SuzukiSavage.com - I Need Tires

FL Savage

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I Need Tires
04/17/17 at 05:57:29

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

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

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

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

Any advice or other choices welcome.

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

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Dave

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Re: I Need Tires
Reply #1 - 04/17/17 at 06:24:44

Lots of information in the attached link:

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

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

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12Bravo

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Re: I Need Tires
Reply #2 - 04/17/17 at 06:34:29

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

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

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youzguyz

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Re: I Need Tires
Reply #3 - 04/17/17 at 06:52:47

12Bravo wrote on 04/17/17 at 06:34:29:

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

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

Metzler is slowly retooling from the ME880 to the ME888.

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

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/750/-/162830/140-80B-15-%2867H%29-Metzel...

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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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12Bravo

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Re: I Need Tires
Reply #4 - 04/17/17 at 07:41:59

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

FL,

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

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Bubba Serious Thumper Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 956 Denver, CO Gender:	Re: I Need Tires Reply #5 - 04/17/17 at 10:31:42 Pirelli MT66 is my tire...on my second set!
Back to top	'06 lt Blue, Dyna Power pipe, air screw 2 1/4 turns, 52.5 pilot w/ bleed holes, 150 Main, 2/3 spacer, Pirelli MT66 tires, Raptor petcock, 412-4006 Progressive shocks IP Logged

justin_o_guy2 Serious Thumper Offline What happened? Posts: 55279 East Texas, 1/2 dallas/la.	Re: I Need Tires Reply #6 - 04/17/17 at 10:34:25 I'm really liking the Metzler 880. I will be unhappy about it not being available.
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FL Savage YaBB Newbies Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 44 Orlando/Eustis FL Gender:	Re: I Need Tires Reply #7 - 04/17/17 at 11:16:11 Thanks, I doubt I'll do more than 2000 miles/yr so the Shinko 230 looks like they will do. What about tubes? Do I need TR-4 or TR-6 stems? I'm guessing TR-4.
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youzguyz

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Re: I Need Tires
Reply #8 - 04/17/17 at 12:05:59

FL Savage wrote on 04/17/17 at 11:16:11:

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

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

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

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

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/864/-/172551/Bridgestone-Standard-Motorc...

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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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12Bravo Serious Thumper Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 628 Mid-Missouri Gender:	Re: I Need Tires Reply #9 - 04/17/17 at 12:53:40 Definitely get a tube with a 90 degree stem for the back tire. It will make things a lot easier.
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FL Savage YaBB Newbies Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 44 Orlando/Eustis FL Gender:	Re: I Need Tires Reply #10 - 04/17/17 at 13:10:30 Shinko's, tubes (90* rear) and balance beads ordered. Hope they're here by Friday. Thanks!
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badwolf

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Re: I Need Tires
Reply #11 - 04/17/17 at 14:25:19

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

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FL Savage

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Re: I Need Tires
Reply #12 - 04/18/17 at 13:30:28

badwolf wrote on 04/17/17 at 14:25:19:

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

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

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Srotag Full Member Offline Have Thumper Will Travel Posts: 100 Wherever it is warm and sunny Gender:	Re: I Need Tires Reply #13 - 04/18/17 at 20:15:13 I did the 404's two years and about 3k on them... very happy. Go Gators
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Kris01 Serious Thumper Offline Eat, sleep, RIDE! Posts: 3767 Tennessee Gender:	Re: I Need Tires Reply #14 - 04/19/17 at 16:20:30 I'm using Pirelli MT66 140/90-15 and love them. I have no complaints about the tire and love the higher gearing with the taller tire. I don't ride in the wet (if I can help it) so I won't comment on that.
Back to top	There's no problem that a full tank of gas and a sunny day can't fix! 2008 S40, Rotella T 15W-40 w/ZDDP added, Dyna, 140/90-15, Battery Tender Jr., Seat lift, #52.5/150/3 washers, Raptor IP Logged