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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> tire recommendations? /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1250482240 Message started by Bryan on 08/16/09 at 21:10:40 |
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Title: tire recommendations? Post by Bryan on 08/16/09 at 21:10:40 I need new tires for my Savage. It's my first bike and I have no experience with this stuff. Some have recommended me order them online and change them myself, but I don't have an air compressor, a garage, or the time, so I'll probably take it somewhere. But I still might buy them online if I can get a good deal. I'm not looking for anything super nice, but I don't want something that'll fall apart. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't need any speed rated or performance tires, but if the treadwear is significantly higher I don't mind paying a little more to save money in the long run. 1. Any good websites where I can find tires? 2. Any recommended brand/series/model of tires? 3. What should I expect to pay for tires? 4. What can I expect to pay to get them put on? How much is too much? Thanks! |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Educatedredneck on 08/16/09 at 21:44:54 Bryan, To quote Paladin, "There are good motorcycle tires and there are better motorcycle tires" I currently have IRC Wildflares - 100/90 - 19 front and 150/80 - 15 rear. With tubes I paid about $200.00 for them including shipping from J&P Cycles. Way better than the stock IRCs. It really all about how much you can afford. Do buy new tubes when you get the tires. You can save a few bucks if you take the wheels of the bike and have the dealership mount them for you, if you don't have the means to do it yourself. If you have to have someone do everything for you, now is the perfect time to find a independent shop that is willing to work on your bike. Just do not expect same day service if you take the bike in. When I did my tires, I changed them myself. With my son helping me. Of course, I had all the tools. Rear tires wear out before fronts, figure 2 rears to every front tire. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by prechermike on 08/17/09 at 04:24:46 Bryan, It really pays to shop around and do your homework, which is what you are doing. I recently bought a tire and that was my first experience and I knew nothing, as Sgt Shultz used to say. :D There are many threads on here about tires, go to search, type in tires, change the "when was this post last made" to all and go at it. Buying motorcycle tires is diferent than buying car tires, but you alredy knew that. I asked the guy I get my car tries from, who I pretty much figured did not mess with motorcycle tires, but I knew had motorcycles and he gave me a good lead. That took me from someone local I trusted to someone that he trusted, which is better than nothing. I got a dunlop k something, had a dunlop d404, but that did not seem to hold up very well around here. I had the guy put it on for me, but I kept thinking, "I could do that myself" Maybe, but he had all the tools and stuff right there to do it with. $140 (tire, tube, rim strip and labor) later I was heading out. The K does seem to be holding up better than the d, but it is a little too early to tell. I know this got kind of long, but search and read on here, ask someone you know local, even if they do not sell motorcycle tires, they might have a lead for you, make your best decision and go ride. Hope that helps. Mike |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by clueless on 08/17/09 at 05:43:21 I cam buy tires from the local Suzuki shop here. 2 days to get them. If I bring in the wheel, they charge 15 bucks to mount them. Well worth that! I'm lucky to have a d@mn good dealer. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by PTRider on 08/17/09 at 07:15:54 Bryan Are you a high mileage rider? Harder, longer lived tire rubber has less traction than softer, shorter lived rubber. If you're in an emergency where you need all the traction you can get, remember your choice. I got Pirelli MT66 Route tires, and I like them a lot. They cost no more than some of the lesser name tires. 140/90-15 fits the rear and is much more common than the 140/80-15 original tire, but some folks have to replace the bolts under the rear fender with round-head bolts to avoid tire rubbing. Above all, get better tires that the original model, IRC GS-18 or whatever they're listed as on the sticker on the bike. If your tubes are five years old or more, get new tubes. I prefer a rear tube with a 90° bend in the stem for easier air checks and adding air. Make phone calls. Call all your local shops including the Suzuki shops and independent repair shops if you have any to get prices. My local indie shop charges $21 to mount if your bring in your wheel and new tire/tube. