| Author | Message | ||
     Psychobueller |
Has anyone fit performance rubber to the standard Blast wheels? Or has anyone changed to full-size rims to fit such tires? | ||
| Ezblast |
Pirelli for max grip, but short life and Avons for grip almost as good and alot longer life! Will post some pics and sizes in a bit - until then - Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Ezblast |
Pirelli  Avon  Gimme some skin man! Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Psycobueller-The rear swingarm is leaves very little clearance over the stock size tire, anything taller will require swingarm modification ,so it is usually deemed impractical to change to larger wheels or tires.But with tools and money anything is possible! | ||
| Jprovo |
I got 3800 miles out of the stock rear tire, and changed out both of the stock tires for Pirellis. I got 4000 miles out of a Pirelli rear. I changed the Pirelli out for and Avon. I have about 1000 miles on the Avon, and I like it. I didn't notice a difference in the rear grip from the Avon to the Pirelli. I will probably change out the Pirelli front out for an Avon this weekend. The Pirelli front now has over 5000 miles on it. It still grips great, but it is pretty cupped. I'm not into the indicators yet, but I want to see how the Avons feel as a pair before I start wearing out the rear. The Pierllis grip so darn well that I can't see looking for other rubber. BTW: Avon suggests running 30 psi front and 33 rear on the AM50/51, so that's what I run. James | ||
| Jprovo |
I ran a total for what I think wheel conversion would cost, with new parts. Wheel Conversion Cost Breakdown Front Wheel $335.50 Front Tire $100.00 Front Rotor $200.00 Front Wheel Spacers $20.00 Front Caliper Bracket $50.00 Rear Wheel $335.50 Rear Tire $125.00 Rear Axle and Spacers $100.00 Rear Rotor $140.00 Rear Sprocket $150.00 Engine Sprocket $65.00 Drive Belt $150.00 Swingarm Modification $300.00 Misc Hardware $50.00 Total $2,121.00 Add 30% Profit $2,757.30 The budget kit, with just a swingarm mod. New Swingarm, add $250 $250.00 Upgrade Front Caliper $300.00 New Brake Pads F&R $70.00 Brake Lines $150.00 Total $2,891.00 Add 30% Profit $3,758.30 The High Dollar kit with all the brake lines and a totally new swingarm. I think that the numbers are realistic, but out of the range for what I would pay. I think that I'd have to use used parts, and Ebay it to make a kit that I would deem even remotely affordable | ||
| Blastoholic |
Meaning no dis-respect to the Pirelli people or You fine folk. But I'd never run a Pirelli on my(street) Blast Again ! I only got 2000miles (rear) until the Cord was starting to show thru it's baldness. Yes the pressures were normal, but I do/did weigh over 215lbs. And I swear EZ- I wasn't rippin that hard ;-) I have an Avon now and will tell you what I think after it's worn out. ~Ralph~ | ||
| Ezblast |
Well - stock I got 2,600, and Pirelli's are giving me around 3,500 - second set. Bullshit Ralph - you've told me yourself that bike of yours doesn't go below 90 all the way to the library and that your lifting the wheel in second - sounds a little like your working them puppies to me. Maybe you should get some Chinese tires;0) Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Blastoholic |
EZ does it man ! Yeah I Blast around my area, but thats only 50% of my riding. And how come the Stock Dunlop i had went 4000miles and I changed that before the cord was showing , hmmm...??? Oh Btw EZ, my Friend Charlie(from Pa.) had two Pirelli's also and says the same thing, check out his photos (in my yahoo group tire album)of his tires right b4 he changed them...same deal. And I've talked with several others who got the same mileage.... They must be using TWO different Compounds in dem Pirelli's, eh-Ed ? *LOL* Besides, changing those *P* tires so much will wear out your rims ! (Got Stock in Pirelli-EZ ?) | ||
| Ezblast |
Your kidding right - hell I was the first to notice that someone besides Pirelli made a tire for the Blast - I think it must be the weight / pressure thing - thats the only real variable besides riding style - your funny though - to bring up one of the other craziest Blasters besides us and use him for an example - mr. I think I'll do a couple of thousand miles after dinner guy;0) - lol - Charlie no offense - but you could be the Court of Blast-land - with the miles you do;0)Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ | ||
