Tire Recommendations Please

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SnowATree
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Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2015 6:52 pm

Tire Recommendations Please

Post by SnowATree »

Hello,

So after learning my 2007 Buddy 125 inside out and working on everything myself. I want to change my tires (been 10k miles and have stock tires). I don't ride on gravel/dirts but I like grip and could use better handling as I feel like it's a little unsafe at high speeds going over tiny longitudinal cracks on the road.

I don't want to make any modifications and have read quite a few articles here for what others have suggested.

Overall I've come to the conclusion:
Front - 100/90 - 10" tires
Rear - 130/70 - 10" tires or 120/80 - 10" ( I'm not sure on this one, handling is my main goal, losing 2-3 mph top speed isn't a bad thing for me).

I don't want to spend more than $50 per tire, can anyone link me some brands they're gone to and buy from? I'm having a hard time deciding and would like to see links at this point so I can click, deliberate a bit and buy.

Ideally I'd like to install these myself but am not shy to go to a tire place for them to help. Anyone make a video or have a video they'd recommend with tools for the install?
scootERIK
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Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by scootERIK »

Pirelli Angel 3.50-10 or 100/90-10, I would buy which every size you can get cheaper. It's a great tire and can usually be purchased for a decent price. Overall they do everything well- dry, wet, and even some dirt. Plus, they last 4k plus(I think I even got close to 5k on one.)

As for tools I would recommend getting 3 of these - https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0005
A 2x4 that is about 2 feet long. A bottle with soapy water(dish soap.)

I would suggest starting with the rear wheel. In my opinion it is easier than the front since you don't have to deal with the disc brake.

Not exactly instructional videos
How to break the bead on a tire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5eSSidQgRc
Removing a tire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB2iHYXJTzc
Installing a tire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEsfnXMZUJw
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DeeDee
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Location: Denver

Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by DeeDee »

A lot of scooter tires are out of stock right now. I'm a big fan of the Kenda K413 Scooter Tire. I had a 130/70 on the rear of my 170i for a while. It didn't give any better ride, and it wore out real quick. You can easitly break the bead with a big C clamp. Heat is your friend. Let the tire sit in direct sun for 20 minutes before you stretch it over the rim. Let the rim and tire sit in the sun before you air it up to set the bead.
Less chit chat, more riding, Buddy 50, 125, 170i, RH50, Yamaha C3
SnowATree
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Joined: Sun Nov 08, 2015 6:52 pm

Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by SnowATree »

scootERIK wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 12:34 am Pirelli Angel 3.50-10 or 100/90-10, I would buy which every size you can get cheaper. It's a great tire and can usually be purchased for a decent price. Overall they do everything well- dry, wet, and even some dirt. Plus, they last 4k plus(I think I even got close to 5k on one.)

As for tools I would recommend getting 3 of these - https://www.motionpro.com/product/08-0005
A 2x4 that is about 2 feet long. A bottle with soapy water(dish soap.)

I would suggest starting with the rear wheel. In my opinion it is easier than the front since you don't have to deal with the disc brake.

Not exactly instructional videos
How to break the bead on a tire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5eSSidQgRc
Removing a tire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mB2iHYXJTzc
Installing a tire - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEsfnXMZUJw
I found 3.5-10's but only "front" per the cycle gear website (https://www.cyclegear.com/tires/pirelli ... id=1713327) , is front and back the same? Thank you for all the information, I feel more prepared now to do the change.
DeeDee wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 1:11 am A lot of scooter tires are out of stock right now. I'm a big fan of the Kenda K413 Scooter Tire. I had a 130/70 on the rear of my 170i for a while. It didn't give any better ride, and it wore out real quick. You can easitly break the bead with a big C clamp. Heat is your friend. Let the tire sit in direct sun for 20 minutes before you stretch it over the rim. Let the rim and tire sit in the sun before you air it up to set the bead.
Thanks DeeDee, do you have the same size on front and back now? Looks like the 413's are getting a lot of mileage for some people and the tread looks great.

Overall, I think I'll get The Angel first and get the other next time so I see how they both feel.
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DeeDee
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Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by DeeDee »

You're welcome. Yep same size front and rear. 3.5X10 or 100/90-10. I bought 3 last October from Revzilla for $25 each w/ free shipping.
Less chit chat, more riding, Buddy 50, 125, 170i, RH50, Yamaha C3
SnowATree
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Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by SnowATree »

DeeDee wrote: Tue Jul 26, 2022 11:04 pm You're welcome. Yep same size front and rear. 3.5X10 or 100/90-10. I bought 3 last October from Revzilla for $25 each w/ free shipping.
What a deal! Gonna have to start looking for deals like that
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Dooglas
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Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by Dooglas »

We are running Continental Zippy 1's on our Buddy 125. Very pleased. Will replace them with more of the same.
Buddy Kick, Vespa GTS/ABS, Buddy 125 (my SO's ride)
muzikfirst
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Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by muzikfirst »

I put Michelin Pilot Street 2 Tires on my 170i today. instant improvement over the previous tires (shinko? prima?) the ride was much smoother and i had confidence in the grip. 60 mph (on the dash) was smooth. I hit a monsoon on the way home and the tires gripped quite well. I obviously slowed to 30-35 and i felt confidence. even gripped with 1-2in flooding. i also had the shop balance the tires.
SnowATree
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Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by SnowATree »

So are the bolts in the rim for both front and back counterclockwise is loosening and clockwise tightening? Having a hard time with them and I sheared off 2 tiny bolts of the rear drum that houses the brakes. Do I need to replace that whole rim and drum assembly?
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seamus26
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Re: Tire Recommendations Please

Post by seamus26 »

I put Michelin City Grips on my Stella this spring and have been very happy with them.

Revzilla does a nice review.

They're spendy, but I don't skimp on tires.
Strange things are afoot at the Circle-K
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