New rubber - back to basics - Updated!

[DarkSideR]

Okay so I experimented a bit. Double darkside, bigger here, smaller there, less rpm's, speedometer more inaccurate. Sigh...

I ran a rear Michelin Pilot 130/90r17 upfront and got 18k miles out of it. Being a smaller, narrower tire the speedo was way off, and initial turn in was a bit easier/lighter.

I also toasted my 2nd Hankook Optimo. Being a 205/65r16 (a taller tire) it brought the rpm's down at interstate speeds. It's sitting on the wear bars at just over 19k miles. I could squeeze a few more miles out of it, but nonetheless today I ordered new rubber. Spring here yet?

Upfront I went with a stock size Avon Chrome. We'll see how it does. I'll enjoy the speedo being off only 5mph again.

Though on the rear I went back to stock (well closest to stock) 205/60/r16, I did try something new! I ordered up a Pirelli CintuRato P7.

My thoughts were; It has a rounded profile, and soft shoulders. And can't go wrong with Pirelli in the handling department. It's an all season tire, and got good reviews.

I got a new job in San Antonio, and am looking forward to riding from Colorado to the job on a monthly basis as I will primarily be working from home.

I'll get a write up on the Pirelli as I know more about it.

[pokrovsky]

I can’t comment for particular tire selection for the Valkyrie as I’m fairly recent owner of one but I did ditch metzlers for avons on my bike (although I loved metzlers on my other bike) but I can comment on pirelli conturato p7 - these are so far the best Tire’s I’ve lit on my Audi allroad (and I did have my share of tires with that car being at 240k miles on it so far). So I hope this tire serves you well!

[Jess from VA]

Early on, CT's with asymmetrical tread was discouraged; I think from looking not actual riding.

But I think asymmetrical treads have been run by some with no discernible issue at all.

[DarkSideR]

but I can comment on pirelli conturato p7 - these are so far the best Tire’s I’ve lit on my Audi allroad (and I did have my share of tires with that car being at 240k miles on it so far). So I hope this tire serves you well!

That's confidence inspiring! 

[DarkSideR]

But I think asymmetrical treads have been run by some with no discernible issue at all.

This will be my first asymmetrical tire. I should know right away..

[Disco]

But I think asymmetrical treads have been run by some with no discernible issue at all.

This will be my first asymmetrical tire. I should know right away..

As asymmetrical goes, that one is about as mild as I've seen.  My first DS was the long ago discontinued asymmetrical Continental Vanco in 195/65.  It did fine and felt great.  Until I replaced it with the symmetrical Falken Ziex 512.  My first ride on the Falken was noticeably different.  You may not notice a difference in required steering inputs from left to right, or it may be very slight, but I'll bet you will be able to tell a difference when you replace that one with a symmetrical. 

[..]

What air pressure are going to use?

[DarkSideR]

What air pressure are going to use?

D/S air pressure is a game to me. Experience from the past 4 D/S tires tells me they handle the best around 34psi. However at 34psi the center wears to fast. 30psi helps the tire wear more evenly but it doesn't handle as good, and I've experienced high speed (100+) wobbles with lower pressure. Obviously the sweet spot would be 32psi.

But like I said, I play a game. When I'm doing a long haul I will drop the pressure to 30psi and behave myself  . However if I do a spirited day ride I will bump it to 34psi, and behavior goes out the window  .

If this new tire varies from that I will report.

[..]

What air pressure are going to use?

D/S air pressure is a game to me. Experience from the past 4 D/S tires tells me they handle the best around 34psi.

   

I've used 34 in the Champiro VP1's. I started at 40 and wore the center out on the first tire. I wear the shoulders out first.

[Jess from VA]

New rubber - back to basics

I always used new rubbers.  The used ones were pretty gross.     

(Apologies in advance)

[csj]

If you used 365 of 'em, it would be a Good Year.

