Can you use a Car tire or not on a Can-Am Spyder

[@DFWMoose]

In my vast life span of automotive knowledge, I would never think about using a car tire on a SpYder. I learned long ago that the engineer/manufacturer always knows best for what the vehicle is designed for and how to maintain it. I’m with you 100%

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you for that. I am always amazed at how many people want to even put car tires on 2 wheel motorcycles as well. I hope that this will help a lot of people who dont know and just see that others on Forums are doing it. Thanks for the support and comment!

[@opichocal]

From my experience I would choose car tires any day over the kendas. 50k miles of trouble free and excellent traction on my 2015 F3. I run Kuhmo rear/Federal front tires. Rear lasts around 15k and front is over 30k so far. I also run darkside on my goldwing and will probably never go back to a motorcycle tire again.

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for sharing and hearing from someone who uses a car tire is good for others. Right now my rear tire is at 10k and still has good tread left hoping for another 5k out of it which looks like i will get. Its starting to show age so probably wont push it past 15k. Kumho is the usually the tires i hear that most go with when picking the car tire. I personally wish Pirelli would make a Spyder Motorcycle tire. Thanks for comment and watching.

[@johnhensman41]

Thank you for the information within this video. Certainly, there is much to consider when using a car tire for a Can AM Spyder RTS-SE5, but your statement about $ is in correct. BRP wants $199 for their tires that will only last 3,000-4,000 miles vs. a car tire, even one that meets your "J" conditions and the same size that cost under $100 and lasts 40,000-50,000 miles. With a cost of changing out the tire at $200-300 every 3,000-4,000 miles (BRP), that is why people consider a car tire. There is one other thing not mentioned within your video -- BRP is only 2-ply in the center; therefore, no matter what the air pressure; it still wears out like a two-wheeler - what as waste of money. BRP needs to rethink the ply to get better wear - or they will continue losing market share to others who have built tires to last (after-market). Lastly, much like available parts and cost to maintain a Spyder - parts are back ordered and costs are very high. Service techs are not trained properly to maintain performance requirements; therefore, owners are left with the problem of up-keep. That may sound harsh, but is a fact...

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for the comment and watching the video. I do mention the ply at 5:26 and it showed 3 ply for the tread and 1 ply for sidewall, but I am sure there are probably different versions out there, as they change something each year it seems. I also just changed mine for $150 and it had 10 k on the wear. Which unless you do a lot of burnouts is about average. I do see why people use a car tire and completely get it if they do, i still have to stand by not recommending it. Again I am not pretending to be an expert, just have an opinion and put it out there with knowing I will be judged when I do. The Spyder is not a car nor 2 wheel motorcycle so it sits in an odd position for tires, but sways more towards the car tires and sizes. I tried hard to just show how to read the information and let everyone decide for themselves because i dont see these types of details discussed. I appreciate the comment a bunch and the time you took and approach as well. So thank you for that. If you stick around i hope you enjoy the other videos as well.

[@kellyspann9845]

I have been using car tires on my Harleys since the 70's with no problems and when I bought my Goldwing when the tire needed changing I put a Bridgestone on it and get outstanding mileage out of it still today. Bought a Spyder about 4 years ago so my wife felt safer on trips with me and I put a car tire on it and have never had a problem and get great tire wear and mileage and I run about 80 mph on the highways.

[@wayneg.9340]

I have a 2016 F3 Ltd. I don't ride my bike hard. The OEM front tires lasted almost 25,000 miles and OEM rear tire lasted 12,000 miles. Changed to Continentals in the front(still on) and Yokohama in the rear. Bike now has more than 35,000 miles. Just changed out my rear Yokohama tire for another Yokohama. That Yokohama rear tire lasted 23,000 miles and still had tread on it but changed it out because it was over 5 yrs old and wanted to replace the tire before the riding season began. Never experienced any handling issues/problems with the non-OEM tires. Just writing about my experience, ride safe.

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for watching and sharing info. I ran Yokohama tires on a mustang i had a long time ago. They were good soft tires.

