Installed Kenda Kruz tires

[paddyo]

Replaced the stock Bridgestones on my 09 Nomad with Kenda Kruz K673s front and rear -- 130/90 16 on the front and 160/80 16 on the rear. The stock rear tire was into the wear bars at 7,500 miles. I ran the Kendas on a Suzuki Boulevard C50 and on my last set I got 33,000 miles on the front and 22,000 miles on the rear. I ran them each at 36 psi. I ride regardless of weather and had no problems in the rain. I will will run these on the Nomad at 36 psi as well. Because the rear tire is a little taller than the stock tire, it has helped the accuracy of my speedometer. According to my GPS, the speedometer on the stock tires was 4 mph fast. With the 160/80 on the rear, it is only 2 mph fast according to the GPS.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Yes the Bridgestone's didn't do very good for me. I got a little over 9,000 on the rear and about 11,000 on the front. I now have the Dunlop Elite 3's and with about 2,000 or so miles I can't see that they have worn any.

[cactusjack]

I have been looking at a new rear tire and have been considering going to the 160/80-16. In doing so, it offers a few more tire choices than the 180/60-16.

One thing to think about, the Nomad outweighs your old C50 by 200 pounds or so. I'd suggest you run more than 36 PSI in them. I am curious about the Kendas and would like to know how yours hold up, although I suspect I'll be replacing my rear tire in the next few weeks.

[landman]

hey CJ,you might want to consider the dunlop e-3 in 160/80-16.
i have 10,000 miles on my rear tire and it still has a fair amount of
life left.ride and handling is great.it is however a bias that is built on the radial type profile.

[Cajunrider]

That's great mileage for both on your C50. I hadn't heard of Kenda before. Did you purchase them online?

[cactusjack]

I was looking at the Kenda Kruz 160/80-16 on denniskirk.com it's around $86. The Elite 3 is around $150. I wouldn't mind spending 2x the $$ on the Elite 3 if it would last 2x as long.

Hell, maybe I'll give one a try. The fitment is for the Honda Goldwing, one of the few bikes heavier than my Nomad.

I was leaning toward the Dunlop D417 for $149. Still might go that route.

[ringadingh]

In not sure if they are available in Canada, but at that price its certainly worth considering, especially if they can last for a decent length of time.

[bigmacbkr]

I put the same rear Kenda tire on my Nomad about six thousand miles ago and it still has more tread on it than the Stone did when new. I only got about five thousand miles on the Stone when I replaced it. I love the Kenda and will definitely put a Kenda on the front when I replace it. The quality is at least as good as any of the others, it wears like steel, and the tread depth is deeper than any motorcycle tire I've ever seen, yet it is by far one of the least expensive. Why some bikers seem reluctant to move up to Kenda is beyond me! ???

[paddyo]

Did you purchase them online?

I purchased them through my dealer. If you do not purchase them through them, they charge $80/tire for installation. However, purchasing the tires through them, only costs about $60 more than the best online price and that includes installation. So I considered that to be a good price.

I have ordered mine in the past from Trax Motorsports (www.traxms.com). They have both good prices and service.


I put the same rear Kenda tire on my Nomad about six thousand miles ago and it still has more tread on it than the Stone did when new.

bigmacbkr,
What tire pressure are you running with your Kenda rear tire?

[cactusjack]

I order my tires online and then either mount them myself, or if I'm feeling lazy I take them to a cycle shop that will mount a tire for $10.

[ringadingh]

I also mount my own tires, not that bad a job once you know how. The best price to get it done at a dealer here is at least $30.00 if you bring them the wheel, although all my pals get it done free. They bring their tires to me for mounting.

[ringadingh]

That's great mileage for both on your C50. I hadn't heard of Kenda before. Did you purchase them online?

If Im not mistaken, I think the Kenda tires used to be Yokahama tires, or where bought out by them.
Yokahama used tobe popular here years ago and then dropped out of sight.

[Cajunrider]

Kenda tires are manufactured in China, correct?

[wiz]

I too had very good experience with Kenda Kruz tires on my C50 but I did not realize they were available in the Nomad sizes. I will have to look into this, right now my Cobras are going strong. Thanks!

