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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> New Tire Choices /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1448021014 Message started by Dave on 11/20/15 at 04:03:34 |
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Title: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 11/20/15 at 04:03:34 This thread is being created as a tool for members to know what tire choices they have, and what other experience has been with the tire. It will eventually become a thread in the Tech Section or a Sticky - so that new members can find their tire options easily. For the moment it is limited to tire "pairs"....where a matching front/rear tire set can be purchased. (Most likely mounting different front/rear tires will not cause any issues.) Tire prices will be taken from Motorcycle Superstore Website just for comparison - prices will certainly change and I will not be constantly updating them. Input from Forum Members who have experience with these tires is welcome and will be used to determine how these tires perform on the Savage.....and obviously the folks who have thousands of miles on the tires will have a better review than folks who mounted a set last week. (That is one of the problems with the reviews on Bike Bandit and Motorcycle Superstore....when you buy something from them they send you an email 2 weeks later and want you to post a review). Once you members have provided reviews and comments on these tires - this first post will be revised and posted as a "Tire Recommendations Guide". I should also include a comment somewhere in here about the larger 140/90-15 size changing the gearing and slowing the engine down a bit and changing the speedometer accuracy, slowing the handling down a bit, and perhaps having a clearance issue with the saddlebag bracket bolt heads. Shinko 712 This tire is the most affordable. It comes in the stock front tire size - the rear tire size has to be increased to a 140-90-15. Reviews for this tire are good - a few comments suggest the tire wears faster than other brands/models. Front 100/90-19 - $ 48.95, Rear 140/90-15 - $ 66.40 http://i65.tinypic.com/2usd5cw.jpg Shinko 230 This tire comes in the stock front tire size - the rear tire size can be either be a narrower 130/90-15 or a larger 140/90-15. This tire is reported to be a good bargain tire with performance equal to more expensive tires. Front 100/90-19 - $ 56.99, Rear 130/90-15 - $ 66.40 & 140/90-15 - $ 74.99. http://i67.tinypic.com/vnf77l.jpg Kenda K657 Challenger Front 100/90-19 - $ 54.99, Rear 130/90-15 - $ 65.99 & 140/90-15 - $ 72.88 http://i67.tinypic.com/2w6e1dl.jpg Kenda 671 I don't know anything about this one - online reports are pretty good. The Kenda description states this tire is for Cruisers and Sport Touring bikes, and RYCA sells this tire for use on their Cafe' conversions. Sport Touring tires tend to be a bit softer to allow more aggressive cornering than a dedicated Cruiser tire - but I can't confirm that is true for this tire. The rear tire is the slightly narrower 130/90-15 tire or the larger 140/90-15. Front 100/90-19 - $ 63.05, Rear 130/90-15 - $ 67.99 140/90-15 - $ 69.56 http://i66.tinypic.com/w15gd5.gif Kenda 673 Kruz Front 100/90-19 - $ 62.99, Rear 140/90-15 - $ 89.99 http://i65.tinypic.com/2s7w57o.jpg Pirelli Route 66 I don't know what our members like/dislike about this tire. This tire comes in the stock front tire size - the rear tire size can be either be a narrower 130/90-15 or a larger 140/90-15. Front 100/90-19 - $ 78.95, Rear 130/90-15 - $ 87.49 & 140/90-15 - $ 99.99. http://i66.tinypic.com/2hnm61c.jpg Dunlop D404 This tire comes in the stock front tire size - the rear tire size can be either be a narrower 130/90-15 or a larger 140/90-15. This tire is reported to be a a bit slippery feeling, and it a bit expensive for the performance and life it provides. Front 100/90-19 - $ 79.99, Rear 130/90-15 - $ 90.99 & 140/90-15 - $ 106.99. http://i66.tinypic.com/241jy88.jpg Michelin Commander II This tire is the most expensive - but does offer the longest tire life of any that are available.....20,000 miles is not uncommon. If you buy this tire you need to be riding more then 4,000 miles a year so you can wear it out before the rubber becomes hard and the tire doesn't stick to the road well anymore. The front tire can be the stock 100/90-19 size, the rear has to be increased to a 140/90-15, and it is a big looking tire on the Savage. Front 100/90-19 - $ 105.99, Rear 140/90-15 - $ 122.99. http://i64.tinypic.com/j8fp5e.jpg IRC GS-18 This tire is the original equipment tire and is not too bad - but there are better tires that cost less. Front 100/90-19 - $ 111.05, Rear 140/80-15 - $ 129.79. http://i64.tinypic.com/282jinq.jpg Metzler ME880 Marathon This tire appears to be the highest cost option. The rear tire is available in the stock 140/80-15 size, and the larger 140/90-15. The 140/90-15 rear has the known clearance issue with the saddlebag bracket bolts if you have them. Serowbot says they have a lot of rubber on them and are heavy - and that deep tread can make for a large flat spot in the center of the tire as the tire gets worn. Front 100/90-19 - $ 84.92, Rear 140/80-15 $162.95, Rear 140/90-15 - $ 147.99. http://i66.tinypic.com/20qc975.jpg |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by stewmills on 11/20/15 at 06:44:54 I have the Dunlop 404 front (stock size) and Pirelli Route 66 rear 140/90-15. Both purchased as it was what they had on the shelf that was a decent tire for my needs. I don't hot dog it around very aggressively or put a lot of miles on my bike (5000 miles in 3.5 years) nor do I ride in the rain by choice. So, I can't tell you much about stickiness or longevity. However, they are both nice and round (man, I hate those square tires ;D) ride smooth and quiet and I have no complaints. I do have rear saddlebags and mounts, etc. and have never had an issue with the larger Pirelli rubbing the fender or mounting bolts. I did notice in the front that there was only about 1/8" clearance to the front fender versus the stock IRC having about 1/2" (maybe just because it was new and less worn down), but from consulting the forum this is fine and I have never had an issue with rubbing or stuff sticking between the front fender and tire. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Matt_greatlakesstate on 11/20/15 at 07:29:07 I just put a kenda 671 140/90-15 on the rear. Nice tire for the price. Got it off amazon for like 64$. Good handling so far. I like to push it around corners sometimes. Haven't had a chance to ride in the rain yet. Looking like it would more likely to get caught in snow soon enough though ;D |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 11/20/15 at 07:52:41 756E6462756664627537363634070 wrote:
Check the size on your Kenda.....I can't find a listing anywhere for a 140/90-15 Kenda K671. I can only find a 130/90-15. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by verslagen1 on 11/20/15 at 07:59:48 Kenda Kruz where on the '96 when I got it. Seemed fine but most of my riding is commuting. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Serowbot on 11/20/15 at 08:05:45 Metzler 880 140/90-15 $147.99 110/90/19 $128.89 High mileage tire... High mileage has it's price... expensive, heavy, and tread is thick, this will likely wear a bigger flat spot in the canter before tire life is used up, so it's a better highway tire than a canyon cutter... I've never owned one,.. but my buddy did. They will go 20k miles, but do wear square... |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by youzguyz on 11/20/15 at 08:23:26 3127302D35202D36420 wrote:
I use Metzler. I tried Perelli Route 66.. once. They slid on downhill dry pavement and put me in the ditch. Pulled them off and sold them, put Metzler back on. Yes, I know it probably was more a case of me not knowing what the tire would do than the tires fault. Maybe I will try some other brand someday. Why do you say the center will wear quicker on a Metzler? I think that is true of any tire, unless you spend all your time in curves and on the edge of the tire. To get the money's worth out of the expensive Metzler, you have to ride quite a bit. If you don't, the tire will start cracking from age before the tread is worn enough to replace. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 11/20/15 at 08:23:54 I will add the ME880 and Kenda Cruz. It doesn't appear the Kenda Cruz is available in the stock 140/80-15 rear size. It is a shame the Sport Touring Tire technology doesn't bleed over to the Cruiser tires a little bit. It would be nice to have a rear tire with the dual compound tread that has a tough rubber compound in the center for good wear - and a softer compound on the edges for good cornering traction. For the High Mileage Michelin Commander and Metzler ME880 - what should be the miles per year that this forum suggests you ride so you can wear them out before they get too hard to be safe anymore? If you can get 20,000 miles out of them in 5 years....that would be 4,000 miles a year. (I realize riding style is likely to have an influence on tire life and safety.....I have been riding on 12 year old IRC's with 4,000 miles on them - they came on that project bike I bought a few months ago. The tires work just fine in the dry at moderate speeds - if i really push them in the corners the rear will slip easier than a fresh tire would....they could be really slippery in the rain, and I likely will never find out as they are coming off this winter and a new set of Shinkos will probably go on). |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Serowbot on 11/20/15 at 08:45:09 584E545B4654585B210 wrote:
