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SuzukiSavage.com
/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Time for new tires /cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1209700570 Message started by rpgpgmr on 05/01/08 at 20:56:10 |
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Title: Time for new tires Post by rpgpgmr on 05/01/08 at 20:56:10 Just checked my tread and I'm overdue for tires. Front is supposed to be no less than 1.6mm (I'm at .9mm), back is supposed to be 2mm (I'm at 1.3mm). Been looking at Dunlop D404 and the Metzeler ME880. The Metzeler's seem to be a better tire, but I don't know? I only got 7,000 miles on my IRC factory tires (actually 6,000 cause I'm pretty long overdue) so I want tires that will go a little further. I'm not looking to do any modifications to accomodate a larger tire. Not to start any huge debates, but what's the best tire that fits the Savage/S40? |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Reelthing on 05/02/08 at 05:29:52 Don't know about the Dunlops - but the ME880's work very well - stick to road proper wet or dry and will roll for a long time - likely 3 times as long as the IRCs - They're on the '95 Savage, on the Guzzi, and will be on the '02 Savage hotrod shortly. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by rpgpgmr on 05/02/08 at 11:02:48 Been reading reviews and the Dunlops are getting very bad ones. Apparently they come standard on several bikes and, like the IRCs, they don't last very long or handle very well in wet weather. The ME880s are a little more costly than most brands, but like someone else on here said, tires are not the place to be cheap. The Metzelers are the highest rated tire on the Internet every place I looked today. Think that's what I'm ordering. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by verslagen1 on 05/02/08 at 11:16:03 Where'd you find the reviews? For my own experience, D404's came on the bike. I put 8k on them before I replaced them. They had alittle more than half the tread when I got them. Don't do much wet riding ( it never rains in Calif. ) |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by rpgpgmr on 05/02/08 at 11:25:05 www.motorcycletirereviews.com www.motorcycle.com www.consumersearch.com Several others from Google and Yahoo searches...I spent way too much time on that today. :-/ Maybe the wet riding is the common denominator here. I gotta get to California someday. I love WV roads, but Cali is a place I have to ride before I die. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by youzguyz on 05/02/08 at 12:02:15 I put 404s on my bike shortly after I got it.. say 4,500 miles. I'm at 17,800 now and about ready for new tires. Pretty good run. Then again, I just ride a lot, not a lot of crazy. However, I will probably go with the Metzeler ME880s this time around, as I hear they hold the road better. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by rpgpgmr on 05/02/08 at 12:18:14 I wouldn't say that I ride crazy, but I just learned to ride a year ago today. A lot of unnecessary braking, learning to shift, turn, and of course the several times laying it down. I've come a long way and I've beat the heck out of my tires--7,000 miles for a first year of riding is a lot I think. For this second year I want to start with the best tire I can get and so far all signs point to the ME880s. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by steely on 05/02/08 at 19:43:15 I have never tried the Metzler's myself but have always heard that they were a very good tire. I use the Cheng Shin Hi-Max on both of my bikes. They wear well and grip well. I don't ride excessively crazily, but I do regularly scrape pegs on both bikes. The continuous center groove is about the best thing I have found for rain riding. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by NikoruWiriamu on 05/04/08 at 10:18:17 I've always used ME880s..and I realized that I was changing my tires a lot. MEs are a much softer tire, although they are a great brand and much more expensive. This last time I had my tire changed, I decided to go with a Dunlop. The Dunlop is cheaper, and is lasting longer than the Metzler that I had. Sometimes it's about the brand, but like I said, the ME was way more soft, so I was changing it more frequently than other tires. I've put over 35k miles on my baby, and within the past year or two I've replaced the front and rear tire twice already. ^_^ |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by YonuhAdisi on 05/04/08 at 10:22:32 I'm running Cheng Shin Barracudas on the FireLizard and they seem to be holding up pretty well so far. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by rpgpgmr on 05/04/08 at 10:41:50 Hmmm, that's not good. The ME's are A LOT more expensive than the Dunlops and if they're not A LOT better than I'm not gonna pay the difference. Not to mention Dennis Kirk and the local dealer are out of stock for the Savage right now so I have no idea how long I'd be waiting. Now I'm leaning back toward the Dunlops. :( |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by NikoruWiriamu on 05/04/08 at 11:01:36 5D5F485F48425D2F0 wrote:
Sometimes it's all about personal preference. I chose to buy the Metzlers until I realized how often I was changing them. I really thought something might have been wrong (until I did my research), but it was just because they were so soft. Great tires, but they don't last as long as the Dunlop. I don't like paying $120+ for them anymore. To me, there isn't much of a difference in the two besides the price, and the longevity of their life span. Then again, I ride my bike usually a little over 40 miles a day, and often going on long rides, 1-200 miles, on the weekends. ;) |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by bill67 on 05/04/08 at 11:30:12 Niko what miles did you get on all your tires since you bought the bike? |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by verslagen1 on 05/04/08 at 12:03:54 Mine came with a half worn Dunlop and I put about 9k on it before I changed it for $68 plus labor, tube etc. Now I'm guessing that I should get at least 15k out of it. You've changed twice in 35k, so you're getting about the same for twice as much. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by NikoruWiriamu on 05/04/08 at 12:10:46 No, I changed the tires twice since I got it at 26k miles..and it now has 36-37k miles. So, I'm definitely not getting that many miles on the tires. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by verslagen1 on 05/04/08 at 12:18:29 507775716C6B49776C777F736B1E0 wrote:
0D2A282C3136142A312A222E36430 wrote:
35k vs 10k on 2 sets of rears and a front is a big difference. I got mine at 16k, it's now 30k, I've changed the front and the rear once. Either Florida pavement is really hard on tires or you do most of your riding going sideways. :o |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by NikoruWiriamu on 05/04/08 at 12:29:21 302334352A2721232877460 wrote:
Haha. Yes. Well, the roads I ride on are pretty rough, and the highways aren't any better. Sideways, nah. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Toymaker on 05/05/08 at 04:22:21 I just ordered a D404 for the backend last week. I looked around and decided on the Dunlop. Now I just have to find a place to mount and balance it. oh the joys......................... ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by youzguyz on 05/05/08 at 05:10:05 497E7E776F7372757C1B0 wrote:
Reelthing, "3 times as long as IRCs" translates into how many miles? (Have you ever changed out a set? and at how many miles?) The recent posts about the ME880 miles is making think about going with the 404s again. I just can't afford to change tires out every 10k miles, especially at the price of the ME880s. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by thumperclone on 05/05/08 at 06:52:20 my stock irc rear needed replacing @5500 mi went with me 880s 4500 ago no sign of wear caught them on sale $215 for the pair shipped...if they go 10k ill be happy..pavemant gets HOTT last summer after a ride i pulled up onto the lawn a day later there was a burn track in the grass.... |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Reelthing on 05/05/08 at 07:05:48 Metzeler does only one thing - they make quality motorcycle tires. Not all Metzeler tires are created for the same thing - I didn't like the Lasers 33s - high traction/short life tire that were on the Guzzi. And don't forget the tubes - the angled valve stem is pretty handy on the rear - no cheap crap there either - saving $4 on a Chenshen or a yakamo or what ever cheap sh!t china/taiwan brand that can be found - is a fools play. The '95 is on its second set of me880s - the rear me880 went around ~15k miles could have been ran longer but I'm not one to take them to the wear limit. The front is a one size bigger than stock @110/90 - I do not know how far it would have rolled - I replaced it just 'cause at ~20k. Looks like the Dunlop 404s are a good tire as well. I have not used them. Likely will pull the IRCs off the '02 very soon as the they have 5+ years on them and under 3k miles - the front bothers me - this '02 is starting to want to go pretty fast - carb/pipe/cam has 4th gear still pulling hard at 85mph - likely 5th will push a 100 if you want too - I'm just not going to ride it much longer with cheap arse tires on it - 880s for it. http://www.savageriders.com/reelthing/pics/savage/507.JPG |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by ALittlebird on 05/09/08 at 11:47:42 Just found out that my front has to be replaced. One of the bus drivers at the school where I was teaching today came over to look at the bike. He rides an HD. Got a lecture because my front tire was dry rotted. I had no idea. I really hadn't looked at it when I bought the bike. They said the tires were good. Tread wise they are but the front is definitely dry rotted even