[Spyderman]

Knowing the Spyder tires are made exclusively by Kenda (http://www.kendausa.com, I figured it might be worth while to find out where Spyder owners will get replacement tires if unlucky enough to find a nail.....

The tires are not listed on the Kenda site so I gave their Marketing Manager a call and she is doing some digging. Checked with a few dealers too, no luck. The search goes on. As soon as I find out, I'll add it to this post. If anyone out there knows... post away

 

[Spyderman]

Tires available through Spyder Dealers

I found out today, that at least initially, the Kenda tires used on the Can-Am Spyder will be available through authorized Spyder dealers only. I'm sure over time we'll see them available over the web, but at least now, the dealer you purchase your Spyder from is the source.

 

[barb36jack31]

Go to Discounttires.com on the web and enter in the tire sizes. I found manufacturers for both the front and back tires. I don't see why regular auto tires wouldn't work. They won't need to have the tread running up the sides like a motorcycle tire. They will be flat on the ground like a car. I am no tire expert and may be all wet. Comments please.

Jack H.

 

[rbnicklin]

It is interesting that the rear 225/50/15 rear tire does say its a motorcycle tire on the sidewall. I did not check the front ones. It might be educational to see the tire composition of plys, sidewall, etc from the manufactures web site. There must be a difference, important or not.

 

[Spyderman]

Go to Discounttires.com on the web and enter in the tire sizes. I found manufacturers for both the front and back tires. I don't see why regular auto tires wouldn't work. They won't need to have the tread running up the sides like a motorcycle tire. They will be flat on the ground like a car. I am no tire expert and may be all wet. Comments please.

Jack H.

The Manual says (pp26):

"Tires
The VSS on the vehicle has been calibrated to perform best with a tire of specific size, material, and tread pattern. Replacing your tires with ones not approved by BRP can cause the VSS to be ineffective.

Use only BRP recommended tires, which can be ordered only from an authorized Can-Am roadster dealer

Proper tire inflation and condition are important for maintaining traction, especially on loose or wet surfaces."


But.... with that said, I'm sure folks will try other tires and compounds, and before long other "approved" tires might appear. ABS in cars seems smart enough to deal with different tires, since Bosch does those systems, hopefully some of that know-how went into the Spyders system.

 

[barb36jack31]

Spyder tires

Good info and probably correct. But sometimes I feel that the manufacturer would like to steer you to his product only. Read that as increased price. If the VSS system senses that a wheel is losing traction and adjusts engine/braking power etc to correct the situation, I don't really believe it cares whether the tire is a Kenda or a Michelin or a Dunlop. The correction will be made and all will be well. IMHO.

Hopefully, tire life will be excellent and by the time we need new skins we will all have more complete info on the subject.

 

[spyder13]

tires

The traction control and abs work together and measures th revolutions of the tire. So any tire you put on of the same size will probably run down the road ok. The difference will be the speed rating which may be a difference in the sidewall stiffness resulting in bad handling.

 

[phil209]

BRP tire prices

prices I was quoted from BRP is:

Fronts: $ 75.00 each
Rear : $150.00
why run anything that might injure yourself....front tires run at a very low PSI and any ole tire might separate after side force on a underinflated tire
i think BRP tire prices are very resonable..

 

[HigginsPowersports]

wow thats a lot less expensive that I was expecting

 

[MercerLake]

I have recently installed a set of tires Mfg. by VEE RUBBER purchased from MOTORCYCLE SUPERSTORE that are exact duplicates of the BRP/KENDA only difference is the name ARACHNID vs. SPYDER. Price is a little less but they are readily available. Service was rapid, ordered and 3 days later there they are.

 

[Cavman]

I have a Kumho on the rear and Bridgstone Patenzas(sp) on the front.

 

[dicko]

There is a Toyo car tyre for the rear wheel but as yet never been able to find a suitable front replacement. The difference in price between the Kenda and the Toyo is huge (AU$400 vs AU$200). The Kenda for the front is not that much more than car brands but I don't think they are suitable (personal choice).

 

[JGF1213]

Tires

I replaced the tires on my 2008 Can-Am Spyder last year. After 10,000 miles on the factory tires, the fronts were worn out and the rear had very little grip left. Instead of buying Kenda tires from my dealer, I purchased tires on line and had them installed at a bike shop. I bought a Kumho Ecsta AST KU25 tire for the rear and two Vredestein Quatrac 3 tires for the front.
I think the Spyder feels and handles better with these tires, compared to the factory tires. I have almost 9,000 miles on them, and they look like there is hardly any wear on them. I am sure they are going to last much longer than the factory tires. And ride and handle better too.
Bought them from Vulcan Tire Sales on line. Rear tire was $74 and the fronts were $85 each. I am very satisfied with them.

