Modern Vespa

I need to throw another tire on the back of my GT. What are the preferences of the masses? I've had these Sava's on it and actually really like them,... didn't know if there were other brands I should try?

anyone???

My GT came with the Pirelli tires . I put 10,000 km on the rear tire before it needed replacement. The front tire still looks new with over 10,000 kms now. I replaced the rear with a michelin just because that is what my dealer had in stock.

Anything except Savas. Anything.

+1

Boy are you in for a treat if you were happy with your Sava's.....

1)Pirelli
2)Michelin
3)Zippy's
4)Avon
5)Ride on the rims
6)Sava's

SDG

Heidenau K61. Serious.

140/70x12.

Do yourself a favor.

try some of them solids there close to savas. never have to worry about a flat either

SDG pretty much nailed the order but he could have put the K61's about # 2 or 3

I am assuming the same recommendations would apply for my Kymco?:
Front Tire: 120 / 70 - 12
Rear Tire: 140 / 70 - 12

marcster, yup stick with the good stuff

I was a long time fan of the Pirelli's, BUT... then I ran the K61s on Cannonball, and... well. I'm not going back unless I literally have no other choice.

I hear ya OZ the k61's will be my next rear when this Pirelli is up. I have heard nothin but good stuff about them.

Yeah, don't get me wrong. Pirelli's are great. Same with Continentals (I loved the Zippys). All good tire choices.

Actually, I like the Zippys better that the Pirelli's, from a value perspective.

Hey Oz, That's when you saw me up at the SF scooter center Sunday, I just had them put on the K61's and they fixed my handlebar/front wheel alignment. My Savas felt slippy and the recent wet ground was a wake up call. Plus having a misaligned front wheel affected my turns and oddly enough my left shoulder.
I went into SF scooter center, walked up to the counter and said, "Put the same high performance tires on like the ones Ray has on his GTS because I want to ride cool, just like Ray." Then they say, "Who's Ray?" Then I hobble around in a circle on one leg. With a surprise they say, "Oh, That Ray! K61's!!"

Took some short hops on the 101 and 280 and theK61's didn't wobble badly in the rain grooves.
Loving my K61's, Thanks for the advice Ray!

Pirellis came on my 09 GTV and I have been very pleased with them so far. I'd heard such bad things about the Sava tires that I was glad my Scoot came with the Pirellis.

I was hoping for this enlightenment. The GT had Pirellis when I bought it in '06. I logged about 4K miles and they needed to be changed. My dealer (Vespa Kansas City) at the time suggested I try these Savas. Honestly I was very impressed with the rubber and tread pattern by how it handles those damn road grooves they make when they grind down the concrete. I also found that the Sava's were superior in wet conditions, and Rain-grooved roadways.
I typically ride me GT as fast as it will go, on the highway and in the city. These Sava's have been fine, they just wear quicker because the rubber isn't as hard.
I will inquire about the K61's and give 'em a shot.

thanks gang...

My 09 GTV came with the Savas. I haven't ridden with anything different, but I do know I don't entirely trust them. They just seem to have a bit more give to them in the corners. I'm probably going to the Michelin's at my second service, which is only 400 miles off now.

Alright... did some research today... any real world comparison between the highly acclaimed K61 and the K58???

Where's the best place to buy? Thanks again!

The K61 is a smooth and sticky road tire and the K58 is a knobby mud and snow tire that's bumpy and not very sticky.

Here is a list of 5 dealers that handle heidenau tires

[img]http://www.moto-amore.com/heidenau/new/dealersnew.html[/img]

I bought 120/90x10 Pirelli's from Motorcycle Superstore, free shipping with $75 order, for $26 each, don't know how they do it at that price, but not complaining!

They don't even handle my size in Heidenau at Moto-Amore, know they make them, but not importing them.....might be the DOT thing........so, I went the cheap route....
I guess I will wait and see if more dealers will handle them, and compare prices too, the next time I need new shoes for my scoot...

needs to be:

5. Ride on rims
6. push the scooter
7. Savas

If you get the Michelins, make sure they are balanced...had a beast of a time getting mine to sit right after the Sava's.

I did! Switched from the factory Sava's to Heidenau K61.

They have awesome road handeling...but still I am confused. My GTS seems more 'bumpy' and stiff on the road. Sometimes I would long for more comfort....

My GTV has almost 3000 miles on the original Savas... I wonder why I kept them on so long. I hate vague handling tires.

Yesterday I had a fast leaking puncture, first noticed while desending the Dennison Grade, WITH an overloaded top case. Went around a curve mid-way down and my rear end was weaving all over the place. I only have 1200 miles riding anything two wheels, and it scared the crap out of me. No, I didn't go down, but it was the slowest ride I've ever done going home that day.

I called Ray, and after discussing tire options, I ordered the K66s. I am giving up some longevity and grip for more comfort and versitility.

I'll let you know how they are after I get them installed.

I suggest You to try new Pirelli "Diablo" tyres!

I have 1000 miles on my pirellis (s150 stock tires) and the back one is down to the wear lines. I really like the ride, and I have no complaints. 1000 miles doesn't seem too bad considering its been a scorching summer in so cal

I have to admit that I just got a pair of Heidenau (I think KT61) installed by Scooter Centre, and while I'm not happy with the labor charges I got stiffed with, the tires themselves are amazing. I was actually taken aback by the excellent handling.

I've been riding on these terrible factory tires for the last few weeks and these guys are amazing. Handling so much more aggressive and I feel like I stick to the road like glue.

They are certainly not as "smooth" of a ride, but I can sacrafice a little comfort for more traction and control. Leave it to my ancestors to make a bad ass effecient tire with no concern for comfort.

ZE

Supposedly the K58 is better in the rain. I went with it because we tend to have rain almost 6 months out of the year. I absolutely love it.

Thanks to all... I'll get the K61's on order then.

Call John at Moto Amore in San Jose. He is the U.S. Distributor for Heidenau tires, so it's likely that anywhere else you buy the tires from will have bought them from him. Why not cut out the middleman?

www.moto-amore.com

That's good advice Masala. I'll keep that in mind over the next 4k+ haul.

ZE

Deutsche Gründlichkeit?

I've always had Michelin Pilots on mine. Get a little over 4K on the rear. I like the way they track.

I stopped at Oceanside Vespa today to see my buddy Eric the mechanic..He showed me a Sava tire and on the inside of it had a long rip and had a big bubble on the outside..It still had tread but very uneven wear..I found out new Vespas come with these..Boy I am glad the MP3's didn't come with Sava's..I risk my life every day riding and I sure don't want my tires killing me..

Don't some people get different sizes in teh front and back? Or did you say that in your post? Sorry, not familiar with tire sizing vernacular

Kenda K-413 last longer, 130/70-12 front and back, Iget 5000 miles out of back, and 10000 out of front.

Look at VREDESTEIN

Savas are by far the worst! I didn't know till I tried something else.. I put some Kendas on my scoot and what a diff...

Savas Blow! I've got 3K on mine and they look like crap. Just bought some Pirellis and I'm just waiting for them to come in the mail.

well for P's vintage Pirelli Rocks

SC-30 Retros $25 and well last over 5000 miles

SC-26 are Performance $27 last 6000 miles


Modern I also Chose them but they only get around 4500 miles

do Sava tires even have a ( J Rating )

dont use anything with out a J rating

Haha, funny guy! I'm glad you finally got them. I'm sure you feel more confident now. But we shouldn't have promoted them so heavily. I still need to dump, I mean painfully part with my beloved Savas sitting around.