[cactusjack]

Alright, I bit and ordered a Kenda Kruz 160/80-16 from Dennis Kirk. Total cost was $98.98. I had to pay for shipping because it was < $100. The tread depth on this tire is 12/32", compared to 8/32" for the ME880 and 9/32" for the Avon Venom.

If this tire can go 10,000+ miles, it's a pretty good deal in my book. Time will tell.

[Dave]

When you guys order on-line, how do you insure you're not getting a tire that's old?

[cactusjack]

If you order from a high volume retailer, like Dennis Kirk you're pretty much assured of getting fresh tires. They sell enough to keep their inventory revolving and they also have a reputation to maintain. Plus you can return it if necessary.

I wouldn't buy tires from some unknown eBay seller who may have bought someone's old stock and is selling them cheap.

I've bought several tires online from Dennis Kirk, American Motorcycle Tire, and Sport Tour Ltd and have never received an old tire.

[bigmacbkr]

That's great mileage for both on your C50. I hadn't heard of Kenda before. Did you purchase them online?

If Im not mistaken, I think the Kenda tires used to be Yokahama tires, or where bought out by them.
Yokahama used tobe popular here years ago and then dropped out of sight.
I'm quite certain I've read somewhere that the Kenda tires are made in (by?) the same tire company that makes Avons.

[justbob]

how old it too old ?

[Dave]

how old it too old ?

When teed up easy, it's hard not to swing away!

Back to your question, I prefer under a year on new tires.

[ringadingh]

They seem to have good reviews from everyone that has tried them, a lot of Road Star guys seem to have switched to them. The only beef is no whitewalls.

Here are some specs.
http://www.ehow.com/list_7472564_kenda-kruz-tire-specs.html

[bigmacbkr]

Did you purchase them online?

I purchased them through my dealer. If you do not purchase them through them, they charge $80/tire for installation. However, purchasing the tires through them, only costs about $60 more than the best online price and that includes installation. So I considered that to be a good price.

I run 40PSI in the rear, 36 front.

I have ordered mine in the past from Trax Motorsports (www.traxms.com). They have both good prices and service.


I put the same rear Kenda tire on my Nomad about six thousand miles ago and it still has more tread on it than the Stone did when new.

bigmacbkr,
What tire pressure are you running with your Kenda rear tire?

[ringadingh]

Kenda recomends 40 psi on all of their tires according to their sight. I doubt you would want to go any less than about 38psi.

[wiz]

If Im not mistaken, I think the Kenda tires used to be Yokahama tires, or where bought out by them.
Yokahama used tobe popular here years ago and then dropped out of sight.
I'm quite certain I've read somewhere that the Kenda tires are made in (by?) the same tire company that makes Avons.

It looks like Avon and Kenda are both owned by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. The Kenda tires I have had have been marked made in China and the Avons marked made in England.

[ronnie]

I tried a set of kenda kruz. I got good wear out of them, but, going fast into a curve, my bike wanted to walk a little bit.. Felt like it was kinda slipping to me. Very scary at first, until I got used to it.. I didn't get any more of them. I'm sure your gonna come back and say tire pressure, but, I tried different pressures and made no difference. Maybe just relative to my bike only. Good luck to you all, though. ronnie

[ringadingh]

I tried a set of kenda kruz. I got good wear out of them, but, going fast into a curve, my bike wanted to walk a little bit.. Felt like it was kinda slipping to me. Very scary at first, until I got used to it.. I didn't get any more of them. I'm sure your gonna come back and say tire pressure, but, I tried different pressures and made no difference. Maybe just relative to my bike only. Good luck to you all, though. ronnie
Perhaps it was just the pavement you were riding on that gave you that slipping feeling. We have some sections of road around here that are scary to ride on in the rain especially.

[cactusjack]

My Kenda tire is supposed to be here Friday. I probably won't mount it for a week or two because I want to service the swingarm and driveshaft at the same time. I'll probably do that the weekend of the 15th, since I will be on call and have to stay close to home.

[skiman]

superstore has them for the same price with free shipping

[skiman]

which is good since I was looking at the bike and found a nice slash on the front almost looks like a box cutter swipe or I hit some sharp metal

[Jared]

Very very good prices on tires. I'm looking forward to your review, Scott.

