Those that have replace your rear tire on your RT?

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

32 PSI

Well, I've read all the posts about psi and every type of tire we can use. I started out with 18 in the fronts and it was a great improvement to the crappy Kenda's. Noticed it immediately.

However, there was still a lot of roll in the tires that I could feel. I kept bumping them up a couple psi's and rode them hard, like I like.

Finally reached a psi that gave me the performance that I desired. Plus, the rolling resistance is so much better. Feels like glass.

I realize the Yoko's can handle lower psi's, but there is no way you'll convince me that my ride is better at 17 or 18. That feels like mush to me now. Even feels less stable.

I was a professional ski instructor for many years, and raced. We were constantly tweaking things to make turns harder and more dynamic. This isn't any different. I just cranked down my boot buckles and stiffened my bindings.

:dontknow: .... I have skied & raced back in the day ( I'm now 70 + ) also .... But what does that have to do with the PSI in an car tire used on a Spyder. ??? .... I was also a trained Accident Investigator, qualified to testify in Court as an Expert.... So my recommendations concerning PSI in your tires are not based on " Butt Based Opinion " ..... Sooooooo if you want to ride around on a Rock Hard tire and Prevent it from performing at it's full potential, ...well that's what your going to do, and all the science isn't going to matter ....... Ride Safe - Ride Happy ...........and RIDE ALONE wearing Full Leathers with the Armor inserts ........ PS, nothing I said on this post was intended to hurt your feelings & I hope they weren't ...... Mike :thumbup:

 

[Peter Aawen]

Your tires might FEEL like they're handling well & they probably are rolling smoother/easier than they would at lower pressure tehrlich, but a steel railway rim would probably roll even smoother on a clean enough road/track!!

The fact is that by running pressures like that on those tires under your Spyder tehrlich, you ARE sacrificing traction & tire life (& the ability to clear water off the road surface as well as flexing enough to avoid punctures) to get the 'feeling' that you've erroneously trained yourself to think is better, despite the science that shows otherwise!! :sour:

Lots of people did the same thing when radial tires were first introduced - they were USED to the solid FEEL of running bias ply tires at much higher pressures than those necessary to let the softer & stickier differently constructed radial tires hold more of the tread flat on the road surface during cornering, so they tried running similar pressures to what they put in their bias plys in their new radials! Luckily, only some of them died, most learnt that they had to 'un-learn' the need for that feeling that a tire wasn't gripping & working properly unless it was rock hard, & learn that lower pressures in radials increased traction & tire life by allowing the tire to flex enough to hold the tread flat on the road surface during cornering AND allowed it to flex & conform over obstacles & pebbles etc at the same time as maximising tire tread life & traction.

You are now inthe same situation - you've (erroneously) LEARNT to chase a certain FEEL, but with a real tire under your Spyder, you need to un-learn that & learn what it SHOULD feel like to run the lower pressures that will provide MUCH better traction & longer tire life!! That's why tire professionals should be telling you to check the pressure, & NEVER rely on FEEL or the LOOK of your tires - it's too easy to be WAAAAY WRONG!

Ditto to what Mike said above. :thumbup:

 

[tehrlich]

LOL. The fact that I have spent countless hours tweaking other sport endeavors of my life tells me that I can trust what I'm feeling in a turn. Aaah.... a turn.... I've spent years diagramming, diagnosing, and determining what happens during a turn from professional skiing, mountain biking, road bike racing, and cars.


But, I respect your expertise on a three-wheeled machine because you have a propensity to announce it.


I tell you what... I'm sure we will meet in our Spyder travels. Let's race! You keep your tires at 18psi/25psi, and let me put them at dangerous levels and we'll see what happens. We can ride time trials because you fear for my safety. I'll wear leathers!

LOL!!

With ALL SERIOUSNESS.... I'm going to put my psi at where I want because my stallion performs at the level I WANT. I'm thinking that you've never really taken a Spyder to the level I have. You like it soft and cushy. Not me.