[MarkT]

I found that for me, the Austone likes high pressure.  In fact the behavior between the more normal 34# and the high 43# made it feel like a different tire.  I was getting bump steer on fast sweepers with dips (you know that section of E470 a couple miles S of the exit to Pena Blvd).  Pumped them up after I mentioned it to Damon and the problem was gone - again, like a whole different tire.  Of course I like the cushy ride of softer tires but I get a good ride anyway with the 444's sprung right.  I can't say much effect on wear though I'm sure there is that.  If it affects mpg I don't care much as I have almost 10 gal. onboard.  I'm getting around 25k or so anyway on the ATT and even if it did make them wear too fast the handling is the priority factor.  The ATT on Jade has at least 15k left on it; I have a partially worn one I can reinstall if I want to, and also another new one on hand.  After that - assuming there IS an "after that" - I'll go to that Firestone Transforce CV or whatever is similar then.

[Challenger]

I'm on my third DS, Present one is Altimax HP at 32 psi when two up and I love the ride, but like DarkSider, if I go playing solo I bump it up to 36. Don't really care whether it wears the center or the shoulders. If it gets over 9000 miles (the most ever on a MC tire) I'm happy. Last two went 25000.

[vanagon40]

. . . . I ran a rear Michelin Pilot 130/90r17 upfront . . . . Being a smaller, narrower tire the speedo was way off . . . .

According to a tire calculator, the difference in the speedometer reading is less than 1 MPH until 110 MPH. I did not notice a difference between stock and my 130/90R17 or my MT90HB17 (which I believe is the same as 130/90R17).

YMMV

[old2soon]

           Too lazy to look it up but I posted about a wally wurld asymmetrical tire I got for my I/S. Couple thousand miles on it already no flaming death no discernable differences leanin left or right and hooks up Nice when ya twist her tail. Pushed past-well past-the maximum posted speed limits in Missouri and no flaming death. When I finally wear it out I'll inform all here of the wear out mileage fer me. Also remember someone took the trouble of posting a pic of the tire i purchased. RIDE SAFE.

[DarkSideR]

Update!

I got both the front (Avon Chrome), and rear (Pirelli) mounted.
 - On a side note, I have a small locally owned bike shop mount my tires. He doesn't scratch my rims, he places chrome weights on neatly, and has never questioned mounting a car tire.

I have only been able to take one ride.

The old front tire was so badly worn and misshapen that making left turns got scary. I'm glad that is gone with the new front tire. I also noticed it's a little bit slower on initial turn in. Other than that I will have to put some real miles on it to fully report on it's handling. But really, it's an Avon Chrome so...

The first thing I noticed about the Pirelli on the back was it has a different humm than other car tires I have had. This is my first asymmetrical tire so it may be related to that. The humm goes away when I get up on the sidewalls. The next thing I noticed is that it handles very well with minimal bump steer. Like the front tire I will have to put some miles on it before I can give it a proper review.

Initially I am happy with the pairing. Hoping to ride 800 miles to San Antonio next month. That outta be a good shakedown.

[DarkSideR]

I got in a day ride today. Did a 150 miles on mix roads. Happy to announce that this tire combination is great. Smooth, predicable, quiet are attributes of these tires.

One of the guys I was riding with noted that in corners my previous tire (Hankook Optimo) would hold it's shape and would roll up on the shoulder of the tire, but this new tire would stay more on the tread in the corners. Must have a softer sidewall  ?

Any-who, next report should be how many miles I got out of the tires..

[Jess from VA]

Flexing sidewalls (under a relative lightweight Valk, and not a car), are not just part of a tire build, they are also a function of how many pounds of pressure you run.  I like flexing sidewalls to the point of keeping more tread flat on the ground in the corners/leans (but not with such low psi that the tire gets squirmy/wallowy in the corners/leans).  Sidewall flexion from a valk on a tire designed for cars should really never be a safety issue (as long as there is a decent minimum psi in it).


But the psi you liked on your last tire may not be the best for you on a new/different tire. 

[h13man]

Pirelli have been excellent tires on our SX4 Suzuki and on the 1100 Shadow. The profile on the P7 looks good to me. Keep us updated as this might be my next option after I wear out the Cobra's but probably go back to Exedra up front. I get a 2mph. error @ 60 mph. with the stock size up front.