[1moresin]

Paddyo, why did you go to 130/90 16 on the front is that stock size for you,my is 150/80-16

[bigmacbkr]

This Kenda Kruz tire has well over 5,000 miles on it, almost 6,000 and as you can see, is wearing like steel. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[Jared]

This Kenda Kruz tire has well over 5,000 miles on it, almost 6,000 and as you can see, is wearing like steel. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

Impressive!!

[ndbigfish]

Paddyo, why did you go to 130/90 16 on the front is that stock size for you,my is 150/80-16
This is the stock size for the newer ('09 & '10) Nomads. '99 through '08 used the 150/80-16.

[ndbigfish]

This Kenda Kruz tire has well over 5,000 miles on it, almost 6,000 and as you can see, is wearing like steel. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

bigmacbkr,

What is change in tread depth or what is it now compared to the new depth? Is this a 761 lb load tire? I could only see a lighter load rated tire.

[bigmacbkr]

[quote author=ndbigfish board=general thread=21384 post=322722 time=1294521403What is change in tread depth or what is it now compared to the new depth? Is this a 761 lb load tire? I could only see a lighter load rated tire.[/quote]
The 160/80H-16 tire on my bike has a max load of 853 lbs and an original tread depth of 9.3mm. I don't know how deep the tread depth is now but it's still pretty darn deep.

I put a set of Kenda 673's on my Vulcan 750 (still for sale). Inexpensive, excellent ride and yes... wear like steel. For some reason I thought I had to pay big bucks for Avons, but after seeing this thread I will strongly consider Kenda 673's for the Nad too. Thanks fellas.

[chucks1911]

I just had a new tire put on the back of my bike. I asked the guy about the Kendas, he said that he would not order, install, or work on them. He told me that they are "crap". Of course thats his opinion, I have no experience with them.

I ended up going with the Dunlop Elite 3s for $175.

[bigmacbkr]

I just had a new tire put on the back of my bike. I asked the guy about the Kendas, he said that he would not order, install, or work on them. He told me that they are "crap". Of course thats his opinion, I have no experience with them.I ended up going with the Dunlop Elite 3s for $175.

I measured the tire depth on my Kruz and what a pleasant surprise. I knew I had a lot of tread left, but 8mm??? Wow, I also checked my mileage....that tire already has 5700 miles on it and it's only worn down 1.5mm ........ might be crap, but they'll be my tire of choice from now on barring some unforseen problem! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

[cactusjack]

I just had a new tire put on the back of my bike. I asked the guy about the Kendas, he said that he would not order, install, or work on them. He told me that they are "crap". Of course thats his opinion, I have no experience with them.

I ended up going with the Dunlop Elite 3s for $175.

He makes more money selling you a $175 Dunlop.

[ndbigfish]

I just had a new tire put on the back of my bike. I asked the guy about the Kendas, he said that he would not order, install, or work on them. He told me that they are "crap". Of course thats his opinion, I have no experience with them.I ended up going with the Dunlop Elite 3s for $175.

I measured the tire depth on my Kruz and what a pleasant surprise. I knew I had a lot of tread left, but 8mm??? Wow, I also checked my mileage....that tire already has 5700 miles on it and it's only worn down 1.5mm ........ might be crap, but they'll be my tire of choice from now on barring some unforseen problem! http://s2.images.proboards.com/cool.gif

That is pretty amazing. I had a friend that had a Kendra mounted on his C50 and he was told it was only good for a burn-out; live and learn.

[chucks1911]

I just had a new tire put on the back of my bike. I asked the guy about the Kendas, he said that he would not order, install, or work on them. He told me that they are "crap". Of course thats his opinion, I have no experience with them.

I ended up going with the Dunlop Elite 3s for $175.

He makes more money selling you a $175 Dunlop.

I realize that. When it comes to something as important as a rear tire on a motorcycle, I have no problem spending more. YMMV

[cactusjack]

He makes more money selling you a $175 Dunlop.

I realize that. When it comes to something as important as a rear tire on a motorcycle, I have no problem spending more. YMMV

Personally, I wouldn't trust the word of someone who profits from the sale and installation of tires to offer an opinion like that. He has a vested interest in steering you to a more expensive tire. A more valid opinion would come from those who actually use them.

