6K smiles and looks like I need a new rear tire.

KidDynomite · Post by **KidDynomite** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:08 am

The center tread line is wearing so thin it just about doesn't exist in a couple of spots.

I believe I need to order a new tire. I prefer performance over whitewall. My Buddy concept is for performance over looks.

I'm thinking of getting Zippy 1's. Anyone know how they perform in the rain?

Any other good suggestions?

lou76 · Post by **lou76** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:02 am

i put on michelin S1's at about 6K... wearing well with no real complaints for 4K+....

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 8:40 am

You may want to search over on ModernVespa, where tire debates and recommendations have been going on for some time.

I have Michelin Pilot Citys on my Vespa and am pleased with them, but I think I remember the dealer saying they weren't as good in the rain as the Zippys.

Fueldrum · Post by **Fueldrum** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:19 pm

I'd say go ahead and pop for the spinning rims too while you're at it.

Cause isn't the epitome of cool a Buddy with spinners?

vaderscoot · Post by **vaderscoot** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 3:36 pm

you guys must not weigh very much to get 6k out of your tire im at 2500 and probably need to replace my rear tire.

KidDynomite · Post by **KidDynomite** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:20 pm

I'm 180lbs and drive like a bat out of hell. It's probably more the case that I should have replaced it a bit ago.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 5:44 pm

I also learned that having a topcase will reduce the lifespan of a rear tire. I wouldn't think it'd add that much weight, but the experts agree on this. Huh.

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Wed Jun 20, 2007 6:22 pm

I've got a Zippy 1 on the back of mine, put it on after my 2nd flat on the original tire.

Could be my imagination but I think both speed and handling improved as a result.

mlstephens · Post by **mlstephens** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:40 am

I just put Pirelli SL26s on my Stella and they're very nice, especially for the price.

KidDynomite · Post by **KidDynomite** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 5:51 am

lobsterman wrote:I've got a Zippy 1 on the back of mine, put it on after my 2nd flat on the original tire.

Could be my imagination but I think both speed and handling improved as a result.

Yeah, I've ordered the Zippy 1 myself. I figure I'll put the Zippy on the back and eventually replace the front with a Zippy as well.

vaderscoot · Post by **vaderscoot** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:38 am

i have 2 zippys one for the front even though it doesnt need it i just hate running 2 different kinds of tires on anything

lobsterman · Post by **lobsterman** » Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:35 pm

vaderscoot wrote:i have 2 zippys one for the front even though it doesnt need it i just hate running 2 different kinds of tires on anything

According to Seth @ Metro Scooter (who knows way more than I do), pretty much the only reason to match the two is aesthetics.

I didn't have the extra $$ to spend just for looks that I can't see when I am riding and I don't care what anybody else thinks of it.

sotied · Post by **sotied** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:27 am

If you're starting to see some wear in the back, is it worth it to change the front and rear tires?

From what I've read, the back will wear at twice the rate of the front, so if you change it half way won't you get better life from both and then replace both at the same time?

OR is this a recipe for reduced traction and a disaster in the front?

**BTW, I saw that the Pirelli and some Michelins are really good tires for the Buddy. But it probably comes down to how aggressively you ride and how often you plan on venturing out on the rain.

Cheshire · Post by **Cheshire** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 11:30 pm

A little OT, but I love how you typed "6K smiles" instead of "6K miles".

DennisD · Post by **DennisD** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 11:42 pm

From what I've read, the back will wear at twice the rate of the front, so if you change it half way won't you get better life from both and then replace both at the same time?

No, but you will succeed in spending more money than necessary.

I'm about to replace the third tire on the front of my Helix. That's after five on the back. It might make it through until another rear tire wears out but is close to the bars, not quite there, but...

I have never seen any problem just changing the rear and leaving the old front tire until its no longer practical.