[DarkSideR]

Flexing sidewalls (under a relative lightweight Valk, and not a car), are not just part of a tire build, they are also a function of how many pounds of pressure you run.  I like flexing sidewalls to the point of keeping more tread flat on the ground in the corners/leans (but not with such low psi that the tire gets squirmy/wallowy in the corners/leans).  Sidewall flexion from a valk on a tire designed for cars should really never be a safety issue (as long as there is a decent minimum psi in it).


But the psi you liked on your last tire may not be the best for you on a new/different tire. 

Hmm that has me thinking. I ran 32psi on my last tire and assumed 32psi would be good in the new Pirelli. With that said it didn't behave like it was under inflated. I know how that feels.. wallows in the corners, and wanders at high speed. I didn't experience either of those so...

Guess I will keep my eye on how it wears.

[Jess from VA]

I always choose my CT psi based on handling, not wear.

I like my Goodyears hard at 40, but I do get a bit of center wear.  Though I can live with 37K. 

[pais]

I always choose my CT psi based on handling, not wear.

I like my Goodyears hard at 40, but I do get a bit of center wear.  Though I can live with 37K. 

Jess, what Goodyear(s) are you running? I need a new rear and gonna give DS a try.

[Jess from VA]

Goodyear Assurance TripleTred (205 60 16)

A tire that was a big favorite 10+ years ago when I started running CTs. 

It is now in disfavor with many (not rounded enough), but not me.

I just stick with what I know and works.

BUT, it looks like it doesn't come in 205 60 16 anymore.  Maybe only 215s

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Goodyear&tireModel=Assurance+TripleTred+All-Season 

But it's listed here.

https://www.discounttiredirect.com/buy-tires/goodyear-assurance-tripletred-as/p/30669?ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIpcTwttiO6AIVx-DICh3r6wzgEAMYASAAEgL4YPD_BwE:G:s&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpcTwttiO6AIVx-DICh3r6wzgEAMYASAAEgL4YPD_BwE

Here is a newer Michelin people are liking.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=CrossClimate%2B&sidewall=Blackwall&partnum=06VR6CCPXL&tab=Sizes

[dpcarson]

Definitely interested to hear more about the P7's.  I run p7's on my Avalon and my daughters Camry and love the tire.  Handles better and is quieter than michelins on them.  Never thought about them for the bikes, but y'all keep us posted.  time for some new rubber soon.

[t3bum]

Just installed Yokohama Avid Envigor 205-60-16. First time to the Darkside. Seems to handle well. Did the nutcage mod and no rubbing, although the clearance between the tire and the right side of the swingharm is about the thickness of a credit card.

[Six-Cylinder Hooligan]

I'm a bit curious why nobody ever seems to try a 195/60R16 DS tire. I've been running this size for a few years now and find it handles very well. Currently running a Yokohama Avid Ascend which is an asymmetric tread. At 10k miles on so far, it's only down 3/16" from new. This tire has a fairly soft sidewall so I find (for my riding style) it needs 38psi.

Previous 195 series tire was a Kumho PA-31 Escata. This is a directional tread with a beefy sidewall. 34psi worked best for me.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I'm a bit curious why nobody ever seems to try a 195/60R16 DS tire. I've been running this size for a few years now and find it handles very well. Currently running a Yokohama Avid Ascend which is an asymmetric tread. At 10k miles on so far, it's only down 3/16" from new. This tire has a fairly soft sidewall so I find (for my riding style) it needs 38psi.

Previous 195 series tire was a Kumho PA-31 Escata. This is a directional tread with a beefy sidewall. 34psi worked best for me.

I like a 195/65 even better. But yes, a 195 series has superior feel to it.
I've been running a Radar Argonite. Great feel, great mileage.

[Valkorado]

Running 195/65 Zeetez CT-1000s.  I like these beefy light truck tires so much I have one on both bikes.  I no longer grieve Austones.  I prefer this tire!

[Hook#3287]

I'm a bit curious why nobody ever seems to try a 195/60R16 DS tire. I've been running this size for a few years now and find it handles very well.

I put a Hankook Optimo 195/60R/16 on my I/S back in 2018 and got over 10K on it.  Still looks brand new.

I like that tire a lot.  It handles excellent, with just a slight bit of tracking over a M/T .

Put one on my 1up Tourer this winter.

