For many, the Vespa season doesn’t end just because the temperatures drop and there’s snow on the roads. Sworn Vespisti don’t know bad weather, only bad preparation. In addition to the right winter clothing, SIP Scootershop also has a large selection of suitable winter tyres for the cold season. To ensure that riding on icy and slushy roads is as safe as possible, there are specially developed tyres from HEIDENAU, KENDA and IRC, which we would like to introduce to you.
Winter tyres are the best choice
The biggest difference to normal tyres is the composition and tread pattern of winter tyres. They are made of a soft rubber compound that is extremely resistant to low temperatures and winter road conditions. Other materials would lose their elasticity in the cold and quickly lead to accidents.
In addition, the deep tread with many sipes and grooves ensures that snow, slush and water are displaced quickly and efficiently so that the tyres always maintain a good grip on the road. Smooth tyres are known for their low resistance on the ground, but in winter this can lead to major risks.
The best way to recognise winter tyres, in addition to the features mentioned, is by the symbols stamped on the side of the tyre. If you can see an M+S or a snowflake ❄️, you can be sure that these tyres are suitable for winter use. Of course, you still need to check the condition and age of the tyres before you set off.
Important properties of winter tyres
- Rubber compound: Soft and flexible for optimum grip in cold conditions.
- Tread pattern: Deep grooves and sipes provide stability on snow and ice.
- Labelling: M+S symbol or snowflake guarantee winter suitability.
The advantages of winter tyres
More safety: This is of course the most important point, safety always comes first, both for riders themselves and for other road users. The special tyres ensure improved grip and cornering stability on winter roads, especially with the rather small tyres for Vespas.
Legal requirements: It used to be a legal requirement that winter tyres had to be fitted. This has now changed somewhat, as there are not so many providers of winter tyres for two-wheelers. However, it still applies that the vehicle must be equipped for the weather conditions and this can also include the tyres. Even though tyres are no longer mandatory, they are still clearly recommended. In the end, such things can always lead to serious injuries.
Robustness: Winter tyres are developed precisely for use in demanding winter conditions. Temperatures have a major impact on the properties of materials such as rubber, which can become very brittle and cracked, which is very unfavourable when riding a Vespa.
For a deep dive into the exact markings of the winter tyres, SIP has created a clear view with tables of the different markings on the tyres: ‘Winter tyres for Vespa and Lambretta – at SIP Scootershop’
Proven winter tyres for Vespas
Here we present the best-known and proven manufacturers of Vespa winter tyres so that you don’t have to search for long. The most popular manufacturers are HEIDENAU, KENDA and IRC, all of which are available at SIP Scootershop in different sizes and at the best prices.
HEIDENAU
Tyre HEIDENAU K58 SNOWTEX 3.50-10 59M TL/TT reinforced M+S
front or rear
- profile: strongly profiled
- Ø 10″
- homologation: with e-pass
The HEIDENAU K58 Snowtex has been a worthy winter tyre for over 20 years. The familiar K58 tread pattern has been modified with a special compound for the cold season. This makes the HEIDENAU K58 Snowtex tyre very grippy on wet, slushy or snowy roads.
On request, the tread of the HEIDENAU K58 Snowtex can be roughened ex-works. This offers even better grip when setting off and the tyre does not have to be run in for long.
KENDA
Tyre KENDA K701 3.50-10 56L TL M+S
front or rear
- profile: strongly profiled
- Ø 10″
- homologation: with e-pass
The K701 is a winter tyre from Kenda and a good and safe choice for scooters from 50 to 125 cc in the cold season. The K701 is an affordable winter tyre with a special sipe tread pattern for reliable water displacement. The soft rubber compound stands for perfect grip and makes the K701 a tyre with optimum riding characteristics in frosty temperatures and conditions.
IRC
Tyre IRC Urban Snow “EVO” 100/90-10 56J TL M+S
front or rear
- profile: strongly profiled
- w 100 mm
- Ø 10″
- homologation: with e-pass
This winter tyre from Japanese manufacturer IRC has established itself surprisingly quickly in the scooter scene. The Urban Snow tyre also established itself thanks to its innovative sipe technology.
With the Urban Snow, IRC built the first scooter winter tyre with sipe technology in 2009. A special rubber compound with a high silica content results in optimum riding characteristics for tough winter use. Especially on ice and snow, this tyre impresses with perfect grip and outstanding traction. It shows virtually no weaknesses on wet roads and in cold conditions. The fact that the Urban Snow can also cope with warm temperatures and dry roads rounds off the overall picture.
Conclusion
With the right tyres and equipment, you can also enjoy beautiful tours in winter. The right winter tyres give you enough safety even in snow to get you safely to your destination. For the right clothing, SIP also has a large selection of functional clothing, gloves, jackets and vests, so that it’s not just the Vespa that is equipped for the cold.
