205/65R16---So far--So good.

[Earl in Pensacola]

This past Tuesday I got the Goodyear 205/65R16 mounted and at the same time installed new bearings, seal and spacer and pulled cleaned and lubed "the other" end of the shaft.  I don't seem to have any rubbing issues, except if I have the shocks at only 20 PSI, so, I run 40 PSI.  I did not do the nut cage mod.  However, I think that it would have been better to have used a 195/65R16.  The 195 would have left a little more clearence.  I'm afraid that the 205 will "expand" a little with age and use and that might cause it to rub on the shaft housing.  At present there seems to be about a 1/16" left.  At 3000 RPM's my speedo now indicates a dead even 70 MPH, which is about 1 mile an hour faster than with the Avon Venom R 180/70R16 (I think that is what was the OEM size).  I definitely feel what I'd call a "pushing" effect at low stopping or parking lots speeds from any ruts or grooves.  Also,  I notice a distinct initial resistance to turning.  I've lowered the tire from 38 PSI, (testing at 2 #'s at a time) to 30 PSI stone cold to what I feel is less resistance to turning and also a softer ride.  In-as-miuch-as the tire was designed to carry much more weight than the back of a motorcycle, I believe that the 30 PSI will get me even more miles.  I consistantly got 20K from the Avon Venom R's, so this should be interesting.  All seems pretty steady at highway speeds.

PS:  I didn't do this to "impress" anyone with the size of the tire, I just got tired of the $175. per tire and figured for the $100. the Goodyear cost and the anticipated additional milage, it would be safe and I could save a few $$.

[X Ring]

Mornin' Earl.  I've had a Toyo Proxes TPT in the same size as your Goodyear on my Valk for 2 weeks.  I'm running I/S shocks on my Tourer set on 1.  I did the nutcage mod but truthfully, I think I could have gotten away with not doing it.  There's tons of room under my fender and I can slip an 8mm allen wrench between the sidewall and the driveshaft tube.  I don't think you're going to have a problem.  There's members running D/S that can only slip a few business cards in that space.  Like you, I've noticed having to pay more attention to turning and the tendency to follow ruts.  It's nothing I couldn't handle especially with the foreknowledge from other members. 

Like you I didn't do this to impress anyone.  After getting soaked following Punisher running through a brief shower during the Southbound get together last Christmas and watching Dag's videos, I decided to try it.  I wanted the added wet weather traction, especially considering this area gets the most rain each year, the longevity and, with the 65 series, a lowering of rpms giving me a little better gas mileage.

Marty

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

I also have a 205/65R16 on mine, but mine is a BF Goodrich.  I did the nutcage mod just in case and have been riding this tire for almost 6 months and I love it. I looked for a 195 but couldn't find one at 65, they were all 50 or 55. I also run mine at 30 psi and it works great at that level. Enjoy the ride! 

[Tundra]

Hey Earl, I'm running that tire also, however I'm 60 series. I was scared of the height of the 65 clearing the fender. I did have to do the nutcage, still rubbed. Then did the washer mod. on the fender, perfect.
  Curious, I only got between 9-11 thousand miles out of the Avon, you said you got 20k out of the rear?

[mikeb]

ok i have an 205/65/16 hydraedge  on my 98 toure and did the nut mod only after i found rub marks from riding two up with the wife .it dont happen often the two up part tack went down 250 rpms from the e3 tire i was running
the wife's bike is a 99 i.s. i used an 195/55/16 sits a inch lower shes a shorty the rpms are 250 higher than the stock tire no nut cage mods and it has a toyo run flat on it
keep in mind that it will take 1000 mile for the tire to settle in and some of the bad habits seen to go away as the tire softens up from age?
the wife likes the ct on her bike and has had no issues with it she has a vt 750 c too .. she switches back and forth from bike to bike but the i.s. is winning out hands bown she loves the power and buzzes by me all the time
last weekend i took her out on the expressway and edged the speed up until she would not push her bike any more she stayed with me until 120mph gps bike said 130 than she let off at that speed the i.s. is more stable than my bike. my bike wanders one up but settles down with more weight in it at these speeds

[Chrisj CMA]

Hey Earl, I'm running that tire also, however I'm 60 series. I was scared of the height of the 65 clearing the fender. I did have to do the nutcage, still rubbed. Then did the washer mod. on the fender, perfect.
  Curious, I only got between 9-11 thousand miles out of the Avon, you said you got 20k out of the rear?

