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Scooters - 125 to 300 => People GT 300i => Topic started by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 03:32:36 PM

Title: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 03:32:36 PM
Hello!

I have a 2012  with about 7500 miles on it. the tires are looking a little worn-especially the rear tire where the tread is almost completely gone. I thought I felt a little slip today when I made a sharp right turn. Is it time to replace the tires? And if so-how?

Thanks in advance!

p.s will provide pics if needed
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 04:02:54 PM
Hello!

I have a 2012  with about 7500 miles on it. the tires are looking a little worn-especially the rear tire where the tread is almost completely gone. I thought I felt a little slip today when I made a sharp right turn. Is it time to replace the tires? And if so-how?

Thanks in advance!

p.s will provide pics if needed

Yeah you need new tires, if you look closely there are little wear bars in-between the tread, you prolly wore those down if there's no tread left. You can use the penny trick, if you can see Lincoln's head the tread is dead. If its actually "bald" that's a major safety issue. Changing it is easy, the hardest part is taking all the bits off to get to the wheel. Exhaust, shock, caliper, swingarm etc. At this point if you get the wheel off most shops will change it off the bike for about 15 minutes shop time, some will do it for free if you buy the tire from them. If your planning on doing it at home, you will almost for sure need an air compressor to pop the tire on the bead, i don't have one at home and will sometimes walk it down to the gas station to pop the bead on. If you're lucky a bike pump will get it but usually not. Also you'll want a nice set of metal 12" tire spoons. And use very soapy water to lube the bead before installation.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 05:04:41 PM
seems pretty tricky-how much should I expect to pay for the whole job-start to finish? And where can I get this done-at any auto body shop--or does it have to be a kymco shop?


thanks
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 05:31:31 PM
seems pretty tricky-how much should I expect to pay for the whole job-start to finish? And where can I get this done-at any auto body shop--or does it have to be a kymco shop?


thanks

It is quite the chore if its your first time. I would take it to someone who knows scooters, it's a different job than motorcycle or car tires. Rates vary but we charge .5hr for rear tire change which comes out to about $38. That includes mount and balance. I've seen car shops do such a poor job working on scooters, not that they are bad mechanics but they just don't know scooters. I can bang out rear tires in less than half an hour if I haul ass, but your first time doing it at home without a lift it'll be a 6 pack kinda job haha. Also on your next tire, run slightly higher than spec psi and you'll get more than 7500 out of the next tire. I run 35/30 psi, but that's with 12" wheels.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 06:51:55 PM
OK I found a few shops in the area -here are the quotes from 2:

---- Imagine Motorcycles <service@imaginemotorcycle.com> wrote:
> I have two options for you
> the best: Avon viper strike  front $89.24 rear $125.94

> better:    Shinko SR567/8    front $69.99   rear $109.00

these are just the tire prices.labor for  front will be $30 rear will be $35 including install and balance.



SpeedCity Cycles

I don't have any tires that size in stock, we can order them and have them in just a few days, I found a set of METZELER FEELFREE scooter tires that will work great,

The front would be $99.99 + Tax

The rear would be $109.99 + Tax

and $29.99 + Tax/Fees for install.





Which of these-if any -are reasonable deals?  i could also order the tires in myself if anyone has any ideas about that?


Thanks

Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zombie on December 17, 2014, 06:59:21 PM
Get your tire(s) here...   http://www.bikebandit.com/ (http://www.bikebandit.com/)

Avon/Pirelli/Michelin/Dunlop, all good. The site has real user reviews.

Also go to...  http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/ (http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/)  and get a new exhaust gasket. The pipe has to come off to replace the tire, and a new gasket is a must have.
Tire balancing is also a Must have. If the shop can not balance your tire/wheel, then get Ride on...  http://www.amazon.com/Ride-On-Tire-Balancer-Sealant-41208/dp/B0016680T0 (http://www.amazon.com/Ride-On-Tire-Balancer-Sealant-41208/dp/B0016680T0)

Your bike will thank you.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 07:13:36 PM
Thanks-there are a lot of tires on there! Could you recomend one for the people gti300?

I ride in Orlando, Florida on relatively newly paved roadways and  the occasional expressway.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 07:14:18 PM
Those prices are average. I wouldn't get viper strike unless it never rains where you live, very sketch tires in the wet (zombie will disagree). The METZELER are expensive but VERY high quality tires rain or shine. Michelins are always a good choice, city grips are available in your size. The dealer price will ALWAYS be more for tires than online, our dealer cost from western powersports is often the same as online prices, so unless you really like your dealer and want to support them buy online and have the shop install them. $65 is a great deal for both installed but double check they'll do it if you bring your own rubber.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 07:15:37 PM
I fly out of Orlando tomorrow! Haha viper strike in Florida works. They are really sticky and almost a semi sick, but don't last very long.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 07:31:14 PM
I want something that is going to last with good handling--dont want to feel that slip ever again-dont mind spending a few $$ more. So I guess the Metzers are the recommended buy huh?

Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 07:34:06 PM
one more question--the rear tire seems to be WAy more worn out the the front--is it alright to just replace the rear?
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 07:34:38 PM
I want something that is going to last with good handling--dont want to feel that slip ever again-dont mind spending a few $$ more. So I guess the Metzers are the recommended buy huh?
Metzer or Michelin, but the Michelin is my brand loyal choice that's never let me down.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 07:37:55 PM
one more question--the rear tire seems to be WAy more worn out the the front--is it alright to just replace the rear?

It is ok, i always make a habit of matching tires, i.e. no mix n match. But nothing bad will come from just doing the rear. Eventually you can match them when the front wears out. The rear will last about half the distance as the front seeing that it takes most of the weight.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zombie on December 17, 2014, 07:41:29 PM
Yes you can just replace the rear. In fact it is so much easier to replace the front, that you just may want to attempt that yourself (when the time comes).

B&L... Contact me Via Email when you get down here. It's in my profile (no phone/life style choice)
I'll hook you up at...   http://www.pocketspoolandpub.com/ (http://www.pocketspoolandpub.com/)  (my buddies joint)
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 07:47:52 PM
Me and my girlfriend ended up staying in Lakeland with her parents, headed back west tomorrow.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zombie on December 17, 2014, 08:12:16 PM
Your on my "suck it" list.

Just kidding Bro! I love ya!

I don't understand how you could leave here tho. Portland is right next to New Jersey in my list of places to never go. Detroit is just below them...
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 08:42:13 PM
Your on my "suck it" list.

Just kidding Bro! I love ya!

I don't understand how you could leave here tho. Portland is right next to New Jersey in my list of places to never go. Detroit is just below them...

No way. I live for summer in Portland. The winter is a little depressing but its worth it. I can't live when it's over 90.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 09:00:44 PM
Here are some pics of my tires--you guys let me know if I need to replace both, or just the rear, or neither(I'm thinking most likely the rear for sure)

thanks!
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 17, 2014, 09:11:15 PM

Also go to...  http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/ (http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/)  and get a new exhaust gasket. The pipe has to come off to replace the tire, and a new gasket is a must have.



Can you help me locate the gasket for the KYMCO People GTi300
is this the gasket?
http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/pages/Catalog/Product/10892 (http://www.kymcopartsmonster.com/pages/Catalog/Product/10892)

sorry- I could not find it


Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: BettinANDlosing on December 17, 2014, 10:12:26 PM
Rear is totally gone, you shouldn't let it get that bad. Can't tell from the picture of the front is bad. You have you feel the tire with your hand and make sure it's not feathered or cupping. If its smooth your good. If you have the money replace both, it'll feel like a new bike.
Title: I replaced my rear
Post by: boo on December 17, 2014, 10:26:01 PM
tire about two weeks ago. It had 8300 miles on it and a rope plug in it because I picked up a nail. Decided to put a new one on. I think the Maxis would have gone at least 9000 before it got slick.
A local cycle/scooter shop put me on a Michelin CityGrip.
I think on the rear, the muffler has to come off, one rear shock has to be taken loose, before they got to the axle nut.
They pulled the muffler loose from the exhaust pipe. No need for a gasket, and no leaks.
I had never put a tire on the rear of a scooter before so I paid to have it done.
Been out three times scuffing the new tire. No hard riding yet.
New tire runs true and smooth.

Tire, labor, tax included. $150. Ouch!.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: boo on December 17, 2014, 10:32:13 PM
Here are some pics of my tires--you guys let me know if I need to replace both, or just the rear, or neither(I'm thinking most likely the rear for sure)

thanks!

Front is ok for awhile.
Rear needs replacing now. I can see why your rear is slipping.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zombie on December 17, 2014, 10:56:45 PM
18291-PWB1-900   SEAL EXHAUST PIPE   $6.84

That's the gasket for the pipe... For 10 bucks it's worth the peace of mind.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 18, 2014, 02:21:42 AM
Well I went ahead and got front and rear Metzeler feel frees

http://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/metzeler-feelfree-oem-replacement-scooter-tire (http://www.bikebandit.com/tires-tubes/motorcycle-tires/metzeler-feelfree-oem-replacement-scooter-tire)

170 out the door-no tax and free shipping--pretty good sale I think- and these look like the best out there.

I guess I'll have the shop do the rear and I'll keep the front tire in my garage and then replace the front in a few months.  Thanks for all the great advise here  I know I can always count on you guys for the top knowledge!  I'll be back on when it comes time for me to do the front-I think I may try it myself if you guys think it's possible.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zombie on December 18, 2014, 04:40:19 AM
Easy as making a mud pie. I use a "C" clamp to break the bead on the old tire. The rest is just like a bicycle tire.

