Rear tire Brand ? Dark Side

[Rowdy]

  I reviewed some of the discussions  seems like a lot of options for a car tire for the rear
Sizes: 
205/65R16
205/60
195/65R16
195/55/16
Brands Toyo, Goodyear, Goodrich, Michelin  ???
Nutcage modification ect   
 
What brand or type should I consider - steel, radial any special feature ?
Any brand or options I should avoid ?

I know their have been a lot of discussions on this subject, I have been able to find some of the articles, it takes me for ever to make up my mind when it comes to a change 

[Daniel Meyer]

What brand or type should I consider - steel, radial any special feature ?
Any brand or options I should avoid ?

Speed rated, symmetric, quality.

[Ken Tarver]

Rowdy
It probably took me 2 years of reading all the info and post on here before I made the decision, and i really didn't take the plunge till a rear tire on my gold wing delaminated on the inside of the tire. So I tried my 1st DS tire on the Valk next time I needed one.
There are many more knowledgable folks here on the subject than myself....Daniel being one of them, I took a lot of info from him because of the many miles of experience he has on the Darkside.
From what I researched, here is what I started looking for; high scores for: dry traction, wet traction, braking traction, water dispersion, depth of tread, tread wear rating. I got that info from the tire rack website. Another thing I was interested in was how stiff the sidewall was; don't think that info is on the website. Went to the tire stores and checked for that....many car tires have a soft side wall for a soft cushy ride. There are many options for tires as you have already found out; so you'll have to make a list of priorities in a tire you want to have then look for one that fits your requirements. The one thing I wish I had done, was go with the 65 sidewall profile instead of the 60, other than that I am satisfied with the tire I chose.

Ken

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

You didnt mention this size or tire but this is what I run and love it. 
Yokohama A048 in a 205/55. I have the medium/hard compound.

[SANDMAN5]

I can only talk about what I've used. 205-60 Goodyear Triple Tread
It works great for me! I'm on my second one. It has around 17,000 on it
and it looks like it'll go that many more. It depends on how you ride.
Get a symmetrical tread no matter what size you get. If you ride
twisties all day long, you might like a 205-55. Quicker take-off.
If you do a lot of long distance or highway, a 205-65 might be better.
Little bit lower rpm's at speed. If you do a little bit of all kinds of roads,
the 205-60 is real close to OEM size. Whatever tire you try, give yourself
time to get the feel of it before you go peg-dragging!! Start at about 35 psi
and adjust it up or down to your liking. Not everybody likes the Darkside, but YOU
are the only one that can decide if it's for YOU. Let us know which tire you get
and keep us updated!

[X Ring]

The advice I was given was to look for a high quality brand, I chose Toyo.  At least H speed rated to resist heat buildup and A for Temp.  A or AA Traction rating, for wet weather braking.  And last but not least, a Treadwear rating of 400 or greater due to the type of asphalt in my area.  Most people I talked with also told me to use a 55 or 60 sized tire.  I've got a '97 Tourer and wanted to try a 65 to reduce my rpms a little to get a little better mileage.  I was told to remove the nut cages and that I might have to do the fender washer mod and grind the cones down.  

I did remove the nut cages and when i installed the tire, I pushed it up as high as I could but didn't see any obvious interference points.  After it was installed, I was able to put an 8mm allen wrench between the sidewall and drivesfaft tube.  Every Valk is different.  People are surpised I've got that much room when they can stick a credit card in that gap.  Since I recently switched to the darkside, my advice is to read every thread here, on the Delphi Riding the Darkside Forum and McDarksiders.  Not just for Valks but every bike they've got listed.  You will learn things about starting pressure, how to determine your sweet spot, etc.  Also, you will find owners of other bike, like the VTX 1800, like other brands and tires than Valk riders.  The VTX guys like Toyos and reading their threads led me to choose that brand.  Finally, do what you're doing now.  Ask all the questions you can think of.