[@hughwelsh201]

In this situation referring to a Spyder as a motorcycle gives the wrong train of thought. A motorcycle (two wheels) requires a tyre that allows you to lean through corners so needs a tyre that has a rounded profile. A Spyder, although referred to as a motorcycle in some countries, is more like a car. Cornering is flat on three contact points thereby car tyres are usable. I would recommend using a tyre with a 'H' or 'V' speed rating. I own a 2011 RS and I run; front - GT Radial Champiro VP 165/65R14 68H, and rear - Kumho Ecsta V70A 225/50R15 91W. This combination works well for my style of riding. Yes, the book does say to use a MC tyre (special motorcycle type) of which has a more square (flat) car tyre profile, being that of the Kenda tyre (which is used by Can-am on all models), and has a faster wear rate. Oh this is from New Zealand.

[@MOABMAN]

@hughwelsh201 Thank you for the comments and pretty cool to get one from New Zealand!!!! I have loved getting the comments from this video. I knew going into it that it is such a touchy subject with everyone. I do have to say that I am always amazed at how many people put car tires on a regular 2 wheel motorcycles though, i never could mentally. My main goal of the video was not to say do or don't but to supply knowledge of the ratings, numbering system, and info that is on the tire so someone would have a better understanding of what to buy for their needs or wants. I hope it helps someone. Thank you for including what you ride on as well!

[@wendy8739]

Never knew most of the stuff you covered. I’ve seen so many discussions on this topic and it was very confusing. Thanks for the explanation! Final stages in getting the F3. Shouldn’t be too much longer.

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you for that! I tried to be short as i could vecause there is a lot more that could of been said. It was kind of hard to do this one because there was a lot of how should i say this or that, that i had to think about. I am excited to hear what you get!!

[@PurpleOnThree]

Very, very informative....I didn't know any of this information previously. Thank you for the explanations and sharing your knowledge!

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you for watching and support. Hopefully i covered what helps the most as believe it or not there was a ton more I could have rambled on about.

[@kellyspann9845]

I've used car tires for years on my Harleys and I have one on my Goldwing and when I purchased my spyder I said why not put one on it too. The price and milage are so much better. A tire doesn't know if it's on a car or a motorcycle. I have never had a problem.

[@MOABMAN]

@kellyspann9845 Thank you for watching and support. When riding 2 wheels I never risked it because of the sidewalls but on a trike I do see why people put them on. There is not the same type of lean that you have on 2 wheels so less risk. I do wish there were more selections of motorcycle tires for the Spyder to choose from.

[@kellyspann9845]

@@MOABMAN There is a different feel and lean when you have one on a motorcycle but it is something you get use to very quick. A motorcycle tire is more rounded and made of a softer compound because you lean a motorcycle in a turn where a car is more flat and why they work better on a Spyder like you said. There is no risk and all it comes down to is do you want to change a tire every 7k or 30k miles or more. They are perfectly safe. I tell people if you don't feel comfortable then just don't do it.

[@josephgolden1565]

You're absolutely correct....that's why I have Kenda Kanines on mine front and rear...and...I always keep a spare rear Kanine tire in my garage. The Kenda kanines are difficult to find these days . But, if you hunt around on websites in Europe they seem to be available, but they will cost more because of overseas shipping. I also discovered that by upgrading the front and rear shocks (improved rebound and compression) and an alignment, helps prolong the lifespan of the tires... exactly like a car..

[@MOABMAN]

I have noticed that there was a lot of tires out of stock when looking. Thats pretty smart to keep a spare on hand. Thanks for watching and support!

[@MOABMAN]

I dont know why but it wont show your newest comment and i cant see why KZbin blocked it because i dont block anyones comments. I will have to check his site out and thank you for that info.

[@dutchyvan1669]

Great vlog there mate I totally Agree with you.

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you for watching and support.

[@drkennedy611]

I replaced my 2020 RTL rear tire with a car tire about a year ago and have had no problems whatsoever. I don't notice any drivable issues whatsoever,

[@MOABMAN]

@drkennedy611 you most likely won't notice any driving issues until you start going 85 mph and up around curves. Even then it will be slight unless it's raining. What kind of tires are you riding on??

[@kdub607]

Great vid and info as always. Gotta forward to my nephew - 11k miles and he's already having to replace the rear tire! But he does lots of riding (and lots of burnouts...) 😋

[@MOABMAN]

Burnouts will wear it out fast! It seems like the Kenda tire usually last 10 to 15k miles then need replaced. The age is a factor to though. Thanks for the comment and support as always!!

