SuzukiSavage.com /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Tires, tires, tires... /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1327014116 Message started by Tinfoil-Jim on 01/19/12 at 15:01:55

Title: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Tinfoil-Jim on 01/19/12 at 15:01:55 I know that this has probably been beaten half to death by now, but I did a search and came up short.  Now to ask and get banned!! LOL On Monday the back tire on my 02 Savage let go and left me stranded on the side of the highway.  The culprit tire is a 7600+ mile IDC.  Now after doing some research on here and other sites (which has left me still shaking my head), I must ask the age old question.  I have my eye on a pair of tires, both Dunlops (don't shoot me).  One is the D404 and the other is the K555.  Now the K555 is the exact size replacement that the IDC is on the bike now, 140/80-15.  The D404 is a 140/90-15, 4% larger.  My question is, which one is better?  The K555 is on average $15 more than the D404.  Now money is really tight in my house right now as I am using the bike to find another job (it gets better gas mileage than my car does).  And if that were not bad enough, I have to get this passed by the War Dept. so the funds can be released.  Metzelers are out, way out of the price range, wifes orders, so that leaves the Dunlops, Pirellis, or ones that I have never heard of before.  Please don't flame the newb, just throw me a bone! Thanks in advance. Jim B :D .

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Demin on 01/19/12 at 15:28:44 There are plenty of good tires out there for a reasonable price.If you're looking for inexpensive,but a decent tire,try Kenda's.Check motorcycle tire superstore(or something like that)online. LET THE TIRE WARS BEGIN............... ;D After this calms down...ask about oil. ::)

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Oldfeller on 01/19/12 at 15:33:40 Tires are a reasonable enough topic. Since they wear out periodically and I am looking to need one next summer or fall please do go ahead and spot a good deal for all of us. Last time I bought a bike tire Sluggo had spotted a really good sale on Dunlop CruiseMax tires on Superstore ($45 a tire). Go find us all another really good "buy it and hold it" tire deal.

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Serowbot on 01/19/12 at 16:08:17 How many miles do ride per year?... Less than 4k?...  Kenda's or Shinko's... 4 to 8k?.. Dunlop's or Perelli's... 8k+ ?... Metzler's.. I just put a Shinko 712 140/90-15 on mine... good bang for the buck tire... Feels stickier than my old Dunlop 404, and way better than the stock IRC... ... a 140/90-15 will correct your speedo error almost perfect... ;)... http://www.shinkotireusa.com/img/product-big/712-rear.jpg

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Dj12midnit on 01/19/12 at 16:22:41 Im a me 880 guy my self. do it right the first time...

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Savage_Rob on 01/19/12 at 16:31:33 I did the Dunlop 491s and have had no problems other than needing to use slightly higher shocks to give the mounting bolts inside the rear fender enough room.  This is only an issue with saddlebag supports installed though... and no issue at all now that I have 12.5" Progressives on her.  From everything I've heard, I'd be tempted to give the ME 880s a try next round though.

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Tinfoil-Jim on 01/19/12 at 18:23:20 So far, Bikebandit.com is in the lead with the cheapest name brand tires.  I have looked at 5 different sites and they have the best prices so far.  But I need to call bikebandit tomorrow and ask them if I can run a tube in a tubeless tire.  That is, unless anyone here knows that answer. Again, thanks in advance. Jim B :D .

