Tire search - what is everyone going to these days?

[Dansy]

Kenda Kanine KR20 all around soon…

 

[Rednblack]

I’m really upset - borderline angry! I just went on one of my favorite twisty roads with my newly installed Vredestein 165/60R15 tires on the RTL - replacing the factory Kenda tires. I can’t believe how much easier and smoother the Vredestein tires are. I wish I had replaced them the day I purchased the Spyder! The cornering takes less upper body strength. They are grippy without any play. In the hard corners, the front end feels lighter, more agile, and responsive. It’s taken me about a year to transition from 2 wheels to 3. My biggest issue was how heavy I had to press the handlebars in tight corners. Lo and behold - it was the tires! Who knew? I’ll never go back!

 

[Cobranut]

Just start at the top and then move to the right and then crisscross to the... Nope, start at the bottom left and then... Ah #$^@$%!

Either pattern is fine, as long as you don't just go around clockwise or counterclockwise.

 

[Jackhartjr]

Kenda Kanine KR20 all around soon….

Why would you put anything Kenda on a Spyder, after reading about all the problems with them?

 

[BajaRon]

Why would you put anything Kenda on a Spyder, after reading about all the problems with them?

I'm running the Kanines on my GS. You have to understand that Kenda is producing OEM tires to BRP's specifications and price requirements. It isn't necessarily true that they don't know how to make a decent tire. While the jury is still out on the Kanines, my early impressions are quite positive. With the advantage that dealerships that will not mount a so called, 'Car Tire', will install a set of Kanines. It is not unreasonable to consider using them.

 

[troop]

I'm running the Kanines on my GS. You have to understand that Kenda is producing OEM tires to BRP's specifications and price requirements. It isn't necessarily true that they don't know how to make a decent tire. While the jury is still out on the Kanines, my early impressions are quite positive. With the advantage that dealerships that will not mount a so called, 'Car Tire', will install a set of Kanines. It is not unreasonable to consider using them.

With my prior discussed fitment issues with 165/60R15 Vredesteins, I opted for a set of 165/55R15 Kanines. While offering a softer ride than the Vredestein, I am not unhappy with the Kanines. It will also be interesting to see how the newly designed 2025 Kenda tires fare? While not a true car tire, they certainly could prove quite adequate. Time will tell...

 

[BajaRon]

With my prior discussed fitment issues with 165/60R15 Vredesteins, I opted for a set of 165/55R15 Kanines. While offering a softer ride than the Vredestein, I am not unhappy with the Kanines. It will also be interesting to see how the newly designed 2025 Kenda tires fare? While not a true car tire, they certainly could prove quite adequate. Time will tell...

I am surprised that you had issues with the Vredestein tires. We have mounted a great many with the only issues being conflict with modified wiring hold-down tabs. Which we were able to easily correct. I wonder what was different about your install.

Still, we have not been able to find a better front tire for the Spyder than the Vredestein's. Though I believe the Kanines are a worthy option.

 

[Cobranut]

I've been pretty happy with the original Kendas on the front of my F3S.
I have a Kumho Ecsta AST to go on the rear, but I'll probably get a set of the updated Kanines for the front.
There's a definite weight advantage, and with only about 300# on each tire, they don't need much in the way of weight carrying ability.

 

[troop]

I am surprised that you had issues with the Vredestein tires. We have mounted a great many with the only issues being conflict with modified wiring hold-down tabs. Which we were able to easily correct. I wonder what was different about your install.

Still, we have not been able to find a better front tire for the Spyder than the Vredestein's. Though I believe the Kanines are a worthy option.

I see that Vredestein has a 175/55R15 tire that is slightly smaller in diameter (22.5" versus 22.8"). Spending $250 a pair and rubbing would really tick me off I see plenty of off brand 175/55R15 tires for sale in the $120/pair range, then add $40 for mounting/balancing. That would be a bit less painful. I do like my generic Achilles Ekonomist 165/55R15 tires, but like the Federal Formoza, they are no longer available stateside. Damn ....

 

[BajaRon]

I see that Vredestein has a 175/55R15 tire that is slightly smaller in diameter (22.5" versus 22.8"). Spending $250 a pair and rubbing would really tick me off I see plenty of off brand 175/55R15 tires for sale in the $120/pair range, then add $40 for mounting/balancing. That would be a bit less painful. I do like my generic Achilles Ekonomist 165/55R15 tires, but like the Federal Formoza, they are no longer available stateside. Damn ....