I did my due diligence on the Kenda before I ordered it. They are popular tires on Gold Wings and I couldn't find any GW rider who said anything negative about them. They are also highly recommended on the Suzuki Volusia/C50 forum. I'll install it, and if it doesn't pan out I'll replace it with something else. The tire was delivered on Friday and it looks decent, with the deepest tread I have ever seen on a tire for this type of bike.

[paddyo]

This is the info about the tires which fit the Nomads from the KendaUSA.com website (http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/motorcycle/street/kruz.aspx)

FEATURES SIZE OD_INCHES OD_MM SW_INCHES SW (MM) MAX_LOAD_LBS MAX LOAD (KG) MAX PSI TREAD DEPTH_MM WEIGHT (LBS)
FRONT 130/90H-16 24.94 636 5.10 130 783 355 40 4 8.16 (2009+ Nomads)

FRONT 150/80H-16 25.3 646 5.9 150 345 157 40 7.8 19.4 (Prior to 2009 Nomads)

REAR 160/80H-16 25.96 662 6.20 158 853 388 40 9.3 20.52

When I used them on my C50, I went to my county landfill where they weigh vehicles before they go in and after they came out. They told me the weight of my bike with me on it for the front wheel was 320 lbs, 520 lbs on the back, and 860 lbs for both wheels. I emailed this info to Kenda and they told me to use 36 psi front and rear solo and 40 psi in the rear 2 up. While I realize the Nomad weighs more than the C50, I am guessing it will not be a lot different since I added hard bags, windshield, driver/passenger backrests, and luggage rack to the C50. Since they are equipped similarly, I figured I would do the same with the Nomad. Time will tell how it works out. If I ever have time and remember to do it, I will go by the landfill and get the same measurements again and see what Kenda recommends for the tires on the Nomad.

[chucks1911]

I realize that. When it comes to something as important as a rear tire on a motorcycle, I have no problem spending more. YMMV

Personally, I wouldn't trust the word of someone who profits from the sale and installation of tires to offer an opinion like that. He has a vested interest in steering you to a more expensive tire. A more valid opinion would come from those who actually use them.

I did my due diligence on the Kenda before I ordered it. They are popular tires on Gold Wings and I couldn't find any GW rider who said anything negative about them. They are also highly recommended on the Suzuki Volusia/C50 forum. I'll install it, and if it doesn't pan out I'll replace it with something else. The tire was delivered on Friday and it looks decent, with the deepest tread I have ever seen on a tire for this type of bike.

I understand your position, just as I understand his. I've known him a long time. I trust his judgement. Even if 95% of his work is on Harleys.

Oh and the Vol is a lighter bike. I have one and am on the Vol rider forum same as you.

I'm not bashing the Kendas. I was simply passing on the info/opinion of a professional bike mechanic from my area.

[cactusjack]

Personally, I wouldn't trust the word of someone who profits from the sale and installation of tires to offer an opinion like that. He has a vested interest in steering you to a more expensive tire. A more valid opinion would come from those who actually use them.

I did my due diligence on the Kenda before I ordered it. They are popular tires on Gold Wings and I couldn't find any GW rider who said anything negative about them. They are also highly recommended on the Suzuki Volusia/C50 forum. I'll install it, and if it doesn't pan out I'll replace it with something else. The tire was delivered on Friday and it looks decent, with the deepest tread I have ever seen on a tire for this type of bike.

I understand your position, just as I understand his. I've known him a long time. I trust his judgement. Even if 95% of his work is on Harleys.

Oh and the Vol is a lighter bike. I have one and am on the Vol rider forum same as you.

I'm not bashing the Kendas. I was simply passing on the info/opinion of a professional bike mechanic from my area.

I know the C50 is lighter, I owned one before I bought the Nomad. I appreciate your input, and I consider the Kenda as a sort of "experiment". If it works out favorably, then great - if not, then it was a bad idea.

[1moresin]

i too am thinking of going o KENDA but with 345 max load on 150/80-16 thats not going to work for me. looks like avon or dunlap lll

[bigmacbkr]

i too am thinking of going o KENDA but with 345 max load on 150/80-16 thats not going to work for me. looks like avon or dunlap lll

How heavy is your bike? The 150/80-16 is rated at 761 lbs.....346 KGs. I would think that ought to be big enough for most any bike.....what bike do you have? ???

