Matched tires

[bonehead]

I am having a very hard time finding matched front and rear tires for the GZ. Seems like the manufacturers don't make the front and rear in the sizes that came on the bike.
I need both tires now and would like to put a matched set on.
Anyone got any ideas? O_o

[Easy Rider]

I need both tires now and would like to put a matched set on.
Anyone got any ideas? O_o

It depends on how badly you want a "matched" set.
Have you tried a dealer yet ??

My guess is that they could find you a matched set......for a bunch of $$$ .......but not necessarily exactly the original stock sizes.

If they have a similar tread pattern, I don't think it is at all important to "match" the front and rear. And several riders here have found that getting the exact same size isn't important either.

[bonehead]

Yep, the parts guy was just as amazed as I was. He was finding front,no rear, and rear, no front.
As far has HAVING to have a matched set, no I don't really have to. I'd just like to have it.

[blaine]

I use the" KENDA CHALLENGER" 130-90-15 on the rear."KENDA CRUISER" 100-90-16 on the front.They are reasonably priced and wear well.The small difference in size makes very little difference to the speedometer.

[dhgeyer]

Same experience here. My tires were not worn, but were out of date. I opted to insist on the correct size, so I wound up with 2 different brands. Kenda Cruiser 130/90-15 rear, Dunlop Arrowmax 110/90-16 front. They're both the same construction, so that's probably the best I'm gonna' get.

[Sarris]

Same here. I'm running a Pirelli Sport Demon in the front and a Pirelli Route in the rear.

Both are the manufacturers specified size.

:)

[patrick_777]

Since Cheng Shin stopped making motorcycle tires, it's very hard to get a matched set. Your best bet is to try for the same manufacturer, but even that is getting to be difficult with the stock tire sizes.

[New GZ250]

Since Cheng Shin stopped making motorcycle tires, it's very hard to get a matched set. Your best bet is to try for the same manufacturer, but even that is getting to be difficult with the stock tire sizes.

Think Dunlop has a matched set, I'm running one on the rear. Check out BikeBandit, think I added the Dunlop front tire to my wish list they have on their site. Love the Dunlop, better than the Metzler that came on the bike. (Better traction and better with rain grooves) About $80.00 for rear.

[zenbutcher]

My local cycle shop found me a set of shinkos that I have been happy with.. had to go for a slightly wider front, but I like 'em. One thing I have become aware of is warming them up for a while before really carving those corners.

That makes me wonder, do you guy consciously use less lean angle at the beginning of a ride? If so, how long before you feel comfortable carving the turns? I have noticed some slippage when going around roundabouts about 2 miles from my house before the tires get warm.

And another thought: When I ride, I love the feel of leaning over so far that the pegs scrape. I'll do this even when I don't have to. Any thoughts about lean angle and the GZ?

[patrick_777]

Always take it easy in the first few miles of a ride. Cold tires are hard tires and will slip out from under you mercilessly.

[Easy Rider]

I have noticed some slippage when going around roundabouts about 2 miles from my house before the tires get warm.

And another thought: When I ride, I love the feel of leaning over so far that the pegs scrape. I'll do this even when I don't have to.

You are taking a chance by riding "at the edge" like that......and someday the price you pay may convince you (the hard way) that it isn't quite worth the little extra thrill that you get.

One never really knows what is enough until you find out what is TOO MUCH. On a motorcycle, that lesson can be VERY painful. :cry:

I encourage you to slow down a bit and be a LOT safer in the process. :tup:

[diffluere]

I have the Shinko tires too, with the 120/80 on the front instead of the 110/90. They seem pretty alright compared to the 8 year old tires that came on the bike. =P

Everyone warned me about being careful of the change in handling with the wider tire but I only had the old tires for a month and I don't think I noticed a real difference. *shrug* I was also a brand new rider so I was probably paying more attention to not crashing than to what my front tire felt like. =)