We have not had good luck with the 175/55R15's on the 2020+ Spyders. BRP changed the front fender configuration slightly and the 175 is usually too wide and will rub. We did get 1 or 2 sets to fit early on before we started having consistent clearance issues. It just isn't worth it to us to put a set on just to see. Now we only install the 165/60R15's on the 20+ Spyders. So, from our experience, the 175's might work. But more often than not, they don't.

The 2013-2019 Spyders take both the 165 and the 175 without issue. Though you need to be careful if any aftermarket lights have been run through the fenders.

Having said all of this, at the risk of beating a dead horse. We've not had any real issues with the 165's. I guess it's just me. But your story bothers me more than it should. I'd love to know they why.

 

[troop]

We have not had good luck with the 175/55R15's on the 2020+ Spyders. BRP changed the front fender configuration slightly and the 175 is usually too wide and will rub. We did get 1 or 2 sets to fit early on before we started having consistent clearance issues. It just isn't worth it to us to put a set on just to see. Now we only install the 165/60R15's on the 20+ Spyders. So, from our experience, the 175's might work. But more often than not, they don't.

The 2013-2019 Spyders take both the 165 and the 175 without issue. Though you need to be careful if any aftermarket lights have been run through the fenders.

Having said all of this, at the risk of beating a dead horse. We've not had any real issues with the 165's. I guess it's just me. But your story bothers me more than it should. I'd love to know they why.

Yeah .. The Vredestein 165/60 fit just fine in my 2019 F3S. I did shim my 2022 fenders and installed lower profile screws. I do have Show Chrome Slayer fender lights, but they're tucked up nicely. Dunno ????

 

[jcthorne]

We have not had good luck with the 175/55R15's on the 2020+ Spyders. BRP changed the front fender configuration slightly and the 175 is usually too wide and will rub. We did get 1 or 2 sets to fit early on before we started having consistent clearance issues. It just isn't worth it to us to put a set on just to see. Now we only install the 165/60R15's on the 20+ Spyders. So, from our experience, the 175's might work. But more often than not, they don't.

The 2013-2019 Spyders take both the 165 and the 175 without issue. Though you need to be careful if any aftermarket lights have been run through the fenders.

Having said all of this, at the risk of beating a dead horse. We've not had any real issues with the 165's. I guess it's just me. But your story bothers me more than it should. I'd love to know they why.

Strange, have had zero issues fitting the Yokohama AVID 175/55R15 on the newer bikes.

 

[BajaRon]

Strange, have had zero issues fitting the Yokohama AVID 175/55R15 on the newer bikes.

Sizing is relative and not universal. Never understood this but there are variations in actual dimensions, brand to brand, and even tire to tire model within the same brand. That's the only explanation I have for this disparity.

 

[Jackhartjr]

I'm running the Kanines on my GS. You have to understand that Kenda is producing OEM tires to BRP's specifications and price requirements. It isn't necessarily true that they don't know how to make a decent tire. While the jury is still out on the Kanines, my early impressions are quite positive. With the advantage that dealerships that will not mount a so called, 'Car Tire', will install a set of Kanines. It is not unreasonable to consider using them.

No disrespect sir!
Kenda puts me in mind of the old Sears Robuck and Comp.
Many years ago I took my car in for brakes. Advertised at $200.00 for all 4. My bill was over $700.00! About that time there was a class action lawsuit against Sears for deceptive practices that cost the big bucks. I never went back!
As far as Kendas, we all know how crappy the tires have been the past few years!
The Kanines might be a better tire, however, never on my bike!
I changed from Kendas to Vredesteins on the front of 2 Spyders, the ride improved 100 percent on both. There you are!

 

[BajaRon]

No disrespect sir!
Kenda puts me in mind of the old Sears Robuck and Comp.
Many years ago I took my car in for brakes. Advertised at $200.00 for all 4. My bill was over $700.00! About that time there was a class action lawsuit against Sears for deceptive practices that cost the big bucks. I never went back!
As far as Kendas, we all know how crappy the tires have been the past few years!
The Kanines might be a better tire, however, never on my bike!
I changed from Kendas to Vredesteins on the front of 2 Spyders, the ride improved 100 percent on both. There you are!

No disrespect taken. Forums are a place for opinions. Opinions vary. If they didn't, there would be no need for a forum in the first place.