Must have something to do with the roads in this area.  I live 45 miles east of Earl and I always get 20K+ miles out of my tires (E3)

[Earl in Pensacola]

In answer:  Yea, I have been averaging 18 to 20K on Avon Venom R's several times. Remember I have 212K on the bike.
My latest experience:  Pulled my trailer, a 20 cf Cyclemate, for 285 miles yesterday.  I got a little "squirrelly" in the turns  and had to raise the tire PSI to 40 PSI (from 30)and my shocks to 50 PSI (from 30).  That would be about the 4th position on OEM shocks.  I've noticed that out on the highway (smooth) all is great, I can still enjoy seeing the country side etc. while traveling down the highway.  HOWEVER, on the lesser and more groovy country back roads, I do not like the way that wide tire follows a groove and pushes the bike around.  I have played with the psi and have settled in at about 32 PSI stone cold, when riding 1 up and no trailer etc.  One thing for sure:  When I'm on the back country roads, I pay A LOT more attention to where I going.
In conclusion:  If the CT delivers on the milage (at least 35K) and the bike and I both are still running, I might put another one on, but would likely go to a 195/65.

[daytona]

Earl needs to teach a class on how to get that many miles on a M/C tire! Where was it made? I'm on the second rear Venom made in England, my valk Int has just over 9K miles! ??? I wouldn't be thinkin DS if I could get 15K.  Not doubting you, others say they get huge #'s too! What do you do diff? 

[Ferris Leets]

I have about 600 miles on the Falkien 205/65.  Stared out at 35psi and it seemed squirrely, ended up at 47psi.  I feel very little difference from the mc tire except for the extra effect of the grooves in the pavement, not all that much but I can feel them more.

[valkmc]

I have 23,000 on my 205/60 Goodyear TT. I am not sure why but it still looks good. I thought I would be changing it by now but have been pleasently surprised at how long it has lasted. I have never gotten more than 14,000 on a rear bike tire but do get around 18-20,000 on fronts.

[Earl in Pensacola]

Ferris:  It seems that I started getting much better milage out of the rear tires when I realized that I was spending about $600 a year for JUST the rear tires!  ( I used to average about 10 to 12K on the rear and about 14 to 16 on the fronts)  Also, I think that the fact I I'm now past 70 years young and have seemingly developed arthritis in my right wrist has also extended the life of the rear tire.  Did I mention that I average 28 to 30K on the fronts (Avons only).  The only Avon front I've ever had that "cupped" was when I ran only 33 in the front, per the manual.  With one up and no trailer, I run 38 to 40 frt and about 40 to 42 PSI rear whick is what the Avon factory rep. told me.

One of the earlier posts I noticed that one guy ws running 47 PSI in his CT.  The MAX PSI shown on my 205/65 Goodyear Assurance is 44.  I'd suggest that he check the sidewall of his tire and at least stay at or a little below the max. show on his tire.  Just a thought, certainly not trying to tell anyone what to do.

[Ferris Leets]

Earl,
       I checked when I got the tire it says 51 psi max.  Thanks anyway!

[Earl in Pensacola]

Oh Yea, one more thing:  The tire I just replaced had only 17K on it.  I asked the tech, that installed the 205/65, to pull the shaft, clean and relube it.  He did and he said that it was still in "good shape" and was still lubed from when he installed the last tire.  Anyway, depending on how well the tread holds up on the new 205/65 (I'm expecting at least 35K) I plan to pull the shaft for ceaning, inspection and fresh lube.  At that point I still be paying for the labor to R & R the shaft but without buying another MC tire at $175.  That's where I'm expecting the savings to start adding up.