Marty

[Jess from VA]

Rowdy, I took about two years of looking at the issue on and off, and looked at most of the things that the guys have already mentioned.  Symmetrical tread, rounded edge, good ratings for braking and wet, and not too high a speed rated sidewall because it needs to flex in the corners.  Then I spent a lot of time just reading what others had used because there will never be any sort of sanctioned testing for this sort of thing.  I wanted as close to OE size as possible, which is the 205 60, and that excluded a fair number of 'sport' or 'performance' radials that are only available in 205 55 (and the 55 is actually some 2mm wider than the 60 inflated and installed, and it's pretty tight back there as it is with any 205, and of course the 55 adds 200 rpms throughout).    

For me it came down to the Goodyear TT and the General Altimax HP  (subsequent research leads me to believe the Michelin Hydroedge should have been in the running).  All highly rated tires that fit the bill for a Valk.  What I finally chose was the tire more people had used than any other (as far as I could tell) with no bad reports from anyone, and that was the Goodyear TT.  After the learning curve and finding that 40psi made it ride best for me, I was sold.  When my 2d IS needed a tire, I really wanted to try another of my choices for comparison, but with 7K on the first one I could find no good reason (besides curiosity) to change, so I went with another GTT.    And my first one balanced up with a single one oz wt, and the second one with a single 3/4 oz wt.  I cannot personally speak to any other tire, but will say this one works very well, and after the obligatory learning curve, it inspires great confidence at any speed, in the rain, and dragging the boards in the mountain switchback twisties.

FWIW, Consumer Reports did their first ever tire test this year (on cars of course, and their ratings included strong consideration of snow and ice handling, which is pretty much irrelevant for us), under "all-season", the Michelin Hydroedge took the top rating (but may only come in a 55, not 60) and the GTT took 4th (and a CR best buy).  

Under "performance all-season," which all get less tread life than all-season, the top rating went to the Yokahama Avid H4S.  The Falken Ziex ZE512 also got top marks (perhaps the highest marks of all excluding snow/ice), but lowest mark in tread life.  General Altimax HP, often discussed, and perhaps 2d in popularity to the GTT, scored 10th.  Only average in dry braking, but excellent in handling.  Bridgestone Potenza GO19 Grid also got good marks.  

(These mentioned are only directional, I didn't consider asymmetrical tread tires)

I already had my first GTT on and running when the CR report came out.

As mentioned above, if you spend some time on the TireRack site, there is quite a bit of good info for comparison purposes (of course, for cars).  

As best I could tell, my research revealed that only a pretty low percentage of those who tried any car tire, took them off; either right away or after some thousands of miles.  I believe a good number of those who rejected it did so not only based on the handling issue but because they made a poor tire choice to begin with.  

[MP]

Jess,  I am running a Michelin Hydroedge 205-65.  So, it is available in other than 55 series.

MP

[Momz]

205/60/R16 Kelly Springfield Fierce
Needed nut cage modification
http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_18693/298.JPG

[bigdog99]

I have a Hankook 205-55-16 not mods, just let air pressure doen to 25, install air up to 42 psi check with 2 pieces of paper between the drive shaft  sorry i cant send a picture, i have not learned how to yet,....

[Jess from VA]

Jess,  I am running a Michelin Hydroedge 205-65.  So, it is available in other than 55 series.

MP

I didn't look all over, just here.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Michelin&model=HydroEdge

[bigdog99]

Smart me,,, i just put the hydroedge on my wifes Volkswagen, now i have 4 spares!

[fudgie]

I have a Hankook 205-55-16 not mods, just let air pressure doen to 25, install air up to 42 psi check with 2 pieces of paper between the drive shaft  sorry i cant send a picture, i have not learned how to yet,....

Is this the K-106? Thats what I run and so far have been very pleased.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

 if 55 series is ok with you then I suggess looking in to the cooper zeon 2. I've ran it and loved it . I've also ran a falken 512 60 series and a Kumho but I can't remember the type. I 'm running a toyo tp!1 now. I try and stick with a higher speed and a medium to soft compound  tire to get better stick to the ground. Iv'e been a darksider for quite awhile.

