Heidenau tires on XTown 300i

[john grinsel]

Have new fresh set of Heidenau tires front and rear---correct size, pressure 29 front, 32 psi rear.  Ride On as balance medium==they work, quality European market tire do seem to work well in wet/cornering/braking?

Very happy with these tires as OEM and later Michelin rear were not the greatest----but realize Kymco is sold based on price----so best tires probably not in picture---up to you.

[monkeybongos]

What is the max psi for those tires?

[john grinsel]

Why does max. pressure matter?   You run them at Kymco recommended pressure

[monkeybongos]

That doesn't make sense to me.  Sure, bikes give a recommended pressure.  How much of the recommendation is influenced by the oem tires?  Tires differ in their psi capacity, so why not use that as a guide.  In my experience--granted, far less than yours--higher psi makes the bike more responsive.

For example, why fill a tire with a max psi of 32 the same as one with max 41?

[Neil955i]

That’s a fair point MB, I guess the manufacturer’s recommendation is based on the OEM tyre. For example, I’m now running City Grip 2’s on my X-Town, but still using the pressures recommended for the OEM Kendas.

More research required!


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[john grinsel]

High tire pressures make big ride like lumber wagon.

[Neil955i]

So you'd recommend Kymco handbook pressures or thereabouts irrespective of make of tyre?  (For the record, I've never strayed far from these anyway, maybe 2-3 psi variance.)

[monkeybongos]

Experiment w different pressures, see what feels best to you.
I think mfg recommended pressure should be used as a guide, not gospel.
A tire w a higher psi rating is probably better made and able to handle higher pressure.
Rider/cargo weight, road conditions, and type of riding (urban vs country, for example) are other factors affecting
optimal pressure.

Again, in my experience lower pressure is sluggish but more forgiving of bumps, while higher pressure more responsive=better handling and faster, but of course you feel road imperfections more.  I actually feel safer w higher pressure than on a "soft" tire.

[john grinsel]

we are talking scooters here. Want fine handling=get a proper motorcycle.

[Neil955i]

we are talking scooters here. Want fine handling=get a proper motorcycle.

Let's not get too purist John, you know as well as I do, scooters like ours can be hustled along at a fairly respectable pace when the mood takes us!  Yes I have a bike too for the more spirited rides out, but I do enjoy pushing the XT to see what it'll do.   

[CROSSBOLT]

Anything replacing the Maxxis made the DT300i handle like a proper motorcycle!

[Neil955i]

Anything replacing the Maxxis made the DT300i handle like a proper motorcycle!

Agreed!  Dumping the OEM Kendas for City Grip 2's on my XT transformed the grip from vague to confidence-inspiring.  Ya get what ya pay for as John implied earlier.

[john grinsel]

Important in selecting scooter tires=#1 speed rating #2 Load rating #3 age of tire #4 is it bias ply or radial and what was the scooter designed for #5 and  I suppose road tire.

[stuo]

Tire pressure affects grip plus cushioning effect. Over inflate and you will wear out the center tread and reduce grip, especially when leaned over. Factory recommended pressure will afford the safest ride and maximize tire life.

[john grinsel]

After more than month with Heidenau Tires, fresh, F & R----they really have changed my XTown from foul handling pig----to sweet gliding, nice handling/secure in corners wet land dry, just nice.   As high milage/long time rider I appreciate this-----only problem with nice handling bike.....you might get in over your head.....and lose traction!!

What ever extra these tires cost=well worth it!