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by verslagen1 on 01/19/12 at 19:47:10 yes you can

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Wake51 on 01/20/12 at 00:45:35 When I bought my Savage, it was fitted with an oversized rear Dunlop that rubbed on a fender bolt. I don't remember the tire specs, sorry. Only reason I mention it, is because be conscious of larger rear tire sizes.  8-) As for which tire to choose, I splurged and went with the Metzler 880s due to their reputation of their performance, and by performance, I mean what would be the most forgiving if I accidentally asked for a bit more traction than what the tires were willing to provide. I'm only a 2 year rider, and can't say if my theory is correct on that. But I can say, that I noticed the Metzlers rode much more true and honest, carved better, and seem more sticky compared to the Dunlops I replaced. They have almost 4,000 miles on them and appear ready to take on another 4,000. I highly recommend them. I also understand that when it comes to a budget, a price cap is a price cap, and it they are over that cap they aren't an option period. if they are within the cap, consider the potential slight addition to safety for your family and longer period between tire replacement. If not, I would go with the smaller sized Dunlop. Dunlops have a good rep and the smaller ones are more affordable. And honestly I can't say I've been in a position where the Metzlers kept me from going down where Dunlops would not have, really it's probably mostly mental and the performance thresholds are so close it doesn't matter unless you're a professional race rider. But what do I know, I'm a greenhorn, good luck in your rubber search and there's my two cents.   ;)

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by built2last66 on 01/20/12 at 05:31:26 The Metzelers MME 880 are a pair for $265.98 on Motorcyclesuperstore, free shipping...

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by verslagen1 on 01/20/12 at 09:05:21 Brand depends upon your usage. cheap tires will get you by. $60 for 5,000 miles dunny's will give medium mileage.  $90 for 10,000 miles metz will give max mileage.  $120 for 15 to 20,000 miles You get what you pay for. Cheap tires ride like crap, dunny's are average, metz are excellent.

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Boofer on 01/20/12 at 10:59:21 Serowbot, Is your tire H or V rated? I was looking at Shinkos on your recommendation. I found the 230 I believe, comes in V service rating. If this is so that could account for the sticky feel and good handling. Most people call it a speed rating when it is in fact a performance rating. V rated tires usually have a "sticky" compound with nylon bands over the circumference to keep it from becoming egg shaped at very high speeds. They USUALLY don't last as long as tires with lower performance ratings, but do give better handling. My vote for Tinfoil is for the K555s. I have run one for a long distance and like it. Putting on a Metzeler as soon as I get time/weather aligned. Have a friend who gets 10,000 miles from K555s omn a Magna 750. He rides like we all should.  ;D

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Serowbot on 01/20/12 at 12:03:19 Shinko 712's a H rated,.. They feel stickier than the Dunlop 404's I had before... Mileage wise,.. from what I've read, they are similar to the 404's, but cost less...

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by gerald.hughes on 01/20/12 at 12:26:00 I guess that I am more in line with Serowbot's line of thinking.  Most of the comments are about price, mileage, and handling.  While all of those are important factors in selecting the right tire for you, they are not the only factors that you should consider. An important factor should be how many miles you ride a year.  If you only ride 2000 or 3000 miles a year, you really shouldn't buy a 20,000 mile tire.  The sidewalls will be cracked and unsafe long before the tread wears out.  (You see this all the time on bikes for sale where they only have a couple of thousand miles on them and are six or seven years old.)  I like the Metzler because I ride 15,000-20,000 miles a year on average, and it is nice to only have to have one set of tires a year put on the bike.  Serowbot likes the Shinkos because he only puts 4,0000-5,000 miles a year on his bike.  Once again, it is one set of tires a year. Another important factor is the weather where you live and ride.  Here in Tucson, we get a lot of really hot weather, and if the bike is not in a garage, the heat eats the tires (and kills the batteries.) Of course, really cold weather also is very hard on rubber.  We can't all live in Southern California.  So,  you should consider how long you can have a tire before the weather gets it, not the tread.   As a general rule, I prefer to change tires and least once a year, but then I am rather anal about tires, brake pads, and oil (no, not the brand, the frequency of oil changes.) Just my 3 1/2 cents

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by bill67 on 01/20/12 at 13:46:55 I've had tires that were 20 years old,when I sold a Suzuki gr 650,The guy that bought it put on 3000 miles before he wore than out.They were bridgestones tires,I now use Pirelli 66,A tire that handles really good and also improves the ride a lot.

