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Scooters - 125 to 300 => Downtown 300 => Topic started by: bluesin on September 06, 2016, 02:16:18 PM

Title: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 06, 2016, 02:16:18 PM
Is it possible to put wider tires on the DT ? It seems the original size is narrow enough that (New England) road seams grab right onto the tire. Good way to lose control.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: Snorvey on September 06, 2016, 02:48:38 PM
I'm sure I read somewhere that incorrect tyre sizes may invalidate your insurance, so be careful with that one.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 06, 2016, 07:26:16 PM
I'm sure I read somewhere that incorrect tyre sizes may invalidate your insurance, so be careful with that one.

What state?
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 06, 2016, 07:27:22 PM
Not looking for oversized...just a bit more width.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: Snorvey on September 06, 2016, 07:43:31 PM
The 51st state.

Maybe I'm just a bit more wary of UK insurers looking for any excuse to not pay out.  It may well be different where you are of course. I'd want to check it out.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: de dee on September 06, 2016, 07:57:43 PM
 If you want wider tires you have to buy wider rims to match the tire,.
  look up Heidenau tires they have a cross reference for tires to rims on line,.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 06, 2016, 09:27:39 PM
If you want wider tires you have to buy wider rims to match the tire,.
  look up Heidenau tires they have a cross reference for tires to rims on line,.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 06, 2016, 09:28:51 PM
The 51st state.

Maybe I'm just a bit more wary of UK insurers looking for any excuse to not pay out.  It may well be different where you are of course. I'd want to check it out.


 LOL!  Itend to be jaded against insurance companies, as well.Too much time fighting their efforts to NOT pay.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: CROSSBOLT on September 06, 2016, 09:41:04 PM
Replace the original Maxxis with Metzeler and you New England road anomalies will virtually disappear! I think the same is true of Michelin and any other higher quality tire.

Karl
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 06, 2016, 11:39:44 PM
Replace the original Maxxis with Metzeler and you New England road anomalies will virtually disappear! I think the same is true of Michelin and any other higher quality tire.

Karl

I was going to try Michelin ...maybe City Slickers( Right name? )
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: de dee on September 07, 2016, 01:01:31 AM
On my downtown I have city grip  150/70 - 13 rear tire ,.  and power pure  120/80 - 14 front tire,.  as city grip is not in front tire size,.  In the UK.  they have city grip winter  for the front tire size,.  very pricy,.   plus shipping,.  I like my set up,.   if you go for new rims and tires let us know how much and where you get them,. 
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 07, 2016, 02:05:44 PM
On my downtown I have city grip  150/70 - 13 rear tire ,.  and power pure  120/80 - 14 front tire,.  as city grip is not in front tire size,.  In the UK.  they have city grip winter  for the front tire size,.  very pricy,.   plus shipping,.  I like my set up,.   if you go for new rims and tires let us know how much and where you get them,.

Will do. It will be an online purchase, as my dealer/mechanic gets all theirs( select few) from their warehouse.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: CROSSBOLT on September 07, 2016, 07:05:36 PM
I think my next ones will be Michelin Power Pure SC which are supposed to have a harder compound in the center of the rear tread to wear longer. Some of you know more about this than I do so PLEASE set this straight if needed!

Karl
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: de dee on September 08, 2016, 12:11:26 AM
  the city grips and the power pure get the same mileage on the rear tires,. power pure front tires twice the mileage of the rear tires,.   cant complain,. 
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 08, 2016, 12:23:57 AM
I think my next ones will be Michelin Power Pure SC which are supposed to have a harder compound in the center of the rear tread to wear longer. Some of you know more about this than I do so PLEASE set this straight if needed!

Karl

From what little I was able to research ( as opposed to studying for exam, of course ),, I think you are correct, Sir.  They are a 3-ply with harder center and softer sides. Tread is supposed to last well, according to reviews.

Looked at Motorcycle Superstore, Bike Bandit, and started Revzilla ( got distracted with studying) before heading to Anatomy & physiology II . Most boring instructor ever. I DO know how to read Power  Point without it being read ( in a monotone, no less ) to me.

