Bald front tire...shaky on corners....

Tenchi · Post by **Tenchi** » Wed Nov 12, 2014 8:09 pm

Just brought home my used 2009 Kymco 250 Grand Vista, previous owner informed me front tire was Telly Savalas bald, he wasn't kidding. Cornering was an interesting experience, to say the least. Might even be the original tires at 7900 miles. I gave the front a look and the wear indicators are pretty much the high point of the tread. Might go for Avon or Pirelli..any recommendations? Thanks.

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 12:50 am

Here are some options available on Amazon. Frankly, anything is better than a bald front tire.

skully93 · Post by **skully93** » Thu Nov 13, 2014 12:54 pm

I've had great luck withe Michelin and Pirelli tires.

az_slynch · Post by **az_slynch** » Fri Nov 14, 2014 3:34 pm

I'd suggest Michelin Power Pure SCs. I put a set on my Yager after the original Maxxis rear tire had worn down. They really improved the handling. If the Power Pure line is unavailable in sizes for the Exciting (thought it was a Grandvista?), check the City Grip line.

Tenchi · Post by **Tenchi** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 1:57 pm

I just ordered a set of Michelin Power Pure SCs for my scooter. Reasonable priced, will see how scoot handles after mounting and balancing.Bike shop quoted me $75 to install. They are the only game in town, and I have never had a bike tire replaced. Worth every penny to keep me off the pavement. Did research on the wear indicators; from the looks of things, these might be the original tires (Maxxis?) and their website doesn't list this model nor size available. 7900 miles...might as well be riding on the rims.

jrsjr · Post by **jrsjr** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 5:55 pm

Tenchi wrote:I just ordered a set of Michelin Power Pure SCs for my scooter. Reasonable priced, will see how scoot handles after mounting and balancing.Bike shop quoted me $75 to install. They are the only game in town, and I have never had a bike tire replaced. Worth every penny to keep me off the pavement. Did research on the wear indicators; from the looks of things, these might be the original tires (Maxxis?) and their website doesn't list this model nor size available. 7900 miles...might as well be riding on the rims.

Just FYI, if you are searching around the net for info about your scooter, that model was called the "Grand Dink" in the rest of the world.

az_slynch · Post by **az_slynch** » Sat Nov 15, 2014 11:38 pm

jrsjr wrote:
Tenchi wrote:I just ordered a set of Michelin Power Pure SCs for my scooter. Reasonable priced, will see how scoot handles after mounting and balancing.Bike shop quoted me $75 to install. They are the only game in town, and I have never had a bike tire replaced. Worth every penny to keep me off the pavement. Did research on the wear indicators; from the looks of things, these might be the original tires (Maxxis?) and their website doesn't list this model nor size available. 7900 miles...might as well be riding on the rims.
Just FYI, if you are searching around the net for info about your scooter, that model was called the "Grand Dink" in the rest of the world.

The new styled one that we didn't get is called the G. Dink, sounds like the name of a Mortal Kombat character. The Yager is a plain old New Dink.

Tenchi, pay close attention to your tire pressures with these tires. I think that the recommended pressure is 25psi up front and 28psi out back with a solo rider, both readings done cold. If you carry a pillion, go to 32psi cold in the rear. Do not inflate the rear past 33psi cold; these tires come up 2-3psi once they warm up and high rear tire pressure can lead to delamination of the compound bands.

Edit: Two more suggestions.

First, see if your shop can replace your fork oil. Stock oil is a low weight and after enough miles, the oil wears out and can foam if you're really working over the suspension. My bike is going for a 9K oil change on Thursday and I'm having them change the fork oil over to a heavier weight oil.

Second, have the brakes bled thoroughly. The brakes are good, but they're great with fresh fluid. You can really notice that the brake modulation will get a bit finer with fresh fluid. Should be a cheap and easy job. If the brakes still feel a bit soft, try changing over to EBC sintered pads. The Yager uses the SFA197HH pad both front and rear, the Grandvista might as well. This pads made the braking great on my bike.

Grandvista front: SFA197HH
Grandvista rear: SFA356HH

Modern Buddy

Bald front tire...shaky on corners....

Bald front tire...shaky on corners....

it is a Grand Vista, I corrected my post.

Re: it is a Grand Vista, I corrected my post.

Re: it is a Grand Vista, I corrected my post.