[ringadingh]

That load rating is also rated for one tires capacity. On the bike the weight is distributed onto both tires.
That rating of 345lbs seems kind of light as well, are you sure thats the correct rating. 761 sounds a lot more realistic.

[cactusjack]

i too am thinking of going o KENDA but with 345 max load on 150/80-16 thats not going to work for me. looks like avon or dunlap lll

I found this in the product description for the Kenda K673 150/80-16 front tire on Dennis Kirk's website:

DIMENSIONS
Inflated Width/Measuring Rim Width: Not available
Inflated Diameter: Not available
Acceptable Rim Width(s): Not available
Deepest Tread Depth: 4/32"
Balance Dot: One yellow
Directional Arrow: Yes
Speed Rating: H-rated for up to 130 MPH

CAPACITIES AND CONSTRUCTION:
Load Capacity/Inflation Pressure: 761 LBS/41 PSI
Load Range: B
Bias or Radial Ply: Bias
Tread Plies/Material: 5 Nylon
Sidewall Plies/Material: 4 nylon
DOT Approved for Road Use: Yes
Tube or Tubeless: Tubeless

That sounds about right. Yes, the Kenda website does say 345 pounds, I think that's an error.

[1moresin]

i have a 08 nomad ,i think kenda web infor is wrong, 761 sounds more like it, thanks guys

[bigmacbkr]

What website are you guys looking at? The Kenda site I'm looking at shows the rating at the stated 761 lbs for the 150/80-16? http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/motorcycle/street/kruz.aspx

[1moresin]

just looked again 345 for front 150/80-16 but 761 for rear same size or am i not seeing this right. i think there site is wrong

[1moresin]

just ordered kenda front and rear from dennis kirk.good price i could find 84. rear 80. front not bad . thanks guys

[ringadingh]

I figured out the discreprancy in the 345lb load rating, it should say 345kg's not lbs.

[skiman]

i too am thinking of going o KENDA but with 345 max load on 150/80-16 thats not going to work for me. looks like avon or dunlap lll

I emailed them,that is a misprint 345 is in Kg so it would be 759 lbs

[skiman]

What website are you guys looking at? The Kenda site I'm looking at shows the rating at the stated 761 lbs for the 150/80-16? http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/motorcycle/street/kruz.aspx

your looking at the rear not the front tire
look at the 2nd tire on the list rated at 345lbs

[bigmacbkr]

Skiman you are correct, I was looking at the rear tire...my bad! :-/

[1moresin]

my kenda tire order from dennis kirk came in today man that was fast orderd on the 9 came on the 12,nice tires. lots to do now tires, swing arm. and duel intake mod from joe norris.

[nomadbehappy]

I need new tires and was planning on ordering the Avon Cobras based on the comments on the forum, now you have me rethinking that! Since we still have tons of snow and another storm on the way I have plenty of time to think this one over. Guess I need to start checking prices and where I can get them around here.

I look forward to hearing more opinions of the Kenda Kruz from those of you who have them or are about to get them.

[hammer]

+1 on that. I would like to hear some reports on how these kendas handle and perform.

[cactusjack]

I mounted my Kenda on the rear wheel yesterday. Easiest tire I've ever mounted - maybe I'm just getting good. It went on in about 10 minutes using tire irons. Beads seated at about 30 PSI. Added 2 oz of Dynabeads, inflated it to 41 PSI and rolled it aside. Then I removed the swingarm and driveshaft and went inside to watch the memorial service for the Tucson shooting victims.

I may wait until Saturday for more daylight before I clean, lube, and reassemble everything. Temps are predicted to be in the 70's this weekend, so I will at least get on the road and try it out. I am off on Monday for Martin Luther King Day and not on call, so I will probably go out and really break the tire in.

[Dave]

Then trade that for an Ultra?

[donoller]

WHY DO THAT JUST SOLD A 07 ULTRA WITH 1500 MILES ON IT FOR 14,500 THE WORST BIKE I EVER HAD PERIOD

[cactusjack]

Finished up my maintenance today after servicing the swingarm and driveshaft and installing a Kenda 673 160/80-16 on the rear.. Took the bike out for a quick spin. Having ridden on a car tire for the past year and a half, it felt a little squirrely at first. The car tire had a tendency to want to stay in a straight line. The bike rides nice and my speedo is off by maybe 2 MPH now instead of 5. I checked it against my GPS. I hope to get out on Monday and put some miles on it.