Anyway, will look more this weekend ( along with that "s"word.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: CROSSBOLT on September 08, 2016, 12:54:31 AM
Oh, the wonders of higher education! Where professors and student instructors get reading and teaching confused! University of Kansas Engineering was the same way. As well as being WAY behind the times on the subject. Have fun!

Karl
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: kneeslider on September 08, 2016, 01:54:24 AM
Do note that having wider tires on a motorcycle will not improve it's handling. More over it WILL slow down your turning in speed.

Due to the different tire profile, the scooter will not turn nor handle as it was designed to by the factory. There is a reason, a certain motorcycle is recommended with a fixed size.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 08, 2016, 02:55:19 PM
Do note that having wider tires on a motorcycle will not improve it's handling. More over it WILL slow down your turning in speed.

Due to the different tire profile, the scooter will not turn nor handle as it was designed to by the factory. There is a reason, a certain motorcycle is recommended with a fixed size.

Only looking for a BIT of width... nothing drastic enough to affect 1)insurance 2) handling 3) anything else detrimental to the bike. Am NOT Darksiding it. Just tired of fighting the road seams ( front tire keeps getting caught up in the wonderful roads of Maine.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 08, 2016, 02:56:03 PM
Oh, the wonders of higher education! Where professors and student instructors get reading and teaching confused! University of Kansas Engineering was the same way. As well as being WAY behind the times on the subject. Have fun!

Karl


Thanks ! I, actually, enjoy being in school .
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: Haarek on September 08, 2016, 07:48:55 PM
I think my next ones will be Michelin Power Pure SC which are supposed to have a harder compound in the center of the rear tread to wear longer. Some of you know more about this than I do so PLEASE set this straight if needed!

Karl

I have the Power Pure's and love them. Very good grip both dry and wet. Immediate improvement over the originals.

Can also confirm they have dual compound thread.  So far got around 3000 km on them so I really can't comment on longevity.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: kneeslider on September 09, 2016, 02:30:04 AM
Only looking for a BIT of width... nothing drastic enough to affect 1)insurance 2) handling 3) anything else detrimental to the bike. Am NOT Darksiding it. Just tired of fighting the road seams ( front tire keeps getting caught up in the wonderful roads of Maine.

You have a 120 width front tire, most motorcycles run a 120. I am not sure even if you go to a 130 would help. are there any tires with 130/80 14?


BTW, what kind of surface are the roads of Maine?

Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: Snorvey on September 09, 2016, 06:56:01 AM
I think I'd suggest some of the tyres recommended earlier in the thread before trying to lever on rubber of the wrong size.. You'll probably find that'll do the trick for you.
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: bluesin on September 09, 2016, 02:55:25 PM
You have a 120 width front tire, most motorcycles run a 120. I am not sure even if you go to a 130 would help. are there any tires with 130/80 14?


BTW, what kind of surface are the roads of Maine?

Roads are all blacktop...NO asphalt ( the fools ) .
Title: Re: Wider tires?
Post by: nushipwright on September 10, 2016, 10:04:42 AM
I think my next ones will be Michelin Power Pure SC which are supposed to have a harder compound in the center of the rear tread to wear longer. Some of you know more about this than I do so PLEASE set this straight if needed!

Karl

The Michelin PowerPure SC is a great tire. Yes it is dual compound. Harder rubber in the middle and softer on the sides. This combination gives you amazing grip in corners yet won't wear flat in the middle from long straight motoring.

I have about 4000 miles on my front. Wear is hardly noticeable, uniform. I'm sure it'll last another 4000 miles before I need a new one. Rear is a bit younger only about 3000 miles on it. Wear similar as front, hardly noticeable uniform. Almost like new.

I can only recommend them.
They're A HUGE improvement over the stock doughnuts.... They turn your scooter into a different kind of animal :) much better handling of crap pavement, cracks, wet road, thick road marks etc.