[@troy9er]

Hi Jodi. The season is finally here in the Midwest!!! I’ll be complaining about the heat in no time.😉 my wife’s cousin’s hubby came by 2 days ago and we went for a little ride. He has a big ultra classic Harley ( or what ever they are calling it these days) nice bike but very big and heavy. Great for touring, big and heavy is good on the highway! 😉 he has ridden my Spyder and I think he liked it. Larry use to race on dirt tracks when he/we were young. He had some really hot car setups. 😉 it was stupid fun. He don’t race anymore he’s in his early 70’s but in great shape 30 inch waist and a barrel chest. Arms that would make a Gorilla jealous, LOL!!!! I think he’s thinking about a Spyder. He likes the speed off the line. Now his Harley is no dog but the Spyder is a special creature. 😉😉😉 his Harley is only on it second birthday so I don’t think it will be traded soon. But he is thinking. He don’t need to say it, I can see it in his eyes! I’ve known Larry longer than I have known my wife! 😉 Thanks for the 411 on the Spyder Moabman. My Spyder only has 3000 miles on it so far but a new back tire will probably be required next year. Good food for thought. 😉

[@MOABMAN]

Unless you are doing burnouts and hard on it, the tire should last around 10-15k miles so you should have some time on it. I have been hearing and seeing more and more people get rid of the goldwings for a Spyder. About a week ago i had someone asking a lot of questions and found out they had a harley. They were thinking hard about trading. Thanks for the comment and support.

[@mikesloper7112]

Logic wins the day, huge thanks, lots I wasnt aware of but when you mention safety its tyres & brakes that keep you on the black stuff, buy the best you can. Also the same with a crash helmet, lots of cheap lids out there but with only a few grey cells left & working I need to protect what I've got. (still no joy, unlikely this week, quite possibly next : they mentioned May, I had to tell him my sense of humour would not stretch that far)

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you for that! Helmets are going to be another video soon, but it amazes me when people spend $50 on a cheap helmet, because it looks "cool". That is another strong opinion i will give out as well. Love the comment about the humor! I really hope that you are happy when you get it! Good things come to those who wait! Or at least that is what I get told a lot. Thanks again for the comment and support!

[@mikesloper7112]

@@MOABMAN Take care out there my friend, four sons explains both the high mortality of my grey cells & a sense of humour (or lack there of,) My parents spun me that line too :-) I will try, now I need some glasses as my current wire frames buckled trying to get them on with my new lid. There really are times when laughing & crying are only the thickness of a piece of paper away from each other. I haven't had a drink since 1986 but I'm now questioning the sanity of that move (my ex wife's driving terrified the whatsit out of me so at the time it was a no brainer, I drive, you drink & she wondered why I wouldn't ever let her out alone with my Aston Martin. Never again, a devout singleton for ever now.

[@MOABMAN]

@@mikesloper7112 Take care as well. If it helps......don't start drinking again, just be grateful she`s not driving you around on the Spyder when you get it!! Good taste in cars too!!!!!!

[@blipsmann1985]

Not me. I found car tires that have soft rubber and a low mileage warranty like 35,000 miles. Not an 80,000 mile tire. The softer rubber and tread hardness on lower mileage tires while maybe a waste of money for someone wanting good mileage on a set of tires on a car, I found are great fit for my Spyder. It has never rode as well as it does now and the fact that at 5000 miles my back tire still looks new when by that time the cheap factory tire was wore down to a nub. The Kumho Ecsta car tire on rear has bad reviews on longevity on people’s cars because the rubber is soft but on my Spyder it is a lot better than the Kenda. Check this out: look at the new improved kenda tires they now make for the Spyder and you find they added another layer making the tire a little stiffer and thicker so it would what ? Last longer. The new tire is still not quite built as well as the Kumho. I believe what I’ve used and experienced not suggested information !!!!

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for watching and comment. This has been a huge mixed debate since I first owned the Spyder, and also on some 2 wheelers as well. In the video I show that it is possible to use a car tire and I see why people do use them. For me the Kenda tire has lasted about 11k miles and rode and wore well so I can't complain. The Kenda has been a pretty decent tire for me but I have seen posts on forums that say they didn't last long. Hopefully with the Spyder becoming more accepted we will see more brands officially make a motorcycle tire for it.

[@johnhensman41]

There is one thing says "they will last longer" but what does that really mean? Kenda KR20 is suggested as a replacement for OEM Kinda, but here too, no one has offered a milage rating. Kumho Ecsta has also had some bad reviews but wear longer apparently ?? as to milage has not been offered.

