First Tires

[bjrscj]

I know there is a lot on tires in this forum, and I've gleaned some great information. However, there are a few things I'm still unsure of and would appreciate some help.

1. I've gathered that my 2003 model has front tires of 110/90-16, and rear at 130/90-15. However, the link I followed from the forum website didn't list a year, so I'm only assuming that these tire sizes would be the same for all years. Is that correct?

2. I found a link on the forum to motorcycle superstore, which seems to be a great idea. However, as I look at the cheaper tires, I'm seeing that none of them are tubed. I haven't found more expensive brands that are tubed either. My impression from reading other posts is that the tires on the GZ are tubed, so I would assume I need tubed tires. Can anyone confirm this?

3. If I do need tubed tires, can anyone recommend a brand? I know cheap isn't necessarily good, but I got the bike to save money on gas (which it has been GREAT for), but I don't want to shell out $300 every two to three months (I rode 3k miles in the last 7 weeks since I got the bike - long commute). If you can recommend any tire that has a good trade off between value and quality, I'd appreciate it. I'd really like to use motorcycle superstore (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/ ... 0-24-1-1-1 (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/43/1/0/0/DCLASS/Cruiser-Motorcycle-Front-Tires-Blackwall-Tires-Tires.aspx#&&Back=0-0-35%2c60-43-0-0-0-24-1-1-1)), since it would be convenient for shipping my tires to the dealer, so if you already buy your tires from there and can send a link, that would be awesome.

4. How much mileage do you expect an average rider to get out of a front/rear tire?

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[blaine]

Yes,the tire sizes are the same for all years.A lot of us use the 100/90-16 on the front as the 110 can be hard to get.I have been using tubes in tubeless tires for years,and never a problem.I always had good luck with Kenda Kruzers & Challengers.They are reasonable priced & long wearing.I have got 20,000 KM out of a rear tire,and more out of a front tire.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/ ... Tires.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/3/31/401/43/1/0/378/DCLASS/Kenda-Cruiser-Motorcycle-Front-Tires-Blackwall-Tires-Tires.aspx)
:) :cool:

[bjrscj]

Thanks. I guess my other question would then be do I need to buy tubes separately, or how does that work?

[Gz Rider]

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[jonathan180iq]

Tires generally do not come with their own tubes. The tire maker doesn't know which tires are going to used on spoked wheels and which ones aren't. You will need to buy tubes separately.

I don't have a particular brand. If they are made by a major manufacturer, they will be fine.

[blaine]

Thanks. I guess my other question would then be do I need to buy tubes separately, or how does that work?
Yes,you need to buy tubes separately.They should be replaced with the tire..
:) :2tup:

[Gz Rider]

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[Gz Rider]

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[bjrscj]

Looking at the manual, I don't see specifications for a recommended tube - but I did find a chart from an independent site that matches up tire size to tubes. Should I just go with that? (http://www.tiresunlimited.com/motorcycle_tubes.htm). Also, I'm assuming the dealer can put the tubes in, right?

[Gz Rider]

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[alantf]

Dunno if you can get them in America, but a couple of weeks ago I asked our local bike shop for a quote on a front tyre. He quoted Dunlop at €90 ($121?) fitted.

[Gz Rider]

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[bjrscj]

Thanks for all the info. So I've got the tires and tubes down, now I just need to know if you would recommend replacing the tubes with each change, or can I just keep using the tubes I have now? The bike is a 2003, and I don't know anything about the tire history. The tires have about 5k miles on them.

Also, I was watching some youtube videos and reading up on changing tires, and it looks relatively manageable to change them yourself if you have a jack and tire irons (which are fairly cheap). I know it's time consuming, but is there any reason you would strongly suggest against trying this myself?

[Gz Rider]

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[Water Warrior 2]

Using tubes in tubless tires is common and practical. I had an unrepairable puncture in the new rear tire so the shop put in a tube and all was well for the life of the tire. The local shop(Yamaha) mounts and balances my new tires as well as replacing the wheel bearing for a reasonable cost. I do this every 25,000kms when the tires are toast. The extra cost of the bearings is nothing to be concerned with when they are already manhandling the wheels.

[mrlmd1]

You may also need new rim strips if the originals are as old as your bike. They go inside the rims to protect the tube from the ends of the spokes, and they should probably be replaced now as well.

[Jvacustoms]

I found that Pirelli makes a tubed tire and i got that one because i had the same question and didn't ask it here when i should have because i would have more than likely gotten the D404 wide white walls that i found on amazon a week ago. they are 140's but i can deal with the slight mods entailed to do so. I can vouch for the 50 dollar Static wheel balancer from Harbor Freight as I purchased one 3 days ago and they sell the stick weights there but I found that they are cheaper on www.rockymountainatv.com (http://www.rockymountainatv.com). I have a friend that just balances his tire by the red dot to the valve stem and that seems to be pretty close but I think it is safer to use the balancer.

[alantf]

I have a friend that just balances his tire by the red dot to the valve stem

???????????????????????????? :)

[blaine]

I have a friend that just balances his tire by the red dot to the valve stem

???????????????????????????? :)
The dot on the tire,marks the lightest part of the tire,and is mounted in the valve stem.The tire still needs to be balanced.
:) :cool:

[Gz Rider]

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[Rookie Rider]

Would i need tubes on my bike, i have the cast wheels ? ;o)

[Gz Rider]

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[blaine]

Would i need tubes on my bike, i have the cast wheels ? ;o)
No,with cast wheels no tubes are needed.One of the advantages of cast wheels.
:) :2tup:

[Rookie Rider]

Nope, cant tell gz, thanks blain

[Water Warrior 2]

If the valve stem is just the typical rubber stem like a car you probably have tubeless tires. If the stem is metal and threaded with a nut to hold the stem in an upright position there is a tube inside. This is a generalization but covers most applications.

[Gz Rider]

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