lugnuts it would be far easier to service. They are making a big sales push by saying how easy it is to maintain a Ryker, Okay well what's up with an 65 mm aluminum nut on a steel spindle. That is going to corrode and the nut is going to get damaged with impact tool usage by some unknowing user. Top it off with the fact that 225 ft/lbs of torque is required to install and uninstall the nut. This is stupid!

GAH! I apologize! I went back to my search history and it seems I either fat-fingered my search entry or it got "auto-corrected" for me to 15"! :banghead:

 

[Markubis]

In regards to tire size, I see many new cars come out that have unique tire sizes. Once they are released to market then tire makers start making tires for that size. Needless to say, you most likely will not need to get new front tires for a new Ryker for at least a year or two, so in my mind, this is a non issue.
And when it does come up, I will most likely find the tire that fits it the closest. But seeing as how Can Am is putting these tires on their Rykers now, its pretty safe to say that in a year or two, there will plenty of replacement tires available.

As for the large nut to hold the tire one, buy the tool for it. It may not be available right this minute, but it will be eventually.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

In regards to tire size, I see many new cars come out that have unique tire sizes. Once they are released to market then tire makers start making tires for that size. Needless to say, you most likely will not need to get new front tires for a new Ryker for at least a year or two, so in my mind, this is a non issue.
And when it does come up, I will most likely find the tire that fits it the closest. But seeing as how Can Am is putting these tires on their Rykers now, its pretty safe to say that in a year or two, there will plenty of replacement tires available.

As for the large nut to hold the tire one, buy the tool for it. It may not be available right this minute, but it will be eventually.

IMHO, the 16 inch wheel size is not New …. been around for decades ….. the reason there aren't many Auto tires that are narrow is because the cars they were designed for weren't Small...… I checked the Vredestein's web site ( info from the manufacturer ) …. they specialized in the European market ( for the most part ) the cars in Europe tend to be much smaller than in the USA , and the tires are narrower..... But in the 16 inch size even Vredestein smallest tire is a 185/50-16 …… The wheel can be shimmed out from the hub ...not an un-common practice. Vredestein does make quite a few FRONT tires for the Spyder 14 & 15 inch wheels :clap::yes: …….. Mike :thumbup:

 

[Markubis]

Agreed, 16 inch rims have been around for a long time. What throws a wrench into these tires is the wrap length of 145....its not a common size.

 

[cueman]

Thanks Markububis, that is a great tire calculator.

It has a neat feature that allows you to compare two sizes of tires for comparison. I compared the Ryker front tire size 145/60R/16 and the Yokohama 175/50R/16. The diameter is very nearly exact, but the rub is the Yokohama is 1.2 inches wider. It may fit, perhaps Ron or someone else can take a ruler out to their Ryker and check it out for us.

After looking at the front tire clearance on my Rally I would say there is not enough clearance to use 1/2” wider tires on each side to clear the front fender. The fender and tire side are very close to being even. Another 1/2” wider tire would IMO extend past the fenders edge. Now I realize just about anything can be made to work but, I will stay with OEM front tires until something better comes along. cueman

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

After looking at the front tire clearance on my Rally I would say there is not enough clearance to use 1/2” wider tires on each side to clear the front fender. The fender and tire side are very close to being even. Another 1/2” wider tire would IMO extend past the fenders edge. Now I realize just about anything can be made to work but, I will stay with OEM front tires until something better comes along. cueman

… I'm willing to dance with the Devil :gaah: …. I have used 185/55 -15 inch tires on my 2014 RT …. I spaced out the Brackets with washers and put washers on the hubs.... 24,000 + miles with no issues ….. but that's me ...:roflblack:...…. Mike :thumbup:

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I'm of the mind that this discussion could be characterized as premature. Who knows, maybe the Ryker tires, particularly the front ones, will give decent mileage with good rolling characteristics and be quite satisfactory, even if overpriced. I will admit that Kenda's track record doesn't bode well for that thought, but there's always hope! :2thumbs: :2thumbs:

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I'm of the mind that this discussion could be characterized as premature. Who knows, maybe the Ryker tires, particularly the front ones, will give decent mileage with good rolling characteristics and be quite satisfactory, even if overpriced. I will admit that Kenda's track record doesn't bode well for that thought, but there's always hope! :2thumbs: :2thumbs:

:agree:...….. I've never liked the Kenda's for many reasons …. However for the front tires ( only the front ) if you have really good alignment they will give decent service and good mileage …. However their track record for mediocrity and marginal construction makes them a poor REPEAT purchase ...unless you can't use Auto tires …...jmho …. Mike :thumbup:

 

[farmer54]

After reading this post I did some looking up of car tires and found Continental 125-70-16, they are the same dia. same sidewall size but .80 in. narrower, not perfect but I think they would do if you aren't happy with Kenda tires. Also I think about $110 shipped to you from Tire Rack. Farmer 54

 

[watertowerman]

I looked at the front fenders on my Rally and there are 3 bolts, I was planning on lifting the fenders for gravel clearance. 6 - 1 Inch center hole to hole flat bar steel or alum lifts should lift them.

 

[Leland]

After reading this post I did some looking up of car tires and found Continental 125-70-16, they are the same dia. same sidewall size but .80 in. narrower, not perfect but I think they would do if you aren't happy with Kenda tires. Also I think about $110 shipped to you from Tire Rack. Farmer 54

@Farmer64

I looked up the Continental 125-70-16 on Tire Rack and only found one tire (below).

https://tires.tirerack.com/search?p...ore&method=and&view=list&af=brand:continental

This is a Spare Tire Only, these are usually speed limited to 50 mph max. and very short travel distances This would be unsafe for use on the Ryker.