 

[tehrlich]

Your tires might FEEL like they're handling well & they probably are rolling smoother/easier than they would at lower pressure tehrlich, but a steel railway rim would probably roll even smoother on a clean enough road/track!!

The fact is that by running pressures like that on those tires under your Spyder tehrlich, you ARE sacrificing traction & tire life (& the ability to clear water off the road surface as well as flexing enough to avoid punctures) to get the 'feeling' that you've erroneously trained yourself to think is better, despite the science that shows otherwise!! :sour:

Lots of people did the same thing when radial tires were first introduced - they were USED to the solid FEEL of running bias ply tires at much higher pressures than those necessary to let the softer & stickier differently constructed radial tires hold more of the tread flat on the road surface during cornering, so they tried running similar pressures to what they put in their bias plys in their new radials! Luckily, only some of them died, most learnt that they had to 'un-learn' the need for that feeling that a tire wasn't gripping & working properly unless it was rock hard, & learn that lower pressures in radials increased traction & tire life by allowing the tire to flex enough to hold the tread flat on the road surface during cornering AND allowed it to flex & conform over obstacles & pebbles etc at the same time as maximising tire tread life & traction.

You are now inthe same situation - you've (erroneously) LEARNT to chase a certain FEEL, but with a real tire under your Spyder, you need to un-learn that & learn what it SHOULD feel like to run the lower pressures that will provide MUCH better traction & longer tire life!! That's why tire professionals should be telling you to check the pressure, & NEVER rely on FEEL or the LOOK of your tires - it's too easy to be WAAAAY WRONG!

Ditto to what Mike said above. :thumbup:

You assume that I haven't run my tires under your LOW psi's! I have for months. The turns are sloppy. Now they are like on rails where I've placed them.

I'm good. I'll enjoy where they are. WAAAY right for me, thanks.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

32 PSI

LOL. The fact that I have spent countless hours tweaking other sport endeavors of my life tells me that I can trust what I'm feeling in a turn. Aaah.... a turn.... I've spent years diagramming, diagnosing, and determining what happens during a turn from professional skiing, mountain biking, road bike racing, and cars.


But, I respect your expertise on a three-wheeled machine because you have a propensity to announce it.


I tell you what... I'm sure we will meet in our Spyder travels. Let's race! You keep your tires at 18psi/25psi, and let me put them at dangerous levels and we'll see what happens. We can ride time trials because you fear for my safety. I'll wear leathers!

LOL!!

With ALL SERIOUSNESS.... I'm going to put my psi at where I want because my stallion performs at the level I WANT. I'm thinking that you've never really taken a Spyder to the level I have. You like it soft and cushy. Not me.

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: ..., I'm not sure who the above was meant for..... But I'm Drooling at the prospect of this challenge ... I only have about 75,000 miles on 3 different Spyders, a :firstplace: at a sanctioned Drag race track ( Spyderfest 2014 ), and have designed custom suspension parts for All Spyders .... I hope you bring your registration to this and are willing to put it up to the winner and or bring lots & lots of $$$$$$ ........ PS, my RT carries 15psi front 17psi rear - - -because of SCIENCE :dg2:and not my Butt ...... Mike :thumbup:

 

[ThreeWheels]

I like these positive reports on the Kumho's as my dealer won't entertain a car tire as a replacement.

Another happy Kumho rider.
To the OP...Did you deliberately leave the Kumho out of your selection ?

 

[tehrlich]

:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack: ..., I'm not sure who the above was meant for..... But I'm Drooling at the prospect of this challenge ... I only have about 75,000 miles on 3 different Spyders, a :firstplace: at a sanctioned Drag race track ( Spyderfest 2014 ), and have designed custom suspension parts for All Spyders .... I hope you bring your registration to this and are willing to put it up to the winner and or bring lots & lots of $$$$$$ ........ PS, my RT carries 15psi front 17psi rear - - -because of SCIENCE :dg2:and not my Butt ...... Mike :thumbup:

LOL> Yes... custom this and custom that. But, it's not OK to customize some psi in tires?

How about suspension rebound and compression? Is that OK to customize? Or, do I set it at what you say? You did get a first prize in a sanctioned drag race! Sanctioned! That's awesome. I hear they are running nightly. LOL.

