SuzukiSavage.com - Tires N Tubes

youzguyz

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Tires N Tubes
04/20/07 at 08:27:47

I have been following the Tire threads with some interest, as the time has come for me to probably get some new ones.
Got a 2002 Savage with OEM tires (IRC). Date stamp on the tires put them in 2001. Good tread (5100 miles). minor sidewall cracking.
Looking at putting on Dunlop 404 tires. Getting the right size is no problem. 100/90-19 for the front, 140/90-15 on the rear. Front tube, not a problem. Bikemaster 3.25/3.50-19.
Back tube.. well. According to all I am seeing, I need to look for a 5.50/6.00-15. Can't find one.. at least exactly by that size. (Well.. Bridgestone does make one that exact size, but it is only on a site where the shipping is a bit much)
According to one place, Metzeler says their 160/180-16 tube will work in a MU90 tire. (Which is what a 140/90-15 is.. according to yet another place).
My question(s).. Is it critical what size tube you get? In which dimension? What will Fit and Work and be Safe?

Also, any thoughts on needing to balance a wheel after putting on new rubber? Tricks? Necessary? Have a dealer do it?

Newbie me..
Thanks

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2002 - Silver (Thumper)
2000 - Green (Mad Hamish)
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut between the seat and the handlebars. Make sure yours isn't too tight or too loose.

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praetorian

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Re: Tires N Tubes
Reply #1 - 04/20/07 at 09:05:27

M local suzuki dealer told me on the phone yesterday that they did not have in stock the size tube my wheel used, but that they had one a little bit smaller that they would use and it would be just fine. I said "no thanks" and went to the local Kaw/Yam/Star/BigDog dealer. They had the right size and were charging 20% less for the labor than the Suzuki place.

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Rockin_John

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Re: Tires N Tubes
Reply #2 - 04/20/07 at 10:53:49

My opinion: Tubes of other size will work, and any other dimension besides the wheel diameter can be a couple sizes off without usually being a problem. Even the diameter can be different and they will work with good depenability.

However, if (and there is always an "if") the tire and tube are for a motorcycle (and these are) I highly recommend sticking to the correct 15"/16"/17" diameter. The other dimentions I wouldn't vary by more than one step. I'd gladly pay another $10-$15 to not have a high speed blowout. Even on a bike as light as the Savage, the experience can be traumatic. Undecided

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georgekathe Ex Member	Re: Tires N Tubes Reply #3 - 04/21/07 at 11:19:23 cannot give advice on suitability of different size tubes but yes, balancing is needed when fitting new rubber.
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Max_Morley

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Moses Lake. WA
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Re: Tires N Tubes
Reply #4 - 04/21/07 at 11:54:34

That size tube shouldn't be a NOS item, can not think what the dealerships are thinking tying up a bike by not having one in stock. I try to keep an extra one around for each end as they are boxed and should not break down like the tires. I've not had good luck with Chinese rubber goods and would not buy one of theirs except in an emergency. Tiawan, Japan and German seem OK. Anyone want a brand new 20 YO Metzler Marathon 110/90 x 19 for a hanger queen. Max

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Max at Thumper Acres. '96 Savage bagger, '03 Savage w/Cozy sidecar for wifeni.

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WD

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trash".

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Rosemark TN
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Re: Tires N Tubes
Reply #5 - 04/22/07 at 23:26:02

The bike will handle better with 90/90-19 and 130/80 or 90-15 tires.

A 4.60-15 tube will work fine. MU is the width designation, meaning 140mm. Don't use a 16" tube on a 15" wheel. It will crease, and as it ages, stress fracture.

I had Dunlop (actually Sumitomo) 404s on my Vulcan. I just sold it with 30K miles on the tires, and they had close to 50% tread left... The stock Bridgestones were junk at 8800 miles. Still better than IRCs... Chinese tires are junk. Chinese tubes are junk. Buy them only in an emergency. Avoid BikeMaster like the plague.