[@jacoblynch9862]

I think the biggest problem is having to replace them most people I have looked into claim their tires only last 7 to 10,000 miles in your video. You argue that the price is not about $20 difference that may be the case but if I can get a car tire to last me 30,000 miles of 10,000 miles with the motorcycle tire For the same price I’m still gonna be more to go with the tire that’s gonna last a lot longer as I’m sure many people have pointed out motorcycle tires are on motorcycles because they lean and they are designed to run while leaning a spider doesn’t lean

[@MOABMAN]

@jacoblynch9862 Thanks for the comment and watching! I was hoping that this video would help more in understanding the wording on the tire and help others be better prepared when purchasing their next one. A lot of people just rely on getting the same thing they have because they don't know better. I do wish there was more motorcycle rated tires to choose from for the Spyder than what there is. Me personally, I would never put a car tire on anything motorcycle but do understand why others do to save a few dollars.

[@MichaelBrown-np1kc]

I go to Spyder Quest in NY in Sept. There is a Tire installer there who installs Car Tires on the Can Am Spyders. I plan on switching as soon as the tires i have on get worn down.

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for the comment. Any certain brand your looking at getting?

[@firebladeclements]

I have continentals on the front and a Yokohama on the back. The fronts are about 3/8' narrower that stock and make for a lighter, more nimble feel. A huge improvement in my opinion. Wear is also much improved. They can also be installed at any place that changes tires in minutes! Probably close to half the price to boot. I live on the Cabot Trail, so it's all high speed and I wore out the center of a couple stock tires very quickly with over half outside tread life left. I'd say I got about 30% more milage with the Yokohama. The center also wore but not as bad. As far as feel, really no difference. I'm due for another one now. If you have a bike mechanic near a car dealership, you can usually get it changed for much cheaper than the normal route. I've gone through 3 rears and an just hitting 20,000 kilometers, so as you can tell, I beat the crap out of my f3s! And she takes it well! Reason for spyder, ex racer missing a leg, giving his 2 cents.

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you for that and watching the video. I greatly appreciate the details you put and what type of tire because this will help others if they want to use a car tire. Yokohama is a good brand and i would imagine the car tire taking longer to wear out for several reasons. Thank you again for watching and comment and hope you enjoyed the video either way.

[@ericdevries8696]

What size and brand did you put on the front?

[@MOABMAN]

I replaced mine with the same brand and size that came from factory. The original Tire in the back lasted 10k and the fronts I changed because of age only, they had plenty of tread left. If you go bigger you will have to change rims and fenders most of the time. I am actually happy with the original brand that it came with.

[@firebladeclements]

@@ericdevries8696 fronts - continental contiprocontact 155/60r15. Great on f3s, if that's what you have.

[@johnhensman41]

Have you had any problems with Continentals in the front as related to alarms? I have heard - if you don't run BRP tires - the censors go crazy???

[@madmax3897]

I’m still undecided on this issue. As far as safety goes, I haven’t heard of any crashes related to car tires. Some people say there are car tires that actually get better traction than the stock Kenda tires. I only have 3k miles on my bike so, I’ve got more time to research. Kenda does make an upgraded tire (Kanine KR20) but, they are almost impossible to purchase.

[@MOABMAN]

If it helps, there are more brands that are starting to come around and make a Tire for the Spyder/motorcycle. I believe at least 4 so far that i have heard mentioned. Z rated car tires will grip the road and do get great with traction. The problem then becomes ply. The forces that a Spyder has are different than a car so the ply of the tire helps with that. The more flexible the tire the better it can "lean" in a curve. Even though you dont lean like on 2 wheels, the Spyder still needs some of that flexibility for its stability. A car tire just wont be the same. Thanks for the comment and support and hope this does help when it comes time for you to make that purchase.

[@susierebelryder492]

Traction is very important for vehicle stabilization safety and running harder rubber car tires causes traction issues. I only use tires designed for the vehicle and, so far, Kenda is the only manufacturer that makes tires for the one-of-a-kind Spyder.

[@MOABMAN]

It is a shame that Kenda is currently the only official Spyder tire. If there were more options I believe this would help prevent some from looking at buying a car tire. Hopefully BRP will eventually wake up and realize this. Thanks for watching and comment.

[@johnhensman41]

If you believe that - you must also believe in Santa.

[@MOABMAN]

@@johnhensman41 Hold on now...... Your saying Santa aint real????? What about Buddy the Elf??