How about weight distribution? Can I customize that, or do I have to set it at what you say? Or, will you just shout in capital blue letters at me because I don't do what is your science?

So, if I see with my eyes the roll of the sidewall during a turn at 18 psi, I shouldn't consider bumping up psi because someone tells me that science says otherwise. Well, I trust my eyes and what I've personally seen.

I'm sorry, but I'll be glad to keep my tires and suspension where I put them. And, I'll be glad to race when we meet. I do like your "Fonzie" attitude, though. Would love to see you jump the hotdog stand.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

32 PSI ....plus Shouting ????

LOL> Yes... custom this and custom that. But, it's not OK to customize some psi in tires?

How about suspension rebound and compression? Is that OK to customize? Or, do I set it at what you say? You did get a first prize in a sanctioned drag race! Sanctioned! That's awesome. I hear they are running nightly. LOL.

How about weight distribution? Can I customize that, or do I have to set it at what you say? Or, will you just shout in capital blue letters at me because I don't do what is your science?

So, if I see with my eyes the roll of the sidewall during a turn at 18 psi, I shouldn't consider bumping up psi because someone tells me that science says otherwise. Well, I trust my eyes and what I've personally seen.

I'm sorry, but I'll be glad to keep my tires and suspension where I put them. And, I'll be glad to race when we meet. I do like your "Fonzie" attitude, though. Would love to see you jump the hotdog stand.

I'm now realizing what I'm dealing with on this ..... in reference to " shout in capital blue letters " ? ? ? ...since you can't even tell the difference between upper case and lower case type ...understanding the Science behind lower psi's is above your Pay Grade ( so to speak )........ I have been aware that for some people " Never let FACTS get in the way " ...is a Mind Set that is rarely changed :banghead: ....... And I also realize I'm :bdhn this subject, so I'll just say prayers for any passengers you might be carrying ...... Mike :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[tehrlich]

I'm now realizing what I'm dealing with on this ..... in reference to " shout in capital blue letters " ? ? ? ...since you can't even tell the difference between upper case and lower case type ...understanding the Science behind lower psi's is above your Pay Grade ( so to speak )........ I have been aware that for some people " Never let FACTS get in the way " ...is a Mind Set that is rarely changed :banghead: ....... And I also realize I'm :bdhn this subject, so I'll just say prayers for any passengers you might be carrying ...... Mike :thumbup::thumbup:

Facts? The fact is that you do yell online. Do you not capitalize letters and increase font and throw in a bunch of "how expert you are?" Have you not run into this in the past with other posters on this site? If you say "No" I know you're being disingenuous.

You can pray for my passengers, I'll pray for those that have to deal with you daily.

(I'll give you the "blue" reference, though. You are right. You use red font, and have to specifically select that color instead of black. Just another form of aggressive (red) communication. Good night Fonz.)

Love my 26psi upfront but am willing to dial in the psi on my rear tire again. But, NOT because of your excellent communication style.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

32 psi

Facts? The fact is that you do yell online. Do you not capitalize letters and increase font and throw in a bunch of "how expert you are?" Have you not run into this in the past with other posters on this site? If you say "No" I know you're being disingenuous.

You can pray for my passengers, I'll pray for those that have to deal with you daily.

(I'll give you the "blue" reference, though. You are right. You use red font, and have to specifically select that color instead of black. Just another form of aggressive (red) communication. Good night Fonz.)

Love my 26psi upfront but am willing to dial in the psi on my rear tire again. But, NOT because of your excellent communication style.

............................................................................................" L "​.................................................................................................

 

[ThreeWheels]

Facts?

Love my 26psi upfront but am willing to dial in the psi on my rear tire again. But, NOT because of your excellent communication style.

Sorry, I'm deliberately sitting out this flame war, but you piqued my curiosity.
What tires are you running up front ?
26 psi is WAY too much for the Kendas, but I'm thinking of new rubber all around in the spring.