I don't say it will wear quicker... I'm saying that a tire with thick tread will eventually wear a flat spot in the center, (as all MC tires do),... but being that the tread is thicker, the flat spot will be bigger. Imagine cutting a straight slice from a round cheese... The deeper the cut,.. the flatter the spot... ;)... |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by old.indian on 11/20/15 at 08:55:34 Michelin Commander II 100/90 -19 front 140/90 -15 rear 2500 miles / 5 months . Excellent wear (nibs still on center of tires @ 350 miles) Stiff carcass (reduced spring rate by one notch improved ride) No clearance issues with 200 pound rider, saddle bags / supports. Mostly long stretches of high desert two lane, but enough twisties in the mountains to get over/down to 1/2 inch "chicken strips" . (At which my advanced age and sense of mortality takes over.) |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Matt_greatlakesstate on 11/20/15 at 08:56:36 655E5344555942445F575A45360 wrote:
Check the size on your Kenda.....I can't find a listing anywhere for a 140/90-15 Kenda K671. I can only find a 130/90-15.[/quote] My bad I just looked it's a Kenda 657 140/90 15 |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by chzeckmate on 11/20/15 at 09:08:11 IRC GS-18 I had the stock IRC tire set. My experience with the GS-18 is they are okay for fair weather riding but groove wander and tramlining can be a problem. They are outright dangerous in any other weather condition. I would caution anyone who rides in wet conditions against this tire choice. Shinko 230 I recently changed from the stock IRC set to the Shinko 230 set with the wider, larger diameter rear 140/90/15. At this point my impressions are very good. Stability, handling, and traction are as good as any other tire I've ever used. Tramlining is not an issue. Performance in wet weather is excellent. Highway riding is much more comfortable in part because of the design and in part because of the size. The excellent traction of these tires is confidence inspiring on any road surface. The value for the money is unbeatable IMO. WARNING: This tire will not clear the stock saddlebag support bolts. I replaced mine with M8 carriage style allen bolts. See my full commentary here: http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1447063661/15 Size Matters Changing from the 140/80/15 to the larger diameter 140/90 does change the dynamics of the Savage/s40 in a lot of ways. The steering dynamics are the most noticeable change. The steering of the Savage/s40 on the stock IRC tires is overly sharp IMO and the Shinko 230 dampens that to some degree requiring a heavier hand to drop into a curve or make hard course changes. Also immediately noticeable is the reduced rpm at any speed. The motor labors less to achieve higher speeds and now hums along at speeds that used to cause engine chatter and vibration. The reduced vibration leads to increased comfort which is an added bonus. This comes at the cost of reduced acceleration. The reduction in acceleration is very minor and almost unnoticeable, but if you ride it like you stole it then you will notice a slight loss. To me acceleration just feels a little smoother and more natural, but that is due mainly to making the final gearing taller with this tire. The taller gearing is also responsible for achieving higher top end. My final top speed is improved by a few miles an hour, but YMMV based on variables such as rider weight, mods, etc. and really doesn't matter much because we don't spend much of our time WOT at top speed. The power band will be increased in the rpm range slightly, which is fine as our bikes have a large power band to begin with. Fuel economy is increased. I'm getting a few more miles to the gallon, but again YMMV based on your variables. Finally, riding posture is also improved slightly. The slight change in riding posture makes it more comfortable to ride longer distances for me. It's worth mentioning that many people report the stock speedo being overly optimistic and changing to the larger diameter tire corrects this. In my case my speedo was spot on and now reads lower than my true speed. Just be aware that changing to this tire will have an effect on the correctness of your speedo. I have a GPS speedo so for me it doesn't matter at all. At the end of the day, I highly recommend the 140/90. the bike feels like it was meant to have it. The handling, stability, quieter engine, traction, fewer gear changes, top end, and comfort make it a natural upgrade from the stock Savage experience. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by youzguyz on 11/20/15 at 09:18:24 3127302D35202D36420 wrote:
I don't say it will wear quicker... I'm saying that a tire with thick tread will eventually wear a flat spot in the center, (as all MC tires do),... but being that the tread is thicker, the flat spot will be bigger. Imagine cutting a straight slice from a round cheese... The deeper the cut,.. the flatter the spot... ;)...[/quote] Got it. Mis-understood what you meant the first time. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Matt_greatlakesstate on 11/20/15 at 09:40:07 http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-K657-Challenger-Street-Tire/dp/B00570XH1W Found it! 140/90 15. Good cheap tire. No clearance issues with bag supports. Speedo is about 5 mph off. No big deal. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by jcstokes on 11/20/15 at 10:30:51 IRC rear was worn to canvas after 6 or 8 thousand miles and made the bike track and wobble in rain groves or repairs on black top, changed to a Conti Blitz, no longer made and did wear out the middle. I now have Michelin Commander 140/90 rear and Michelin Pilot Active front I'm happy with this arrangement. I was never happy with the IRC in the wet. No bolt issues with the 140/90 rear. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Art Webb on 11/20/15 at 10:50:32 I think I'm the only member who recommended the Pirellis, and that was based on rider reports on another site, not my own experience Youzguyz report has me wondering now if I should not recomend these tires, since I've not used them myself I have the stock IRC on the front, and it's garbage Any member on here that did the Sisters or Dragon 1 this year can tell you I am NOT a fast rider in the twisties, at least on this bike While Verslagen rode my bike after I wrecked on the sisters and proclaimed it good, (thanks again Versy!) I feel a wobble from the front tire every time I get it leaned over a fair bit (I do not scrape pegs, or even come close to it) and I'm sure it did so before the crash, too On the rear I have the Shinko 712, a much better tire IMO some members have reported this tire doesn't stick well in the wet, but I haven't had issues with that so far (although I slow down a LOT IN THE WET) |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 11/20/15 at 14:06:16 5442554850454853270 wrote:
Serowbot: Will the 110/90-19 tire fit under a stock fender? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Serowbot on 11/20/15 at 14:46:58 Sold the bike, so... I can't check, but I didn't see a 100/90 listed... So I assumed... The bike did have a stock fender,... it was Gerry Hughes bike... |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Steve H on 11/21/15 at 05:28:21 I have a 110 on the front and it will NOT fit under the stock front fender. I think I saw a report on here somewhere that someone had one that did. Might be a manufacturer related thing. My bike didn't have the front fender when I got it. I got a front fender from one of the very nice people on here and have tried to get it on over the tire and it will not go. When the front tire begins to wear, I plan to switch to the right size and get my fender on so I don't get a skunk stripe in the front anymore. The front throws stuff up all the time without the fender. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 11/21/15 at 12:13:44 I was able to get the 140/90-15 Dunlop D404 tire and wheel mounted on the bike today and go for a little ride before the rain started. I did notice some difference from the 140/80-15 stock IRC tire....but on a short 50 degree ride I couldn't learn a lot. With the stock tire the speedometer matched the GPS speed exactly....now the speedo shows 60mph and the GPS shows 63. The saddlebag brackets have some standard bolts on them in place of the original ones that had a high hex and a round area under the hex....and the tire did not rub on my 10 mile lap around the neighborhood. I did notice the bike felt a bit taller in the back, and I was sliding forward in the seat a bit more. The handling is must a bit slower - but nothing to worry about and MMRanch has a 140/90-15 Michelin Commander and goes like the wind.....so you just put a little bit more effort in the steering and it will corner just as quickly as before. I didn't do any full throttle riding....I am sure it slowed the bike down a tad...the stock IRC 140/80-15 tire and wheel weighed 25.6 pounds, the Dunlop 140/90-15 tire and wheel weighed 31.0 pounds, and I was surprised when I weighed the Pirelli Sport Demon 110/80-18 from my Cafe bike....with an aluminum rim and it weighed 26.2 pounds. I guess the larger diameter requires more weight even though is is much narrower. Bottom line for me.....the 140/90-15 works fine. If you ride a lot of highway, it will be a suitable size....maybe not better for you if you mostly ride country back roads and like to quickly carve the curves |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by chzeckmate on 11/22/15 at 01:04:33 53686572636F747269616C73000 wrote:
Also for those who ride in the big city a lot, it might work out better. I like being able to roam around without having to shift out of second gear. This bike is really spry in second. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kris01 on 11/22/15 at 08:02:46 6A797F7C6E69690B0 wrote:
I'm running the Pirellis front and rear and have no complaints. They are much better than the stock IRCs (which were garbage to begin with). I don't ride in the wet if I can help it so I can't judge these tires in that department. On dry pavement they've never let me down (literally! ;D) I decided to go with the 140/90 in the rear. I HIGHLY recommend doing so! 7E45485F4E42595F444C415E2D0 wrote:
I ride mostly country back roads. The 140/90 is a great tire there too. It probably doesn't handle as well as a shorter sidewall 140/80 but I think the difference, for me, is negligible. I checked the speedometer against a bicycle computer with the 140/80 and the 140/90, and the 140/90 seems to be dead accurate. Obviously there are manufacturer differences in tire size. I think I read somewhere a million years ago that manufacturers are allowed by law to deviate up to 7% of listed dimensions. :-? 140/90-15 should be 24.92" tall. If what I said above is true then it could potentially range from 24.22"-25.6". I'm sure better brands have tighter QC and build their products accordingly. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Art Webb on 11/22/15 at 08:36:06 Not really much difference between a 140/80 and a 140/90, I think the 130/90 would be a more noticeable difference, as it's narrower Section width I think has more to do with ease of tip in than sidewall height I've not done a 190 on my Savage, but as I've mentioned before, I've taken other bike from '+1' sizing to stack and the diference, to me, is very noticeable since the S40 is over tired IMO, I intend to try '-1' sizing and see if I like that better, I tend to have a gentle touch at the bars Of course going -1 on fromt with +1 on the rear would likely cause some dramatic handling ;D, so I'm not too sure about that How long's it take to wear a Shinko 712 out? ::) |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/15/16 at 05:05:22 Here is a link to a tire discussion by Bike Bandit. it supports a lot of the opinions we have about the narrow/wider tire choices, as well as mounting a tire that is not all that "fresh". (Funny thing is that Bike Bandit doesn't store tires - they send an order to a tire wholesaler and it is shipped directly to you.....and they sent me a 3 year old tire when I ordered one for the ST1100 - which I sent back and they sent me a fresher one that was only 4 months old). http://www.bikebandit.com/blog/post/the-7-toughest-motorcycle-tire-faqs?roi=echo3-31793321486-32877914-0e5b19b6ca0753f104b63a7a49b9bfc3&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=bbnews0115&utm_source=Fri_011115_BB_News&utm_content=7_toughest_tire_faqs |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by springman on 01/15/16 at 13:12:52 Well youzguyz, now that you mention you are not too keen on the Pirelli Route 66 front tire, I think I will blame the tire for my fall in Tennesee. Thanks. I'm on my second Shinko 712 on the rear and as best I can tell it is a great tire for the price. The first one I replaced at about 8k miles, not because it was worn out, but because I figured it only had a couple of thousand miles left on it and did not know how much we were going to ride at the 3 Twisted Sisters ride. Yes, I wanted good rubber for the ride. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Art Webb on 01/15/16 at 17:26:00 when I traded in my S40, the dealer mentioned that they would have to replace the front tire to pass inspection (yup, it was time for that) so I'm gonna blame my crash on the Sisters on that ;D btw, smaller wheels also make for a bike that transitions sort of abruptly, I tried my new favorite twisty bit today and the scootanic dropped into the curves almost too easily |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kris01 on 01/15/16 at 19:17:58 3635372C2B2228242B450 wrote:
I have the Route 66 front and rear and love it. Quiet, comfortable, holds the road, doesn't wander, etc. I have no complaints. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by springman on 01/15/16 at 21:03:15 Hey Kris, what is this? Are you trying to make me look bad? Youzguyz said it's a bad tire, so it's a bad tire. Let's just leave it at that. Geeez! ;D |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kris01 on 01/15/16 at 21:33:19 Ok, when you go down, you gotta blame something. Let's say it was the tire! ;D ...or wind sheer, or the sun was in your eyes, or... ;D |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/16/16 at 05:42:12 556C776D2E2F1E0 wrote:
I think it was wake turbulence or prop wash from Oldfeller! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by raydawg on 01/16/16 at 07:32:40 I have the Metzler 880 140/90-15 on the back. I bought it because it had the highest rating for riding on rain soaked roads. I can attest, it was a big difference that the stock tire. I also noticed, the little wiggle I would get when I changed lanes, or rode over a seam in the asphalt, disappeared, the tire just smoothed it out. Yep, it's more, but falling in the rain is a lot more.... I am closing in on 10,000 miles on it. I haven't noticed any flat spots bot talks about. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Art Webb on 01/16/16 at 07:42:58 you'll only get a flattened center if you ride in straight lines a lot, and from what I've heard, 10k is less than 1/2 the life expectancy on an 880 on a Savage |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/16/16 at 08:51:16 2F3C3A392B2C2C4E0 wrote:
I am not sure you have much of a choice.....unless you stay on the country roads. The more traveled State and Federal roads where I live have long straight sections between the corners. So far the only way I can keep from getting the flat spot down the middle, is to buy tires that have a harder center rubber compound on the rear tire.....and I haven't found a Cruiser style tire that is made that way. (They make Sport Touring and Sport tires with the dual compounds). |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by springman on 01/16/16 at 21:21:51 Wake turbulence from Old Feller. Hmmm, had not considered that. Definite possibility. OK, maybe the Pirelli is not such a bad tire. ::) |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/17/16 at 05:14:51 One thing that I believe folks need to consider when choosing a tire, is how they ride. If you cruise around enjoying the scenery, you seldom ride aggressively, and you only ride when it is dry.......you can probably get away with using a harder rubber compound (high mileage tire) - or one that is very affordable.....or a tire that is several years old. If you are riding curves aggressively, pushing your limits and chasing Oldfeller and MMRanch around in the mountains....you most likely would be better off with a tire that has a softer rubber compound and a bit more "stickiness". I don't ride a lot of miles each year....maybe 2,000 on each bike. Therefore I buy tires that are pretty sticky, and I plan on replacing them every 3-5 years. I have been riding my 2002 rescue bike on the stock IRC tires that are 14 years old....and they work just fine unless I try to corner a bit briskly.....then they turn the bike into a "Drifter" (which is not a way that I enjoy going around corners). If you are like Raydawg, MMRanch, Youzguyz and put a lot of miles on your bike each year - then spending money on the high mileage tires makes a lot of sense, as you will wear it out before the rubber turns hard. For those of use who ride a few thousand miles each year - then the more affordable tires are probably a better choice. Next tires on the Rescue bike will be the Shinko 230, and on my Cafe' bike I run the stickiest tires I can find - either the Pirelli Sport Demons or the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 for a bit longer tread life (next set I might try some Avon RoadRider tires). |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by raydawg on 01/17/16 at 07:15:50 Dave, I think you explained the rubber component of a tire about as good as anyone can, thanks. I wonder if you should address tread pattern? Here is a C&P of a goggled article: Tread Pattern and Compound Tread pattern is the outer part of the tire and in contact with the road. The profile of a tire and the rubber compound chosen is based on the use of the tire. Generally, street motorcycle tires with a harder rubber compound get better gas mileage but don’t stick to the road as well. The softer the rubber compound, the grippier a tire is, at the sacrifice of gas mileage. Tread has everything to do with the circumstances you’ll be driving in most. A treadless racing slick will stick to the road like glue but is useless in the rain. Tread is needed for traction in wet conditions. That’s why off-road tires have a very high tread. It enables them to maintain traction in the mud and deal with the adverse geography of off-road riding. Tread builds up heat within a tire and reduces its effectiveness. An all-round tire has a light tread with a medium-hard compound base. This arrangement allows it to travel many miles without breaking down fast and provides stability in varying conditions. And one final but EXTREMELY important thing to remember about tires, they are all pretty useless if not inflated to, and maintained religiously, at the proper PSI. Keep a pocket gauge clipped to the bike, or body, where you can readily check, as you do your fuel. If you keep it in your tool box, like I use to, I would use the excuse, Next time, well I almost didn't get a next time, as I got so complacent I almost rolled it off the rim in the first hard turn one morning.... Yes, I should have been more in tune with my bike, I should have caught the "softness" upon the way she was tracking, etc. Remember, most of us have a 4 wheel mindset with much larger tire air capacity tires, a few pounds low in one of the four will not have the same effect and consequences as one of two... as volume is the critical component. It may seem like no big deal, two pounds low, percentage wise, it is HUGE. Tires are, in a sense, our life line to a safe ride, it really is the most important element of our ride after our mental readiness. Thanks for a great topic Dave, this is why SSC rocks! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Art Webb on 01/17/16 at 07:35:07 Gotta second Ray on that one, though I don't practice what i preac as much as I should Tire pressure should be checked every morning on a bike |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kris01 on 01/17/16 at 12:09:50 I prefer more pressure in the rear than what Suzuki recommends. I forget their number but I like at least 35 psi. The bike feels a lot less squirrelly with more air. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by springman on 01/19/16 at 10:59:21 I agree, very good explanation Dave. Thanks. I ride with my Shinko 712 on the rear and the Pirelli Route 66 on the front inflated to the Suzuki recommendation printed on the bike. Most of my riding is straight line neighborhood streets and high speed (65-75 mph) high way on all sorts of road surface. My bike does not squirm on the squiggly lined concrete and seems to be pretty stable. I can vouch for the Shinko 712 rear tire and will probably use it again unless I decide to try the Kenda Kruz. But I am starting to ponder my options for the front tire replacement. Has anybody used the Shinko 712 on the front? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by oldNslow on 01/19/16 at 11:24:13 Quote:
I've had one on my bike for about 3K miles so far. Got no complaints. It's fine. I've also got a 712 on the rear. I'm satisfied with it also. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/19/16 at 11:29:37 7576746F68616B6768060 wrote:
I would try the Shinko 230.....it has very good reviews. (In fact I will be trying it front/rear on the Rescue bike). http://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/shinko-230-tour-master-motorcycle-tire |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by verslagen1 on 01/19/16 at 11:59:04 I got the shinko 230's for the beast but needed a smaller front so I have a different one on the front. 90/90-19 and 130/90-15 I'll have to double check which ones I ended up with. but they did well at the dragon last summer. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by springman on 01/19/16 at 15:32:58 Thanks for the responses gentlemen. I ask about the 712 in the front because I have read some reviews that indicates it follows the grooves in the road, that is it will squirm. The 230 sounds like it might be a good choice as it appears to be a softer, maybe stickier rubber compound. So yeah, I am considering the 230 or possibly the Kenda Kruz. I think I still have plenty of rubber on the Pirelli for the time being but I need to see how old it is. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/20/16 at 01:26:11 A tire with an irregular (or no) center groove will follow joints and cut lines in the pavement less than one with a straight center rib. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by springman on 01/20/16 at 11:37:28 5C676A7D6C607B7D666E637C0F0 wrote:
Yep, that is the way I understand it. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by ralfyguy on 01/20/16 at 13:15:04 You forgot the Dunlop K555 in 140/80-15/. My tire of choice since years. Just got a new one last spring. Was $115 less mounting at the local bike dealer. Lasts double as long as the IRC on my bike, and handles better |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/20/16 at 14:18:51 41525F554A54464A330 wrote:
Nope....didn't forget. In the first post of this thread it states: "For the moment it is limited to tire "pairs"....where a matching front/rear tire set can be purchased." |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/27/16 at 03:25:15 I bought a new set of Shinko 230's from Bike Bandit to install on the Rescue Bike.....riding on 12 year old tires just didn't seem like a good idea even though there is plenty of tread on them. The tires were ordered on Friday, and delivered on Tuesday...the 130/90-15 rear tire was $ 66.31, the 100/90-19 front tire was $ 56.42....total cost was $ 122.73. The tires were built in November 2015 - so they are nice and fresh! Now for the surprise....the 130/90-15 tire is not a downgrade in width from the 140/80-15 IRC. I measured the width of the 140/80 IRC before I took it off, and it was 132mm wide......and the 130/90 Shinko measured 136mm wide when mounted. I suppose that this can be explained by looking at the following chart. The 140/80 tire uses a wider 3.50" rim as the standard size....and it can be mounted on rims between 2.75" - 3.50" wide - so the Savage rim pulls the sidewalls in 3/4" narrower than what is "standard" for the tire. The 130/90 tire is acceptable on rims from 2.50" - 3.50" - so the Savage rim is right in the middle of the range for that size tire. http://i61.tinypic.com/291nvvt.jpg So I believe the 130/90-15 tire is definitely a good replacement tire for the standard 140/80 rear tire. It is just a bit taller and will change the gearing by only 1%, and there will likely be no noticeable change in the handling (except for the improvements that a new tire allows). The even taller and wider 140/90 tire will increase the gearing by 4% and the extra weight and inertia does slow the bike handling and acceleration down a bit.....and for some folks that is a beneficial change as they like the extra stability and reduced engine rpm when cruising. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Art Webb on 01/27/16 at 08:58:48 Told Ya'll the dern Savage is over tired of course, ALL cruisers are over tired, so no surprise |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by chzeckmate on 01/27/16 at 17:44:28 53686572636F747269616C73000 wrote:
I've got around 1000 miles on my 230's now and they're better than ever...just love 'em! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by zipidachimp on 01/28/16 at 02:54:47 Dave: did you weigh the 130/90-15? I'd be willing to bet that they are much lighter than the 140/90 I put on last summer. Also, less unsprung weight. What weight I saved on the dyna muffler, I gave up on the tire. >:( |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/28/16 at 03:06:14 I didn't weight the tire prior to mounting - but I have been weighing the complete wheel/tire assembly and will weigh it before I put it back on the bike. I did notice there is a lot of rubber on the Shinko, and it is considerably heavier than slightly worn IRC I took off. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kris01 on 01/28/16 at 13:30:06 Just FYI, it's not the weight of the tire that influences how fast the bike is. What really controls that is where that weight is on the tire. The farther out the weight is, the more influence it has on the speed of the bike. Try spinning a 2 lbs. weight on a 12" string and then try the same weight on a 48" string! It's not the same. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by verslagen1 on 01/28/16 at 13:49:07 I have to disagree with you there Kris. the size or wt. of the tire won't have an affect on top speed, only acceleration. of course a really tall fat tire will have more drag and rolling friction, but that's not what we are talking about here. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kris01 on 01/28/16 at 13:52:20 We're in agreement there. Maybe my post wasn't clear. A heavy tire will probably have the same top speed as a light tire. It will just take longer to get there. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/29/16 at 05:11:53 Well I got the new Shinko's mounted last night...they look good and the 130/90-15 rear tire is every bit as nice looking as the original 140/80-15 tire. I did weigh the complete wheel/tire assemblies - but it is not going to be of much use as the tires are different brands, and they had different amounts of wear. IRC GS-18 140/80-15, 5mm tread depth (4,000 miles) 29.8 lbs Shinko 230 130/90-15, 6mm tread depth (new) 31.0 lbs Dunlop D404 140/90-15, 4m tread depth (worn) 32.0 lbs |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kris01 on 01/29/16 at 11:18:13 That little bit of weight difference is actually pretty significant. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 01/30/16 at 15:46:35 It was 56 degrees in KY today....so I got to take a ride around the neighborhood on the new Shinko 230's. They are round, seem to roll fine, and didn't do anything weird. It was nice to put a few miles on a bike....my first ride for 2016! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kruzader on 04/29/16 at 09:09:51 So I think im going for hte 140/90-15 rear but my question is why take the front to 110/90-19 is there something wrong with the recommended 100/90-19? Thinking of going with the Metzeler ME888 Marathon since I'm thinking of doing runs to Yosemite and around central california. There's a sale and i"ll see if i can get them today. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/29/16 at 12:23:56 4F76717E65606176040 wrote:
No....the 100/90 is fine for the Cruiser. Some folks just feel the need to put really big tires on the bike - so the bike has the appearance that makes them happy. I run a 100/80 on my Cafe' bike, and I have even run a 90/90, and they both have plenty of tire to make the bike handle well. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Kruzader on 04/29/16 at 13:44:16 Sweet. Metzeler has a deal ending today where you get back 50 bucks back. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Savageman on 06/09/16 at 14:38:33 I just got a set of Bridgestone Spitfire 100/90/19 and 140/90/15 with raised white lettering. They were on sale and have high ratings. I like the white raised lettering also. Gives a retro look and feel. 8-) |
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Title: Re: Cafe' Tire Discussion Post by Gus on 07/29/16 at 19:09:47 I have about 1000 miles on a Kenda Commander(I think that's the name). I am by no means an aggressive rider but regularly take curves posted @45 @ between 55 & 60. The commander tire seems extremely trust worthy on dry pavement. It's been real dry here and I've only been out in sprinkles. In 1000 miles I can't even see any wear to speak of. |