[tbmmbt]

cactusjack,

I am guessing that the 160/80 works well in place of the 170/70? Isn't the 160 taller but narrower? I have a friend that works for General and he is going to get me a Altimax in the 205/60 size but they won't run the tires in the factory until the end of Feb at the soonest so I may have to look at going another route just in case. Any thoughts on the Kendra yet?

[cactusjack]

cactusjack,

I am guessing that the 160/80 works well in place of the 170/70? Isn't the 160 taller but narrower? I have a friend that works for General and he is going to get me a Altimax in the 205/60 size but they won't run the tires in the factory until the end of Feb at the soonest so I may have to look at going another route just in case. Any thoughts on the Kendra yet?

Yes, it is taller and slightly narrower. I have only put about 30 miles on it so far, too early to form an opinion.

[landman]

i'm still hoping for a report from cj on this tire as i will need a new
rear tire this spring sometime.have 9,000 miles on the e-3 160/80-16 that i am running now and have been quite satisfied,it
should go another 2 or 3 thousand miles no problem.

[nomad]

put a kenda on the rear last year.(early 2010)...for the money, i'll do it again. no complaints.

[cactusjack]

Well I haven't been able to go on an extended ride yet, but I have put close to 200 miles on the Kenda. just running around town, including maybe 50 miles of freeway riding. I like it, although the car tire rode softer. It seems to hold corners just fine. No complaints, at least yet.

[paddyo]

It has been a month and 2400 miles since I put the Kenda Kruz tires on my 09 Nomad. Here are pictures of what the tires look like. As you can see there is still a ways to go till I get to the wear bars.

Front:
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/silvercycler/P1010583.jpg

Rear:
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb181/silvercycler/P1010582.jpg

[Cajunrider]

If I do much riding between now and the National, I'll have to replace the rear tire before heading up to Maggie Valley. Possibly the front one also. With all I hear about unavoidable scraping on the dragon, I'll need a taller rear tire regardless.

[paddyo]

Well my experiment with the Kenda's ended last weekend due to getting nails in each tire. The front picked up a roofing nail and would hold air for about 30 minutes. The rear picked up a brad nail and was losing 3 lbs of pressure per day. This was in spite of Ride On tire sealant in each tire. So last Saturday I went to the dealer and the only tires they had in stock were the Bridgestone Exedra's. The Kenda's had 4000 miles on them, had lots of tread, and were doing well. I could not wait for them to get another set of Kenda's in since I use the bike for my daily transportation. Once these wear out, I will go back to the Kenda's and see how they do. I also put True Goo tire sealant in the Exedra's and will see if it works any better.

[ringadingh]

Paddyo; Why wouldn't you plug the tires? there are some good mushroom style plugs available.

[cactusjack]

Bridgestones??? I don't know which is worse - the nails in the Kendas or having to buy Brickstones. http://s2.images.proboards.com/grin.gif

[1moresin]

CJ,how is the rear tire doing,how many miles on it now.

[cactusjack]

I think around 2,000 miles until I crashed my bike. Holding up just fine, tire looks real good.

I just had a Kenda front tire installed yesterday. Looks good, and seems to be running fine. Can't beat the price.

[05nomader]

C J sorry to hear you crashed your bike hope you weren't hurt!!
Can you give us more details.

[paddyo]

Paddyo; Why wouldn't you plug the tires? there are some good mushroom style plugs available.

Asked the dealer about plugging the tires like car tires and he did not recommend it. I have since researched options and gone with Stop & Go Pocket Tire Plugger from http://www.stopngo.com/motorcycle.asp. If there are any more nails I am hoping the True Goo works. If not, I will try these mushroom plugs.

[ndbigfish]

Bump.

Two of the primary experimental bike/tire combinations in this thread are no longer experimenting. How are other's Kenda Kruz tires wearing and performing? Just looking ahead after the current tires on the bike are shot.