[Ricky-D]

I really like that Yokohama A048 in a 205/55 but it is a very expensive tire. Best price I could find was over 250 bucks. What on earth do they use that tire for/on?  Maybe I'm just livin' in a dream world.

***

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I paid $209 for the Yoko A048 through Tirerack.com in a 205/55.

[bigdog99]

Hankook k-106 205-55-16  95 $ for tire, 10$ to mount and Honda begrudginly balanced it for $15.

there   i figured it out. 

[Al in AK]

You didnt mention this size or tire but this is what I run and love it.  
Yokohama A048 in a 205/55. I have the medium/hard compound.

I am in the process of replaceing my GTT. I will go back to it or the Michelin. I found this link about the above Yoko. I am very sensitive to Hydro planing and they do not recomend that tire in those situations.


Al in AK

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=ADVAN+A048

[Jess from VA]

Al, I'm glad you mentioned this... I was going to but I didn't want to offend anyone.

Caution: ADVAN A048 tires are not recommended for high-speed driving on extremely wet roads/tracks with standing water where there is the risk of hydroplaning. This is especially true of shaved or worn tires. Drivers should drive cautiously at reduced speeds in these conditions.

A review:  These tires are used on a car that spends 99% of it's mileage on a racetrack. I got 12+ track days out of these tires. I rotate after each event front to back and swapped sides after six events. I probably would have gotten more events but had one tire over heat and start to chunk. Great track tire, took a while to get the air pressures set right. I ended up running 28 PSI front 31 PSI in the rears cold. I would pick up close to 10 PSI once tires were hot. Do not recommend for street use. Very loud and slick until they get hot. They are however a great tire for the track. A good entry level R compound that would last most folks the whole season of HPDE's .

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

The review is mostly irrelevant to me since it was a racing situation on most likely the softer compound on a car.  As far as the warning, I assume that would be relevant if you are caught in rain often.  I read a lot of archived posts on this tire and most everyone was very impressed by it.  Dont forget all the warnings about car tires on a bike in general. To each his own though.  I love the tire, works for me. 

[Kilroy]

Lots of great information here.  I went with the Potenza G019, 205 60 16.   Works well for me, as others have said, give the tire time to break in before making any furthur decisions.  Keep the pressure at about 40 for 500 to 1000 miles, this will give it plenty of time to break in and you to get use to the feel.  After that you can decrease the pressure to where the ride is very comfortable and you will not feel the road imprefections as much.  The Goodyear appears to be one of the most popular choices and it will last a long time.  I only have about 3500 miles on the Potenza and I am not about to change it anytime soon.   One thing I did find important is that you should keep the front tire at about 40-42 psi, I found that this gives me the best handleing.
Kilroy

[valkmc]

I am over 25,000 on my Goodyear TT, I keep looking at it and thinking I should replace it because of the miles. It still looks good and has lots of tread left on it. When I replace will most likely go with the same. I run the 205/60 w/o mods of any kind. Ride two up often, the lady weighs 130 and I am 200.

[Al in AK]

I am over 25,000 on my Goodyear TT, I keep looking at it and thinking I should replace it because of the miles. It still looks good and has lots of tread left on it. When I replace will most likely go with the same. I run the 205/60 w/o mods of any kind. Ride two up often, the lady weighs 130 and I am 200.

I'm just curious of how much tread is a lot. Here is mine compared to when it was new. I too have over 25,000 miles, with over half of them pulling my trailer includeing one round trip on the Alcan. I'm going to chage it out now so I will be ready for Inzane, if I get the chance to go............



I don't think it's totaled, but I do get into extreme road and weather conditions at times, to warrant a new one.

[Al in AK]

Jess,  I am running a Michelin Hydroedge 205-65.  So, it is available in other than 55 series.

MP

I didn't look all over, just here.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Michelin&model=HydroEdge

 
 I am interested in the Hydroedge, but I do not see a 205 60R 16 here at Tire Rack. Are we sure they make this size?

[MP]

I just punched that size into google search, and it came up at Tirerack!

[Al in AK]

I just punched that size into google search, and it came up at Tirerack!