I used to be in the bike business. Trust me on this stuff, I know what to avoid.
-WD

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On 2 wheels since 7/87

Black and Chrome 2003 1950s style custom

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PerrydaSavage Serious Thumper Alliance Member Offline Riding "The Rock"! Posts: 3522 Republic of Newfoundland Gender:	Re: Tires N Tubes Reply #6 - 04/23/07 at 00:29:41 Thanks for that WD ... just picked up a 90/90-19 Dunlop D401 Elite for the front of my scoot and was wondering what to replace the back with, as the stock tire size seems as rare as hens teeth 'round these parts! Thanks again!
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georgekathe

Ex Member

Re: Tires N Tubes
Reply #7 - 04/23/07 at 10:21:54

I bought my tire (a 404) online from bikebandit but know lots on site buy ex Ron Ayers. had good selection.

price was a heck of a lot less than buying locally, facotring shipping versus extra price locally + local/state sales tax.

they also have a wide selection of tires - much more than you'd find locally without a lot of hassle driving around (Unless you live in a pretty small town then I'd say even less likely to get what you want)

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Holodeck Full Member Offline I love YaBB 1G - SP1! Posts: 144 Seattle	Re: Tires N Tubes Reply #8 - 04/23/07 at 18:30:23 2nd on bikebandit, good price and very fast shipping.
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youzguyz

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Re: Tires N Tubes
Reply #9 - 04/24/07 at 06:06:40

Thanks for all the feedback and info.. much appeciated! Cheesy

For this go round (my first), I am going to bring the wheels to a local shop and have them mount the Dunlop tires that I buy through them. That way I will have somebody I can go and see if something ain't right.
While I am sure I could do it myself (based on all the info here), I'd rather watch someone do it first.
Thanks again!

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2002 - Silver (Thumper)
2000 - Green (Mad Hamish)
Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut between the seat and the handlebars. Make sure yours isn't too tight or too loose.

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georgekathe Ex Member	Re: Tires N Tubes Reply #10 - 04/24/07 at 13:32:58 think good that you are taking wheels in & not whole bike - from my point of view shops charge too much to take wheels off bike. also in my view they do a good job of balancing (may get shouted down on this - won't be first time in my life! arguably better than most can do @ home.
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youzguyz Serious Thumper Offline Posts: 2545 San Antonio, Texas Gender:	Re: Tires N Tubes Reply #11 - 04/24/07 at 13:40:11 yeah.. they wanted $98 if the wheels were on the bike, and only $52 if not. That's just simple wrenching to pull the wheels.. and I want to take a look at the rear brakes and blow the dust out the drum anyway.
Back to top	2002 - Silver (Thumper) 2000 - Green (Mad Hamish) Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut between the seat and the handlebars. Make sure yours isn't too tight or too loose. IP Logged

justin_o_guy

Ex Member

Re: Tires N Tubes
Reply #12 - 04/24/07 at 14:09:49

Well, I am pretty sure you are a big boy & really don't Need a Mommy or Daddy, I know I don't, but I am gonna poke my nose in here & hope it doesn't get (deservedly) bent.

That "Dust" is the result of grinding on some nasty materials & needs to not be inhaled in any amounts. I wipe mine out with a rag & toss the thing, & I have a compressor & air blower. I hope you are taking proper precautions here.

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youzguyz Serious Thumper Offline Posts: 2545 San Antonio, Texas Gender:	Re: Tires N Tubes Reply #13 - 04/24/07 at 14:21:41 No offense taken. I kinda figured it was asbestos (and/or some other related evil) and not a good thing to inhale. While I wasn't planning sniffing it up to see what it smelled like.. I do appreciate the reminder!
Back to top	2002 - Silver (Thumper) 2000 - Green (Mad Hamish) Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut between the seat and the handlebars. Make sure yours isn't too tight or too loose. IP Logged

barry68v10 Serious Thumper Offline Posts: 955 Maryland Gender:	Re: Tires N Tubes Reply #14 - 04/24/07 at 16:23:15 Quote: also in my view they do a good job of balancing (may get shouted down on this - won't be first time in my life! arguably better than most can do @ home. I would agree, unless you use dynabeads or some similar method...
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