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Scooters - 125 to 300 => Downtown 300 => Topic started by: streetdown on September 19, 2011, 01:16:05 PM

Title: Tires
Post by: streetdown on September 19, 2011, 01:16:05 PM
Has anyone changed their tires yet? I was thinking about putting Pirelli Diablo's on. Any thoughts?
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: JustWantToRide on September 19, 2011, 03:21:34 PM
Diablo's are great tires, but I'd prefer City Grips because they handle imperfect road conditions better (rain, dirt...).
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: Cortez on September 19, 2011, 03:30:22 PM
I got city grips on my Agility and I'm very happy with them.
It's amazing what they did with the overall ride comfort, I never thought
a tire can make such a difference.

I'll just mention that if your (original poster) Downtown 300 came with Kenda tires,
stick with them until they wear out, they're very good actually.

No idea about the Maxxis tires some get (I had bad experiences with more then
one maxxis tire both on scooters and bicycles).
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: racewalker on September 20, 2011, 12:44:15 AM
I have been running Avon Viper strike on my 125 and had good luck with them. I have been thinking of trying them on the 300I but I may run another Kenda on the back as the front is not even half down yet. If I go with avon I like to change both together.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: TANWare on September 20, 2011, 10:23:38 AM
so far I am happy with the stock tires performance. Make sure though you get at least a Q sr rating but I most likely will get the stock tires when it comes time.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: scootinChris on September 21, 2011, 10:46:04 PM
so far I am happy with the stock tires performance.
What are your stock tires?
Mine are the Maxxis. Thusfar no complaints about them, but have only 2000 km on them in fair weather.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: duesouth on September 26, 2011, 05:08:09 PM
I stumbled across these (Micheline Pilot Sport SC) in my futile search for the Pilot Road 3's in a scooter size. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/32/404/13255/ITEM/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-SC-Performance-Radial-Rear-Tire.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/32/404/13255/ITEM/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-SC-Performance-Radial-Rear-Tire.aspx) They also come in none radial if you want a cheaper tire. Mine are about gone at 4K, which is slightly on the disappointing side. I'm curious to see what the radial brings in terms of wear and handling. I'm wondering if the radials are worth the extra $$. However, I don't skimp on safety, and tires should probably fall under that category, I might give them a shot.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: Cortez on September 26, 2011, 06:45:37 PM
I stumbled across these (Micheline Pilot Sport SC) in my futile search for the Pilot Road 3's in a scooter size. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/32/404/13255/ITEM/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-SC-Performance-Radial-Rear-Tire.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/32/404/13255/ITEM/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-SC-Performance-Radial-Rear-Tire.aspx) They also come in none radial if you want a cheaper tire. Mine are about gone at 4K, which is slightly on the disappointing side. I'm curious to see what the radial brings in terms of wear and handling. I'm wondering if the radials are worth the extra $$. However, I don't skimp on safety, and tires should probably fall under that category, I might give them a shot.

I wouldn't expect any noticeable handling or wear differences with the radial, so don't
waste your money. If the radial was OEM/stock, then it would be a good idea, but..

Radials are stock on heavier, more powerful scoots, and probably for a good reason.
I wouldn't waste my money.

And oh yeah, the Pilot Sport SC's are equivalent to the Pilot Power or Power Pure, read: more
sport then touring oriented compound, so that's where the grip AND the wear is coming from.

Pilot Road 2/3's?
Look up the Gold Standard and City Grip.
That's about the same category (if you can even compare tires like these).
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: de-dee on September 26, 2011, 11:07:59 PM
  I just changed my tires front & back to diablo,s the rear maxis tire was worn to the threads, at 10,000 km. the front tire looks new ,  will keep it for a spare,  I had to tighten the exhaust at the block, it started to sound like a H.D. from blow by at wot     so take it easy when removing muffler,  the tires feel the same as the maxis tires to me , I havent riden a bike for over 20 years,!!  my golden hawk is the best fun Ive had ever,.(canadian  color gold,) I have not seen another downtown 300i yet ,   I would like to raise the seat 1 1/2 "  I think that would be more comfy, is there 1/2 " plastic available that will bend under heat to follow the shape of the tub,  ottawa is a gov. town not much available here,. may have to go to toronto to look for some ideas,.   dose any one know what the tubs are made of ,. de- dee  the tinman
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: TANWare on September 27, 2011, 04:26:57 AM
If you are going re-upholster then add 2" or so of padding to the front and this would also give you a more level seat to sit rearward if you like too? Just an idea.................
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: duesouth on September 27, 2011, 02:45:31 PM
Pilot 2/3 are dual compound tires. Hard in the center for touring and longevity, but soft on the outsides for corning performance. I'm not particularly sold on the radials, although I'm curious about them, don't know if I'm curious enough to overcome cost. They are heavier (don't know if its significant) They have better road contact than bias. Better ride, better transitioning response, i.e. better on uneven surfaces such as groovy surfaces, and last longer. However, I'm not really sure that translates to anything substantial for us, or is just theoretical. It's not like we're riding high performance heavy bikes. Whatever I get, I'd like something that lasts longer than 3.5k miles without sacrificing performance to much.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: JustWantToRide on September 27, 2011, 02:58:34 PM
  I just changed my tires front & back to diablo,s the rear maxis tire was worn to the threads, at 10,000 km. the front tire looks new ,  will keep it for a spare,  I had to tighten the exhaust at the block, it started to sound like a H.D. from blow by at wot     so take it easy when removing muffler,  the tires feel the same as the maxis tires to me , I havent riden a bike for over 20 years,!!  my golden hawk is the best fun Ive had ever,.(canadian  color gold,) I have not seen another downtown 300i yet ,   I would like to raise the seat 1 1/2 "  I think that would be more comfy, is there 1/2 " plastic available that will bend under heat to follow the shape of the tub,  ottawa is a gov. town not much available here,. may have to go to toronto to look for some ideas,.   dose any one know what the tubs are made of ,. de- dee  the tinman

