Modern Vespa

I'm still considering moving to the mp3 500 someday, but what is the life expectancy of its rear tire?

The 12" on my 250 is getting ready for replacement (again!) at 8900 miles, so can I expect substantially longer life out of a 14"?

Front tires still look pretty good.

Thanks

My 500 came with a the 'stock' Michelin Gold 14" and front Michelin Gold 12". I just crossed the 4200 mile mark on them. I drive at high speeds(75+) and I've taken them through the Dragon for some brutal twisties for over 2 days. I've ridden gravel roads, black asphault, and normal highway. I weigh over 250+lbs and I carry around 40lbs of cargo(books, etc) everyday for my 50 mile commute to college.

Neither my back tire nor fronts show much wear. My fronts look brand new and my rear hasn't even worn down to the end of the tread line yet. I estimate that it will need to be replaced in about another 4000 miles or so(best guess). I am extremely happy with my decision in this area. It was the main reason I traded in my 12" tire 250 model. It took me barely 3K miles to go through my first 250 tire and it was completely shredded. My next tire was already showing wear after only 1K so I took it in. The 14" tire in my opinion lasts much longer and definitely rides better to me.

I read on Cycle World online that all 2009 MP3's will have a 14" rear tire. All of 'em. I don't know if that is accurate for the U.S. market but that's what it said.

Bob

Yep, you're right. There was a post recently with pics and video of it. They will. I had heard that rumor earlier, which also was another reason for prompting me to get a 500, while the trade in value of my 250 with the 12" tire was still decent. I figured that once the 14" 250 models hit my old 250's value would've dropped some, especially after the word got out about how the 14" tires worked.

I ride a BV200 but really like the MP3's. My BV has 16" tires- Michelin Gold Standards front and rear and are nearing the end. It has a little over 12K miles on now. I figure before I put it away for the season I'll have new tires mounted. The larger tires do seem to last longer.

Bob

I've said those 12" tires don't measure up ever since I've had to change mine at 3.2k. Your 16" tires reaching reaching 12k proves my point.

The rear MGSs on my Fuoco have gone 6,000 miles each, that's with very hard riding, and changing them when they square off, well before the wear mark is reached. I change the fronts at the same time - they always have tons of tread left, but tend to show signs of stress.

Hey JimC,
Glad to hear from you on this subject. I'd thought about changing all of mine at the same time too. Got a sec for some quick questions?

1. What's a good way to tell tire stress as you mentioned besides the tread marks, either on front or rears?
2. Do you save much $(err...lbs) on having them all changed simultaneously?
3. Where do you get your MSG fronts? I've only found the rears so far...I'd hate to have to go through the dealer. That usually means a long wait and extra money for 'em.

This week Two different motorcycle dealers in Georgia told me that 12" Michelin Gold Standard tires show on their computers as being available the end of October. Michelin's web page shows a 130/70/12 front tire but no rear 12" MGS tire yet. The Atlanta dealer says the 250s have 12" MGS tires but he cannot get them as replacementts yet (Oct 10 last discussion with them). I got a Heidenau Friday because I couldn't wate.

1. I don't like seeing tiny cracks appearing at the bottom of the treads. Plus there's usually some small amount of cupping. Fast and furious turns do that a bit.
2. No, but I do by taking the wheels off myself, and taking them to the dealer.
3. My fronts are Michelin Pilot Sports (MPS rather than MGS).

For comparison the X9 14" rears lasted 8000 miles, and fronts 12,000.

Thanks! I kinda feel 'special' now that I know my fronts are MGS. Plus, that's what it says on my medical bracelet on my wrist