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by voldigicam on 08/17/09 at 07:43:45 MT66 front seems to be working very well. Remember they're really slick with mold release when new. I use naptha to clean the release off, then car wash detergent & pressure wash. Saves a little slippery new no traction time. Worth $15 to have someone else change if you're not up for it. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by youzguyz on 08/17/09 at 08:56:28 For you people running the MT66, please let everyone (especially me!) know what kind of mileage you get out of them. YES, I know that my mileage may vary. I got 20k out of the rear on my Metzeler ME880, and the front is still going strong. I've heard that the MT66 has handling similiar to the ME880, and I could be tempted by the MT66 if the mileage is good enough. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Serowbot on 08/17/09 at 10:32:31 787F60330 wrote:
Yes,.. 90' bend valve stem,... and have them mount it to the brake side, or it will do you no good.... and don't buy more tire than you need,... you want them to wear out in 2 or three years... after that they will start to dry out and rot,... so don't buy 10,000 mile tires if you only ride 1,000 miles per year. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Louisiana_Geezer on 08/17/09 at 12:46:41 342238372A3834374D0 wrote:
I have these Pirellis on my Rebel. After nearly 5K miles they still look NEW, but you _can_ tell that they perform better after they've been run in about 500 miles. The tire seems to hold the road very well in turns, so I couldn't be more pleased. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by bill67 on 08/17/09 at 13:15:12 I put the Route 66 on my 1500 Suzuki, cheaper tires than what come on it,But they handle a lot better and also are softer riding over bumps. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Bryan on 08/17/09 at 14:36:45 I definitely don't have the resources to change tires. I live in an apartment, I've got no air compressor, garage, bike jack, and I'm technically not even supposed to be working on my bike on apartment property. I could probably take the wheels off and bring them somewhere, but I'm not sure I wanna just leave my bike (minus wheels) sitting in the parking lot. I'll definitely need tubes as well. I'm sure these are probably the original tires and tubes. The tires are dry rotted and cracked pretty bad. The bike's only got 2400 miles on it, and it's a 96. I've seen a lot of people mention putting larger tires on the Savage cause the 140/80's are harder to find. I'm not sure I want to do that, though. I don't mind swapping out bolts if I have to, but I imagine 140/90's would have a larger circumference, so they'd probably throw off my speedometer, and I've heard even 150/80's can throw off the speedometer. In addition, I'm not sure a bike shop would be willing to put wider tires on my bike cause they might be harder to fit onto the rim, right? What companies make tires that are the right size for the Savage? |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by tomtaz1975 on 08/17/09 at 15:20:04 One easy way is go to DennisKirk.com, under Metric Bikes, then search by bike. I'm sure plenty of other sites have the same feature. IRC Front GS18 100/90H-19 Blackwall Tire IRC Front GS18 100/90H-19 Blackwall Tire $57.99 IRC Rear GS18 140/80H-15 Blackwall Tire IRC Rear GS18 140/80H-15 Blackwall Tire $76.99 Metzeler Front ME 880 100/90H-19 Blackwall Tire Metzeler Front ME 880 100/90H-19 Blackwall Tire $101.99 (go to site for more) I personally loved the ME880's on my Suzuki Marauder for 6K or so miles (before I sold it) which showed virtually no wear and had plenty of grip. I put ME880's on my Savage 500 miles ago and they are working great also. Cost more but seem to last forever... I was told by a fellow Savage owner to avoid the stock replacements at all cost, as they are slippery as heck and never seem to get the right grip...but that is just passing on what I was told, I've never had stock. I also ordered mine online (forget where from) and my local Suzuki shop put them on for about $25 total. Considering they quoted me $120 more for the tires than what I bought them online for...it was worth taking off the wheels/tires and taking them in along with the new tires. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by PTRider on 08/17/09 at 17:03:13 You can see the date the tires were made. The last four digits of the DOT code impressed into the sidewall of the tire are the week and year of manufacture. For tires made before 2000, the year is only one digit--236 as the last three digits would be the 23rd week of 1996. 2306 would be the 23rd week of 2006, for example. If you look at tire company web sites and use their lookup tool, you'll find which tires they make that they recommend for the LS650 Savage & S40. Dunlop, Pirelli, and the others recommend their 140/90-15, because they don't make the 140/80-15. If the tire maker recommends it, the shop will install it. Interestingly, many of the tire makers recommend higher inflation pressure than Suzuki recommends for the IRC GS-18. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitmentguide_print.asp?fitment_id=621 |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by thumperclone on 08/17/09 at 17:34:03 after 5k on my 06 the rear was unsafe went with metzlers,caught them on sale @ cruiser customizing.com had the staelership mount them with NEW tubes and NEW rim liners.. w/o going out to look the od is around 13k.. rode in a parade (15 miles) @ the winter park colorado tribute to vets rally, 10 miles in pouring rain,stingin my forehead rain,totaly soaked my flydana rain... IMO metzs are the best offered,may be pricey, but for me theres 2 things on any vechicle you dont scrimp $ on: 1 brakes 2 tires |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Bryan on 08/17/09 at 20:35:53 696E71220 wrote:
Won't a 140/90 throw my speedometer off? I know it's not the end of the world, but I'm an inexperienced rider as it is... I called a place today and they want $80 just to take the wheels off the bike. Maybe I'll see if I can just take the wheels off at a friend's house and lay the bike in his grass while I get the tires changed... |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by verslagen1 on 08/17/09 at 20:54:26 d404 140/90-15 make the speedo read right on. I have a Veypor electronic speedo to prove it. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Reelthing on 08/17/09 at 20:54:49 283E242B3624282B510 wrote:
Seems to me the ME880's still hold the crown of solid wet performance, high mileage, and fine handling - but as was pointed out if a person doesn't ride very much they'll dry out before they wearout |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Bryan on 08/18/09 at 16:23:21 3B283F3E212C2A28237C4D0 wrote:
that's probably just for the d404's, right? cause a 140/90 should definitely be bigger around than a 140/80 from what I understand about tire sizes. but I'm definitely no expert. I haven't been too impressed with a lot of the reviews I've read online for the d404's (although I know everyone's biased). I'd consider buying a 140/90, but I really don't want to throw off my speedo, even a little bit, if I can help it. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by bill67 on 08/18/09 at 16:47:38 Look up the Pirelli Route 66 and you'll see a lot of good reviews. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by youzguyz on 08/18/09 at 16:51:49 5A6D6D647C6061666F080 wrote:
Seems to me the ME880's still hold the crown of solid wet performance, high mileage, and fine handling - but as was pointed out if a person doesn't ride very much they'll dry out before they wearout[/quote] Very good point. No sense spending the good money for a tire that will dry out before wear out! Fortunately, I doubt I will ever have that problem! :D |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by youzguyz on 08/18/09 at 16:56:46 4057585F5A5A574E4244575D42360 wrote:
The speedo is the least reason I can think of to buy one tire over another. If you want accuracy, get a bicycle speedo, or some other electronic variant that you can dial in to the tire you DO put on. OR, just put on the tire that works right for you in cost, performance, etc, and then relabel your speedo with a marker or something. The only real issue with mounting a 140/90 is you might rub the bolts up under the fender if you have saddlebag brackets installed. If you do, grind them down or install bolt with a flatter head. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Bryan on 08/18/09 at 20:05:11 Okay, so I think I've finally decided on the Metzeler 880's. As far as tubes go, do these look okay? Bikemaster 100/90 19 PV-6 Bikemaster 140/90 15 PV-78 I'm particularly curious cause I want to make sure a 140/90 tube will fit a 140/80 tire. I also want a rear tube with a 90 degree bend, but I see the PV-78 and also TR-87 and TR-87C. It's confusing with all the different valve stem types and whatnot, and then I see some tubes are measured differently, like 5.50, inches maybe? Sorry so many questions, but I just wanna make sure I get it right the first time. You're all really helpful. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by youzguyz on 08/19/09 at 02:40:15 2E393631343439202C2A39332C580 wrote:
Those tubes are fine. Don't forget to buy new rim strips too! |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by PTRider on 08/19/09 at 07:31:21 Here's an innertube size conversion chart from inch sizes to metric sizes. The 140/80-15 & 140/90-15 tires take the same tube, 5.50/6.00-15, and the 100/90-19 takes 3.25/3.50-19. Buy your tube listed in either system. http://www.pureoffroad.com/kenda_standard_motorcycle_tubes.htm |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by vhfkid on 08/19/09 at 07:51:02 I put a bikemaster in my wife's S40 rear and I wish I had paid more at another shop for a tube with the 90 deg. stem. I only have one air gauge I can easily get onto her rear tire's stem. I keep a 1.99 gauge in my bike, but it won't work on her tire, but is just fine for my rear that has a 90deg. stem. The front is no problem for a strait stem, but a 90 would probably be preferred as well. Hope this helps! VHFKID |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by photojoe on 08/19/09 at 09:29:16 I see that there's no mention of Continental Conti Blitz tires which is what I have. They came with the bike (Po said they were new) and I've put about 7000 miles on them. The front tire is still fat with tread and in no need of replacement. Rear tire is just starting to thin out, more along the sides from my knee dragging tendencies and obviously holding the bulk of the weight. Good tires though, I'm replacing the rear with the exact same one. Held up fine riding in the rain at 70-75 mph on the highway. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by verslagen1 on 08/19/09 at 11:39:57 4057585F5A5A574E4244575D42360 wrote:
that's probably just for the d404's, right? cause a 140/90 should definitely be bigger around than a 140/80 from what I understand about tire sizes. but I'm definitely no expert. I haven't been too impressed with a lot of the reviews I've read online for the d404's (although I know everyone's biased). I'd consider buying a 140/90, but I really don't want to throw off my speedo, even a little bit, if I can help it.[/quote] Any tire with the same OD will give you the same results. The d404's don't do well on heavier bikes as far as I can see. I've been getting 8 to 10k miles from the 3 sets I've had. The Metz are good tire, but don't get any from brazil though. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Bryan on 08/19/09 at 11:43:34 6E707E73717C180 wrote:
Yeah, I've heard a lot about the 90 degree stem (and experienced the frustration of not being able to get to the rear stem myself). That's why I asked about the Bikemaster 140/90 15 PV-78 tubes; the PV-78 is a 90 degree stem. I just wasn't sure if it was the standard size, cause I also saw TR-87 and TR-87C are 90 degree stems, and it was hard to find somewhere that explained all the stem types. I just want a normal stem (with a 90 degree bend, of course) that I won't have any problems with if I need to put air in my tires at a gas station. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by jabman on 08/19/09 at 13:31:49 the problem im having with tyres right now is the rear mt66 tyres are tubeless, they do do a tubed front. the people hear say a tubeless tyre is fine on are rims if you use a tube in them. can you get a tubed mt66 rear in the US? |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by serenity3743 on 08/19/09 at 13:53:12 You can always put a tube in a "tubeless" tire. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by buttgoat1 on 08/20/09 at 09:46:42 I have 8000 miles on a set of Bridgestone Spitfire S11's white letters with dual compound tread. Looks like they will last that much more. they were heavier and stiffer than the stockers when I changed them. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by tcreeley on 08/21/09 at 17:14:34 I like my Dunlop K555 140 80 on the rear and Dunlop D404 up front. Handles well. IRC also makes front and rear- 140 80. I think they were OEM. - not sure though. My suzuki dealer wanted to put D404 front and back and said they would be fine. I think he was just a bit too lazy and didn't want to take the time to go deeper. I said no and within a few minutes he had the K555. Said it cost another 14 bucks. I ran Conti on my suzuki GN400- awful hard bike to get tires for- The Contis were fine. I don't see an advantage to a taller tire (140 90) in the rear. It should shift the handling a little bit, quicker to turn, and less straightline stability. But I imagine it is not very much of a change. Last time I tried changing a tire - it was a pain in the neck- no "proper" tools and when I was putting the tire back on I pinched the tube. I gave up and took it to the dealer. I do all the small stuff -lawnmower etc. It is getting the tire on and off the rim that gets me - stretching it with out doing some damage to something while I wrestle with it. Good luck tom c |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by bill67 on 08/21/09 at 17:21:43 My wife had a Suzuki GN400,Back years ago I alway used Bridgestone Spitfires. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by PTRider on 08/23/09 at 11:05:16 The only real advantage of the taller 140/90 vs. the original 140/80 is greater availability and more price and performance choices. In the 140/80 all I found were the mediocre IRC and the pricey Metzeler ME880. I like the performance of the Pirelli MT66 Route 140/90 tire I bought, and the price was easier to swallow than the Metzeler's. The only difference I notice from the taller tire is that my around-town shift points need to be a couple of mph higher, not a big deal. The taller rear should make the bike more nimble at the cost of a bit of straight line stability, but I don't feel that--it is both quite flickable and quite stable. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Boule’tard on 08/23/09 at 12:29:54 Seeing how back tires wear out twice as fast as front tires, and you need maximum sticky on the front tire for emergency braking, have any of you guys tried a soft compound front along with a hard compound rear? Or is that "bad" like mixing bias-ply with radials? It seems like you could get both longevity and safety with the right combination (and trained not to panic and lock up the back tire of course). |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Bryan on 09/04/09 at 07:01:40 I've finally got my new tires (I went with the Metzelers) and got them installed. I'm still in the break-in period, so I can't necessarily say how they handle, but the peace of mind from being able to ride on tires that aren't dry-rotted is quite nice. I got the 90 degree tubes (I think the PV-78 was the right kind of valve stem), and I asked them to install it so that the stem would be pointing toward the right side of the bike, so that all the stuff on the left side of the back wheel wouldn't be in the way. They told me they couldn't necessarily do that, because the tube would only fit one way. I told them it looked like the valve stem itself was adjustable, but they said it wasn't. When I picked it up, the stem was pointing to the left. Were they correct about that, or were they just being lazy? It looks like I should still be able to get to the stem easier than I could with the straight stem, but it would've been nice to have it pointing toward the other side. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by verslagen1 on 09/04/09 at 07:10:46 I wouldn't go back there, they're idiots. Tubes don't have a direction. Just turn the darn thing around. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by youzguyz on 09/04/09 at 07:51:58 The stem is not "adjustable" (at least I've never seen one that is, and why would it be?), but Verslagen is correct in that it doesn't have a "direction" like a tire does. You just flip the tube over and put it in the other way. He's right, they are idiots. And if I were you I would double check to make sure they have the tire mounted the right way. It DOES have an arrow on it that points in the direction of forward rotation. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by PTRider on 09/04/09 at 09:11:46 Mixing front and rear tire brands or models is usually OK, according to the folks I've spoken with and my buddy who owns a motorcycle shop...but once in a while a certain combination on a certain bike does not work out well. One combination that is used on some bikes is a Metzeler ME-330 on the front and harder ME-880 on the rear. Another used on adventure touring bikes is a Metzeler Tourance EXP on the front and harder Metzeler Tourance (not-EXP) on the rear. Tire have a "slip angle (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_angle)," the difference in the direction the tire is pointed and the direction it actually moves. While cars want to somewhat understeer, bikes need to oversteer with the rear having greater slip angle than the front. Matching front & rears works so well because the tire design engineers take this and other factors into account. Mixing certain tires doesn't work for this reason among others. The tube doesn't care which way it runs nor which way the stem points. The lazy jerks in the shop do care if they have to re-do a job they did stupidly the first time. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by justin_o_guy2 on 09/04/09 at 10:15:11 HA! Slip Angle,, Finally I have a term to describe what is happening! I suffer from Slip Angle issues, myself. I find that, depending on how much beer Ive had, I may be Looking at where I want to go, but there is a "Slip Angle" issue with the feet & they move off at an angle not exactly helpful in getting me to where I want to go.. Slip Angle, gotta remember that one.. |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by Oldfeller on 09/04/09 at 11:42:02 Freddie Mercury just lives to sing his special m/c tire song to stubborn people putting yet another expensive m/c tire on the back of their Savage .... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNQRfBAzSzo |
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Title: Re: tire recommendations? Post by boofer on 09/05/09 at 23:58:42 Bryan, It gripes my grits that people are not doing you right at the dealer. I bought my Savage with the stem turned to the left. Being right handed and with all the clearance on the right, I get hacked off every time I check my air. I have a suggestion for you. Get a Dennis Kirk catalog and a JC WWhitney motorcycle catalog. Read everything that pertains to Savages from batteries to brakes to tires...Mark every item that will fit your bike and write the page numbers on the front. You will learn so much and get a good idea of average prices. Since they send me a free catalog, I order a few things from each of them to help them pay for my education. Of course I love to read, so it's enjoyable to me. And we will continue to help you any time we can. Enjoy those new tires, but wait till the "slippery" wears off before testing them too much. Boofer |
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