I read Dave's tire summary from back in November of 2015. I'm moving towards getting a set of the Pirelli MT-66's. I understand that I will need to compromise on the rear tire size. If I go up to the 140/90 - 15 it will be a 70H rather than a 67H. Is that a big deal? Also, that tire is a "tubeless" model. Any problem stuffing a tube in a tubeless tire? I understand spoked wheels require tubes. The front tire size matches but it will be a 57S rather than a 57H. Do you guys replace the tubes as a matter of practice when changing tires or only if the existing one looks bad? Thanks.

I'm not a tire expert but I don't think you'll find a new tire that doesn't say " tubeless " on the side,and fit our bikes also , but our bikes do require the use of tubes.the "S" ,"H", "V"or "Z" are speed ratings ,off 112 ,130, 149+ and168+  all of these would be ok for our bikes(V & Z being overkill) ,but I would favor the H rating myself ,for  safety. but experts say BOTH tires on your bike, should have the SAME rating .I don't think you have to use new tubes each time but again ,it might be better for safety,and they aren't very pricey .

I replace the tube every second tire.  It usually takes me a little over one season to wear out the back.

zipidachimp wrote on 09/12/17 at 20:48:33:


For me this depends on how quickly you wear out your tires.  If you need a new tire every 2 years.....I have no problem using a tube a second or third time as long as the rubber is good and there is no evident wear or creases.  If it takes you 10 years to wear out a tire (or just replace them because they are old and hard).....then a new tube and rim tape are a good idea with each tire.

In the "67H" vs. the "70H", as Batman stated the letter is the speed rating.  The two digit number is the load rating, and the larger tire size has a higher load rating (makes sense that the larger tire can support more weight).

JOG ,It's just something I read , that different materials used in the cores of the tires for the different speed ratings  have a tendency to upset handing.

batman wrote on 09/13/17 at 14:59:00:


Okay, thanks.
I'd need an engineer and a six pack to have a chance of understanding.

batman wrote on 09/13/17 at 22:49:15:


I don't believe there is any issue with mixing speed ratings - all that happens is that you should not drive faster than the lowest speed rating.  Since most tires that are suitable for the Savage are H (130 mph) or V (149 mph) rated - there really isn't any reason to worry about the speed rating.  The S rated (112 mph) front tire that the OP listed is still well over the speeds that the Savage can achieve!

Here is what "Discount Tire" says on their webpage:

Speed ratings can affect the way you drive. To maintain your vehicle's original speed capability, you need to equip it with tires that meet or exceed the original equipment tire's speed rating. Mixing tires of different speed ratings can reduce your maximum safe speed. If you equip your vehicle with tires of different speed ratings, the lowest speed rating will determine your vehicle's maximum speed of which the tires can safely handle. Be aware of your original equipment tire's speed rating to avoid this reduction.

https://www.discounttire.com/learn/speed-rating

I am not all that keen on having different brands or models of tires on the front/rear - but folks do it all the time as the rear generally wears out first and they may not install the same brand/model of tire when they get a replacement.  If you are replacing both tires - get the same brand and model (the thread on new tires only lists tire "sets", and it does not include tires that can't be purchased in the same brand/model for the front/rear).  

good tires good brakes that's most important to me. If the bike won't start it can't kill you.I've always run matched tires "h" rated and if they look like they will last 10,000 miles I change them a bit earlier .to each his own but in 38 years of riding.I've never had a flat .