Thursday, November 18, 2021

Planning for a new set of tyres

 

The front rim size is 21" x 2.5" (above image) while
the rear rim size is 16" x 3.5" BK/CP (below image)

The MOMOS/Regal Raptor uniqueness in rim size is that the front rim is not the popular 20" but 21" and the  rear rim is not the popular 17" but 16". This limits the variety of choice of tyres easily accessible in Malaysia.

Word of mouth is to go for the recommended soft but 'grippy' Shinko tyres from South Korea or a for almost half the price (and probably less traction when it ages), the budget Fuckstone tyre when on  a show string budget but the only available size is for the rear rim.

Shinko tyres offer 2 versions: the classic E270 and the sporty SR777. I consulted Shinko Malaysia at Lazada and they said they sell both front and rear tyres. Prices varies between the year of manufacture which gets cheaper towards their life span of 4 years.
 
I was contemplating Shinto's black wall E270 for that classic look but Shinko Malaysia told me they are generally more expensive than the black wall SR777 I assume because the SR777 has a bigger market. They quoted the front for RM400 and rear for RM767 (I believe these particular ones were manufactured in 2019). For comparison, Shinko's rear 5.00-16 E270WW(white wall) cost RM720. I could not get a quotation for the 21.00 front tyre but for comparison Shinko's front 4.00-19 E270WW cost about RM430.
 
The above selling price does not include transport charges. I always check the price of items between Lazada and Shoppe prices and notice Shoppe has a bigger variety of motorcycle accessories compared to Lazada.
 
 After much thought, I decided to give the bobber a more traditional bobber than chopper look. This means I will choose the 130/90-16 rear tyre as it helps to hide the 2.5" gap between the rear fender and currently160/80-16 rear tyre. It should also deliver better fuel economy as there is less surface area to the ground. Lastly, it is RM300 cheaper than the 160/0-16 rear tyre.