Handy tip... Keep both beads in the CENTER of the rim when taking the tire off. The center is deeper, and gives you more room to pull the tire over the lip of the rim.

Latin for Stig:

Securus pie quasi lutum. Utor "C" frangere caput veteris Fibulae fatigatur. Cetera sicut liber fatigatur.

Donec suscipit tip ... Custodite tam globulis in centrum circuli aurei ut captus off tire. Medium altius dicat et locus super ripam rim trahere ignem.
 ;)
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: mrmike on December 19, 2014, 10:27:39 PM
Hello!

I have a 2012  with about 7500 miles on it. the tires are looking a little worn-especially the rear tire where the tread is almost completely gone. I thought I felt a little slip today when I made a sharp right turn. Is it time to replace the tires? And if so-how?

Thanks in advance!

p.s will provide pics if needed


See my post in this section. I have a set of the stock Maxxi tires from my GTI300. They have 2400 miles on them and are in excellent shape. $20.00 each plus shipping.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: Scootaloot on December 21, 2014, 01:14:50 AM
I am a big fan of Michelin City Grips. Usually run 13-15k miles out of a set. They are very good in the wet. Motorcycle Superstore usually has reasonable pricing.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 21, 2014, 08:25:14 PM
Seem like a popular choice here. I went for the Metzelers--will have the shop install and balance and report back here in a few days.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: boo on December 24, 2014, 07:56:58 PM
Seem like a popular choice here. I went for the Metzelers--will have the shop install and balance and report back here in a few days.

Tell us about total cost and what you think of your new tires.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: de dee on December 24, 2014, 11:19:40 PM
Easy as making a mud pie. I use a "C" clamp to break the bead on the old tire. The rest is just like a bicycle tire.

Handy tip... Keep both beads in the CENTER of the rim when taking the tire off. The center is deeper, and gives you more room to pull the tire over the lip of the rim.

Latin for Stig:

Securus pie quasi lutum. Utor "C" frangere caput veteris Fibulae fatigatur. Cetera sicut liber fatigatur.

Donec suscipit tip ... Custodite tam globulis in centrum circuli aurei ut captus off tire. Medium altius dicat et locus super ripam rim trahere ignem.
    I knew it you were a alter boy in your youth  now a Zombie wow!!!
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zombie on December 24, 2014, 11:55:58 PM
Father Thom really did a number on me..................

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZJ-_OTvsqo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZJ-_OTvsqo)
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 25, 2014, 02:17:02 AM
haha--so good-thanks for that link- I love it. reminds of when I got the first awakenings  as a teenager after reading Mark Twain letters from the earth--heaven is full of millions of harp players--ever enjoyed listening to the harp, how bout millions of harps paying at the same time,,, for eternity...!?
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zevsdad on December 25, 2014, 02:25:35 AM
Tell us about total cost and what you think of your new tires.

Holy Sh##TT- what a difference! ----- new bike. The handling is such a world apart from what it was. The first thing I noticed is the way the bike did NOT want to return to an upright position coming out of a turn. Before, the bike would fight me on a turn. Also, it seems like I can literally feel the 'splat!' on the asphalt - the tires are sticking to the road like a gecko's feet. it is amazing the difference in feel.

cost:
Front tire: Metzeler Feel Free 110/70/16--->$ 76
Rear Tire: Metzeler Feel Free 140/70/16--->$94

Installation:  $79
breakdown----front 30
-------------------rear 40
-------------------disposal fee and tax: 9

They told me at the shop that the original  front was not worth keeping--it was worn in such a way to make it not usable anymore-they suggested that is was not properly balanced to begin with...interesting since they were the factory Maxxis...







Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: zombie on December 25, 2014, 03:27:49 AM
The factory doesn't even balance them. Their limit is to align the "dot" with the valve stem. It's something at least...

Without an exception, every rider that swaps from OEM tires to something of their own choice has the same response... "It's a new bike".

Ps... Keep the harp music. I'm looking forward to meeting Sid, and Nancy. I have it on good authority Bono will be there as well.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: Yellow Jacket on May 09, 2015, 01:57:50 AM
After doing some searching if looks like the OEM Maxxis tires are no longer available. Guess I will have to try something else, just don't know what to go with. BTW, original rear is toast at 7200 miles.
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: 0BARK4322 on May 09, 2015, 11:21:02 AM
It seem like most scooter sell so so tire as stock
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: Yellow Jacket on May 09, 2015, 02:39:37 PM
Ended up ordering Avon from here:
http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/ (http://www.americanmototire.com/catalog/)
FREE SHIPPING!!
Title: Re: tire replacement
Post by: 0BARK4322 on May 13, 2015, 08:45:47 AM
I found out that there is no one good tire, people swear buy what there are riding on