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by thumperclone on 01/20/12 at 15:58:32 with new "skids" remember to (elmer fudd voice)"be very very carefull" mold release(slickem) is still on them.. give em 500 miles to wear it off.. i guess a person could bleach em a lil bit but dont know

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Serowbot on 01/20/12 at 16:32:01 Yes,.. be vewy caaaffuwll... :-?...

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Tinfoil-Jim on 01/20/12 at 16:47:20 Thanks for the very informative replies.  I think that I am going to go ahead, for right now, and get the Dunlop K555 so my speedo stays right, then later upgrade to the Metzeler. Thanks again!!! Jim B :D .

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Boofer on 01/20/12 at 18:47:02 Tinfoil, Serowbot says the speedometer is optomistic with stock tires. And the Metzelers come in stock size, but are not usually listed until you look them up to actually buy. I am planing to use a little Bleche White on my Metzeler before I put it on to see if it helps with the mold release problem. I rode today on old slick K555 at 55 degrees. Prediction is for 60+ degrees next week. Mybe time to mount the new tire. ;)

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Mario Verasso on 02/08/12 at 15:22:11 Sorry haven't been on lately, been working a lot. I have to agree with you about  the Shinko 712's. I have 6,500 miles on mine and the rear is just now starting to show any wear at all. The front looks like it is new. These tires are good in rain, light sand & dry pavement. I'm still in Florida right now, will be leaving tomorrow to ride back to Dallas TX. will post pic's of the tread then. I'm running 40psi in front & 36psi in the rear. http://p1.bikepics.com/2012%5C03%5C29%5Cbikepics-2374567-full.jpg http://p1.bikepics.com/2012%5C03%5C29%5Cbikepics-2374566-full.jpg Now they have 8,000 miles on them.

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Routy on 02/09/12 at 04:48:47 Stock size Dunlop from BB,......near $100 incl shipping. I like it.

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Chris Tipton on 02/15/12 at 10:40:44 OK, I am a newb on the tires too.  I got a 1998 Savage last year and it had these tires on the bike: Front Tire - Dunlop D404F - 100/90-19 Rear Tire -Dunlop D404 - 130/90-15 * these Dunlops show "Tubeless" on the tires as well. I am wanting to replace them now but when I look at the Owner's manual is says I should get these tires: Front Tire - 100/90-19 M/C 57H - IRC GS-18F Rear Tire - 140/80-15 M/C 67H - IRC GS-18R Can I use any tires as long at the size is the same?  The front tire is easy enough to find but the 140/80-15 is more difficult to locate.  Can't I use a 130/90-15 again?  I'm not sure what the REAL difference is between the sizes.   :-? I don't want to get Dunlops again.  I was actually reading good things about the Perrali's but want to make sure the 130/90-15 size would work.  When you call the places online, they just go with what the manual says. I put about 5000 miles on my motorcycle last year and probably will put that much on this year.  I'd like to get some tires that are going to last a couple of years at least. After answering my question about the size issue, anyone have a recommendation for tires?  I see that some people were saying good things about the Metz 88's.  Any other suggestions?  Bueller?  Bueller?   ;)

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Serowbot on 02/15/12 at 13:12:07 140/80-15   (Width)/ (% of width in height)-(rim size)... Your tire is little narrower (130), and a little taller (90) than stock... 140/90-15 is about max... You can use tubeless tire on a tube rim with a tube,... but not without... ;)...

Title: Re: Tires, tires, tires... Post by Bubba on 02/15/12 at 13:32:43 I bought Pirelli Route 66's. I've had them on for about a year and maybe 5000 miles. I really like 'em plus I got them on sale. If you go that route (No pun really intended) double check to make sure you either have clearance from the fender bolts or swap out the hex head bolts for buttontop allen heads...just in case. Me...I didn't but some on here have had the bolts tear up their nice new tires which could ruin your day...

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