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Message started by FL Savage on 04/17/17 at 05:57:29

Title: I Need Tires
Post by FL Savage on 04/17/17 at 05:57:29

Help a noob out.
I never bought MC tires before.
The 2004 Savage I bought 4 days ago still has the OE IRC tires, 5500 miles on them. Of course, they are worn and dry rot weather cracked.

Any advice on these choices? Prices are from Bike Bandit web site.

Stick with 140-80 rear
OE IRC GS-18 $240/set

Or go with 140-90 rear
Dunlop D404 $140/set
Kenda 657 $125/set
Kenda 673 $153set/
Duro HF-296 $159/set

Any advice or other choices welcome.

One more question, do I need TR-4 or TR-6 tubes?

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Dave on 04/17/17 at 06:24:44

Lots of information in the attached link:

The IRC tire is the only one that comes in 140/80-15, and it is not a great tire. If you want something very,very close to the same size, go with the 130/90-15 rear tire - it is almost identical in size. The 140/90-15 is quite a bit bigger in size and weight - some members like the taller gearing and increased stability the larger mass provides - it does make the bike a bit slower to respond to steering inputs. The Shinko 230 Toumaster is a great tire if you ride less than 2,000 miles a year - if you ride a lot of miles each year the more expensive Michelin Commander may be something that is more economical for you - if you will ride 16,000 miles or more in the next 5 years.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1448021014

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by 12Bravo on 04/17/17 at 06:34:29

A lot will depend on how much you want to spend and also on how many miles you ride each year. If you don't mind spending more and you will put a lot of miles on each year, then I recommend the Metzeler ME888 touring tires. I have had great experience with the ME888 tires on quite a few bikes ranging from the S-40 to a V Star 1100 to my HD Ultra Limited.

You can find a set of ME888 tires for about $220 (before shipping). The ME888 rear is a 140/90

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by youzguyz on 04/17/17 at 06:52:47

7576063625322B440 wrote:

Metzler is slowly retooling from the ME880 to the ME888.

The ME880 comes in the stock size of 140/80-15:

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/750/-/162830/140-80B-15-%2867H%29-Metzeler-ME880-Marathon-Rear-Motorcycle-Tire?term=1200650001

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by 12Bravo on 04/17/17 at 07:41:59

I have found that the ME880 is a softer tire (grips better) and the ME888 will last longer. The ME880 was flat across the center at 15000 miles while the ME888 was just barely starting to wear in the center. I have this happen all all my bikes that I have ran both on.

FL,

If you are going to put a lot of miles on, then look at the Metzeler ME888 or the Michelin Commander. Either brand will serve you well.
If you aren't going to put very many miles on, then look into the Shinko tires.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Bubba on 04/17/17 at 10:31:42

Pirelli MT66 is my tire...on my second set!

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/17/17 at 10:34:25

I'm really liking the Metzler 880.
I will be unhappy about it not being available.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by FL Savage on 04/17/17 at 11:16:11

Thanks,
I doubt I'll do more than 2000 miles/yr so the Shinko 230 looks like they will do.

What about tubes? Do I need TR-4 or TR-6 stems?
I'm guessing TR-4.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by youzguyz on 04/17/17 at 12:05:59

74706C6E373730050 wrote:

Thanks,
I doubt I'll do more than 2000 miles/yr so the Shinko 230 looks like they will do.

What about tubes? Do I need TR-4 or TR-6 stems?
I'm guessing TR-4.

I'm not sure there is a difference between TR-4 and TR-6. I looked around, and didn't really find anything definitive.

On the rear, get a tube with a PV-78 stem (90 degree bend), so it is easier to use.

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/864/-/172551/Bridgestone-Standard-Motorcycle-Tube-With-PV-78-Valve-Stem-140-90x15?term=1224500001

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by 12Bravo on 04/17/17 at 12:53:40

Definitely get a tube with a 90 degree stem for the back tire. It will make things a lot easier.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by FL Savage on 04/17/17 at 13:10:30

Shinko's, tubes (90* rear) and balance beads ordered.
Hope they're here by Friday.

Thanks!

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by badwolf on 04/17/17 at 14:25:19

FL Savage,
I am a believer of the 230's. Got 16k on my last rear. I use a MUCH LARGER than stock rear(150/90 15) that won't fit on a stock bike and do alot of easy cruising and interstate, your mileage will vary.
I am also a firm believer in balancing beads. Since I have been using them I am getting even tire wear, no more bald spot in one place and the rest of the tire looks good. I use 2.5 oz in the back and 1.5 oz in the front.
What part of FL are you from? I am down here in Palm Beach County on the east coast. Nice and warm all year, BUT a 5 hour ride to the state line to start going anywhere.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by FL Savage on 04/18/17 at 13:30:28

7072617F61637B727A61130 wrote:

FL Savage,
What part of FL are you from? I am down here in Palm Beach County on the east coast. Nice and warm all year, BUT a 5 hour ride to the state line to start going anywhere.

I'm at 2 locations, usually 12 miles from the big eared rat (WDW) in south Orlando and sometimes 50 further north at the GF's place on Lake Eustis.
3 hours to the "border" for me.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Srotag on 04/18/17 at 20:15:13

I did the 404's two years and about 3k on them... very happy.

Go Gators 8-)

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Kris01 on 04/19/17 at 16:20:30

I'm using Pirelli MT66 140/90-15 and love them. I have no complaints about the tire and love the higher gearing with the taller tire. I don't ride in the wet (if I can help it) so I won't comment on that.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by springman on 04/19/17 at 19:01:51

Shinko 230's are working just fine for me and the price is unbeatable.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Kris01 on 04/19/17 at 20:10:15

Make sure you get the 90° valve stem for the rear tire. I did and had the tires mounted professionally but I forgot to tell them which way to point the stem! Guess which way it's pointed! :-[ :'(

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Kenny G on 04/20/17 at 08:13:23

Put a piece of masking tape on the edge of the rim on the side that you want the valve stem pointed towards with a note saying; "Valve Stem".

It should increase your chance that the valve will be on the correct side.

Kenny G :-/

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/20/17 at 08:21:42

With Any luck at all they won't drill a hole.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Kenny G on 04/20/17 at 08:45:36

Justin

You have a great perspective on motorcycle life.

LOL :-/

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Kris01 on 04/20/17 at 18:01:59

JOG, sometimes it's not what you say but how you say it that cracks me up! ;D

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by Andy RN on 05/12/17 at 14:06:09

What do you think about using a 90-degree valve extension, like this one mentioned in another thread (https://amazon.com/gp/product/B010APNNAS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) vs using the PV-78 valve stem tube mentioned earlier - is it basically the same thing?

Seems like having "built-in" 90-degree stem is just slightly more convenient... like you don't have to remember to take the extension off when the tube is replaced - or are there other considerations?

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by batman on 05/12/17 at 15:11:39

There should be no problem using an extension if the tire is mounted right(the spot on the side of a new tire shows the lighter side and should be aligned with the valve stem) and you said you where running beads in side the tube ,which would also compensate the balance.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/13/17 at 08:21:02

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eq263AYgyYg

Watch the beads work.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by George Palickar on 05/14/17 at 18:31:32

I just bought these...
http://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/shinko-712-motorcycle-tire

Now need to get them on when they arrive. I haven't done this myself in quite a few years, I just took the bike to a shop. I think I will go solo this time. I have a good compressor now, it makes all the difference.

Title: Re: I Need Tires
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/14/17 at 18:48:50

Kenny, Kris, it's nice to get a giggle.
Yeah, takes a slightly skewed thought process to see the world through that lens.