Before purchase - tire availability?

[DavidB]

I'd like to know if anyone is finding tires, as spec'd, as difficult to find online as I am.  Or, can a different size be used on the front (perhaps a 120/80 or 70-14)?

Looks like a great little scoot, hoping to solve the tire question.

[Dion]

Avon tyres offers the Viper Stryke for scooters. They have about a whole bunch in the 14 inch range for both the front and the back.

I've used Avons for over thirty years and - they last, stick on wet or dry pavement and are really a comfortable ride. I have them on my P250 currently and will be putting them on my S8 150 before summer. They may be a few bucks more expensive but they last two to three times longer and really feel secure on the road.

Take a look http://www.avonmoto.com/products/high-perf-scooter/viper-stryke 

Dion - Chicago - streets too frozen to ride ...

[Red Horn]

I was just researching the same thing. Seems the OEM size 120/80-14 rear is available from a few makers, but 100/80-14 is MIA. Anyone find a direct Super 8 150 replacement?

[Dion]

I had the same question ... until I actually looked at my Super 8 150 rather than just reading what was supposed to be on it. My bike came with a 120/80 on the front and a 120/70 on the rear.

Both the front and rear rim are 3.5 inch wide ... I'll be changing out the rear first as it can't be balanced to be true and - it seems to be slightly out of round, even after remounting it. I suppose this might fall under a warranty claim, but that would just put me on another CS and - frankly, I don't like the way it feels on wet pavement. An Avon for the rear is scheduled for early in May ... I have a few other things to sort out before I get to swap that rear rubber.

[Red Horn]

Thanks 

Really looking forward to getting my new Kymco within a couple weeks. Have been looking at all associated things that will cost me. Next need to figure out what maintenance intervals are for first 8,000 or so miles.

I did find that the listed stock tires have respective overall diameters to the following;

100/80-14 front at 20.3" = (about) 120/70-14 @ 20.6"

and

120/80 rear @ 21.6 = 140/70 @ 21.7

Do you see enough clearance for a 140 in the back? Just curious 

[Dion]

The height of the tire (aspect ratio 70 or 80 (80 being taller)) isn't the problem but the width slowed me down a bit. The width change of the tread, from 120 to 140mm is about 3/8 ths of an inch (10mm) wider on each side. On the exhaust side, the clearance is over 25 mm at its narrowest and just under 20 mm on the drive side (left side of the tire). I ran my hands around the tire, removed the inner fender and checked it every way I could ... I finally bought the Avon - but won't have a chance to mount it for at least another week.

I'll get some before, after and comparison photos when I have it done. My mechanic has done this step up on other types of bikes ... he said each bike has some variations, but he felt that it 'should' fit. My fingers are crossed. 

Dion

[smilinjohn]

My 2009 S8 came with Cheng Shin front and back, however, just opposite of what Dion reports.....120/70 on the front and 120/80 on the back.....front and back have two different tread patterns.

(Revision)  There is a label just down from the spedo that specifies the tire sizes, just like what came on our bikes. ...........not at all close to what we all came to believe when we were sizing up the bikes for possible purchase.

 :)John