If there is another at 125-70-16 at Tire Rack that is not rated (Spare) in this size would you please post a link for us?

I could find no other tires in this size that was not a spare rated service on the internet either.

 

[Leland]

Steering feedback and using wider tires?

The use of wider tires on the Ryker maybe our only choice in the future. If this is the case then maybe it would be prudent to consider the possibility that installing wider tires on the front of the Ryker may create problems. We have been able to use a fairly large variety of tires on the Spyders because we have power steering to handle the feedback from the road.

After watching many Blogs or Vlog videos of the Ryker I have become aware that at certain times strong oscillating feedback is feed from the front tires backward through the steering system into the riders arms. I've only seen this happen when the rider is turning sharply out of small radius turn while accelerating hard. Which appears to be the "Most Fun" of the maneuvers for this bike. The oscillations appear to dampen quickly, but they seem to catch the rider by surprise. I'm sure it would easy to adapt to this behavior.

My concern is, will this feedback into the handlebars be increased when wider tires are installed on the Ryker. Will it cause the bike to wander "to and fro" across the lane?

I notice on Youtube today that the owner of the Ryker in Texas with the low-oil gearbox problems was complaining that his Ryker with only 25 miles wander back and forth and the tail wagged along causing him some concern. He said the tail wage started at 50 mph. He talked about having the dealer check the alignment. He felt his Ryker may have been damaged in shipping, it is difficult to know if it was transit damage or a factory alignment that was not performed correctly. But Rykers may also be sensitive to alignment like the Spyder. How to properly align a Ryker is also a question to address.

To correctly align a Ryker it will need to connected to a BRP BUDS computer system found only at BRP dealerships and a few independent shops. The Ryker has a steering position sensor onboard that must be precisely center to start the alignment process, similar to a Spyder. This disables the ability of owners to perform a "DIY" alignments, thus increasing the operational/ownership cost of the Ryker. (EDIT: look below for an update on this paragraph)

To summarize:

Will wider front tires on the Ryker alter the handling, will it increase road feedback into the handlebars since power steering is not available to absorb the energy?

Is the Ryker sensitive to front end alignment, especially since it does not have power steering?

How will wider tires affect the possibility of "wander" by an "partial out of alignment" Ryker?

How is a Ryker correctly aligned? Is the use of a Laser alignment required? Is a BUDS connection mandatory?

These things are all interrelated.

Update: January 24, 2019 I can not find a steering position sensor on the IPC that is posted at this location on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.357893974764802&type=3

Shawn Smoak pointed out in one of his Vlog on the Ryker the location of the steering position sensor. It was visible in the video, but I cannot find it on the IPD. I do not know if a BUDS connection is required to do an alignment on a Ryker at this date.

 

[farmer54]

Leland you are right I didn't look up the speed spec until afterward and then I saw it said it was a doughtnut. I'm sorry for the mistake. farmer54

 

[farmer54]

Hey guys I got to looking at mc tires on BikeBandit and found some 120-70-16 size tires. These are close to same size except 1" narrower and are rated "S" speed, I used the Shinko SR567 for size comparison. Frank farmer 54

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Hey guys I got to looking at mc tires on BikeBandit and found some 120-70-16 size tires. These are close to same size except 1" narrower and are rated "S" speed, I used the Shinko SR567 for size comparison. Frank farmer 54

Motorcycle tires don't have the correct bead design for the Spyder wheels. OEM Spyder tires are a hybrid. They're designated and sold as Special Motorcylce Use Only but the tire design is essentially the same as automobile tires and uses automobile bead design for the tire and wheel. That design is significantly different from the motorcycle tire bead design. Guys can and do use car tires on two wheel motorcycles but the fit of the bead is not perfect. I don't think anyone has, or is really willing, to use a m/c tire on a car wheel because of the bead differences.

 

[farmer54]

Thanks for the heads up as I see it has a "mc" rating and I thought it meant it was a cycle tire after going back threw I see it has a special rim, so I guess I,ll buy from BRP when needed. Frank

 

[Triumphcycleman]

here's my 2 cents on the tires. First, BRP claims 40% better wear than the Spyders. I am guessing that is due to the lightness of the Ryker. Second, I would be very, very concerned about putting car tires on a Ryker. Car tires are expected to bear approx 1,000 lbs of downforce per tire. The compound and stiffness are designed for it. On a Spyder RT, weighing 1200 lbs wet, with 400 lbs of rider/passenger and gear, you have 1600 lbs divided by 3 wheels = 534 lbs of force. That is why car tires last a long time on an rt, but also why they will never stop as quickly with car tires on it. Now look at a Ryker. At 630 lbs wet, add a single 250lb rider, and you have 880 lbs divided by 3 = 293 lbs of horizontal downforce on the tire. So you have a tire designed and rated for 1,000 lbs of down force getting only 1/3rd. It likely won't stop, and it might not turn. Bad idea, when you are saving $40 but you end up in the other lane or underneath the car stopped in front of you. What did you save?
One other comment. The lateral force on a tire is directly related to the tires durometer measured compound, contact patch area, and horizontal down force. All I see from a wider, harder compound front tire is increased steering effort from a larger frictional contact patch (rotational lateral force) but even less horizontal force as the tires weight will be further diluted by the larger contact patch. It is a lose - lose deal. The bike will be harder to steer, and it will slide quicker! The car tire idea is a terrible idea for a Ryker in my opinion.