Tire Sizing
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- PeteH
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Tire Sizing
I got my scoot back with its new S1s on board. When I picked up the scoot, the service mgr apologized for the extra day's delay, saying that the tires were two different sizes. They put a 3.5 x 10 up front and a 100/90 x 10 in back. He said, as mentioned here, that the wider rear tire would help the wear and handling. But I neglected to ask if the stock tires were of two different sizes as well. My memory sorta remembers seeing 3.5 at one point, but also maybe 100/90.
I've read anecdotes against using different front/rear tires, but some folks say it's more about brand and tread pattern mismatch. I could also understand if the tires were of _very_ different sizes. I like the way the scoot is handling now; I'm not feeling any problems.
Does anyone else with a 2009 still have stock rubber, and are they the same size or different? Now I'm curious (and just a wee bit paranoid).
I've read anecdotes against using different front/rear tires, but some folks say it's more about brand and tread pattern mismatch. I could also understand if the tires were of _very_ different sizes. I like the way the scoot is handling now; I'm not feeling any problems.
Does anyone else with a 2009 still have stock rubber, and are they the same size or different? Now I'm curious (and just a wee bit paranoid).
Feel da rhythm! Feel da rhyme! Get on up! It's Buddy Time!
- Tocsik
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Front and rear tire sizes are different often. Sure the 2 sizes have different roll centers but I don't really think you can feel it. Combine the open frame and single sided swingarm and you don't exactly having any chassis rigidity to speak of. At 250lbs I find mid corner accuracy seriously lacking. The rear has tendency to flex causing some interesting handling when encountering any bumps.
That said I would be aggravated that they installed 2 different sizes tires without my knowledge. My dealer wanted me to go 3.5x10. But I decided the 100/90 was what I wanted. They also tried to sell me a zippy's, didn't want those either.
That said I would be aggravated that they installed 2 different sizes tires without my knowledge. My dealer wanted me to go 3.5x10. But I decided the 100/90 was what I wanted. They also tried to sell me a zippy's, didn't want those either.
- PeteH
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Truthfully I can't remember exactly what was on the scoot OE. Shame on me. I just kept air in them, but didn't really read what I had.
I've heard a bunch of shapes and sizes, and was somewhat surprised at the wide variety Michelin claims is original equipment on the Genuine line:
I'm pretty doggone sure I didn't have 90/90's stock!
Full guide: http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/conte ... nt2013.pdf
I've heard a bunch of shapes and sizes, and was somewhat surprised at the wide variety Michelin claims is original equipment on the Genuine line:
I'm pretty doggone sure I didn't have 90/90's stock!
Full guide: http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/conte ... nt2013.pdf
Feel da rhythm! Feel da rhyme! Get on up! It's Buddy Time!
- Throwback7R
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I just installed the Metzeler ME7 Teen 130/70 10 on the rear and have a heidenau tire K61 100/90 10 on the front
The Metzeler was a replacement for the heidenau and so far I really like the larger tire I think I can take turns further.
I am still unsure about grip between the two I am still getting used to the met. Also, I could not beat the price on the Met.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/ ... =SLIsearch
39.99
The Metzeler was a replacement for the heidenau and so far I really like the larger tire I think I can take turns further.
I am still unsure about grip between the two I am still getting used to the met. Also, I could not beat the price on the Met.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/ ... =SLIsearch
39.99
- koyla87
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Re: Tire Sizing
PeteH wrote:I got my scoot back with its new S1s on board. When I picked up the scoot, the service mgr apologized for the extra day's delay, saying that the tires were two different sizes. They put a 3.5 x 10 up front and a 100/90 x 10 in back. He said, as mentioned here, that the wider rear tire would help the wear and handling. But I neglected to ask if the stock tires were of two different sizes as well. My memory sorta remembers seeing 3.5 at one point, but also maybe 100/90.
I've read anecdotes against using different front/rear tires, but some folks say it's more about brand and tread pattern mismatch. I could also understand if the tires were of _very_ different sizes. I like the way the scoot is handling now; I'm not feeling any problems.
Does anyone else with a 2009 still have stock rubber, and are they the same size or different? Now I'm curious (and just a wee bit paranoid).
i have a black jack with stock white wall tires hahahah sadly for last 3 years or so. I do want to try a different Brand of Tire, Especially those S1 Michelins...
I might just wait and put the tire back on, and order some treads online since its WAYYYYY cheaper than going down to Motorsport Scooters.
these guys have it at a reasonable price
http://www.bikebandit.com/michelin-s1- ... godIj0AVg
So how are the 3.5 in front and the 100/90 in back doing so far for you??
- PeteH
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I haven't noticed any squirreliness so far, but I've only ridden a few dozen urban miles. I hope to get out this weekend and put on some more miles and see.
FWIW, my old Honda 550 had a fairly large discrepancy in tire width, but I thought the handling was quite good. Not quite a fattie rear tire, but a good bit wider than the front.
FWIW, my old Honda 550 had a fairly large discrepancy in tire width, but I thought the handling was quite good. Not quite a fattie rear tire, but a good bit wider than the front.
Feel da rhythm! Feel da rhyme! Get on up! It's Buddy Time!
- koyla87
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Black Jack Tire size?
PeteH wrote:I haven't noticed any squirreliness so far, but I've only ridden a few dozen urban miles. I hope to get out this weekend and put on some more miles and see.
FWIW, my old Honda 550 had a fairly large discrepancy in tire width, but I thought the handling was quite good. Not quite a fattie rear tire, but a good bit wider than the front.
I see. no worries.
There doesn't seem to be any definite answers about the FRONT AND BACK S1 Tires for the Black Jack.
