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What Replacement tires are there for front in 165/55R15?

G

gl1800

Member
Has anyone replaced the original 165/55R15 Kenda front tires on their 2014 RT with another tire and size? A car tire will work, if I could find the right size. Thank you.
 
gl1800 said:
Has anyone replaced the original 165/55R15 Kenda front tires on their 2014 RT with another tire and size? A car tire will work, if I could find the right size. Thank you.
Click to expand...


I just ordered a set of Federal EVO 595 165/55R15 today...

I made this decision after talking (PM) to several SL members that are using them...

Mine won't be installed until I get my front wheels painted to match this winter...

I purchased mine from; http://www.performanceplustire.com/products/tires/searchType/searchBySize/tireSize/165_SLASH_55-15
 
The Federal EVO 595 is a "drifter" tire with very stiff sidewalls. Not really a good tire design or construction match for a Spyder. The only good thing about it is the exact 165/55-15 size match. I would be very careful using the Federal in the rain.

Your better options IMO would be the Kumho Solus KH16 in the 175/55-15 size or 155/60-15 size. The 175 is 10mm wider and only +2.0% larger diameter, where the 155 is 10mm narrower and only +0.9 larger diameter. Has AA traction and A temperature rating. Should be a far better match in terms of tire construction, traction and tread design for wet conditions.
 
I was out looking to replace the Kenda tires though they have only 3200 miles. I just want something with better performance in those nightmare turns. I went to Bridgestone dealers and they have no performance tires thoush they do have a Drive Guard which I don't know about. Federal dealers said they have NO tire in the 155/55R15 size. I did find one web site that reported they had that size in the Federal tires $69. I don't think you can buy a decent performance tire for that price. I talked to the Michelin dealers, no tire that size. Three strikes out today.

I saw a post of stating that a Kumho in 175/55 was available. I also read a post someone said that a 185/55 would'nt fit the wheel cover. The 175 is 10mm wider. Anybody with real world experience with this size tire?

My goal is better performance in the curvy parts of the road. I have Bajaron Swaybar, and will soon have Elka 1+ shocks. Tires is all that's left of that performance combo.

It is said the RT won't turn over, but I'm not convinced just yet. Or that yellow streak makes too bright a light for some folks...
 
gl1800 said:
Has anyone replaced the original 165/55R15 Kenda front tires on their 2014 RT with another tire and size? A car tire will work, if I could find the right size. Thank you.
Click to expand...

I've been running Bridgestone Potenzas in that size for about 5,000 miles now with no problems. Both fronts cost the same as ONE OEM tire.
 
Double Trouble said:
I've been running Bridgestone Potenzas in that size for about 5,000 miles now with no problems. Both fronts cost the same as ONE OEM tire.
Click to expand...

I went to the Bridgestone tire dealer today and he threw me out the door when I insisted there was a Potenza tire size 165/55R15. OK maybe not but they WERE insistent that it does not exist. I'm confused. That would be my preferred tire. After Michelin. Which also does not make that size tire.

Where is your tire dealer? I'd like to ask him.
 
About 3,000 miles ago I installed a set of Federal EVO 595 165/55R15 front tires prior to a trip. We rode two up and fully loaded. The Spyder only had 8800 miles on it at the time and although laser aligned and the pressure kept equal at 19, the Kendas were cupping terribly and had weights a quarter the way around the rim. I argued with the dealer that they were defective to no avail, so I opted for the Federals. We rode on a variety of roads and pavement types, in heavy and light rain as well as varying temps.

I dislike the Federals immensely for our Spyder RT... The Spyder now wanders on grooved concrete, tar strips, and on painted lines like never before. Rain performance was ok at best. Hard cornering feels near the same. With a digital gauge, I varied pressure from 15 to 17 to 19 to 21 and 23 during the trip and noticed little difference. My wife, who has ridden 20,000 + on the back of a Spyder, asked me on several occasions what was wrong as she felt like we were getting jerked back and forth.

I will be going back to Kendas on the front soon, and I hope they don't cup like hell again and need weights that encompass a quarter of the inside wheel to balance.

On a side note, at 29 psi the new S Drive on the rear is wonderful, just hope it lasts longer than the rear Kenda did.

I know some love the Federals, but this has been our experience...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
ricford said:
My goal is better performance in the curvy parts of the road. I have Bajaron Swaybar, and will soon have Elka 1+ shocks. Tires is all that's left of that performance combo.
Click to expand...
Better performance in what respect? In my experience the Kendas hold the road all the way to the point where Nanny kicks in so I don't see where a different tire will make a difference. In fact, if you go with a harder tire you're more likely to start sliding the tires in a corner in which case Nanny will kick in instantly. At least that's the way I see it.
 
ricford said:
I went to the Bridgestone tire dealer today and he threw me out the door when I insisted there was a Potenza tire size 165/55R15. OK maybe not but they WERE insistent that it does not exist. I'm confused. That would be my preferred tire. After Michelin. Which also does not make that size tire.

Where is your tire dealer? I'd like to ask him.
Click to expand...

My error. My '12 has 14" tires. Sorry.
 
Here is a new all season tire that recently hit the market. It can be had for $98 + shipping. Anybody got the nerve to try it?
http://www.kumhotire.ca/fr/about/company_news/207

Kumho also make a Solus that has a nice tread. Priced them today at Walmart who said they could order for $89 which includes mounting and balancing. Not sure I'd want them to balance but otherwise their price is very competitive, or better, than Tire Rack.

I'd sure like to know for a fact that a 175-55-15 would fit under the fenders of the '14 RT SE...the ones with the ridge. I've been told they fit the smooth fenders so I'm guessing they would, but not willing to shuck out over $200 and find they don't.........
 
Last edited:
sledmaster said:
The Federal EVO 595 is a "drifter" tire with very stiff sidewalls. Not really a good tire design or construction match for a Spyder. The only good thing about it is the exact 165/55-15 size match. I would be very careful using the Federal in the rain.

Your better options IMO would be the Kumho Solus KH16 in the 175/55-15 size or 155/60-15 size. The 175 is 10mm wider and only +2.0% larger diameter, where the 155 is 10mm narrower and only +0.9 larger diameter. Has AA traction and A temperature rating. Should be a far better match in terms of tire construction, traction and tread design for wet conditions.
Click to expand...
My Federal Evo 595s on the front of my RT have 28000 miles on them already - handle great and show very little sign of wear - I have ridden in rain and storms that most people would not consider - so I have to take issue with your assessment unless you have really ridden the tire like I have....
 
ulflyer said:
Here is a new all season tire that recently hit the market. It can be had for $98 + shipping. Anybody got the nerve to try it?
http://www.kumhotire.ca/fr/about/company_news/207

Kumho also make a Solus that has a nice tread. Priced them today at Walmart who said they could order for $89 which includes mounting and balancing. Not sure I'd want them to balance but otherwise their price is very competitive, or better, than Tire Rack.

I'd sure like to know for a fact that a 175-55-15 would fit under the fenders of the '14 RT SE...the ones with the ridge. I've been told they fit the smooth fenders so I'm guessing they would, but not willing to shuck out over $200 and find they don't.........
Click to expand...

According to the story that new Kumho is for the Canadian market.
 
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