best tires

Any one know what tires are best for silverwing? I have a 2006 needing new tires that will last and not make front shake need belt also any sugestons?

Ken,

I have tried the Hoops and the Pirelli Diablo's and I think the Diablo's are a better tire. It seems they grip better and have a smoother ride. I'm on my 2nd set of Diablo's with the first getting about 9,500 miles. I could have gone a bit further but I don't like to stretch things too far.

I agree Jeff, having good tires is a must.

Best tires is an extremely subjective area. Good tires are indeed a must but, what is a good tire and which is the best? Those are great questions.

What is best for my riding style and comfort may not be best for your riding style and comfort.

Some tires are purported to be stickier and thus better for canyon carving, some are purported to be longer wearing, and some are purported to be best for MPG. All of this is based on that riders riding style and choice.

All of that points back to the "best compromise" possible. The Bridgestone Hoops are the predominant Original Equipment from Manufacturer (OEM) tire used on the SilverWing. IRC's are also used as an OEM selection.

There is also the car "darkside" tire option for the rear. Many have used this and are reporting good results. There is a handling characteristic with the darkside tire that is easily adapted to and does not seem to have negative impact. I have not tried this, but do have a new darkside tire in my garage and may try it in the near future

Good luck with your search. I realize I didn't make a recommendation - on purpose, but if you'd like my recommendation the Hoop is an all around good choice for a motorcycle tire. Motorcycle Superstore carries them (in stock) and at a good price. Your dealership might match the price. If you buy at the dealership they may discount the cost of mounting.

Best tire advice ever - check your tire pressures regularly - weekly at least if not daily.

As for the belt -

Check the folks at Two Wheel Touring and Scooter Trap. I believe the links can be found in the parts secttion of this forum. Both are supporters of the scooter scene and the folks who work at each placed ride scooters.

I have no objective comments on the OEM vs. Kevlar choice / debate. OEM belts go a bit farther than the recommended 16,000 miles, but how much farther...

jdeereanton wrote:

There is also the car "darkside" tire option for the rear. Many have used this and are reporting good results. There is a handling characteristic with the darkside tire that is easily adapted to and does not seem to have negative impact.

If you are racing your SWing at the track (which I am not ), you may not want a "darkside" tire. Otherwise I believe my "darkside" tire handling characteristics exceeds the original OEM for most conditions.

jdeereanton wrote:

I have not tried this,
but do have a new darkside tire in my garage and may try it in the near
future

What are you waiting for .

Bill,

So you've gotten so used to the little handling characteristic you don't even notice it any more - just kidding.

I do think that the average rider is not really going to notice the vary slight tendency of the darkside tire. Few of us ride so intensely through a corner that we'd notice the handling of the rear tire. I did not write that last statement tongue-in-cheek.

As to why it's not on the bike yet - well I have about 7,000 miles left on my current rear tire. Kim is even father away from a new tire than I and she is reluctant to switch. I have no problem with those who switch and plan to some day, I have no problem with those who do not wish to try the darkside tire. To each their own. Every one should ride the bike that they are comfortable riding.

jdeereanton wrote:

As to why it's not on the bike yet - well I have about 7,000 miles left on my current rear tire. Kim is even father away from a new tire than I and she is reluctant to switch. I have no problem with those who switch and plan to some day, I have no problem with those who do not wish to try the darkside tire. To each their own.

Would you let Kim ride your SWing when you put the darkside tire on . Would she be willing to your SWing with a darkside tire to see for herself?

jdeereanton wrote:

To each their own.
Every one should ride the bike that they are comfortable riding.

Absolutely.

Kenny,

Did we help you at all? Or, did we just muddy the water a bit? If you would please let us know what tires you finally decide upon and why.

Bill,

We trade off between our bikes regularly. Once the tire goes on I'm certain she will want to try it and I have no problem letting her ride my bike.