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Author Topic: Going Darkside  (Read 2128 times)
1NorthRyder
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Posts: 206


Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada


« on: June 09, 2020, 08:49:38 AM »

Finally made a decision and ordered a 205/60R-16 Perelli P7 for the ass end of the IS. Hope to install it this weekend and try it out.
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da prez
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Posts: 4354

. Rhinelander Wi. Island Lake Il.


« Reply #1 on: June 13, 2020, 08:29:51 AM »

  Are you going to be able to smuggle that tire out of Canada to get to Inzane.

                                       da prez
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1NorthRyder
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Posts: 206


Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada


« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2020, 06:46:30 AM »

Unfortunately not, I was seriously considering going this year too. I did get the tire on and have ridden about 650 miles and like it so far.
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h13man
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Posts: 1746


To everything there is an exception.

Indiana NW Central Flatlands


« Reply #3 on: June 16, 2020, 06:27:23 AM »

Wanting to do the same but I like a 195/65 symmetrical pattern but the search has been tough so far but the size and shape (roundness) is the most important criteria to me.
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1NorthRyder
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Posts: 206


Elliot Lake, Ontario, Canada


« Reply #4 on: June 16, 2020, 09:01:14 AM »

A 195 would likely be an easier fit. I did have some difficulty stuffing the 205 in there but ultimately succeeded.
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The emperor has no clothes
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Posts: 29945


« Reply #5 on: June 16, 2020, 11:47:55 AM »

Wanting to do the same but I like a 195/65 symmetrical pattern but the search has been tough so far but the size and shape (roundness) is the most important criteria to me.
I used to think a symmetrical tire was pretty important. Not so much anymore. This is my go-to tire now. 195/65
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Valkorado
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Posts: 10491


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #6 on: June 16, 2020, 12:37:08 PM »

Like Meat, I'm sticking with my light truck tires!  Handles so well I pretty much forget I'm darkside.  Zeetex CT-1000 is my choice. It is 195/65.  Mine's symmetrical -- and a bit rounder.

« Last Edit: June 16, 2020, 12:53:50 PM by Valkorado » Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

BIG Bopper
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Posts: 66


Rolling Thunder 2017

Palm Springs, CA


« Reply #7 on: June 16, 2020, 11:15:40 PM »

Have been darkside for 10 years and probably never go back. Always tell people, It doesn't ride better or worse, just different. I too like the more rounded edge types and am on my second 205/65. Had Progressive 11.5 but would bottom a little on big dips or harsh bumps. Just installed progressive 440 13" and what a difference. Love it and the 65 series helps keep the RPM's down a little. Now I need a little taller shield for the Woody's Fairing. 9" should work fine.
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Tim "Big Bopper" Bannister
Owner
Celebrity Tours
Palm Springs, CA
h13man
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Posts: 1746


To everything there is an exception.

Indiana NW Central Flatlands


« Reply #8 on: June 25, 2020, 08:47:22 AM »

Well I done some measuring and looks like the rear Cobra is going to be replaced @ 10,000 mi. Definitely looking into the DS for 195/65. Wanting a well rounded tread to sidewall transition and symmetrical tread pattern and that becoming a quest so far. The search is on!
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Malkozaine
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Posts: 78


Lake County, Illinois


« Reply #9 on: June 29, 2020, 11:16:53 AM »

I have thought about going Darkside.....but anyone that I have talked to about it says I am an idiot for wanting to do a car tire in my bike.  Still not sure if I want to get though.  What are the pros and cons?
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Valkorado
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Posts: 10491


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #10 on: June 29, 2020, 12:38:23 PM »

I have thought about going Darkside.....but anyone that I have talked to about it says I am an idiot for wanting to do a car tire in my bike.  Still not sure if I want to get though.  What are the pros and cons?

Load handling, braking, rain traction, bite off the line (to red line), overall grip and even "feel" -- I prefer dark.  Almost forgot durability and longevity.  I honestly think a darkside tire may have saved my life but that's another story.