[@douglasmontgomery6315]

Great info sir

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you very much! Hopefully there is something new in there that helps everyone that watches!

[@beanoil]

All accurate up until he said no car tires. If you want to be replacing tires every 8000 miles, stay with the inferior Kenda that comes stock. A rear will run you about 450 with labor at a dealer. You can switch to a car tire like the Yokohama or Kumho, for 2/3 the price of the Kenda, and get 4 times the mileage. Your advantage on the front is even higher. Front car tires are more stout, provide better handling, and are half price of the Kenda. They also net you between 30 and 40 thousand miles of wear. J rims are J rims, and zero reason not to switch to car tires, even immediately after purchase.

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you for the comment and watching. I never said no you can not use car tires, in fact I showed that you can. But in my opinion I still say it is better you do not use a stiffer car tire. My goal of the video was to inform people more on what your rim and tire is so they can make a better decision on their own. When i first started researching for me, no one ever explained or showed that you can or can not do this or that, it was just "I use this". It was even hard to find what type of rim the Spyder uses online. Thank you for commenting because the people that read these comments will hopefully learn from them and that is my ultimate goal to help others. This is probably the most asked about thing for Spyder owners.

[@heiditweedell818]

Thanks for commenting. Did you stick with the same size tires for front & back?

[@johnhensman41]

Agree with your findings. BRP simply wants Spyder to use their tires, but it cost $ to go with them as the only unit. Tires are tires and as long as the "J" rim is right, there is no reason to be concerned. You will save money in the long run - FYI - just drive the Spyder like a car and not a motorcycle.

[@bvroadking]

Would like to see a video on installing USB connectors

[@MOABMAN]

For right now i hope this helps, but i will try to do a dedicated one soon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH3FhnSQnqqNjJIsi=9jJVyn4ULFg5tUlc Appreciate the comment and support

[@carlhursh505]

I had car tires on my RT, and they rode great for over 20k miles. When my F3t tires need changing, it will get car tires.

[@MOABMAN]

Is there a certain brand you prefer over others? Thanks for watching and comment!

[@drkennedy611]

I have used them on my 2012 Rt and 2020 Rtl no problems

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for watching and comment! I havent heard anyone say anything about insurance yet. Do you know if insurance will cover you if your in an accident and have car tires instead of motorcycle tires? I have never had good luck with any insurance carrier and have not been able to get an answer on this.

[@johnlucas8924]

I run performance car tires on my spyder and ain’t had any problems whatsoever

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for watching and commenting. If you dont mind me asking a few questions to help other that read the comments........ What brand do you use, why you chose it, and how long have you rode on them? This is usually the top three questions I get asked or see the most.

[@endeavortrikes]

The spyder uses a kenda CAR tire. Any non runflat tire will not only work but will work much better than the krenda CAR TIRE.

[@MOABMAN]

Thanks for the comment and sharing. I would love to know if anyone has ever tried an offroading tire and rode on dirt roads instead of a standard car tire.

[@susierebelryder492]

I use run flats on my Mini and would never consider ruining the ride by putting run flats on my Spyder. Would make for a very harsh ride.

[@rafasales2254]

MOABMAN The channel to go for Info !!!

[@MOABMAN]

Thank you! More stuff to come!

[@johnlucas8924]

You can use car tires on your spyder because it isn’t a motorcycle

[@MOABMAN]

Mmmmmmmmm not to sure about that one. Just out of curiosity....what do you think it is?

[@susierebelryder492]

The Spyder is classified as a motorcycle and the weight alone should be a clue as it’s no where near as heavy as a car.

[@fatpat9378]

@@MOABMAN It's NOT a motocycle!

[@MOABMAN]

@fatpat9378 so the Harley trike is not a motorcycle?

[@fatpat9378]

@@MOABMAN Non, on se penche en moto, le tryke est un trycicle à moteur. En europe, le Spyder n'est pas catégorisé "moto" mais trycicle à moteur et les obligations (casque...) ne sont pas les mêmes mais celles liées à un quad. Quant aux pneus infectes d'origine, Can-Am n'a pas accepté d'homologuer les pneus voiture afin que le manufacturier garde le monopole de la monte, ce qui est une honte et une vente forcée ce qui est interdit..

[@ThomasNappo]

Car tires..better made..last longer..lower priced...SADLY not recommended..😢

[@MOABMAN]

Appreciate the comment and view. What car tires do you run on your Spyder?