 

[judbut]

Just purchased a 2013 RS-S and am wondering what kind of mileage should I expect on the rear tire? I am assuming the front tires will last longer.

 

[mike neal]

front tire option

Hi everybody. I am new to this forum but not new to tires, bikes, race cars and now spyders. The only thing you can be sure of is that nothing changes if nothing changes. I replaced the OEM front tire on my Goldwing with a Bridgestone BT45 rear tire. Mounted it directional and found that the bike handles better under braking and tire life is extended by twice the milage.

There is no reason for anybody to tolerate 6000 miles of service out of the rear tire on the Spyder and I believe that the Kumo is a good choice. Based on my many years of race experience the tire pressure you should run is always dictated by tire temperatures as measured across the tread and in between the tread at the carcass. Even temps across mean you are in the range of the sweet spot for tire pressure. Always obtain temps within seconds of coming to a stop. Waiting 90 seconds is almost a waste of sampling data.

Any replacement for the Sypder front tire appears to have far less discussion.
Why not look at car tires with a similar circumference as a starting point for the discussion as there is only a small margin of error for clearance inside the fender. Next lets look at a car tire that has excellent wet weather grip, dry weather grip, and has good reviews from small car owners who have purchased the tire. Last but not least we should be able to get at least 20,000 miles out a set of fronts so maybe a UTQG rating of 240 AA. This is some pretty specific search criteria but it sure beats finding a great tire that does not fit or meet our grip requirements. The 145/65 R15 Continental Contie EP
IS AVAILABLE from your local tire store for $80 (not mounted). This is not a low pressure tire like the Kenda and should have much better quality control based on the huge numbers of tires manufactured. Slightly less wide than the OEM Kenda and 1/4 taller but in my mind certainly a possible candidate.

FYI... saw a bunch of these tires on restored hot rods at a local car show and the profile is in my opinion just about perfect.

Before anybody jumps up and down with comments on why these tires will not work because they are not Kendo OEM tires. Think about this for a moment. Tires are round, black and hold air. Next find the right tire for your specific needs....final note.....if OEM was perfect why do we need to upgrade to the Baja Ron sway bar or have laser alignment?

These forum comments are meant to stimulate discussion. Any comments or other opinions ????
Ride safe
Mike Neal

 

[Sam Mac]

Next find the right tire for your specific needs....final note.....if OEM was perfect why do we need to upgrade to the Baja Ron sway bar or have laser alignment?

These forum comments are meant to stimulate discussion. Any comments or other opinions ????
Ride safe
Mike Neal

Mike

I'm a newbie to Can Am but have many years of riding and also racing cars. I just picked up a used 2014 RT limited with only 1400 miles. It felt like the steering was much too sensitive, checked on this forum and it seems like a little more air pressure helps. Did that and it made a world of difference. That said I put a set of toe boards on the front wheels and found that they are toed out more than I think they should be. I plan on playing with the front end settings a bit. It's has always been my experience that toed out made for a quick turn in but you needed to hang onto it because it is twitchy. I'm not looking for twitchy while out just cruising. Talked to the local dealer who suggested a " Laser Alignment" I'll get back to you, I've set up enough race cars, pretty sure I can deal with this thing. I'll keep you guys posted.

Sam

 

[taztaz]

Front Tires

Front tires. I just put a general tire on my can am and they are great. Ride and cornering seem to be a lot better than the stock Kendra. My tire size was 165/65 14. Went to a 185/60 14 and they fit just fine. Dealer wants $75.00 each to change. Crazy. Took tires to my local garage and he changed for $12.00 each. You can buy this tire at Walmart or most tire shop.

 

[silvergoose]

Tires

Owner of three Can Am Spyders. Car tires. Elka shocks. Change tires first, ride then if you don't like the ride, change the shocks.

Nearing 40,000 on the Can Am Spyders, the change in tires and shocks have given me a new bike. The wet weather grip and overall traction afforded by the car tires far exceed Kenda tires.

Check the information printed on the sidewall of the Kenda tires, One ply in the tread area. The rubber is soft and the center tread of the rear tires wears quickly.

Two of the Can Ams pull trailers all of the time.


Good Luck

 

[huskerfans]

I just had the Kumho mounted on the back. Only have a few miles on it and I can't tell the difference. We'll see how it wears. Any ideas as to what tire pressure to run. I am going with 28psi.

 

[Mekko66]

Hope you are still out here. I have a 2008 Can Am Spyder. Looking for new tires. Do I go buy the same tire size as the original if I am going to put on car tires?