In the end, I always return to the same place. It's your ride, you should do it the way you think best. We all want to get as much enjoyment out of our Spyders as we can. We come here to get information to that end. It's all good!

My opinion is of no more value than anyone else's. I appreciate Lamont and the moderators who provide us a place to share.

 

[Dansy]

Why would you put anything Kenda on a Spyder, after reading about all the problems with them?

You're too Funny. I have no problems what so ever with the Kenda

 

[doncanfix2]

Hello all! Its finally time for a new tire on the rear, ~15K mi on my 2018 RT (and it really was overdue)! Rhetorically, I find it interesting that the wear is so uneven across the tread. Hmmm!


After a thorough look at the options available I'm going with the latest General AltiMAX RT45.



The OEM fronts are not down to the wear indicators so I'm staying with those for now.
Not wanting to start another conversation here, but the only spec I have not seen comments on is the speed rating. The AltiMAX is T-rated and the Kenda (and some other "appropriate" car tires) are H-rated. The way I look at it, it doesn't really matter... who's going over 118MPH (T), let alone 130MPH (H) on their RT; this is a cruiser, not a race car! I'll post some more technical results (later) on the other "What Tires are on YOUR Spyder" thread. I also included below a tire size comparison (which has been discussed) that I found helpful in visualizing the difference between the OEM Kenda and my size choice.



Thanks to all for the many thoughts on tires that helped me come to this decision!

 

[troop]

Hello all! Its finally time for a new tire on the rear, ~15K mi on my 2018 RT (and it really was overdue)! Rhetorically, I find it interesting that the wear is so uneven across the tread. Hmmm!
View attachment 249685

After a thorough look at the options available I'm going with the latest General AltiMAX RT45.

View attachment 249686

The OEM fronts are not down to the wear indicators so I'm staying with those for now.
Not wanting to start another conversation here, but the only spec I have not seen comments on is the speed rating. The AltiMAX is T-rated and the Kenda (and some other "appropriate" car tires) are H-rated. The way I look at it, it doesn't really matter... who's going over 118MPH (T), let alone 130MPH (H) on their RT; this is a cruiser, not a race car! I'll post some more technical results (later) on the other "What Tires are on YOUR Spyder" thread. I also included below a tire size comparison (which has been discussed) that I found helpful in visualizing the difference between the OEM Kenda and my size choice.

View attachment 249687

Thanks to all for the many thoughts on tires that helped me come to this decision!

Also remember that the speed ratings are for maximum sustained speeds while carrying the rated maximum load. A T rating on a Spyder will never be an issue...

 

[BajaRon]

Hello all! Its finally time for a new tire on the rear, ~15K mi on my 2018 RT (and it really was overdue)! Rhetorically, I find it interesting that the wear is so uneven across the tread. Hmmm!
View attachment 249685

After a thorough look at the options available I'm going with the latest General AltiMAX RT45.

View attachment 249686

The OEM fronts are not down to the wear indicators so I'm staying with those for now.
Not wanting to start another conversation here, but the only spec I have not seen comments on is the speed rating. The AltiMAX is T-rated and the Kenda (and some other "appropriate" car tires) are H-rated. The way I look at it, it doesn't really matter... who's going over 118MPH (T), let alone 130MPH (H) on their RT; this is a cruiser, not a race car! I'll post some more technical results (later) on the other "What Tires are on YOUR Spyder" thread. I also included below a tire size comparison (which has been discussed) that I found helpful in visualizing the difference between the OEM Kenda and my size choice.

View attachment 249687

Thanks to all for the many thoughts on tires that helped me come to this decision!

Extremely typical tire tread wear for the OEM Kenda rear. The surprise would be if it wore any other way.

It is a bit unusual that there is more wear on one side than the other. But this may be do to ununiform tread thickness rather than a misalignment issue. If your belt was running true, then it's probably a tire anomaly. These tires are know for anomalies. Thrown in at no extra charge, of course.

 

[Cobranut]

My OEM Kenda rear tire has worn completely smooth in the center third, and very evenly across the tread surface.
I'm at a little over 11,000 miles.
All three OEM tires have a lot of balance weights added, but they do run very smooth, even at speeds over 100mph.

I have a Kumho Ecsta AST for the rear, but I'll probably go with the updated Kendas for the front, mainly for the weight savings.