[Hook#3287]

I've been running a Radar Argonite. Great feel, great mileage.

Is that your truck tire?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've been running a Radar Argonite. Great feel, great mileage.

Is that your truck tire?

yep, probably going to get 25k out of it. To me, it feels good with a good grip.

[Hook#3287]

I've been running a Radar Argonite. Great feel, great mileage.

Is that your truck tire?

yep, probably going to get 25k out of it. To me, it feels good with a good grip.

  Truck Tire Rob, we like to call him

Well, not really, I just made it up 

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've been running a Radar Argonite. Great feel, great mileage.

Is that your truck tire?

yep, probably going to get 25k out of it. To me, it feels good with a good grip.

  Truck Tire Rob, we like to call him

Well, not really, I just made it up 

I've been called worse. Hope things are going good for you with the new job. 30th is it for me. Gonna drink beer all day, watch Fox News, and yell at the TV all day. 

[Hook#3287]

I've been called worse

  I was thinking that when I posted.

"NEW" jobs going great, people have to do what I say, it's awesome.

It's been 2 years, so not so new.

Congrats on the retardment.

If you drink enough, Fox TV might yell back at ya.

Just so this isn't a total highjack, that Pirelli does look sweet.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I've been called worse

  I was thinking that when I posted.

"NEW" jobs going great, people have to do what I say, it's awesome.

It's been 2 years, so not so new.

Congrats on the retardment.

If you drink enough, Fox TV might yell back at ya.

Just so this isn't a total highjack, that Pirelli does look sweet.

time flies 

[DarkSideR]

I'm a bit curious why nobody ever seems to try a 195/60R16 DS tire...

That has me curious as well. It may be that my method choosing alternate sizes doesn't include the 195's. I use https://tiresize.com/calculator/, punch in the OEM size, and browse the "Alternate Sizes".

I concur a 195 series tire being more narrow, would handle a bit better.

[98valk]

Flexing sidewalls (under a relative lightweight Valk, and not a car), are not just part of a tire build, they are also a function of how many pounds of pressure you run.  I like flexing sidewalls to the point of keeping more tread flat on the ground in the corners/leans (but not with such low psi that the tire gets squirmy/wallowy in the corners/leans).  Sidewall flexion from a valk on a tire designed for cars should really never be a safety issue (as long as there is a decent minimum psi in it).


But the psi you liked on your last tire may not be the best for you on a new/different tire. 

Hmm that has me thinking. I ran 32psi on my last tire and assumed 32psi would be good in the new Pirelli. With that said it didn't behave like it was under inflated. I know how that feels.. wallows in the corners, and wanders at high speed. I didn't experience either of those so...

Guess I will keep my eye on how it wears.

wallows in the corners has more to do with the shocks being too soft  aka not enough pre-load than the tire.

[DarkSideR]

Heading out tomorrow for San Antonio. 800+ miles should give the new tires a good test.
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[Hook#3287]

Pretty sure that'll do the job

[DarkSideR]

Well 825 miles later I can give my final, authorized, stamped, and certified seal of approval for this tire combo.

First the Avon Chrome. It's a great tire. Running it at 42psi the feel was great and inspired confidence. No issues whatsoever with this tire and highly recommend it to anyone needing a new front tire.

Now the rear Pirelli. I left home with it at 32psi more considering longevity than handling. The day started on the super slab running 75-80mph. Tire was great. The second part of the day was spent on crowned back roads. With some of the other rears I have ran I noticed having to counter steer into the crown of the road, which can get tiresome after a long day. I didn't experience that with this tire.

Day two had some miles of freshly ground asphalt surfaces, yuck. At 65-70mph the bike squiggled around a bit like any tire would do on those surfaces. My confidence however remained strong and I was able to maintain speed over that surface.

On one of the straight barren back roads I ran the bike up to a 100+ mph. No wobble at extreme speeds. Nice.

I also did a stretch on the interstate at 80-85mph. This tested higher speed handling in big sweepers. At 32psi I was expecting a wallowing in the corners but there was none to be had. So happy that I won't need to run a higher psi, and hopefully the center will last a bit longer at 32.

Looking forward to many miles on these tires.