Tell me about tires for the xciting 500

[scooter65]

Hello all you scooter experts,
Somewhat of a new scooter rider, year and a half, need info on tires.  I have a 2009 Xciting 500 with about 5000 mi on the original Kenda tires.  Are Kenda's good tires?  Tread still looks good to me but at about what milage would you suggest replacing?  Are scooter tires pretty safe from blow outs?  Has anyone had a tire problem at highway speeds?  Unlike car tires which have lots of tread, scooter tires seem to have little actual tread, what holds them to the road if it is not tread?  Since scooters don't have spares what is the best, most safe tires out there.  I am most worried about tires problems at freeway speed.  Are there puncture proof tires? Lot's of question huh!  Still learning about these 2 wheeled vehicles we call scooters or maybe we should call them step thru motorcycles.  Thanks for all your help, this Kymco Forum is great!

[Cortez]

Hello all you scooter experts,
Somewhat of a new scooter rider, year and a half, need info on tires.  I have a 2009 Xciting 500 with about 5000 mi on the original Kenda tires.  Are Kenda's good tires? 

Probably not all of them, but if they're the same that I sampled on the Downtown 300, then
they're above average.

These had 4000mi of abuse on them, the front was about 1/4 worn, the rear had half the thread
left, and the grip was still there, and feedback was great. If I got the scoot with those Kendas,
I wouldn't replace them until they wear out, or are at least 2 full years old.

[Urbestfriend]

Some experience with Scooter tires along with working for a major AutoTire Company in the past.  Yes...Scooter tires are a softer durometer for better grip.   Another issue is that most are tubeless.  Basically the air leaks down before blow-out.  My most worn rear tire wore thru tread exposing the
bias (threads) which just leaked.  The toughest issue I've had though is absurb temperature changes.  No holes,  air just leaks out overnight.  Both bikes had one tire down within 24 hours.

I bought a plastic mallet which I sometimes  smack the front and rear with before i start out.  Listen for the "full air" ring.   The second issue is if it's hard to push out of the garage check your tires immediately.

I didn't consider this one morning and had puzzled performance issues.  After 9 miles it finally went flat (Rear).  Almost impossible to steer.  Ended up the bead spun on the rim and ruined the tire.  Paid $100.00
for a new Michelin.  Best advice is maintain distaqnce behind the vehicle ahead so you can avoid any hazards and check your tire pressure frequently along with inspecting the tread surface.