| Blastoholic |
Psssst, hey EZ, I don't think Charlie comes to the Badweb...AHEM- WHAT AM I whispering for !? Actually, Charlie is soooo depressed now that his Beemer f650 is making a clunking noise- hell it's only got -what? 80K miles on it ! He's forced to ride his Blast, which he intends to teach his 16 yr old daughter Elayna to ride on this year. She hates the Blast and is spoiled by daddies Beemer. But Charlie also has a dark evil side too....Ooooo he's hearing a Jap sport v-twin whispering his name....oh charlie...OH Charlie... Muuuwah-ha-ha };-) | ||
| Sarodude |
I had a shocking realization with our Blast yesterday. Loli has quietly put on 5000 miles on my Blast. That's good and fine - except that SOMEHOW that ORIGINAL FRONT TIRE is still cool. With that, I'd like to know how far folks have gone on front / rear Blast rubber - be it the OEM rubber or one of the aftermarket offerings. -Saro | ||
| Blastoholic |
Ok, my bike now has 6900 miles and the stock front still has a few *K* left in her. As for the Back- the OEM went at around 4000miles, the next Pirelli-2000mi, and Avon is like NEW now! | ||
| Spooky |
Saro, I got about 2500 on my 0riginal rear and 5000 on the front. The front was getting cracks in it. I just got pirellis put on the bike this past friday, so I dont know what kind of wear to expect. We all ride our bikes different plus we ride on different roads. With the dunslops you could fell the front of the bike pushing in turns. The pirellis just stick unless they are cold. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
4000 on stock rear.Changed with tread still visible(need to be able to ride in the rain!) & yes, I still had plenty of tread on the sides(chicken stripe,freeway stripe etc.) | ||
| Southernmarine |
Alright. I've said this before and I'll say it again. I'm pretty much a newbie to bikes. I've ridden bikes on and off for over 12 years. I owned a 1983 Suzuki 750, (can't remember the model, didn't own the bike that long) and now my Blast. The 750 is what I learned to ride on. I really don't know anything other than how to ride so I'm currently learning everything now, especially from the members of this site. Thank you. Here's the thing, I need a lesson on tires. I'm sure you've seen my ignorance in the "For the Factory" thread. By the way, thanks Buellidan for the input. I know the size of the tires on the Blast, as far as 100/80 - 120/80. Definition of sizes please? I know I can't really go taller on the Blast, unless there's a mod to the swingarm, correct? What about going wider? If I can go wider, what are we talking about size wise. Buellidan, you mentioned 17" wheels, we're talking the diameter of the rim right? I know this has probably been covered before, but I need a lesson. I appreciate the knowledge here.  | ||
| Blastoholic |
SouthernMarine, It's kinda like this with tires... although you can in theory go to a wider 130/80-16 , with that width also comes a little height. The 130 # is the width in M.M. and the 80# is the aspect ratio (16" is rim dia). On a few bikes -people have fitted the older -now discontinued tires in 130/80x16 and they fit. The only current tires I see on the market are made by Dunlop for the Kawa Ex250R ninja and a similar tire made my the chinese co. -Cheng Shin. We've been told recently that the Dunlop tire will hit, but no word back yet on the Cheng Shin. The older tire that fit I believe was(?) a Metzler? So there you have it, only 3 tires in OEM size will fit and are made. One old tire in 130/80 if you can find it, and a ??? on the Chen Shin. But good news for the front tires, you can even use a 100/90x16 up there...yes it's taller....but if the brand you choose rubs- just elongate the holes in the fender and slide her up a few M.M. I hope that clears it up for you. | ||
| Southernmarine |