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Title: Re: Cafe' Tire Discussion Post by Gus on 07/30/16 at 07:30:52 I am looking @ the tire now. Yesterday I was nowhere near the bike as we are getting ready for my sons wedding 30 miles from here. Kenda Challenger is the tire; in the 130/90-15 size. It is very affordable and seems like a good all around rear tire so far with 1000 miles on it. I want to do some future customizing, which will involve an 18" rear wheel, but that will have to wait. I just had a spend down on the funny money account. I bought a 1952 Co-op E-3 farm tractor last week! [ch55357][ch56844] |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by batman on 01/02/17 at 13:45:44 I always used the Dunlop d404's but I needed to change both front and rear,so decided to try the 712 Shinko's .I ran 2500+ miles this summer ,mostly two up and found the handling to be as good /maybe better. I cannot as yet talk about mileage but they don't seem to be wearing any faster than the dunlops did,and I bought both for the price of just the rear Dunlop . |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by philthymike on 05/16/17 at 07:21:16 Just ordered a new tire for Thumpy. The old Kenda has got to go! I went with Avon 140/90-15 (76H) Avon Cobra AV72 Rear Motorcycle Tire - $122 I read several reviews by people saying that these tires are not prone to excessive wandering on grooved pavement. I hope that's true. I'll post a review of it once I get it on the bike. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by George Palickar on 05/16/17 at 09:00:19 Ordered the Shinko 712 at the start of this thread. Front and rear, shipped, with Mothers day coupon $107 |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/17/17 at 08:31:41 467F78776C69687F0D0 wrote:
I bought a set of Metzlers about four months ago. Almost spent$200.00.. And didn't get Anything back. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by LANCER on 05/17/17 at 15:16:55 I really like Metzlers a lot. I've used the 880's and will be transitioning to the 888's when the time comes. I read something about the 888's that said the centerline is made of a slightly harder compound for better milage but the shoulders are of the softer compound like the 880's had for better grip on the corners. I buy mine off eBay, getting 1 year old tires for $150-160/set. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/21/18 at 08:18:41 Lancer i am in need of a new rear tire how was the me888 tire this is a old thread what tire should i get {stock size} Guys?? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by eau de sauvage on 04/22/18 at 00:16:30 The Metzler 880 150/80 is superb even though it is supposed to not fit this rim! I was skeptical at first but after 10K kms I'm converted. Huge tread so worth the extra price. 32352E2A28352A295A0 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/22/18 at 10:54:35 I need a referral on a stock size as i do not want to do the install myself and the shop i will use will NOT put on a non stock tire size. all answers will be appreciated . |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/22/18 at 11:31:32 I've never seen that. Never been asked if it's exactly the stock size. My reply is You're spending your money in the wrong place. You Can pull the wheel. Get the tire off Haul the rim and tire in Let them mount it. I'd probably go elsewhere |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by batman on 04/22/18 at 11:57:39 I'm with JOG! It's your money ,find a shop that will work with you ,not tell you what their going to do, but ask you what you want done. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/22/18 at 11:58:03 JOG ,on a basic level i agree. I am just too broken at my age to do work like that any more. and he is a friend and runs a very large, tight business selling and repairing used bikes only ,his shop /his rules. and i can somewhat understand his side of the story as i am a A&P and IA and have to deal with the FAA on rules of compliance on aircraft . also we live in a very litigious society. just looking for the hives advice on the best rear tire. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by norm92de on 04/22/18 at 12:57:51 Thank God we don't live in Germany. I understand they are not allowed to change anything over there. :'( |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by norm92de on 04/22/18 at 13:07:50 I don't know about bikes but my brother in England has a Porsche and every year when he gets it inspected the inspector gives him a hard time about the tail lights, which are absolutely stock. Apparently the guy doesn't know his job. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by eau de sauvage on 04/22/18 at 16:16:33 Ironically, the stock tyre size for the S40, is not technically the 'stock' tyre for this rim. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/22/18 at 18:06:44 22253E3A38253A394A0 wrote:
The stock rear tire size is 140/80-15 - but unfortunately there is only one tire available in that size......it is the IRC and it is not a very good tire. The closest size that does offer more choice is the 130/90-15, and it works very well on the Savage....when mounted on the rim it is only 2-3 mm narrower than the 140/80. Maybe you if you explain to him that your choices are limited to only one tire....he will accept the 130/90-15. The Shinko 230 is an excellent affordable tire for the Savage - it is much better than the IRC. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/22/18 at 19:55:05 53544F4B49544B483B0 wrote:
The safest, best tire rubber is not available in the Stock size. We aren't clipping wings on a Cessna with a reciprocating saw, it's a tire, proven to work fine for many thousands of miles by everyone here. Exactly ZERO people here in the fifteen years I've been here have ever reported one issue with using a different tire. Your friend needs to spend a few minutes Being Your Friend and do the job the way you want it. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choiuces Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/22/18 at 20:24:43 Offer to sign a waiver, have it notarized and witnessed. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choiuces Post by eau de sauvage on 04/23/18 at 02:30:47 Ha, I just had to do that with ColemanAustralia. I bought a Sevylor Super Caravelle 4P inflatable boat, with the sh!tty press valves which fell apart. Coleman stopped selling them suddenly so they could not replace it. I ended up getting a German model of the same boat from amazon UK, which had Boston valves which won't fall apart. Coleman agreed to pay for the boat and the shipping to Australia but as the better quality German model was not tested in Australia I had to sign a waiver of all responsibility if I die, which I could have with their crappy valves they still use on other products. 46595F5845427343734B59551E2C0 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choiuces Post by Dave on 04/23/18 at 04:53:30 26393F3825221323132B39357E4C0 wrote:
Would he accept a "permission slip" from a www.suzukisavage.com moderator? :-? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/23/18 at 07:38:34 ok thanks for the info but i want 140/80-15h tires so the only 3 available are IRC that is not a good tire imho.next is the Dunlap k555 ,than the Metzler Me880. cost is not a factor .any advice would be of help thanks. btw i do have side bags that are mounted to rear fender. i will hold off till we get a good # of reply's thanks |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by batman on 04/23/18 at 07:39:07 Dave , didn't you once post a chart that shows the correct tires for different width rims ? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/23/18 at 07:56:01 7073667F737C262A120 wrote:
Yep.....just scroll back 2 pages in this thread. The 130/90 and 140/80 are both approved for the 2.75" stock rim. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/23/18 at 12:47:51 anyone out there running the above stated dunlaps or metzler? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by eau de sauvage on 04/23/18 at 19:11:41 I don't think the Metzler 880 is available as 140/80 -15 which is what I ordered but the bike shop installed an ME880 150/80 which pi55ed me off big time, till I discovered that it's a fantastic tyre will brilliant handling, and when it finally wears out which by the looks of it will be another 10,000kms I'll put another one on. As for the ME888 that Lancer mentioned, I don't know if it comes in a 140/80 26213A3E3C213E3D4E0 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by IslandRoad on 04/24/18 at 01:12:29 What he said ^^ I'm running the same Metzeler, for the same reason (I'm also in Aus). I'm also running a Metzeler on the front. I'm very happy with the ride. It's literally like riding a different bike! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/24/18 at 02:56:11 You can get the Metzler ME880 in the stock rear size. Read the reviews online. And it appears you can get the 100/90-18 size....if it is in stock and listed by the seller (Bike Bandit did not list it and Cyclegear listed it as out of stock when I did this check). https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/metzeler-me-880-marathon-motorcycle-tire/p/3740 https://www.cyclegear.com/tires/metzeler-me880-marathon-tires-2016?gclid=CjwKCAjwq_vWBRACEiwAEReprA8Qr2dw_eahSIEWmbz8Ww5oM7cmb_FApn8mP8-b2OlFiSn8Rox9dxoCaT0QAvD_BwE The Dunlop K555 is a whitewall, and there is no matching front tire available unless you use a Dunlap American Elite (I will update the first page to include the Metzler as a stock size rear option....somehow I missed that when I created this thread). Is your bike shop OK with mounting different brands/styles of tire on the same bike? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by eau de sauvage on 04/24/18 at 04:19:13 @Dave, I had to go out and check and lo and behold, the front tyre is an ME888 100/90 and I didn't even know till about 3 minutes ago! Interesting to know that the ME880 is available in a 140/80 might go with that next time to see the difference. 5C676A7D6C607B7D666E637C0F0 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/24/18 at 04:28:05 63716566717775100 wrote:
[/quote] Jeeze this gets confusing. It appears the ME880 is available in a 100/90-19.....Bike Bandit didn't list it, and another website that did list it said it was out of stock. So.....I need to update the thread 1 more time! Sometimes a manufacturer will list sizes being in production - but you can't get them from a retailer in your country. I was looking for a 100/80-18 tire and the manufacturer says they make it - but all the retailers who had it in stock were in the UK and it was not sold in the US. Thankfully.....just about all the tire choices are good and there isn't anything that is horrible - just different levels of cost and tread wear. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/24/18 at 06:36:57 I never saw a sorrier tire than the Stock POS. It never felt planted, even on dry asphalt. Thankfully it wore out in five thousand miles. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by verslagen1 on 04/24/18 at 07:03:28 7B404D5A4B475C5A4149445B280 wrote:
[/quote] Jeeze this gets confusing. It appears the ME880 is available in a 100/90-18.....Bike Bandit didn't list it, and another website that did list it said it was out of stock. So.....I need to update the thread 1 more time! Sometimes a manufacturer will list sizes being in production - but you can't get them from a retailer in your country. I was looking for a 100/80-18 tire and the manufacturer says they make it - but all the retailers who had it in stock were in the UK and it was not sold in the US. Thankfully.....just about all the tire choices are good and there isn't anything that is horrible - just different levels of cost and tread wear.[/quote] Stock front tire is 100/90-19 |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/24/18 at 07:23:18 Yes....sorry. It is available in the 100/90-19.....I am easily confused today. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/24/18 at 09:02:00 just got off the phone with JP cycle parts they have 63 of the Dunlap k555 140/80- 15 tires in stock. it IS a black sidewall tire .if it were white it would be a K555W. they also have the metzeler me880 in 140/80-15 and have 33 in stock. it is $25 more than the dunlap .it is not available in the me888 series. fxiw i was told that JP sell's many more of the k555 tires in the140/18-15 size .also the only other tire they sell in the above size is the pos IRC oem tire and they dont sell many even to dealers. i am still undecided . |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/24/18 at 09:41:10 You should consider what the matching front tire looks like - the Dunlop has a primitive looking front tire that will likely wear unevenly and tend to follow grooves in the pavement (often called "tramming"). The matching Metzler front tire is a far more modern design, and it will not follow joints and grooves in the pavement as strongly as the other tire. The Metzler is an expensive tire.....and unless you ride 3 or 4 thousand mile a year - you won't wear it out before the rubber gets hard and you should mount a new tire. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/24/18 at 10:03:29 thanks dave that is a consideration .i myself dont have a bias to not mix and match cycle tires. best for the rear ,best for the front. i will take your advice and go metzeler front when it is time because of the the stated drive ability issue . the front oem is like new the rear however is getting close and it only has 2600 miles on the bike since new! the IRC stuff is junk.in my 50+ years of biking i tend to burn up the rears fast. i hope this thread keeps going strong. i have learned alot since joining just before buying the savage. great place! too bad i am not into religion and politics in my older age cause i could really have a good time on here :D |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 04/24/18 at 10:07:45 I don't like mixing/matching tire brands or styles - and I feel the same way about my shoes or socks (I prefer that they match). I will occasionally run a mix if I wear out a front or rear tire and want to change brands - and the other tire is still relatively new and has tread left. For me that only lasts about 1 summer and then I can get them matching again. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 04/24/18 at 13:13:41 Dave i was OCD when i was much younger .not so much now .one of the only good things that has happened ;) my kiks still match though |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by eau de sauvage on 04/24/18 at 21:14:25 I stopped being OCD over 22 years ago. Well 22 years 9 months eight days and 3 hours 30 seconds ago from....NOW! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by justin_o_guy2 on 04/24/18 at 21:56:05 That's brilliant. Luvitt.. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Diamond T on 06/01/18 at 03:04:04 I know everyone is going bigger but has anyone tried the Michelin scorcher 140/75-15 |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 06/01/18 at 04:01:23 5E666C6B78393C0A0 wrote:
I have only listed tires in this thread that can be bought with matching front/rear tires - that way you know the tires work together as a set. It appears your could buy a Scorcher 11 radial tire for the rear, and a Scorcher 31 bias ply for the front....not sure if it is good to mix a radial rear tire with a bias ply front tire. https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/michelin-scorcher-11-motorcycle-tire/p/52762 https://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/michelin-scorcher-31-motorcycle-tire/p/52763 |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Diamond T on 06/01/18 at 08:24:23 Will the 120 /70 -19 fit on our stock rim it comes in the scorcher 11 series ? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 06/01/18 at 09:54:35 744C4641521316200 wrote:
No....it fits on a 3.00 - 3.50 wide rim - the Savage is only a 2.15" front rim. (See fitment chart a few pages back). The tire won't likely fit between the fork tubes either. A 100/80 works on my Cafe' bike - not sure if a 110 would fit. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotprops on 06/01/18 at 10:08:25 Dave ,"work together as a set" is something i have never heard or witnessed in my 50 years of riding and owning and wrenching bikes . i have learned that front tires and rear have different requirements as they preform different tasks. and different compounds and belting make tires run different. there might be some voodoo in picking a good set for different bikes and applications . but a fair amount of pro riders do it till they get a tire sponsor than all bets are off . however your observation about not mixing radial tires with bias is totally correct . good thread lets keep it going. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 06/01/18 at 14:55:24 62657E7A78657A790A0 wrote:
I just don't know what does and what doesn't work together - so I am not comfortable telling people it is fine to mix and match. I do know that the Bridgestone Battlax BT45 front/rear are not a very good match from the factory. I wear 2 front tires out for each back tire.....the front has square tread blocks on the side that wear quickly when you lean the bike over. I get about 4,000 miles out of a front tire. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/15/18 at 11:00:45 Every rear tire I've tried has been worn smoovedafuk out in four to eight thousand miles. Most offered good traction, except for the stock tire. The ME 880 has over four thousand miles on it and isn't square yet. It's worth noting that the wet traction is a real behavior modifier. I am learning to play with it accelerating out and letting it slip sideways. At this wear rate I'm seeing a fifteen to twenty thousand mile life. That means I Wont pay for two or thre tire mountings and tubes , do the math. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by hotrod on 07/15/18 at 12:01:16 ME880"s love to be abused and let you ride over the limit. On dry pavement , when their temp. is hot, they will speak to you and tell you if all is ok. When they decide to "step out", they will tell you, and do it in a predictable manner. Dunlaps will just say "goodby". As with any tire, when old, they will turn into glass. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Mike Barnett on 12/13/19 at 13:15:12 Well, here I am making my first post - and of course, it's gonna be a tiring one ;) I'm trying to decide on a new rear tire for the S40 I just bought for my wife, who is an absolute newbie to riding. The bike has a brand new (Harley branded) Dunlop 401 on it, but the K555 in back is shot. It appears my best options are to either get a new K555, in the stock size, or go for a Shinko 734... which leads to the usual sizing issue. There's also the D404 option, but to be honest, I've never been a dunlop cycle tire fan. Here's the numbers as I've found them (rim widths are either recommended rim width or the rim width the tire was mounted on when measuring): Dunlop K555 - 140/80-15 (3.0 rim, 24.17 diameter, 5.87 width) Shinko 734 150/80-15 (3.5 rim, 24.45 diameter, 5.91 width) Dunlop D404 130/90-15 (3.0 rim, 23.95 diameter, 5.15 width) Shinko 734 130/90-15 (3.0 rim, 24.21 diameter, 5.08 width) My gut says to get her the 734 in the 130/90 size, while my eyes (and my fat butt) say to go 150/80 - but the rim width bothers me a bit. She's a bit less than 150 in full gear, and will likely only ever ride solo. Anybody care to weigh in? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by verslagen1 on 12/13/19 at 14:20:22 I'd say go with the 130/90 The stock tire is pretty narrow for a 140 as is. The D401 is a heavy tire, it'll make a new man outta you to put it on. :-? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by batman on 12/13/19 at 17:24:39 I'm running a Shinko 130 /90 and find the bike handles (leans /turns in ) much better than it ever did with 140 /80 0r 140 90 . I could feel the difference the moment I put it on , I wont be going back to a 140 ever again. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by LANCER on 12/14/19 at 08:24:53 A 130/90 on the Savage looks plenty fat. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 12/14/19 at 11:40:07 6D494B456241524E455454200 wrote:
The 130/90-15 is a good size and is almost identical to the original 140-80-15 size.......it is plenty of tire for the Savage. I ran a 110/90-18 on the back of my Savage Cafe bike - it looks narrow but the tire never suffered for traction or wore excessively quick. The current "visual fad" is for fat back tires - the motorcycle actually rides and handles better with narrower tires. When you squeeze a fat tire on a narrow rim - you distort the cross section of the tread and the result is a narrow contact patch.....which is exactly the opposite result of why you bought a fat tire. The center of the tire will wear out quickly. Go with the 130/90-15. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by norm92de on 12/14/19 at 17:31:16 My gleanings tell me that a 130/90 on a standard S40 rear wheel is the way to go. Haven't needed a new tire yet but that is what I will do. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by SoC on 12/15/19 at 10:26:49 My "03" has the Shinko's and my 2011 has the IRC's. Definitely prefer the Shinko in the curves. Think it is smoother for cruise's also. IRC feels a little surer (tracking) at speed though, but that could be a balancing issue. Overall when time comes will replace the IRC with Shinko's as I just like the whole better. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by eau de sauvage on 12/18/19 at 16:06:16 We have the ME880 150/80 and I'll be looking forward to finally putting on a 130/90. However I do have a question about the 130/90, I'm guessing the higher profile is because the tyre is not squeezed as much by the rim. However I also note that the rim size is less than my GS500 which takes a 130/70, so my question is would a 130/80 just be too flat. Was the 80 profile that suzuki recommend meant to be squished to be an artificially higher profile. Hope all that makes sense. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 12/19/19 at 14:04:56 I had posted a tire fitment chart on an early post....it appears I used TinyPic and it is gone. I have re-posted it here. Taller profile tires tend to be able to fit on a wider range of rim sizes, and the 130/90-15 fits just fine on the stock Savage rim. I am not sure why Suzuki chose a 140/80 tire, as it is not a common size and limits your tire choice.......perhaps Suzuki got a really good deal on the tires and only used that size as they could get it cheaply. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Mike Barnett on 12/30/19 at 04:11:49 UPDATE: I went with the Shinko 734 130/90-15 - We've only got about 60 miles on it so far, but my wife, who has less than 24 hours of riding experience to date, was able to tell the difference from the old Dunlop, as was I. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Tocsik on 05/27/20 at 12:11:52 Just adding my $0.02 on the Michelin Commander II's. I put 'em on May 2015 (140/90 on the rear) they currently have about 14,400 miles 5 years later with good tread (bike has 21,800 miles). I went with these knowing I'd be putting some commuting miles on but will most likely go to a 130/90 'cuz that fat rear tire is big and heavy. She's got a booty on her, for sure! ( | ) Pic below shows tread after about 14.5K miles. Ridiculous. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by FlyingH on 07/20/20 at 11:14:19 I just put on a Michelin Commander III. $180 at a local bike shop, after I brought them the wheel, they balanced it and put is on for free. New inner tube $16.25. Like it so far, my original stock tire was only good for 5,500 miles. On my bicycle I only use Michelin tires, less flats and last much longer than any other tire I had. Ps: Have about 100,000 miles on my bicycle. Now you now I am old! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Gus on 05/06/23 at 15:45:19 Has anyone tried this tire? Continental Tour - 130/90-15 I'm looking to find a high-mileage tire in the above size. doesn't look like a lot of options out there in this size. I know this thread is a couple years old but hey, maybe it needs brought back up to the top of the heap. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by ThumperPaul on 05/06/23 at 16:42:41 The stock IRCs lasted 17 years on a 2006 I bought last year. I recently replaced with Dunlop D404s in January. The Dunlops are very nice for the price. I have no idea on mileage and longevity. You thinking about taking a 20,000 mile road trip? Not familiar with the Continental for bikes, but they were way overpriced for my truck. Never really liked the ones on another truck either. Wet traction was poor and they were done after about 50k on a 70k warranty. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Gus on 05/06/23 at 18:13:34 The stock IRC has only 4500 miles on it & its looking pretty sad. I am going on a loaded tour this summer. Won't be 20,000 miles but a few thousand anyway. Besided, I do my own tire work. At 66 I don't care to change a tire any more often than I have to. I've run Kenda's on a Savage before & they were ok. Just want to get a better quality tire this go around. 360A170F1207103203170E620 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by och on 05/06/23 at 19:03:18 I installed Commander 3 last year, they are absolutely awesome, ride smooth as butter and provide confidence inspiring grip. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by ThumperPaul on 05/07/23 at 05:16:49 http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?action=post;num=1448021014;quote=124;title=PostReply I hear you on not liking to change tires. I’m pretty close to your age and I’ve never heard anyone liking to do them. I’ll still do them on smaller dirt bikes that replacement more often or tube replacement and where I don’t have to worry about balancing. Back to the Continentals….they wouldn’t be my first choice based on my experiences with them on my trucks. Enjoy your road trip! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Gus on 05/07/23 at 11:13:00 I'm considering passing on the Conti tire, unless someone chimes in with good reviews. I'll have to see who else weighs in here. Who makes the commander III? Ok, I looked back a bit. Looks like Mich. tire. They should be decent. 4A766B736E7B6C4E7F6B721E0 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by ThumperPaul on 05/07/23 at 11:38:20 The Michelin Commander IIIs claim high mileage and good all around traction. They are also a bit on the expensive side, but if one set of Commander IIIs live twice as long as some other tires, that might be your choice. I had the Michelin Commander II on another bike and they were fine (I liked them.). I went with the Dunlop this go-round to save a few bucks - I don't do long rides or rack up a lot of miles per year. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 05/08/23 at 04:02:11 If you are talking about the Continental ContiTour......then you can read reviews from users from online sellers like Revzilla: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/continental-contitour-tires?sku_id=1205581 I don't have any experience with the ContiTour tires - but Continental is a good tire company and they make good tires. I am currently running the Continental RoadAttack 3 tires on my other bikes....it is a Sport Touring tire and I get about 8-9,000 miles from them (I do a lot of riding with my wife on the back and that likely reduces mileage). I would not be worried about trying a set of Continental tires....they are a reputable company and have been making tires for a long time. The Michelin Commander tires are definitely the longest lasting tire you can put on a motorcycle - they do give up some wet weather traction in their quest for high mileage. MMRanch and Stewmills were on Michelins and I was on Pirelli Sport Demons on a ride and we got to some wet roads.....I had plenty of traction going up a steep mountain road - while they were spinning their rear tires trying to keep up (I was up front and I had no idea they were struggling). Getting 20,000 miles from a motorcycle tire is pretty amazing - but you will have to slow down a bit when the roads are wet.....the Sport Demons are a soft compound tire and only last about 6,000 miles. Michelin tires are noted for being a very long lasting tire (even on cars) - but the hard rubber compounds age quickly and wet weather traction gets worse after 3 or 4 years and if you haven't worn off the tread....you will likely be replacing them as you will begin to slip and slide on wet roads. When it comes to tires for the Savage - I believe you have a few choices and options: If you ride less than 2,000 mile a year - get the affordable Shinko tires. If you ride a lot - spend more money and get a better tire that lasts longer. Dunlop, Continental, Avon, and others. If you ride 5,000 or more miles a year and don't mind slowing down in the wet - get Michelin Commanders. NOTE: The Michelin Commander 3 may have improved wet weather traction....I don't have any experience with that model. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Gus on 05/08/23 at 11:52:40 I went ahead & ordered the Conti tour tire in the 130/90-15 configuration. As Dave suggested, I went through the reviews on Revzilla. Most were from Harley riders & of course, that's a far cry from Savage in nearly every respect; but that's what we deal with when it comes to rear tires on a Savage. IMHO, I've always been of the mind that the rear tire size Suzuki chose for this little cruiser was too big. In any event, there were some reviews mentioning 15-16K miles on them with very good reviews as a wet weather tire. So we will see. The price was $128.00 shipped to the house by horse & buggy. Got them at American Moto Tire |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by ThumperPaul on 05/08/23 at 12:24:19 It's interesting that the speed rating on the Conti Tours is only 93mph (P). The Dunlop D404s are 130mph (H). While 93 is probably fine, it does make me wonder how they act after long riding on 140 degree pavement. If you move up to the 140/90 in the Conti Tours, the speed rating jumps up to 130H. Sorry, I’m a little skeptical of that tire in 130/90. And personally I want as big a footprint as I can get. I like the way the 140/90 fits the wheel well too. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Gus on 05/08/23 at 13:28:07 This tire has pretty good reviews. Nearly all from bikes 3 times the size of my Savage. So I think for my purposes it will be fine. I ran the 130/90-15 on my old Savage & got along well with it. If I get 10K on it I'll be happy as a clam. Guess we'll see. 0E322F372A3F280A3B2F365A0 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by ThumperPaul on 05/08/23 at 14:03:17 Yep! Come back and let us know down the rode. Happy Trails! |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by och on 05/09/23 at 16:36:22 I hope this is not too far offtopic, but I had a tire puncture on my KTM this morning, good thing it happened on a local low speed street. There is a big tear into my tubeless tire, I have no idea what caused it, must have ran over a big chunk of metal. I am now paranoid as to what would happen if this occurred on a highway. From the safety standpoint, is it a good or a bad idea to add a tube to a tubeless tire setup? http://https://i.imgur.com/yEgUZpz.jpg |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 05/10/23 at 03:28:49 It is a bad idea to add a tube to a tubeless tire. Tubeless tires deflate slower and give you some warning of the tire going flat - while tires with an inner tube can have sudden loss of air if the tube blows. As bad as that tear looks - it is likely just in the tread rubber and did not go through the tread plies....which are pretty tough. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by och on 05/10/23 at 04:54:46 0A313C2B3A362D2B3038352A590 wrote:
It did go through the threads, so the loss of pressure was very much sudden. Luckily it happened a block from where I work, so I pushed it to my shop and then loaded it to my van and brought it to my mechanic. Regarding the tube within a tubeless tire, I think a lot of offroad guys do it, not sure for what purpose. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 05/10/23 at 10:28:08 69656E060 wrote:
Likely because they run very low air pressure for traction...and it is easy to push the bead loose from the rim - which would allow the air to escape. With a tube the air is contained (unless you puncture the tube). Tubeless tires are safer......that is why most modern vehicles use tubeless tires. Dirt bikes use tubes as the spoked wheels are more durable are resilient for the impact loads the bikes endure.......and the spoke nipples perforating the rims require tubes (Some bikes like the BMW and Moto Guzzi off road bikes use spoked wheels with tubeless tires....they do that by having the spoke holes outside the rim). |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by och on 05/10/23 at 19:06:24 78434E5948445F59424A47582B0 wrote:
Likely because they run very low air pressure for traction...and it is easy to push the bead loose from the rim - which would allow the air to escape. With a tube the air is contained (unless you puncture the tube). Tubeless tires are safer......that is why most modern vehicles use tubeless tires. Dirt bikes use tubes as the spoked wheels are more durable are resilient for the impact loads the bikes endure.......and the spoke nipples perforating the rims require tubes (Some bikes like the BMW and Moto Guzzi off road bikes use spoked wheels with tubeless tires....they do that by having the spoke holes outside the rim).[/quote] My KTM 690 Supermoto uses spoked wheels with tubeless tires, and the spoke holes are inside the rim. Many people with these bikes switch them to tubeless hybrid/offroad tires, and add a tube. I guess this is to be able to run very low pressures, like you said. http://https://i.imgur.com/iISDAY1.jpg |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Gus on 05/11/23 at 09:40:25 Och, I've wondered that myself. I only have one motorcycle with tubeless tires. I almost put tubes in the last time I changed rubber. Glad your no worse for wear over the deal~ |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by och on 05/11/23 at 09:50:05 I'm just wondering over the general logic of tubed vs tubeless tires. I am thinking tubeless tires are clearly safer than tubed tires - they are more modern, durable, etc. However, if a tubeless tire is used in combination with a tube, wouldn't that be an extra layer of protection? I can kind of see it going both ways. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Gus on 05/11/23 at 17:07:43 5F64697E6F63787E656D607F0C0 wrote:
Likely because they run very low air pressure for traction...and it is easy to push the bead loose from the rim - which would allow the air to escape. With a tube the air is contained (unless you puncture the tube). Tubeless tires are safer......that is why most modern vehicles use tubeless tires. Dirt bikes use tubes as the spoked wheels are more durable are resilient for the impact loads the bikes endure.......and the spoke nipples perforating the rims require tubes (Some bikes like the BMW and Moto Guzzi off road bikes use spoked wheels with tubeless tires....they do that by having the spoke holes outside the rim).[/quote] This is interesting Dave, I've not seen this arrangement on any wheel. I don't claim to study wheels tho. I know my Beamer is the only bike I have with tubeless tires. That is the bike I considered putting tubes in but, as usual, I thought they may not have tubes in for a reason other than just because there are no spokes to contend with. :-/ |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by J Mac on 05/12/23 at 19:09:21 I worked at a K-Mart automotive department in the 80s. I remember them stocking various automobile tubes for those people who couldn't find it in themselves to trust tubeless tires or wanted to squeeze a few more miles out of some junk tire. I highly doubt tube type car tires were still being sold at that time. Maybe they were still sold for trailers. Who knows? 404C472F0 wrote:
It did go through the threads, so the loss of pressure was very much sudden. Luckily it happened a block from where I work, so I pushed it to my shop and then loaded it to my van and brought it to my mechanic. Regarding the tube within a tubeless tire, I think a lot of offroad guys do it, not sure for what purpose. [/quote] |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by J Mac on 05/12/23 at 19:13:43 Isn't 10 years the most we can expect from a motorcycle tire regardless of mileage? The 2012 S40 I bought last November with only 850 miles on it had 2011 vintage tires on it. They seemed quite stiff and not at all grippy. I realize tires that sit for years may age differently than those that have a few miles put on them now and then. The older I get, the more paranoid I am about basing tire life on how nice the tread looks. 0438253D2035220031253C500 wrote:
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by och on 05/18/23 at 07:06:52 On my KTM I caught a piece of metal in my rear tire last week. My mechanic put a brand new tire and I picked the bike up last Friday. Come today, I caught a screw in the brand new tire much to my frustration. My mechanic says he doesn't patch tires for insurance reasons, but he can put a tube in there - which brings me back to the original dilemma. I am thinking if he puts the tube and if I should catch a screw or anything else that may puncture both layers - shouldn't the tubeless tire still prevent sudden pressure loss? |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by twhitus on 05/18/23 at 08:36:57 do not put a tube in a tire with a puncture, water can wick through the cords and cause it to rot and come apart later on. |
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Title: Re: New Tire Choices Post by Dave on 05/18/23 at 09:27:48 Tubeless tires are built with a wider shoulder that can seal on the "tubeless rims".....which have a shoulder built into them. With the valve stem sealed to the rim the air is retained. Generally when there is a screw or nail or some other puncture where the object is small and stays in place - the air is released slowly and it may take days or weeks for the air loss to become apparent. The tire bead stays on the rim by the aid of the raised lip where the tire bead is. If the object that caused the puncture does in and then out.....as if you ran over a board with a nail in it, the air runs out faster but may still take minutes/hours/days to become apparent. Tires with tubes are more likely to have a "blowout" where the air loss is sudden. The inner tube is very much like a thick balloon, and when it is punctured it can "pop" just like a balloon does. This sudden release of air can be very dangerous and cause you to lose control.....you can't steer or brake well with a flat tire. Also the tubed rims don't have the safety bead to help hold the tire on the rim. However - not every puncture on a tube tire results in a blowout, and most times you will get a slow air loss and notice the problem long before it causes you to crash! Motorcycles have been using tubes for more than a hundred years, and a large number of new motorcycles still have tubes in the tires. The one big advantage of a tubeless tire is that it can be patched with a "plug" while still on the wheel - and there are numerous kits that will allow you to do this while out riding. I can understand dealers not wanting to "patch" a tubeless tire for liability reasons - however plugs and interior patches can work just fine. I got a screw puncture in the rear tire on my R1200 when the tire only had 100 miles on it.....the hole was just about in the center of the tread. I patched it with a rubber mushroom plug and rode the tire until is was worn out and it worked just fine. The one "universal" believe is that you should never patch a hole in the sidewall. |
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