Modern Vespa

So I was driving out to work today to check and see how the rains are affecting the crops and I almost lost it on a hair pin turn. That woke me up!

When I got under cover, i checked my stock savas and to my surprise the rear has almost no tread in the center of the tire. 1488 miles has got to be a record for a bald tire.

Looks like i will be putting in my order for Heidenau's. How are everyone's fairing today? Particularly the k61s. TIA

+1 I would also like to know myself. We didn't get much rain, though...at least not when I looked out my window. But probably enough to make the oil nice and slippery.

We are still waiting for rain or I would let you know. You get more rain up that way, are you considering the K58s?

No! Im still thinking the K61s. I think that they would be ideal for any part of California. Central California only got 20 inches of rain (in two months) for 2008. and although it was a very dry year for us i dont think that we really have that many days where a K58 would benefit.

Now if I lived in Seatle I would definitely give the K58s a go.

I missed the rain today in San Luis Obispo, it was clear and dry by the time I rode to work (3pm). I have the 61's on the front of the MP-3 and a Vredestien Torante on the back, I'm eager to see how they handle the wet.

I had to replace my rear stock Sava at 2,000 miles. I decided to put the K61s on front and back (130 front and 140 rear). I JUST put these on last week and have only been out on them one time but so far, am very impressed with the difference. Not so impressed with the wearability of the stock Savas, though!

I road yesterday in the rain w/ K61 on the rear. Granted it's San Diego rain so it was just a drizzle. But the roads were wet and it was the first rain we've had in some months so the roads were as slick as they can be. I didn't notice any issues and felt comfortable to go the speed limit. I was pleasantly surprised. Now I'm not sure how it'd be in heavy rain.

well the first rain in SD is probably more of a test than a heavy rain. When I was 16 I wound up parking my dads 72 Chevy Malibu on the center divider on morena blvd after doing 3 360s off of the 8 east off ramp. I beleive that was the first rain in a long time as well.

Shit I live in California! I dont need no stinking rain tires! K61s it is. rain be damned.

Thanks sonnyboy

Now the real dilemma. 130s or 120s on the front. ive read every heidenau post on this site. must....make....commitment!!!!!!

What size do you have on the front Zinfan? although i dont know how much it would i apply to me. I only have one front tire.

I got rained on last friday and I was checking my tires, Holy Moly my stock Savas are bald!! I've talked with SFArchie and he has me convinced on the Heidenau 61's but are the 58s better for rain. At the last Quitters get together Glasseye mentioned 140s are more stable on the back but there is a bit of bike leaning change. I've got to change my baldy very, very soon and am a bit worried riding with the tires current condition. Geez, brought my dog to the park in my Tahoe just to avoid riding. (Avoiding riding my scoot tells ya my tire is critical)

I think Bagel ran K58s 130/140 and he said this combo required more effort to lean, but he liked it.

For me, the K61 120/140 combo works for me. I like the fatter tire for the rear and feel more stable on it. Give me a call, you can test ride my bike anytime you want. I just need to get my battery back on...it's hibernating now.

Another option no one seams to mention is the K66. It's truly a 4 season tire giving more rubber on the street than the K58. For most So-Cal rain, unless you head out in a storm, the k61 will be fine. If you're farther up North and the roads and weather are less hospitable, then the K58 is the way to go. For everything in between there is the K66.

I think you just solved my K58/K61 dilemma!! I'm here in New England, roads are very good, but weather is very variable (If you don't like the weather in NE, just wait a minute). I'm thinking K66 would be a great tire for me. One thing, though--does the center line cause the front to wander like the Sava does?

P.

Hello,
As of yet, I haven't heard of any tracking problems.

Thanks, I'm about a month away from a rear tire at the very least--I will definitely order the K 66 (maybe a pair if I've got the money) from you and let you know how it goes.

I do 1200 miles a month in all weather (well, no snow) on my GTS.

P.

Heh I have 120's on the front.