Thanks Blasto, clears up a lot. I went to my dealer last night and talked with my salesman. He owned a Blast and now has a 9S. They tried different tires also. He said the Cheng Shin tires sucked. Well, let me check around, see if I can track some 130/80's or something that will fit down. I'll let ya'll know if I find anything. Of course I'm not in a rush, but planning ahead. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
130/80x16= tire is 130mm wide, 16" rim diameter,and the tire height is 80 percent of the tire width.So lower middle #,lower profile tire. i.e.130/90x16 is a taller tire.Keep in mind,rim width changes tire height & tires the same size from different manufacturers vary in size.(sorry I just thought aspect ratio needed a little more definition!) | ||
| Joey |
Here's my tire history: Dunlop went from new to 3500 miles. Pirelli went past 7500 miles. Avon went to 12000+ miles. Would have been more had the installer balanced my tire correctly. Past 15000 miles, and it is time (perhaps 1000 miles past...) to change my STOCK, ORIGINAL, for the first time, Dunlop front tire. That's all I have to say. (Message edited by joey on May 08, 2003) | ||
| Buellkat |
Hey anyone got any hints for wheel cleaner on the stock rims on the Blast, having a heck of time getting the spotted black grime out of the crevices.  | ||
| Josh_ |
S100 wheel cleaner, simple green, any wheel cleaner that is hard on brake dust and/or hurts your eyes when you spray it. That and a scrub brush. | ||
| Buellkat |
Kewl, thanks Josh, I have tried simple green and scrub brush but to no avail....will try S100 or brake cleaner...  | ||
| Josh_ |
Not brake cleaner - wheel cleaner that claims to be real good on brake dust. I forget the stuff I used to use on my Firebird, but if you spray it and it stings your eyes - you've got the good stuff.  Look for a wheel cleaner with lots of warnings on it. Skull and crossbones are a good sign. | ||
| Buellkat |
*donning safety glasses*  prepare to spray the Wheel Cleaner or Brake Dust Remover a big thks for the clarification too | ||
| Ezblast |
Brake cleaner or engine cleaner works for the stuborn stuff but don't get it on painted parts - will eat paint (also wear gloves) - I usually go thru a can of foamy engine brite a month on the wheels - for the plastic and seat - high gloss Armor All - for engine - engine brite, and to keep your discs shiny & in good order - brake cleaner. Got Thump?! Just Blasting on the Dark side! EZ  | ||
| Pele |
I'm starting to think I'm the only one with a 2003 Blast, but in 2003 they changed the rear wheel bearing manufactuer (according to my service manger) and the new manufactuer put too much grease in their bearings. It blows out, gets grease all over the axle, lets dirt in, and destroys the bearings. I had been informed that it was going to be replaced with another faulty bearing, but the one it was replaced with was obviously not the same. The seal was orange, and did not say FRANCE KBC on the side. The bike was just over 3000 miles, and they new exactly what was wrong from my description as they had just had another 2003 Blast in there for the same reason. Anyone know if there has been a recall, or where this information is posted? Thanks. | ||
| Jprovo |
There is no recall. It sounds like the bearing that you got is the same as the upgraded bearings for the XB9's. The upgraded bearings were due to a shorter than expected service life on the originals, the replacements had orange seals. I'm guessing that if the problem proves to be systemic, they'll issue an upgrade bulletin, but there hasn't been any sign of that yet (and you'd definitely hear about it here). There is a section for recalls for the Blast, Thumper forum, sixth topic. One of the major problems, it that most Blast riders don't RIDE the darn things, so they never break, so very little gets changed. I've got over 12000 miles on mine, but I've see 2000's and 2001's with under 2000 miles on them. Keep riding! James | ||
| Teledog |
Hi there, I was talking to my regular H-D guy about tires yesterday, I want Avons for my Blast, he said there is a discrepancy among tire manufacturers as to what the numbers actually mean, and the same size Avon as the stock tire may actually be different, can anyone who is actually running the Avon give me the Avon numbers for front and rear? | ||
| Jprovo |
Avon AM51 Front Avon AM52 Rear Same sizes as stock. EZ swears by em! James |