But It seems like the italia and blackjack might have different wheel size specs.
since i might get them online,
maybe i will get the 3.5-10 for the Front and Back since the michelin tire fitting guide recommends it for the Black Jack.
its such a difficult choice. I don't know if the online tire shop will take the tire back if it doesn't fit after been put on the rim. ill have to ask about the return policy.
- MGM
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- Tocsik
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Re: Black Jack Tire size?
Go with the 100/90 instead of the 3.5X10. Not much difference but the 110/90 is just a tad wider. The BlackJack is the same as the 150 Internationals but with some aftermarket parts thrown on and 100/90 is the stock tire size for the 150's.koyla87 wrote:PeteH wrote:I haven't noticed any squirreliness so far, but I've only ridden a few dozen urban miles. I hope to get out this weekend and put on some more miles and see.
FWIW, my old Honda 550 had a fairly large discrepancy in tire width, but I thought the handling was quite good. Not quite a fattie rear tire, but a good bit wider than the front.
I see. no worries.
There doesn't seem to be any definite answers about the FRONT AND BACK S1 Tires for the Black Jack.
But It seems like the italia and blackjack might have different wheel size specs.
since i might get them online,
maybe i will get the 3.5-10 for the Front and Back since the michelin tire fitting guide recommends it for the Black Jack.
its such a difficult choice. I don't know if the online tire shop will take the tire back if it doesn't fit after been put on the rim. ill have to ask about the return policy.
If you really want nice cornering, several of us would recommend putting a 130/70 on the rear. It fits with no problems whatsoever and the scooter will roll into turns so much nicer.
- koyla87
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Re: Black Jack Tire size?
Awesome! Thanks for the advice!Tocsik wrote:Go with the 100/90 instead of the 3.5X10. Not much difference but the 110/90 is just a tad wider. The BlackJack is the same as the 150 Internationals but with some aftermarket parts thrown on and 100/90 is the stock tire size for the 150's.koyla87 wrote:PeteH wrote:I haven't noticed any squirreliness so far, but I've only ridden a few dozen urban miles. I hope to get out this weekend and put on some more miles and see.
FWIW, my old Honda 550 had a fairly large discrepancy in tire width, but I thought the handling was quite good. Not quite a fattie rear tire, but a good bit wider than the front.
I see. no worries.
There doesn't seem to be any definite answers about the FRONT AND BACK S1 Tires for the Black Jack.
But It seems like the italia and blackjack might have different wheel size specs.
since i might get them online,
maybe i will get the 3.5-10 for the Front and Back since the michelin tire fitting guide recommends it for the Black Jack.
its such a difficult choice. I don't know if the online tire shop will take the tire back if it doesn't fit after been put on the rim. ill have to ask about the return policy.
If you really want nice cornering, several of us would recommend putting a 130/70 on the rear. It fits with no problems whatsoever and the scooter will roll into turns so much nicer.
I just need to shop around now.
Alright, Now i gotta decide between HEIDENAU k61 and the Michenil S1. Both seem like high performance and pretty durable.
- Throwback7R
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- Throwback7R
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Just did a little search and found the answers to both questions here. Should have known it was already discussed.
I remember the difference from changing out the stock tires on my old scoot (TN'G Milano). Made a world of difference on handling and overall feel. The tires on my Buddy are fine, but it's a fairly cheap change for significant gain.
May have to try the 130/70 on the rear. Sounds like a nice improvement.
I remember the difference from changing out the stock tires on my old scoot (TN'G Milano). Made a world of difference on handling and overall feel. The tires on my Buddy are fine, but it's a fairly cheap change for significant gain.
May have to try the 130/70 on the rear. Sounds like a nice improvement.
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Second the 130/70 on the rear! I put one on about 100 miles ago and was very pleased with the difference. I don't ride aggressively so I can't say much about handling at the extremes but the ride is a lot smoother with the bigger tire.
I wish I'd put the 130/70 on from the start. Also I did not seem to have a noticeable change in ride height.
I wish I'd put the 130/70 on from the start. Also I did not seem to have a noticeable change in ride height.
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- PeteH
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- heythere512
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- heythere512
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Made a decision, finally. After crashing from a tire blowout, I decided the extra money is worth it, based on the reviews. Just ordered http://www.motorcycletiresmaniac.com/he ... .html#6236 for my Buddy 170i. Since the stock tires are 100/90/10 both front & back (and I don't quite understand why I would want 130/70 on the back), I ordered two Heidenau K61s in 100/90/10 at $58 each.
There isn't a local Genuine dealer in Sacramento, but if I get stuck, I'm thinking the great folks at Scooter Shop can help me out (Kymco dealer).
There isn't a local Genuine dealer in Sacramento, but if I get stuck, I'm thinking the great folks at Scooter Shop can help me out (Kymco dealer).
- pugbuddy
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I want to bump this up as it's time to get new tires for my 2007 Buddy 125.
I had not considered putting a larger tire on the rear. Does anyone know if the 130/70 will fit a 2007 Buddy? I'm planning on getting Heidenau K61s again. Would it be realistic to get the 100/90 for the front and the 130/70 for the back? Or should I avoid it altogether and just get the 3.5x10s?
EDIT: Found this thread so it seems that 100/90/10 on front and 130/70/10 on the rear will work.
viewtopic.php?t=24149&highlight=heidenau
I had not considered putting a larger tire on the rear. Does anyone know if the 130/70 will fit a 2007 Buddy? I'm planning on getting Heidenau K61s again. Would it be realistic to get the 100/90 for the front and the 130/70 for the back? Or should I avoid it altogether and just get the 3.5x10s?
EDIT: Found this thread so it seems that 100/90/10 on front and 130/70/10 on the rear will work.
viewtopic.php?t=24149&highlight=heidenau
- Dooglas
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- pugbuddy
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