Heidenau K58s on a 170I?

Chikazz · Post by **Chikazz** » Sat Sep 10, 2016 5:29 am

Hiya!!

I really want to put Heidenau K58s on my 170I, but I noticed they don't come in 100/90-10. I'm new to scooter tires, so I don't know if there's another similar size I can use?

I've heard people say they use the K61s, and I noticed they come in 100/90-10, but I live in Portland, and it rains ALL THE TIME, practically nine months out of the year (Think Seattle weather). I don't have a car, so I really want the best wet weather tires for my commute.

Thanks!!

Edit: Any ideas?? I have to buy them soon before the rainy season really gets going, but I can't figure this out. I asked two motorcycle mechanics nearby, one had no idea and the other didn't service scoots... I'm in SE Portland OR, if anyone here knows a good scoot mechanic, btw. I'm not having any luck finding one of those either.

Chikazz · Post by **Chikazz** » Wed Sep 14, 2016 2:25 am

Nobody knows anything? I really need advice

DeeDee · Post by **DeeDee** » Wed Sep 14, 2016 3:19 am

3.5 x 10 is the same. a 130/70-10 will fit on the rear.

Chikazz · Post by **Chikazz** » Wed Sep 14, 2016 3:27 am

Okay, so instead of two 100/90-10s I can use a 3.5 x 10 in front and a 130/70-10 in back.... why would I want to buy different sized tires? And the 100/80-10s won't work?
The k58 regular doesn't come in 130/70-10, but the modified k58 snow tire comes in 130/70-12.... but those don't come in 3.5 x 10.... So I'm not sure what to do.

For reference: http://heidenautires.com/scooter-street-tires/

I'm sorry, I'm new at this. Thank you

350kmi · Post by **350kmi** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 7:31 pm

I run Heidenaus in the 3.50x10 size front and rear on my 170i and they work great.

The 130/70-10 size is an option if you want to run a slightly wider rear tire which might improve cornering and wear. (I haven't tried the wider size as have been happy with the standard width.)

The 100/80-10 size, I believe, would be a smaller (shorter) tire than standard which would lower the ground clearance and change the speedometer reading. The original 100/90-10 and the 3.50x10 are the same diameter and very close in width.

Chikazz · Post by **Chikazz** » Mon Sep 19, 2016 10:02 pm

Darnit... I asked Vespa Portland about this, and they did tell me about the lower profile of the 100/80-10 and the different readings, but they didn't tell me the 3.5-10 was a better fit, so they ordered the 100/80-10s. I don't suppose they'd be thrilled if I called now and asked for a diff. size, now that they've already ordered them.

GregsBuddy · Post by **GregsBuddy** » Tue Sep 20, 2016 11:53 pm

Unfortunately, I've found the folks at Vespa Portland to not be excited about anything unless you're buying something...

Chikazz · Post by **Chikazz** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 12:00 am

Well, I called them, and they seemed really nice; the fellow, Danny, talked to two mechanics and seemed to really be trying to sort it out. They said the speedometer difference should be really tiny, and that the lower profile was such a small difference that I probably won't even notice. All three people complimented the choice of tire.

Do you think it might be a bigger problem than they're saying? Should I push for the 3x.5x10s?

EDIT: GregsBuddy, do you have a suggestion for a better mechanic around here? I'm fairly new to the area and I've been looking for a good one. The closest one to me (Motorcycle Warehouse on 82nd) didn't seem to have any idea about my scoot, even though their quote was slightly cheaper. No idea what oil/filter it needed or even if they carried it, didn't know the tire size (Even after looking at the tire!), didn't know if they needed to take off the muffler... etc. I decided on VP because my back tire is bald, the rains are coming, I need this done fast, and they know scoots. I'd love suggestions for other shops.

Dooglas · Post by **Dooglas** » Wed Sep 21, 2016 6:48 pm

Chikazz wrote:EDIT: GregsBuddy, do you have a suggestion for a better mechanic around here? I'm fairly new to the area and I've been looking for a good one.

I have servicing work for my bikes done at Vespa of Milwaukie. I prefer them over Vespa of Portland.
They are not a Buddy dealer, but they seem up to the job (and I have Piaggio/Vespas as well

).
Talk to Matt.

Chikazz · Post by **Chikazz** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 8:25 pm

These tires are absolutely amazing. Just wanted everyone to know that. I know they're really soft so it sounds like I might get 2.5k-3k out of the rear, but they're sooooo worth it. I'm now a Heidenau fan.

k1dude · Post by **k1dude** » Tue Sep 27, 2016 11:58 pm

Chikazz wrote:These tires are absolutely amazing. Just wanted everyone to know that. I know they're really soft so it sounds like I might get 2.5k-3k out of the rear, but they're sooooo worth it. I'm now a Heidenau fan.

I'll be interested to see how many miles you get as well. K58's are easier to find and cheaper than K61's.

Chikazz · Post by **Chikazz** » Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:13 am

Okay, I'll try to remember to let everyone know, when I change them in about a year

Are the K61s any good in rain? I had debated getting one for the back when I change them, if the mileage on these is really really low, but I definitely need something that grips in the wet, given how much rain we get here. The K61s just look so smooth, with so much less tread..