                                
                                        Michelin Hydroedge 205 60R 16 ?............. ???   Not here.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes.jsp?make=Michelin&model=HydroEdge

              Thank You tho............

[Jess from VA]

Al, I just got off the main Michelin page and cannot find a 205 60 16 Hydroedge.

Only tires in that size were these:
http://www.michelinman.com/action/tires/find-by-tire-size/?tireSizeType=PMetric&tireSectionWidth=205&tireAspectRatio=60&tireRimDiameter=16

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I've used the Cooper Zeon 2XS for years and its on two of my Valk's right now however on my last rear tire change I went with the Fuzion ZRi . I'm pretty sure when tire time rolls around for the others they will get the Fuzion ZRi as well. Cooper is rated 280 and the Fuzion is rated 320 both are high performance directional summer tires.I've been DarkSide for years now but I have my doubts about the high mile passenger ( Grand-ma's Buick ) car tires when it comes to hangin' in the twisties.First pictures are the Cooper Zeon 2XS 205/55/16






I'm pretty hard on tires and only get between 7,500 and 10,000 out of the car tires but thats cool with me cause its time for spline maintence then anyway . That's also around what I get from a front tire so I can mount both and have new meat all around . I trash the whole tire and never have any chicken strip's.




My blue and white Valk has the Fuzion ZRi on it...I'm diggin' the way this tire handle's and as stated above will more than likely mount it on all my bikes when new tire time rolls around for them.




Cooper Zeon 2XS




Fuzion ZRi

[dipstick]

I too can only speak of the Goodyear Assurance triple tread in 205-60-16 but I love that tire and run it at 36psi with an Avon Venom front.

[JamminJohn1]

I get 20k out of the /60 TT.
The /65 is too tall for me.

              JJ

[Tundra]

Rowdy, My two favorites are the "General Altimax" and the "Goodyear Triple Tread". Both sized in 205/60/16. I prefer this size because it's closest to stock size and won't increase your RPM's like the 205/55/16 will. I like my rpm's as low as possible, unless racing. I like the handling best on this size also. I run 33 psi solo and 36 psi two-up. I can't prove this, although I have ridden both sizes and my thoughts are I get the best cornering/handling at 33psi. My thoughts are more sidewall flex than the 55. I felt I had to throw the 55 into the corners while the 60, with 33 psi just goes natural like.
  I have ridden the 65 also and just don't like anything about it. Too tall, don't like the handling. Now I imagine if you are a super slabber always on the freeway and the fact that it will lower your rpm, that's a personal choice, just not for me.
  There's some great information on all the tire web-sites. You can spend a day researching and eliminating tire brands until you narrow it down to what fits your needs. I like the handling, milage and looks of the two I listed. There are many others to choose from if you open up to other sizes, such as the 55 series. I just don't want to increase my rpm's.
  This is what works for me, in reference to your question. I'm sure many will disagree. Go to http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp?s_kwcid=TC-16569-210291696513-S-22065002513& and do your own research. They offer great information and you can make a better "informed decision" using their tire ratings and specifications, along with the opinions and knowledge from this site.
Good luck and let us know what you choose and why

[kipmilam]

My first dark side tire was a toyo Proxes tr1 205/55.  I was very happy with it and got 22,000 plus miles on it.  When I decided to change (it was at the wear bars),  I went to a Goodyear TT 205/55.  So far the tire has worked fine but the sidewall was rubbing on the nutplates when two up.  So have now done the mod.  Just wanted to show that even the same size tires are different widths and that you always have to check them for interference.

[Rowdy]

  A lot good information - thanks for the input

I'm leaning towards the Goodyear Triple Thread 205/60/16 mostly because it seemed to be the most popular choice among VRCC members who responded.  Since I would be new to the Dark Side I thought it would be best to get my feet wet with a tire that has had the most good reviews. 

Mounting and balancing - seems to me that I herd some bike shops shy away from mounting car tires - I did see that some where able to get their local bike dealer to mount - have not aproached my local dealer yet       

In case local bike shop refuses to mount - how have others managed to get tire mounted ? 