Study the board, find a car tire that is getting favorable reviews.  Most are inexpensive in comparison to bike tires.  Pull the trigger.  If ya like the experience you're hooked.  If ya decide it's not your bag, slap on another bike tire.
« Last Edit: June 29, 2020, 12:44:28 PM by Valkorado » Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

Malkozaine
Member
*****
Posts: 78


Lake County, Illinois


« Reply #11 on: June 29, 2020, 01:00:37 PM »

What about turning?  Car tires don't have the curve of a bike one.  Doesn't that make it harder to turn?
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Jersey
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Posts: 545


VRCC #37540

Southern Maryland


« Reply #12 on: June 29, 2020, 02:21:14 PM »

What about turning?  Car tires don't have the curve of a bike one.  Doesn't that make it harder to turn?

The correct method regardless of tire is to impose counter-steering.  What I've noticed that many others have reported is that a CT just needs steady counter-steering through the turn, whereas, an MT usually requires counter-steering going-in and coming-out of a turn.  I find the CT to be smoother in this respect. I lead a lot of rides with my local group and they often can't keep up with me in the twisties at high speed.

The thing is, once you put a CT on you'll never question it again.  It just rides so much better all around.
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Jersey
gordonv
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Posts: 5760


VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #13 on: June 29, 2020, 04:28:34 PM »

What about turning?  Car tires don't have the curve of a bike one.  Doesn't that make it harder to turn?

The difference is 5-10 min of riding. Within a week, I did not even notice my difference in riding.

My first Valk car tire was the one recommended back in 2010, the Goodyear Triple Tread (GYTT), which had a flat bottom and  square corners. I needed to do that counter steering in the corners, and at slow speeds.

My second one was the Austone Taxi Tire (ATT), which has been discontinued. It was a little narrower, and had nice rounded corners. I couldn't tell the difference between that MC tire and that CT. I've now gotten a second one, one of the last available, waiting to go onto my current Valkyrie IS.

If you are unsure, I always recommend to get a spare rear tire, and mount the CT on that, just before you need a new tire on the mc. Swap out the rear MC for the mounted CT. Try it out for a month or more, and if you don't like it, you can replace your MC tire, and swap the rear rim again.

Do as suggested, look up what others are using and try one. The main issue is the more rounded the sides/corners, the more like a MC tire in handling you'll have.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

Malkozaine
Member
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Posts: 78


Lake County, Illinois


« Reply #14 on: June 29, 2020, 05:58:42 PM »

What about turning?  Car tires don't have the curve of a bike one.  Doesn't that make it harder to turn?

The difference is 5-10 min of riding. Within a week, I did not even notice my difference in riding.

My first Valk car tire was the one recommended back in 2010, the Goodyear Triple Tread (GYTT), which had a flat bottom and  square corners. I needed to do that counter steering in the corners, and at slow speeds.

My second one was the Austone Taxi Tire (ATT), which has been discontinued. It was a little narrower, and had nice rounded corners. I couldn't tell the difference between that MC tire and that CT. I've now gotten a second one, one of the last available, waiting to go onto my current Valkyrie IS.

If you are unsure, I always recommend to get a spare rear tire, and mount the CT on that, just before you need a new tire on the mc. Swap out the rear MC for the mounted CT. Try it out for a month or more, and if you don't like it, you can replace your MC tire, and swap the rear rim again.

Do as suggested, look up what others are using and try one. The main issue is the more rounded the sides/corners, the more like a MC tire in handling you'll have.

Cool thanks for the info....I might try it sometime.  I want to try possibly doing the Iron Butt around Lake Michigan next year or so.....so maybe I will get one installed next year before I do it.
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..
Member
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Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #15 on: June 29, 2020, 08:37:41 PM »

I have thought about going Darkside.....but anyone that I have talked to about it says I am an idiot for wanting to do a car tire in my bike.  Still not sure if I want to get though.  What are the pros and cons?

I'm wearing out my 3rd Champiro VP1.