You can get a hunters seat from cabelas.com and just put it on top of the seat.  Make sure you like it - then have a upholstery shop add foam and recover it.  There are several that specialize in motorcycle seats, and that will do it through the mail. 
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: streetdown on September 27, 2011, 07:09:06 PM
I have purchased Diablo's front and rear. Will have them put on tomorrow and let every one know how they ride.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: TANWare on September 28, 2011, 07:45:14 AM
  I just changed my tires front & back to diablo,s the rear maxis tire was worn to the threads, at 10,000 km. the front tire looks new ,  will keep it for a spare,  I had to tighten the exhaust at the block, it started to sound like a H.D. from blow by at wot     so take it easy when removing muffler,  the tires feel the same as the maxis tires to me , I havent riden a bike for over 20 years,!!  my golden hawk is the best fun Ive had ever,.(canadian  color gold,) I have not seen another downtown 300i yet ,   I would like to raise the seat 1 1/2 "  I think that would be more comfy, is there 1/2 " plastic available that will bend under heat to follow the shape of the tub,  ottawa is a gov. town not much available here,. may have to go to toronto to look for some ideas,.   dose any one know what the tubs are made of ,. de- dee  the tinman

I am at 7,500 KM on the stock rear tire and have loads of life left. I can say I am pretty easy on the rear brakes though as that is my riding style. Only once in an emergncy stop had slight slippage of the rear tire................
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: racewalker on May 06, 2012, 03:23:21 PM
I got 14000 K on the original tires. I put on Diablo's last fall. They have worked well in the cold and lots of rain this spring.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: de-dee on May 07, 2012, 08:25:45 AM
If you got city grips what size would you get ,  as I dont see 120/80  14s  or  150/70   13 sizes ,. on there lists,
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: Cortez on May 09, 2012, 02:41:01 PM
I think I saw the stock sizes available at a local shop.

I wouldn't use anything but stock sizes.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: Kymcocro on May 13, 2012, 09:08:22 AM
I have had original Kenda.At 12k km they where finished,so I put Pirelli Diablo.My opinion was that Kenda is much better.Pirelli was to much plastic,and it needs time for warm up.With Kenda no such problems.I drive DT mostly on short tracks (5-10km) and don´t have time for warming up the tyre.Anyway,now I am on Metzeler feelfree and it is also medium quality.Pirelli has done also some 12k km,but this time I have changed only rear tyre.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: ailixhomes on July 02, 2012, 10:54:08 AM
Above information is very nice. I have Pirelli Diablo tire in my bike and i used this tire since few years. It is really great to used and its not make any problem. It is good in rain and its grip is also good. This tire is really good for any type of vehicle.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: Sideshow on July 03, 2012, 01:38:18 AM
I have around 4,000 miles on mine and found out I need a new rear tire to pass Pennslyvania insp. WTF would cause it to wear out so fast?
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: ailixhomes on July 03, 2012, 10:02:50 AM
Hi friend, Tires are very useful for all vehicle without the tires your vehicles not look complete. If you want to buy new tires for your vehicle and found new tires i want to suggest you that you can get the tires on the dealer shop and also get the tires on online shop who is a dealer to sell all automotive parts and vehicle.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: jeryll on July 11, 2012, 03:00:28 PM
Metzeler Feelfree, so far so good.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: Cortez on July 11, 2012, 06:15:44 PM
Anyone tried Michelin Power Pure 2CT?
That dual compound stuff worked very well on my Kawasaki so I'm wondering how good
this tire is, but it's more of a sport tire so..

The Feelfree and City Grips are recommended everywhere so I have no doubts any
of those two would work fine.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: wheels on July 26, 2012, 03:02:10 PM
Picked (rear tire) up some metal at 2,000 miles and the patch would not hold.  I had the dealer replace it, ugh, they actually installed a six year old (shelf life) Battlax.  Its the same tire that goes on the old Burgman 400's.

I am not confident with the front tire (Kenda) it feels slippery/squirmy to me.  It will take some miles probably 12,000 or so before I have to replace it.

I don't understand the (marketing/cost?) rationale for switching to bias tires vs radials.  I would think that radials have superior handling .. but ... ?

Tires are like oil, lots of opinions and debate.  Shoot just look up some threads on putting a 'car' (dark side) tire on the rear of motorcycles and scooters.  Guys do it for increased mileage.
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: racewalker on July 26, 2012, 08:39:35 PM
Has anyone changed their tires yet? I was thinking about putting Pirelli Diablo's on. Any thoughts?
I am putting my second set on right now. Love them, they were very good on my trip. 800 km a day for 4 days out then running around a bit in Ottawa and 3.5 days to do the 3200 back.  :)
Title: Re: Tires
Post by: Cortez on July 26, 2012, 09:42:53 PM
I don't trust that damn Kenda's in the wet, I have NO feedback.

The grip is there on good dry tarmac, good enough not to warrant a swap right away, but
it's amazing how easy they slide in the wet.

I was spoiled by the Dunlop Roadsmarts (one of the very best sport-touring tires) on my
Kawasaki. They made them stoopid so they couldn't tell if it was wet or not. Never ran
out of grip.