larger tires anyone?

[chuckjen]

Hello all.  I just purchased a used 2006 Xciting 500 with 2000kms.  The tires seem old and hard, and am thinking of changing them for softer, better gripping and smoother ride.  I can't seem to find any information on this subject here, so I thought I would ask.  What is the group's experience with installing larger sized tires?  I'm thinking of moving up one size on both the front and the rear; so, 130/70-15 on the front, and 160/70-14 on the rear.  I don't know if the rim width is an issue.  Or whether larger tires would not fit.  Does anyone know?

Thanks

[drifter]

i am using pirelli diablo on my x500. Really grips on the road and you can really feel the difference on the curves.

[art]

  I'm all for it. The rim won't matter You need to take a look at the clearence on the forks and the rear shocks. The width is the only think that might get in your way.
  I don't have your model but have modded quite a few smaller scoots and the larger tires are a bonus any time you can get them on there in my opinion. Ps Welcome to the forum

[chuckjen]

Thanks for the response; I hate to reinvent the wheel on any issue, so I appreciate your thoughts and advice.  I'm looking for fatter tires for the front, for sure.  The rear looks like it could be a bit tight getting a fatter one in there; but I will look. 

What kind of air pressure are you guys riding?  Has anyone tried non-standard pressures with good results?  I'm thinking lower pressure.

Thanks again; nice to be here.

[art]

 Well most of us backyard tuners are goiing the other way(psi up) for top speed! Ha! but in reality a few lbs under will give you a plusher ride and grip the road better.
 With the 500 don't think your to concerned with top speed and a few trial and errors will get you there.
you don't want to go to low though there is a point where things start to float and hop a bit and tire wear will be a bit more overall,but a very stable and smoothe ride is obtainable tailored to your overall weight and rideing stile.

[chuckjen]

Thanks Art,

You are right, I'm not interested in high end speed, as I've been there - done that, after 52 years riding.  My concern is more on the plush side as you guessed.  I've never put oversized tires on a bike; so I don't know what to expect in handling or other considerations.  That's why I ask.

I'm having trouble finding the original sizes here in Costa Rica and am thinking maybe I could order them on line and have them sent.  Is there some experience on this forum on this?  Any suggestions?

Thanks again,

[winginman]

I will second what drifter said.  The Pirelli Diablos really handle well.  Very sticky in the twisties.  Yet to be determined about the wear.  I run an extra 3 psi in mine for the handling.  If you go lower you will likely increase the cupping on the tires and shorten the life.  Higher will give you better handling and longer life.

[art]

  Ya the perelli and michelen are great tiress. The new kid on the block we really like are the avon viper strykes so far so good. I don't see them in your size    Ok well check this store out they will have what you need and free shipping in the u.s. over $70 worth. Been a great store and in my home state so some times I get overnight delivery for free!!!  http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/123/MNGR/Motorcycle-Tires.aspx

[Dr. Scooter]

I love my diablos hanlde great I am running 40 psi and love it

[chuckjen]

Thanks, Arkie; and Art,

I looked into the tire link you gave and it looks like they have my tires as you said. 

Thanks for your comments.  I think I will poke around on the tires I have for the moment with different tire pressures and see how they work out before I buy any new ones.  I'm just getting to know the scooter; so it will be fun.

[Agent Bob]

The manual with my scoot suggests the recommended tire pressure. It's 23psi front and 28psi rear. I got it delivered at 35psi front and rear and it rode hard as hell.

[chuckjen]

Thanks, Agent Bob, that helps to know I could go as low as 23 lbs on the front.  That might just fix my desire for a "cushy" ride. 

[Alex]

I run 34 front 36 rear until the air gets out ..about once a week then they go to 28 front 33 rear ...cnat keep that air in there . got the stock tyre on the front and a Pirelli something on the back

[drifter]

yup love them diablos! Last week went to a Go Cart track and tried the x500! Grip was excellent my only fear was i might slide. Was maxing out the tires, no chicken strips left LOL! Btw center  and side stand removed.

About the wear i think my front won't last 5tkms, 50% left @ 3tkms (made in germany)
rear is around 70% (brazil)

might be my ridiing style.

I was about to get the 160/60 or was it 50, can't remember only problem they don't have the same profile for the front.