 

[zip3151]

New Tire and Wheel RT



New BRP RT Chrome Rim and Kumho Tire ready to install

 

[tehrlich]

............................................................................................" L "​.................................................................................................

This is so "90's!" Time to come into the 21st century.

 

[tehrlich]

I've always tweaked my sports equipment. (That's "tweaked" not "twerked." Just want to be clear so my VT friend knows the difference and can use 21st century vernacular.)

I'm not afraid to be wrong either. So, this morning I lowered the psi's of all three of my Yokohamas to 18psi in the front and 26psi for the rear tire. (I wouldn't take it to 17psi for sheer spite. I'll admit that.)

Rode to work this morning and made sure to go to a very windy road near my house. There is one corner that is part of a low water crossing. I run it every day, and every day there is a hop of the tires at that same corner with the same line with the same speed. I could only make it diminish with higher psi's in the krappy kendas, but it was always there. It felt soft through the turn. When I was in my driveway this morning, it was even harder to turn the front end compared to what I was accustomed with higher psi's. There is no question that this is very soft (to me) at 18psi. Like riding on water balloons.

History:

I got the Yoko's this summer at 18psi from Thornolis. He is a great guy, by the way. Tons of information. Totally trust his opinion on upgrades. It was like night and day! Loved the ride home from Houston, but hit the same corner, and same hop.

Started bumping up the psi by 2psi's and running them for a week. Became better with every bump up, and at 24psi in the fronts, I resolved the hop through the turn! It was amazing. Rails. Felt fast. Rolling resistance was better than I had ever experienced. Yes! Finally! After 20K miles of upgrades and tweaking, it felt fast and nimble. Not a big sloshy water balloon.

Decided to jump up a bit more to see. Was at 26psi up front and 32psi at the back. Just experimenting. Saw this thread on SpyderLovers, and made a comment about my findings. Holy cow! I didn't expect the flurry of ridiculousness from my L friend, and overuse of emojis and beating of horses.

So, I'm currently thinking I'll go to at least 24psi on the fronts. 28-30 on the rear.

 

[Peteoz]

So Thornolis recommended 18psi originally for the Yokos, Tehrlich?

Pete

 

[tehrlich]

So Thornolis recommended 18psi originally for the Yokos, Tehrlich?

Pete

That's just where he set them initially. We've recently spoken about this, and he did not discourage me with my psi increase. I don't want to mistake his intentions, so I won't give details of our discussion. He can answer if he wishes.

But, he doesn't have his set at 18 either.

 

[jcthorne]

To me its a different strokes kind of thing unless there is something really unsafe going on. Not really the case here.

Yes, I generally start folks off at 18 and 24 on the Yokos if they have never had them before.

I run 26 to 28 in the front and 24 or so in the rear. Took me a while to get where I was most comfortable with them. I also ride a much lighter F3S compared to tehrlich's RT and our riding styles are obviously different. Does not make either really wrong. Does it really matter if the tires get every last mile they are capable of if the rider LIKES and is more confident with a slightly different pressure that is still well within the allowable range?

I will say the higher pressures in the front do not seem to make the yokos balloon and wear in the center. They still wear even. The rear is a little more effected by the pressure on the wear pattern.

I will also say that after a few thousand miles of Colorado twisties on the set of 3 yokos, they are a BIG step up from the Kenda's

 

[tehrlich]

I spent the entire day running different psi's for my front Yokohamas S Avid 34.. I kept the rear at 26psi to keep a variable out of the equation. Didn't hit any highways, and maybe got to 50 on a straight stretch once.

Texas has great roads in general, and it was warm (80's F,) and dry.

There is no way in God's green earth I could run 17psi on the fronts. It is way too low in my opinion for the Yokohamas. On initial start up and turning (like maneuvering through a driveway,) you have to really wrench the wheels around to get it to turn. That's because the rolling resistance is higher. Then, on more aggressive turns, initiation of the turn is easy, but to continue the turn was much more difficult. As the centrifugal force engaged the outside tire, it made it more difficult to continue turning. A lot more muscle was needed to get it to finish the turn.