splitting along the black wall. In the bright daylight you can see it clearly. Guess I'm glad they paid me money today - buying a new tire come Monday. :( |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Toymaker on 05/09/08 at 19:00:21 My rear d404 got 10k on it...cord is showing in 3 places....didn't even knowmuntil I removed the wheel. Boy and I glad I get my new tire mounted tomorrow. The front still looks good. will let ya'll know how things go after I put the wheel back on and go for a ride. t ;D |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Digger on 07/29/08 at 21:25:22 Minority opinion here: I stick with the OEM IRCs for my Savage. I have several bikes (I don't own a cage), and each one does a different job. I average over 25,000 miles a year on my two big road-burners, so they get top of the line tires. The Savage is my around-town errand runner and daily driver. I average about 1100 miles a year on it. If I buy really good tires for my Savage, they will age-out before they wear out. So, IRCs for me. I know this doesn't apply to many of you.....lots of us here put serious miles on our Savages. However, if you are a primarily urban, short-haul Savage rider (like me), think twice before dropping big bucks on premium tires. For me, anyway, they would be overkill. Just something to consider. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by verslagen1 on 07/29/08 at 23:34:40 766572736C6167656E31000 wrote:
I now have about 34k on the bike and the rear is due to replaced soon. So about 10k, and somewhere over 10k on the 1st. Just read a few reviews on the Metzlers, don't get MADE IN BRAZIL. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/29/08 at 23:42:10 Ive had the stock IRC, lasted 5k, then stuck a Maxiss, on that lasted 6 or so, tried another one, & only got 4 out of it. At 15 K I went with Dunlop. Now, at 18 it isnt looking squared off & the tread is holding up nicely. Its just slippery enough to feel it wiggle nailing it out of corners, but it grabs when it gets to the very edge( so far!). I like the way it feels & its lasting nicely. Its got better "Grab" than even the Maxiss, which wore faster. The IRC always felt like riding on greasy rubber, from new on thru its pukey life. If the Metzlers wear faster, Ill stick with Big D. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by rpgpgmr on 07/30/08 at 05:22:17 Well I've put it off as long as I can, I'm at 9,800 miles and my rear tire is almost completely bald in the center and the front tire isn't far behind. I have the stock IRC's and since I'm strapped for cash I think that's what I'm gonna put back on. .... now I just need to read up in the Tech Section about making a homemade balancer. Our local shop had a fire in their garage and lost their wheel balancer. They said they'd install them for me, but they can't balance them. So I think I'll have to pass. I could be wrong, but I think that is a BAD idea! |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/30/08 at 06:42:39 First pass thru, I overlooked Reelthings post. That is a good post. Its early, I am groggy, Reel, did you say what particular tire lasts so well & sticks well too? 20,000 miles is good stuff. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by youzguyz on 07/30/08 at 06:47:04 I ain't seen ol' Reelthing in a while. Maybe gone fishin Didn't he say Metzeler 880's though? I know I like 'em!! |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by skrapiron on 07/30/08 at 06:53:41 I ran a set of Shinko Tourmaster 230 on my bike. They lasted a tick over 17,000 miles. My last set was Dunlop D404's I had 13,000 miles on them and they were ready to be changed. The Shinko lasted longer and were much quieter on the freeway. The Dunlops were more sure footed and better in the wet. Motorcycle tires are all about compromise and balance. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by shadowman on 07/30/08 at 07:01:41 All the testing notwithstanding, it is clear that satisfaction with components such as tires is the product of subjective factors. Not the least of which is that most of us are inclined to speak favorably (most of the time) about the choices we have made as a way of demonstrating that we make intelligent decisions. That said, when I bought my bike ('98 w/4200 miles) the OEMs had plenty of tread but the sidewalls were cracking and I wanted to replace them ASAP. I looked all over and finally chose a set of Dunlops -- front is F11 (100/90-19) and rear is a K627 (140/90-15). H-rated, blackwalls. Broke them in for 150 miles or so and have taken a couple of trips and ridden on wet raods. I haven't much to compare them to except the originals, but they seemed to handle quite well and after 1500 miles over last two months, no apparent wear. I'm happy. Maybe best part (so far) was that they were $90 for the pair (+ $17 shipping) from ridemotorcyclesinc.com They are listed as a set for a Virago 750. Caveat emptor, of course. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by justin_o_guy2 on 07/30/08 at 07:17:10 Someone posted an article on how to tell the date of manufacture on a tire. If one is sitting in a warehouse with "melt your hair" temperatures in it, they are having the stuff that keeps them flexible cooked out.I dont know if they get "Old" sitting in a climate controlled place, but then, Ive never seen a tire warehouse that was air conditioned. I am just so pleased with myself that at age 53 & having bought tires for years, I FINally kinda sorta understand all those numbers, so for me to "get" the manufacture code well enough to remember it is most likely not gonna happen, but if it shows up again, I bet I take notes... HINT, Hint,, cough,, |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Reelthing on 08/01/08 at 09:56:56 746B6D6A7770417141796B672C1E0 wrote:
You bet - changed out the front tire just cause it was getting old, had few age cracks on the sidewall - no idea how far it would have really went - but it is one size up tis a 110/90 me880 - but the same back on it with matching 140/80 rear |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by daweise1 on 08/01/08 at 10:03:44 Any one use the Avon tires? I really need whitewalls for my "project" so my opinions are smaller... Saw the Avons Gangsters that might fit, wondering if anyone had any thoughts? Besides the fact that I could due with the "Gangster" name... If you have used them, please let me know. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Demin on 08/01/08 at 11:25:16 I use Avons on my Harley,there pretty good(and expensive)I don't think they wear any better than any other tires.I'm using Maxxis classic whitewalls on build I'm doing now,they're a little cheaper,and just as good if not better for wear.Maxxis is going to quit making bike tirers though,so get'em soon if you go that route.They both handle pretty well. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by verslagen1 on 08/01/08 at 11:26:32 Near the rim are the DOT identification number, tire composition materials and maximum load rating. The DOT identification number is usually 12 characters long and includes the date of manufacture on the end. So a 1501 would specify that the tire was made in the fifteenth week of 2001. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by sluggo on 08/01/08 at 12:26:39 so ya got the new tires yet. if not will ya do a burn out video? i cant be the only one please please please. it's so much fun... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4pnqtSfqcM[/media] |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by rpgpgmr on 08/01/08 at 13:46:25 That was hilarious! I just put my tires on about 2 hours ago!!! Next time, I'll be burning 'em. ;D |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by itschnobigdeal on 08/01/08 at 15:40:42 Kenda Challenger anyone? I need a new rear soon, and my front is a Kenda Challenger in great shape, so I figured I'd keep them matching. My trusted mechanic says it's a good tire. It's about $90 or so just for the tire though I think. I have a chin shin cs marquis 130/90/15 on the rear now.. Is that a weird tire and size for our bikes? |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Jimmer on 08/01/08 at 15:52:00 Just put Dunlop 140/90/15 on the rear of my 2001 Savage and a 100/90/19 on the front. The bike seems to handle fine.Bought then from Dennis Kirk, I believe I payed about $120 for the pair. This is the second set I,ve had and no complaints. Ride safe. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Demin on 08/01/08 at 18:05:02 I ran Kenda Challengers on my Virago.I thought they were decent tires.I know it's been awhile but 90 bucks seems a little high. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by sluggo on 08/01/08 at 19:27:02 3F3E3632355B0 wrote:
lets see, bag o weed 100 dollars. tire 90 dollars. hmmmmm.. nope not so much to spend on something that i consider to the most important safety feature you can have on a motorcycle. 8-) it's all a matter of perspective. feed the kids 100 dollars, tire 90 dollars. feed the kids ::) new hairdo for wife 120 dollars. 90 dollars tire. new hairdo :'( fix the dent on my tank ??????? 90 dollars tire... tire.. several time, soon to be corrected. |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by justin_o_guy2 on 08/01/08 at 19:28:13 Happy wife Priceless? |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by Cory on 08/01/08 at 22:26:27 i just got dunlop 404's on mine today and they look great and the bike handles alot better . |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by verslagen1 on 08/01/08 at 23:23:45 going to get rear tire tomorrow think i'm aiming at bridgestone g536 with the back up of the d404 we'll see |
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Title: Re: Time for new tires Post by sluggo on 08/01/08 at 23:43:02 574453524D4046444F10210 wrote:
THE burn out video i hope |
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