It has a rounded profile.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=champiro+vp1&atb=v95-1&iax=images&ia=images

https://www.extra-imagens.com.br/automotivo/Pneus/Pneus-para-carro/4846981/855861639/pneu-aro-17-gt-radial-235-60r17-champiro-vp1-102t-4846981.jpg

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Gryphon Rider
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Posts: 5227


2000 Tourer

Calgary, Alberta


« Reply #16 on: June 30, 2020, 01:59:47 PM »

The several 205/60 car tires I have run require steady pressure on the inside bar to keep the bike leaned over in a curve; release the pressure and she stands up and rides straight.  If you hit a compression dip in the road while leaned over in a corner, the bike will want to stand up (and track outwards) as the suspension is compressed.  You have to be aware of pavement ruts and angled driveway entrances while riding slowly, as they will move the bike towards the bottom of the rut, or away from the driveway entrance.  In all cases, having the experience to know how the bike will react, then applying appropriate handle bar pressure, will get you through unfazed.
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gordonv
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Posts: 5760


VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2020, 04:00:41 PM »

Additional info:

The ATT size was given as 175/80-16, 26.9" dia

There is 3 car tire sizes given to use.
205/55 = smaller dia (raises your rpm)
205/60 = close to OEM MC tire
205/65 = larger dia (lowers your rpm)

The above ATT tire is a larger dia than the OEM, which lowered my rpm riding at the same speed (70 MPH), giving me a better MPG. Or allowed me to ride at my usual rpm (3200), but gives me a higher MPH, going faster.

What tire you want, you need to size it. The width and dia. There is limited space. If you use the 205/65, there is a good possibility of rubbing.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

..
Member
*****
Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #18 on: July 01, 2020, 03:00:01 PM »

The several 205/60 car tires I have run require steady pressure on the inside bar to keep the bike leaned over in a curve; release the pressure and she stands up and rides straight.  If you hit a compression dip in the road while leaned over in a corner, the bike will want to stand up (and track outwards) as the suspension is compressed.  You have to be aware of pavement ruts and angled driveway entrances while riding slowly, as they will move the bike towards the bottom of the rut, or away from the driveway entrance.  In all cases, having the experience to know how the bike will react, then applying appropriate handle bar pressure, will get you through unfazed.

Try a Champiro VP1
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MarkT
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Posts: 5196


VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"

Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km


WWW
« Reply #19 on: July 04, 2020, 05:26:53 AM »

The narrower the tire, the less it has steering issues.  Also the more rounded the corners, same thing.  I run the Austone, also last tire, and have the next one on hand - as mentioned, it's out of production.  I have run a lot of different DS tires, most were 205.  The Austone is best handling by far. However the Firestone Transforce CV in 195/75R 16C has measurements that are very close and even larger diameter, which I like - the Austone provides excellent MPG; 3500rpm gets 85mph indicated.  And the Firestone is cheaper.  And a US company FWIW - source country is "CR" which I'm guessing is Costa Rica. Was $123.91 with free shipping at tirerack.com last year.  Here's a thread on this tire: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,106471.msg1069397.html#msg1069397
« Last Edit: July 04, 2020, 05:31:10 AM by MarkT » Logged


Vietnam-474 TFW Takhli 9-12/72 Linebckr II;307 SBW U-Tapao 05/73-4
Oss
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Posts: 12581


The lower Hudson Valley

Ossining NY Chapter Rep VRCCDS0141


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« Reply #20 on: July 04, 2020, 07:13:27 PM »

Only issue for me is deep ruts in the local roads

The tire wants to go into the deepest part of the rut

My favorite tire is 200 series Bridgestone motorcycle tire (exedra or battleaxe)
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If you don't know where your going any road will take you there
George Harrison

When you come to the fork in the road, take it
Yogi Berra   (Don't send it to me C.O.D.)
Bret SD
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Posts: 4306


***

San Diego, Ca.


« Reply #21 on: July 05, 2020, 08:48:23 AM »

I just put on the Zeetec CT 1000 and love it, the bike seems to just float it's so smooth. Thanks Valkorado!!  cooldude and others for recommending this great tire.

Some observations:
- It tracks down the highway straighter
- Balance is easier when inching forward in traffic
- Two up twisties are a breeze, even a few 2nd gear super tight ones..
- The bike just 'feels' sturdier
- Slow speed ruts will pull the back end around slightly, but it doesn't bother me or feel unstable.. just different
- A little more counter-steering effort is required, not much, but it's there.
- Braking feels very solid

There are more, I'll just say I'm very pleased, and overall the bike feels 'safer', if that makes sense, just a feeling..

