[Chaplain KC]

I just put a new Shinko on the rear of my 650 Burg. The max pressure recommended was 42 psi. I put it up there after seating the bead and the reduced to 40. Feels a little hard in the ride. I was wondering though if it is too hard for safe cornering at speed. Should I let out some air? I did notice that in the few curves I was able to get to during a trial run of 20 miles, the bike really dug into the curves on the rear but felt like it was trying to go into them too quick and heading for the inside. Is this just the new tread doing a better job than the old tire or is it too hard? Any ideas? :?

 

[MacDoc]

I think that's too hard.
I had mine at 40 and when they heat up they will get to 50+ and get very skittery. ( I have a wireless pressure gauge which I find very useful )

At 36 or so they go to 40-42 when warm and grip well. I have Metz on.
They will go as high as 45 when completely heated but feel good.

 

[Duster]

42 lbs. may be the max. pressure on the sidewall of the tire,
but the label under the seat is the recommended pressure
for best riding on your scoot...
just like a car...the mfg. posts a recommended pressure
for that model of vehicle, regardless of the 'max pressure'
labeled on the sidewall of a tire.
Try that, & see if it helps. Then make pressure adjustments
to suit yourself.

 

[Steve D UK]

Have you removed an OE recommended radial tyre and replaced it with a bias belted one? If so, it could be because you are mixing tyre types. Suzuki recommended radial tyres, front and rear, for a reason I suppose.

 

[Chaplain KC]

Have you removed an OE recommended radial tyre and replaced it with a bias belted one? If so, it could be because you are mixing tyre types. Suzuki recommended radial tyres, front and rear, for a reason I suppose.

I don't think I did because the tire has the 160x60R size. I assumed the R meant Radial even though it doesn't spell it out like the Bridgestones do. Comments? Did I mess up?

 

[Dave_J]

But some find mixing cross ply and radials work fine. I, as have many, run a Bias ply up front and a radial on the rear. I find it to run no differently. Corners and brakes the same. Now mixing the two on a car with all 4 wheel brakes linked is NOT to be done.

 

[Steve D UK]

According to this thread they are not radials. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=52032

However, When I fitted a new tyre to the rear of my Burgman it turned in very quick and once or twice it felt like the back was riding on loose gravel (definately not slipping though) and I realise now that that was down to having a much rounded profile to the tyre compared to the practcally square profile on the worn tyre it replaced!

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=59442

 

[Chaplain KC]

Thanks Steve D. I think from reading the comments in both 400 and 650 forums that I am experiencing the new tire grab feel. The rear seems to grab the corners really good but I must steer a little in the front to make it lead the way. Probably should have paid more attention before I bought this tire and also put one on the front for a more balanced handling situation. Next front tire will be with a Shinko though. I like the better grab on the rear and the price. And I am practicing my technique for mounting and balancing. Oh by the way...Dyna Beads really do work well for simple balancing. I think I will stick with them also. :thumbup:

 

[Dave_J]

KC, one tire that is overlooked in the Michelin Gold Standard. It too is a bias ply. It has excellent rain siping. I was averaging over 15,000 miles on a front. They are disco'ed but you can get them from Ebay for around $34.99 USD. I am on my 3rd front on two of my three 650's. I am going to gamble and order one as a spare very soon. This is the tire I mix with my Car tires on the rear. Ask Daboo if he seen any weird handling issues while we were on our ride May 4th.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Michelin-Gold-S ... 13&vxp=mtr

 

[Chaplain KC]

After a little over 200 miles on the new bias ply on the rear, it feels great. Handling in all conditions has improved. It is either me getting used to the new tire or the new tire getting broken in. Or maybe both. At any rate, a bias in the rear and radial in the front is not bad. Going bias in the front and radial in the rear has already been spoken well of also. I guess you can mix and match fairly safely on the Burgman.