At 25 psi's, a turn at initial movement is a lot easier. It doesn't feel like the front end is in quick sand. Night and day difference for a fast turn as well. It easily starts the turn, and less effort is required to finish the turn. It is easier to feather the radius of the turn, or finish it faster.

I'm 6'3" and about 230lbs. I rarely rarely ride two up. 26psi for me upfront.

While I was experimenting with the psi, I made a video of where I was riding. It's short.

 

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

TIRE PRESSURE EXPERT ???????

I spent the entire day running different psi's for my front Yokohamas S Avid 34.. I kept the rear at 26psi to keep a variable out of the equation. Didn't hit any highways, and maybe got to 50 on a straight stretch once.

Texas has great roads in general, and it was warm (80's F,) and dry.

There is no way in God's green earth I could run 17psi on the fronts. It is way too low in my opinion for the Yokohamas. On initial start up and turning (like maneuvering through a driveway,) you have to really wrench the wheels around to get it to turn. That's because the rolling resistance is higher. Then, on more aggressive turns, initiation of the turn is easy, but to continue the turn was much more difficult. As the centrifugal force engaged the outside tire, it made it more difficult to continue turning. A lot more muscle was needed to get it to finish the turn.

At 25 psi's, a turn at initial movement is a lot easier. It doesn't feel like the front end is in quick sand. Night and day difference for a fast turn as well. It easily starts the turn, and less effort is required to finish the turn. It is easier to feather the radius of the turn, or finish it faster.

I'm 6'3" and about 230lbs. I rarely rarely ride two up. 26psi for me upfront.

While I was experimenting with the psi, I made a video of where I was riding. It's short.

Warning ... to all NEWBIE's the above statements are .... Scientifically ... " FALSE "... if you want to believe what someone's Butt is saying ... you are putting yourself and any passengers in peril ..... Why this poster pursues this mis-information and appears to want others to follow His lead is beyond my comprehension .... Over-inflating car tires on a Spyder is a dangerous thing to do. The psi the manufactures list for CAR tires are based on vehicle weights above 3500lbs .... what does your Spyder weigh - 975 to 1150lbs .. so why would anyone use a psi meant for a veh. weighing 3 to 4 times as much..... I'm not saying this to upset anyone ... To me this is a Safety issue ... Over-inflated tires will lose traction much sooner than ones that are pressured for the vehicles weight, especially if it's wet ... Many here already know my credentials .... but for those that don't - I received Expert training in what tires do when in contact with pavement - wet or dry or other variations ... so beware of " well my Butt says " opinions. None of what I just said applies to KENDA tires .... Good luck, ride safe - ride happy ......... Mike ................PS, I'm not on an EGO trip about this topic, .. I am concerned about the Safety of all who are on this forum and will continue speak out when Anyone starts telling people something BAD is Good !!!!!!

 

[tehrlich]

Here we go again. More yelling. Fire and brimstone.


Warning! NEVER ever tweak (not twerk) ANYTHING you may ride, drive, or sail! IT IS DANGEROUS to your butt.

But it is more dangerous to overbearing know-it-alls because they may be WRONG! Just do what he says! He has more posts than me and that really matters!


There is a RANGE of performance levels with air pressure in ANY tire: car, motorcycle, Spyder, and little red wagons. Everyone reading this KNOWS this. You don't have to be an expert witness or won first prize in a sanctioned drag race to inherently KNOW this. (I'll still race you with your soft shoes on, BTW.)

I honestly spent one hour going through roads like in the video at 17psi on the fronts. The machine was sluggish and less responsive than at 25psi! If a deer jumps out of the bushes, I'll be glad to have a MORE RESPONSIVE tire to avoid it!

I also did hard stops (on a safe stretch of road) with the 17psi vs. the 25psi. I found stopping distance about the same, BUT with the lower air pressure, I found it SQUIRRLEY as it stopped. We are riding a machine with TWO WHEELS upfront, and the physics of stopping will put a huge amount of vector force right on top of them! That's why they stop so well, NOT because of an 8psi difference in the tires.

Readers should just try for themselves, and find out what they experience.