Anyway, that's my take on it FWIW  Smiley
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Bret

02 Standard -- Blue & White
82 Aspencade -- Red
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Socrates
Valkorado
Member
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Posts: 10491


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #22 on: July 05, 2020, 01:27:49 PM »

 cooldude  It is safer, IMHO! 

It's a great tire.  I was sworn loyal to the Austone Taxi Tire and was bummed when it was discontinued.  Now I realize it was a blessing in disguise.  I like the Zeetex better!

The more you ride it the more you'll love it!

This was my original write-up.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,106830.0.html
« Last Edit: July 05, 2020, 04:12:18 PM by Valkorado » Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

Bret SD
Member
*****
Posts: 4306


***

San Diego, Ca.


« Reply #23 on: July 08, 2020, 07:37:38 PM »

cooldude  It is safer, IMHO! 

It's a great tire.  I was sworn loyal to the Austone Taxi Tire and was bummed when it was discontinued.  Now I realize it was a blessing in disguise.  I like the Zeetex better!

The more you ride it the more you'll love it!

This was my original write-up.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,106830.0.html

Excellent!
Valkorado have you considered going DD? I'm so pleased with the CT 1000 I want the same security on the front tire. Any advantage there? Or nah?
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Bret

02 Standard -- Blue & White
82 Aspencade -- Red
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Socrates
Valkorado
Member
*****
Posts: 10491


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #24 on: July 08, 2020, 10:11:06 PM »

Nah.  I have tried a couple reverse tread, one facing the arrows.  My luck with them has not been all that great.  I've had one rear Bridgestone Battleax on front that developed a bad crack, and another one cupped out on me.   Can't remember the other brand I tried but it got pulled due to some bad vibes!  Went back to front m/c tires on front.  The be$t feeling front tires IMO are Avon Cobra$ (Chrome?) stock size.  That Michelin Commander III sure feels good too, it's a m/c front but not avail in OEM size for our bikes, ya gotta go one size taller and skinnier or one size shorter and fatter.  I went shorter and fatter on the Bullet. baird4444 claims 20k outta his last one which is really good.

I have a Stinko on front of the IS right now.  Cheap, but it ain't skeered me yet!

« Last Edit: July 08, 2020, 10:12:44 PM by Valkorado » Logged

Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

Bret SD
Member
*****
Posts: 4306


***

San Diego, Ca.


« Reply #25 on: July 09, 2020, 05:04:50 PM »

Nah.  I have tried a couple reverse tread, one facing the arrows.  My luck with them has not been all that great.  I've had one rear Bridgestone Battleax on front that developed a bad crack, and another one cupped out on me.   Can't remember the other brand I tried but it got pulled due to some bad vibes!  Went back to front m/c tires on front.  The be$t feeling front tires IMO are Avon Cobra$ (Chrome?) stock size.  That Michelin Commander III sure feels good too, it's a m/c front but not avail in OEM size for our bikes, ya gotta go one size taller and skinnier or one size shorter and fatter.  I went shorter and fatter on the Bullet. baird4444 claims 20k outta his last one which is really good.

I have a Stinko on front of the IS right now.  Cheap, but it ain't skeered me yet!


Ah good info, thanks man, just a thought is all, I have decent rbber on the front for awhile.. when the time comes I'll be looking at your suggestions. You didn't steer me wrong on the rear tire, I'm really happy with it  cooldude

edit: Took a ride with my honey yesterday, third or 4th time out on the CT 1000 tires, all I can say is they feel super grabby and stable on turns while tracking easily and straight at all times. Low speed stability is phenomenal. We did 110 miles through mountains and valleys.. it was beautiful scenery and a pleasure to ride on the new tire.
« Last Edit: July 12, 2020, 10:34:55 AM by bretshim » Logged

Bret

02 Standard -- Blue & White
82 Aspencade -- Red
“No man has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.” Socrates
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