[ruruson1]

Guys I think Kenda has been around for quit some time. They were big into dirt bike tires for years. They have recently, as in the last couple years, moved into street tires and tour bike tires. My pops had a Ultra classic that he wanted to sell and put a set of Kenda tire on it. He worked at a bike shop and got them cheap. Ended up keeping the bike and loved the tires. He was a big Elite 2 or 3 man but now runs the kenda because, according to him their a heck of alot cheaper and handle just as well on dry or wet pavement. I fugure after several years as a bike cop I tend to listen to the old man and if I dont I never hear the end of it. I havent told him I just put a set of ME880's on. lol

[dabull]

when putting air into my john deere yard tractor, i realized it has kenda Kruz tires on it,,,,,BWA-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA :)

[ndbigfish]

Bump.

How are your Kenda's working out?

[bigmacbkr]

This rear Kenda Kruz has eight thousand miles on it and looks to have many more left in it! The only "problem" I have with the Kruz is that it makes a buzzing sound when turning.

I have two friends both with Kruz tires and both of theirs makes the same sound. One is a Honda Shadow the other is a Suzuki Boulevard.

I attribute it to the tall wide center section. When turning you don't notice a transition to the side walls but that's when it buzzes.

[ndbigfish]

I would say this buzzing, roaring and such is a fairly common noise due to the tread pattern having more disruptions along the edges of the tires. I've had it on Bridgestone, Dunlop and Avon front tires.

[redeye]

When you guys order on-line, how do you insure you're not getting a tire that's old?

In Feb I installed Kendas on my GL1500 Goldwing. I ordered them from Dennis Kirk.com, mainly for the pricing & FREE shipping. One tire had a build date of 3710 & the other was 4410. So both tires were less than 6 months old when they were dropped on my front porch. I have about 1500 miles on them & neither is showing any signs of wear. My son had them on his '85 Silver wing & at 5000+ miles when he sold the bike, both looked very good. I know it's a lighter bike...but.....


Kenda tires are manufactured in China, correct?

Both tires had "Made in Thailand" stamped on the sidewall. As I understand, Kenda Tire is owned by Cooper Yire....-Rich

[bigmacbkr]

Kenda tires are manufactured in China, correct?

Both tires had "Made in Thailand" stamped on the sidewall. As I understand, Kenda Tire is owned by Cooper Yire....-Rich[/quote]

I read somewhere that Kenda tires were made by Avon, however, I don't know if that's a fact. ???

[1moresin]

I too have the buzzing only about 200 miles ,did not have the buzzing befor the new tires.

[yoda]

I have the E3s and will need to replace them before too long. I am interested in seeing how these last on a Nomad. I did just put a set of them on my wife's 900, and they seem good on er bike. Right now I have almost 12,000 miles on the E3 bias, and strangely enough, the front seems to be wearing faster than the rear. Maybe too much stop and go on the commute, and too many twisties on the weekend!

[ndbigfish]

Kenda tires are manufactured in China, correct?

Both tires had "Made in Thailand" stamped on the sidewall. As I understand, Kenda Tire is owned by Cooper Yire....-Rich

I read somewhere that Kenda tires were made by Avon, however, I don't know if that's a fact. ???[/quote]


If they came from England like the Avons; the Avons have"Made In England" on the sidewall. After all its a world economy; like it or not.

[delivery58]

It looks like the Kenda tires have a pretty profound "lip" on the side walls? Is there any "lean" issues on corners and twisties?

[nomad]

i love mine. once this kenda wears out...i'll buy another one.

[duneseven]

the bridgstones at least with the kendas you lnow how long they will hold air

[recumbentbob]

Both tires had "Made in Thailand" stamped on the sidewall. As I understand, Kenda Tire is owned by Cooper Yire....-Rich

I read somewhere that Kenda tires were made by Avon, however, I don't know if that's a fact. ???


If they came from England like the Avons; the Avons have"Made In England" on the sidewall. After all its a world economy; like it or not. [/quote]

Kenda tires are made by KENDA RUBBER IND. CO., LTD.. No connection with Avon tires.

Kenda tires are made in Taiwan, China and Vietnam.

http://www.kenda.com.tw/eng/about_kenda/office_plant.htm

[ndbigfish]

Bump.

Two of the primary experimental bike/tire combinations in this thread are no longer experimenting. How are other's Kenda Kruz tires wearing and performing? Just looking ahead after the current tires on the bike are shot.

Bump.