[pistolchamp]

I have over 41,000 on my 205/65R16 Michelin Hydroedge car tire.  Love it, MUCH better handing on the mountain roads here in the Texas Hill Country, much less wiggle on road grooves, much longer tire mileage and it just feels safer with passenger (often) and/or trailer (often) or both (sometimes).

I'll buy another Michelin if I ever wear this one out.

[Motorvalk]

Ferris; I ran one of the Falken tires at 40 psi until I noticed the center was wearing faster than the edges. Dropped to 35 psi and it seemed to even things out.

Alvin

[Ricky-D]

Ferris; I ran one of the Falken tires at 40 psi until I noticed the center was wearing faster than the edges. Dropped to 35 psi and it seemed to even things out.

Alvin

On one of the D/S shop posts there was a discussion of exactly this topic. Center tire wearing pattern. The gist of the article was that tire pressure didn't make much if any difference on that particular tire wear characteristic.  The reason stated for that was that regardless of lean in the bike when cornering the center of the tire was always in ground contact thereby making the tire center tread area always getting more wear as opposed to the outside part of the tread.

***

[Pete]

When theory and reality conflict, reality always wins.

Varying air pressure WILL affect center  and side tread wear. I have seen time and time again where lower than normal pressures wear the outer side or the tread (NOT THE OUTSIDE EDGE but a band on each side of the center) and also where higher than normal wears the center (FRONT AND REAR).
Lower pressures can make cupping more pronounced and occur faster.

The same situations also exist with cars except the bands usually are closer to the edges of the tire.

Granted minor pressure variations or changes can lead one to believe pressure changes will not affect wear. In that case you are not changing the pressure enough to affect the wear. Also if a significant wear pattern has already developed, a greater pressure change is required to have the desired affect. In extreme wear pattern cases major pressure changes may cause noise and vibration issues. Then only a new tire will resolve the issues.

It is always wise to monitor tire wear and adjust pressures based on wear patterns OFTEN, safety and maximum mileage will be the reward. Looking for patterns does not always catch the problem early enough, slide you hand on the tire. Your hand will find the issue much earlier.

I see more riders with low air pressure more than high, but I see both way to often. This is especially true for riders who do not ride that often and do not service there own machine.

Manufactures tire pressure recommendations are just that recommendations. Start there, observe and adjust. If you cannot arrive at an optimum pressure without exceeding max inflation pressure, consider changing manufactures (or lightening you load, if it is very heavy).

Monitor wear and tire pressure OFTEN. Always before any extended travel and after the bike has set for several weeks. Thanks Pete. 

[Scott from FL, now in Maine]

One last tip from me that might prove helpful. I have an Avon on the front and I actually find keeping that tire pressure to max or a couple pounds over actually lessens the dipping feel on turns caused by the CT on the rear. Ride and enjoy 

[Ken Tarver]

here's a thought..........get a tread depth gauge to help you monitor the wear on that CT. that a way you can adjust as needed by the actual wear AND how it feels on the ride till you get it "right".
I have settled in on 32lbs on my TT 205/60.....I tried 28 to 38 lbs, in 2 lb increments. 40 - 41 on the front Avon Venom.
What is "right" for one person may not be good for the next guy. Mine is a solo tourer and I am about 200lbs

Ken

[daytona]

Just in case anyone wants to try a hydro! I have never dealt with these folks but they seem to have a great track record. 2 new mich hydro 205/65-16's shipped for the $ of one! If someone close to port orange FL wants to split it? But I don't need one yet not too mention 2!!!  

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220524217582&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT    

[JamminJohn1]

I get 10k out of the avon rear.
I can't run a /65 rear............... I'm too short.
I get 20k from a /60 TT.

                      JJ