Modern Vespa

I am now going to install rear tire #3. The original pilot lasted about 8,000 miles, my City Grip is at 10,000 and needs to be changed. Is there a better tire for highway use? I have a 500 and would like to keep tire changes down to a minimum so I don't have to keep on replacing that darn exhaust gasket!

Hey Mike I got a good deal and bought a few of those darn gaskets; which I will never use now that I've got an Akropovic.

Maybe a swap in exchange for you helping with maintenance when I need it or something like that could be arranged if you're interested.

stick with the city grip if your getting 10k out of them. nothing else is better for grip and wear combined.

Just had 6K "C" service along with rear-tire change. Went from Gold Standard to (reinforced) City Grip, and WOW!!! what an improved feeling. Further excited about the longer life expectancy, as well.

+1 for the City Grip. Stay away from the Power Pure.

why?

I like the power pures.

> why?
Despite its dual-compound design, it wore out faster than a City Grip. No complaints about performance.

Mike, if you haven't changed tires yet, you might want to consider a darkside tire. I've got one on my 500 and haven't had any problems with it. I haven't heard any reports on mileage for them yet, though, so I can't really say if it'll last longer. In theory, it should, but theory and practice often differ...

Here's a link for one:

http://www.tires-easy.com/cgi-bin/rshop.pl?dsco=135&cart_id=50574398.135.29232&Breite=155&Quer=65&Felge=14&Speed=&LoadRange=&kategorie=6&Marke=&ranzahl=4&tyre_for=&x_tyre_for=&rsmFahrzeugart=PKW&search_tool=standard&Label=F-C-70-2&details=Ordern&typ=D-117677

Or, their listing on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Achilles-ATR-K-ECONOMIST-155-65-R14-75H-XL-TL-BSW-TIRES-/221386668618?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Tires&fits=Section+Width%3A155|Aspect+Ratio%3A65|Rim+Diameter%3A14&hash=item338bac7a4a&vxp=mtr

I also see this one on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-New-155-65-14-Cooper-CS2-Blem-Tire-/400693909425?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Tires&fits=Section+Width%3A155|Aspect+Ratio%3A65|Rim+Diameter%3A14&hash=item5d4b37d7b1&vxp=mtr

Mark

+1 on city grips.

iff wear isn't an issue Power pures the best grip even in wet conditions

For less wear and better grip then the City's go for Pirelli GTS

But the wear of my Power pures are the same as the City's

about 7000km and the GTS did 10.000km on the rear

the pirelli GTS are no longer made. If you find them new they will be a few years old already.
they changed to the diablo series and yes you can get them in 12" for the fronts now.
In fact I just ordered a complete set. Should have them tomorrow.

I just looked up my purchase for the last City Grip I order for the MP3. It was almost 3 years ago, April 8, 2011. I have 11,000 miles on my rear tire. I think that's a nice result.

that is great, stick with it

Before I got the city grips I had power pures on the front. They were great when they were new but the sides wore at a faster rate than the center so cornering started to feel weird. Never tried one on the rear.

Really digging the city grips I have on all around so far.

Ordered A 140/70/14 city grip from Motorcycle super store, for 68.99. Free shipping for first time ordering from them. Would have been about 9 dollars otherwise for shipping. All orders over 80 free shipping for everyone. Should be in tomorrow or next day. Ask your local dealer if they would do a price match. I don't have a local dealer other wise I would ask. Two to three days shipping.

a great way to buy to meet the min free shipping is for every rear tire buy 1 front also. this way you get a set of fronts for every 2 rear tires which is darn close to when you need them.

You may have ordered the wrong tire! It's a 150/70/14 that goes on our 500's!

News to me. Mine came with a 140/70/14 When I bought it new and I have always went with that size. A lot of other do to. Perhaps I am wrong or the 2010.came with a different size. Ihave a 2009. Wonder what OAD or jimc has to say on this. Now you have me wondering.

nope stock oem size is 140/70-14, most folks do upgrade to a 150/70-14 for better cornering clearances so they don't scrape the center stand as much or soon. some have fitted 160/60-14 on as well.

Would .not. work for me. I have to flat foot it. Cannot bend ankles. 150s would raise me to high.

The difference in height between a 140/70 and a 150/70 is 7mm, or a just about 1/4". And that's at the tire. By the time you're at your feet, it's down to about 1/2 of that, or around 1/8".

If you want to keep using a 140/70, that's fine, though.

I just kept the stock size and the center stand wears enough it doesn't hit anymore

I have to slide all the way forward on seat when stopped to flatfoot it. And then I am standing up.

You might want to look into the shock lowering mod.

Good Idea. tire arrived today, Fast. 2 days.