[Larry]

A lot good information - thanks for the input

I'm leaning towards the Goodyear Triple Thread 205/60/16 mostly because it seemed to be the most popular choice among VRCC members who responded.  Since I would be new to the Dark Side I thought it would be best to get my feet wet with a tire that has had the most good reviews. 

Mounting and balancing - seems to me that I herd some bike shops shy away from mounting car tires - I did see that some where able to get their local bike dealer to mount - have not aproached my local dealer yet       

In case local bike shop refuses to mount - how have others managed to get tire mounted ? 

My tire guy at yhe local bike shop is very accomodating. I take the wheel off and drop it off, $20 with a balance but I fine tune the balance myself before putting the wheel back on. Lots of guys DIY but for $20 who needs to be bothered. As long as the tire guy is careful putting the tire on, mine is.

[Tundra]

Rowdy,
  My two closest Honda dealers WILL NOT mount a ct. They claim its a liability issue. I called all the local, privately owned bike shops (custom shops) and they all said yes, various prices from $15.00 to $37.00. Guess whick one I picked   My buddy had his mounted at Tire Kindom and told them it was for some sort of trailer.

[rangernight]

I have just mounted a Falken FK-452/ 205-55-16 on my spare rim, when I look at this tire it seems huge!!!!! I will be performing my winter service soon and was going to change tires also.  Has anyone ran this tire yet? I have a real bad feeling  hope I'm wrong !!!!!

[Ricky-D]

I have just mounted a Falken FK-452/ 205-55-16 on my spare rim, when I look at this tire it seems huge!!!!! I will be performing my winter service soon and was going to change tires also.  Has anyone ran this tire yet? I have a real bad feeling  hope I'm wrong !!!!!

I wouldn't worry about it. 
It is bigger that the stock m/c tire,  205 vs 180,  but there should be no problem running it.
Do the nut cage mod before installing the wheel/tire.

[bigdog99]

nit sure if you even need to do the nut cage, i didnt know about when i put mine on. it does look huge but it fits, 205-55-16

[Jess from VA]

Mounting and balancing - seems to me that I herd some bike shops shy away from mounting car tires - I did see that some where able to get their local bike dealer to mount - have not aproached my local dealer yet       

In case local bike shop refuses to mount - how have others managed to get tire mounted ? 

Rowdy, if you have a dealer you have used and spent money with, I would start with them (service only, not the owner or sales wingnuts).  You tell them this has been done successfully with hundreds of valks over many years, hand them a printout of info on darkside and the nut cage mod, and offer a waiver of liability which you have already prepared (you waive liability of any claim from accident/injury due to running a bike tire, NOT from improper work in mounting the tire).   You tell them the car tire goes right on the rim with a bike tire machine (but it takes two guys, one to run the machine and one to keep the bead from popping off), and that the GTT balances up with a single weight.  Supply two standard 6mm bolts and small nuts to replace the nutcage hardware, and take in a 90* metal valve stem to replace the shoddy OE two-piece stem).  If you go prepared with documentation and a positive attitude assuring them this is not a one-off hair brained idea and are prepared to waive liability, you have a much better chance they will do the work.  My local Honda dealer service dept is the biggest in the area, and yet almost no one had ever heard of mounting a car tire.  They have done both my interstates now, and the other service techs come over and watch while the work is done.  Mostly a sport bike outfit, and I took some flack, but I got very good work.  I also tipped my main tech (as I always do); I call ahead and make an appointment and go to the head of the line as a result.

[Rowdy]

The rear wheel bearing was toast     Not sure how I did not notice !!!!!   

Took the rear wheel into the local Honda shop to have "the Car Tire" put on, as I was caring it into the shop I looked at the bearings, first I noticed that it seemed to be out of line then observed that the ball bearings where showing and not in a uniform pattern!!! That can't be good!!! 

 The Honda shop had to cut the old bearing out - fortunetly I had brought a set of bearings with me, just incase !!! 

They only charged me 25 for mounting  and balancing but another 70 for the time spent on removing and replacing the wheel bearing.