Exhaust-ed day

[Jb74texan]

After overthinking Spyder exhaust options, I finally got the RLS Crusher and cat delete done today (Thank you Ricky!)

It looks and sounds better in person than any video I watched and that's saying a lot. Ricky and I didn't get too much other work done today while talking bikes, exhausts, and life in general, but I'm grateful for the time and friendship.

Now on to a sway bar install!

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[BajaRon]

I wish we could get away from the hard 90 degree outlet to a more strealined, body flowing system. But I know that would make things more difficult and expensive for a number of reasons.

Glad you're happy with the results.

 

[Jb74texan]

Agreed. Even a 60 degree would improve CFM volume by something measurable. I'm usually good at the math work, but not practical application!

Ricky and I discussed your solution, and he, like everyone else raved about it. I received quite an education on how the Spyder aftermarket parts market operates, I definitely know where and how to buy Spyder items moving forward.

I'm hoping the sway bar kit will be finished this weekend and I'm looking forward to eliminating the roller skating body on my Spyder. I've got two sets of wheels/tires mounted to test with. I'll likely start with the Kenda's for baseline data, then mount the Continentals back on. I'll post my temps, road thermals, etc. post acquisition. I'll see if I can record the accelerometer screen for sway values. I've never done this on anything other than large trucks, so mounting should be interesting...zip ties, bubble gum, and maybe some bourbon. If I can get my camera to focus in on the links during test cycles I'll forward them on.

Thanks!

 

[Jackhartjr]

Looking forward to seeing your results sir.
Personally, I wouldn't mount the kendas! (See, I can't even capitalize the name!)

 

[Jb74texan]

Ha! I agree with your sentiment. Early in my career I worked with a major tire manufacturer and still talk to those folks frequently. When I first bought the Spyder it was funny how some folks (not this site) felt that the Kenda's were specially designed for Can-Am as if they spent hundreds of millions in R&D for this platform. Can-Am and kenda have a sweet OEM deal that's mutually beneficial...good for them. I have Kenda's on my Yamaha golf cart and I think their great for that.

Manufacturer vendor selection is a spreadsheet that the CFO sends to marketing, and before they sign someone will say "ask engineering if these are safe and okay"

Cheers!

 

[mecsw500]

Having got a 2026 S2S with the new XPS branded Kendas, I must admit I’m much happier. They seem around to be better than the originals, especially in the wet. They seem stiffer in the sidewalls as they better match the OEM shocks, working together to give a better feel and ride. They are not greasy feeling like the originals when the temperature gets into triple digits. They obviously changed the compound, if not the construction. I’d have to cut each type apart to figure that out.

They are supposed to last longer but time will tell on that score, but I’m not so bothered about longevity having come from bikes where a rear tire lasted half a season.

So, are car tires better? Depending upon which brand, yes for sure.

Are these new Kendas going to get me to rush out and buy new car tires for my Spyder, absolutely not. Not yet anyway. I think they are fit for purpose now, if not the best thing going. But that’s the case for most new motorcycles or cars even, there are usually better alternatives than the OEM rubber they come supplied with.

 

[Snoking1127]

Ha! I agree with your sentiment. Early in my career I worked with a major tire manufacturer and still talk to those folks frequently. When I first bought the Spyder it was funny how some folks (not this site) felt that the Kenda's were specially designed for Can-Am as if they spent hundreds of millions in R&D for this platform. Can-Am and kenda have a sweet OEM deal that's mutually beneficial...good for them. I have Kenda's on my Yamaha golf cart and I think their great for that.

Manufacturer vendor selection is a spreadsheet that the CFO sends to marketing, and before they sign someone will say "ask engineering if these are safe and okay"

Cheers!

I think my wheelbarrow has a Kenda tire.

 

[Snoking1127]

Ha! I agree with your sentiment. Early in my career I worked with a major tire manufacturer and still talk to those folks frequently. When I first bought the Spyder it was funny how some folks (not this site) felt that the Kenda's were specially designed for Can-Am as if they spent hundreds of millions in R&D for this platform. Can-Am and kenda have a sweet OEM deal that's mutually beneficial...good for them. I have Kenda's on my Yamaha golf cart and I think their great for that.

Manufacturer vendor selection is a spreadsheet that the CFO sends to marketing, and before they sign someone will say "ask engineering if these are safe and okay"

Cheers!

I think my wheelbarrow has a kenda tire.

 

[mecsw500]

Some of the autocross folks swear by the Kenda UHP tires as not perhaps the ultimate high performance tire, but a lot of tire for the money.

The drifting scene swear by them because of their predictable break away and their ability to handle heat well. They sponsor major drift teams.

Their Klever series of on road / off road tires are seemingly regarded as good value of money by the off road folks. I've seen folks use them in Moab.

I think as far as tires on the Spyder go it might be a case of what BRP is willing to spend rather than what Kenda are capable of producing.

 

[Jb74texan]

Yes. I imagine the specs in the RFP-M provided to manufacturers where largely dimension and structural in nature. I only saw a few of these in my career, but longevity usually trumps performance, and tons of legalese to keep in-house council occupied/justified. Whatever the case may be, Kenda must've provided fantastic pricing to BRP, it seems this contract is in perpetuity. I have 8 KR20's rears in the garage I bought from a dealer that was closing down. They way I ride, that might get me to December!

 

[mecsw500]

I think that's why Can Am and Kenda changed the longevity, the composition and perhaps the tread due to warranty issues with the old Kendas.

They were usually changed for car tires by many owners hitting the sale volumes of BRP tire resales. With an improved XPS Kenda there was perhaps less chance of owners claiming against tire faults, non balanced wheels and subsequent vibration issues, which were charged back as warranty problems. The short duration of their rear tire life and poor wet weather performance led to people replacing them with car tires and once again a loss of revenue for BRP.

Perhaps by improving the quality a bit, BRP might actually be saving money on warranties and make more money on OEM tire replacement.

Changing tire manufacturers might have required complete recertification in certain markets whereas a variation on the existing vendor might have required less work. I was thinking perhaps TUV etc for EU type certification. Less of an issue for North America perhaps but some markets it might make a big difference in outlay as a type modification rather than a whole vehicle recertification. I know Germany is really fussy about these things.

 

[Jb74texan]

Indeed. Before the EU was a thing Germany was a pretty tough market. France was too for a bit, but Michelin was very influential back then. This was just before the crazy parliament elections in 97 or 98 I can't remember exactly.

I don't have the Kenda codes handy, but I think the Kanine product I had was China or Taiwan...or if you're in Beijing, China or China..