Ready to turn to the Darkside

[Vroom Kaboom]

I'm about to replace my rear tire with a car tire.  I read Daniel Meyer's article and have a couple of questions.  First, any opinions on 205/60/16 vs. 205/55/16?  Secondly, are there any tire brands/models that are particularly good (or bad) for this application?  I'm not an especially aggressive rider so is a "V" rated tire adequate or is there a reason to go for a higher speed rating?

Any advice or experiences regarding car tires on the Valk would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I've ran several different CTs and I  like  the higher speed tires as it seems the sidewalls are stiffer. I like the 205/60 series as it keeps the bike about stock height and rpms also about stock. I also like the softer compounds say arround 280 to 400 as they seem to stick to the road. Right now I'm running a bridgestone  G009 and really like it. If you noticed I use I alot because this is the things I like, others will vary. Air pressure will also vary some like it high 42 or so some like lower about 28. for me 36-38 works best.

[Gear Jammer]

I'm running the TOYO Proxes T1s  in 205/55/16 on a recommendation from Smokin'Joe.  I did the nutcage mod, but wanted to insure that it didn't rub the fender.  RPM's do go a bit higher with the lower tire for comparable speeeds, but I'm not a speed demon anyway, so it's not a major factor for me.  I have 40psi in mine.  It seemed to "squirm" too much at much lower pressures to me.  This is a sportscar tire, so it is a high speed rated tire.  I chose this one more for the tread pattern and softer compound for "stickiness" on the road.  So far, so good.         

[Vroom Kaboom]

Thanks for the input!

[Hollywood]

we have been on the darkside for several years now, Bridgestone and Good year are good tires too. 205/55/15 is what we're running. make sure you run the reccommended air pressure,and match your pattern to the front tire, otherwise you may get the "wobbles".unless you're going over a 100 mph, don't worry  about the "speed rating". I have more info on our website, http://www.dragonbrethe.com  Note: we have run at Kennedale on the 1/4 mile track, and she is a 5 second bike. did burnouts great and smoked their a**! and NO we did not remove anything!

[BnB Tom]

Any advice or experiences regarding car tires on the Valk would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

    Yesterday I replaced my Goodyear Triple Tread that had 31,388 miles on it with ANOTHER of the same make and size (205/60/16).  It had just hit the 'wear bars' . .  which was pointed out to me when I took it in for State inspection last month.
 
Half the price, lasts three times longer and puts at least twice as much rubber on the ground when you need to make that sudden stop because 'the cager didn't see ya' !!

  I can't think of any reason that I would ever go back to a bike tire on the rear.

        Just my opinion.

Tom

[Houdini]

Yesterday I replaced my Goodyear Triple Tread that had 31,388 miles on it with ANOTHER  of the same make and size (205/60/16).  It had just hit the 'wear bars' . .  which was pointed out to me when I took it in for State inspection last month.
 
Half the price, lasts three times longer and puts at least twice as much rubber on the ground when you need to make that sudden stop because 'the cager didn't see ya' !!

  I can't think of any reason that I would ever go back to a bike tire on the rear.

        Just my opinion.

Tom

I agree with Tom 100%.  I am on my second 205/60/16 Triple Tread also and I love the way my bike handles with this tire.  I replaced my first triple tread at 21K only because there was a nail in the sidewall, it had a good 10K left on it.  I run my DS tire at 36#s.

BTW- my rear tire and front tire tread do not remotely match in pattern but it handles just fine.  As far as pressure you' be hard pressed to find two DS'ers that agree; experiment by moving up and down in 2 # increments until you find a pressure that is right for you.

[Valkpilot]

Yesterday I replaced my Goodyear Triple Tread that had 31,388 miles on it with ANOTHER  of the same make and size (205/60/16).  It had just hit the 'wear bars' . .  which was pointed out to me when I took it in for State inspection last month.
 
Half the price, lasts three times longer and puts at least twice as much rubber on the ground when you need to make that sudden stop because 'the cager didn't see ya' !!

  I can't think of any reason that I would ever go back to a bike tire on the rear.

        Just my opinion.

Tom

I agree with Tom 100%.  I am on my second 205/60/16 Triple Tread also and I love the way my bike handles with this tire.  I replaced my first triple tread at 21K only because there was a nail in the sidewall, it had a good 10K left on it.  I run my DS tire at 36#s.

BTW- my rear tire and front tire tread do not remotely match in pattern but it handles just fine.  As far as pressure you' be hard pressed to find two DS'ers that agree; experiment by moving up and down in 2 # increments until you find a pressure that is right for you.

+2 on the Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread (205/60)

Also, there is no way to match a DS tread pattern to a MC front tire tread pattern.  What's most important, at least in my opinion, is that you get a directional, symetrical tread pattern.  By this I mean that if you draw a line down the center of the tread, one side is a mirror image of the other.  Kind of like when you cut a Valentine's heart by folding a paper in half and cutting it, then when unfolded both sides are identical but facing each other.  Avoid getting a tire where the sipes (those "cuts" in the tire at the shoulder between the tread and sidewall) point in opposite directions.  

You want this

///|||\\\

not this

\\\\|||\\\

Gear Jammer's picture above shows this very clearly.

Air pressure is very much a matter of personal opinion.  I run mine at 40 psi.  Below 38 psi, its feels squiggly in turns to me.  There are a few who run higher and some who run below 30 psi.  I think tire tread pattern and rider weight influence this greatly.  It's a "feel of the ride" thing.

I also find that slightly stiffer shocks improve the ride feel.

[Jess from VA]

You guys on the GTT, this is good news. 

I have about 23-4K on my first one, and by looking at the wear, I was thinking it should go to about 30K. 

I am at 40 psi always, and I do not have an overly worn center tread (or any uneven wear).

I am always tempted to try different (car) tires, but I have the GTT on both my '99 interstates, and have had such good luck and good riding/handling/cornering/braking/longevity/etc with these tires that it seems foolish to experiment with something else. 

[john]

"  I'm not a speed demon anyway "  ....     
 from a guy that calls himself  " GEAR JAMMER "       
and rides a  " SUPER BEE "                                           bobby          

[Gear Jammer]

"  I'm not a speed demon anyway "  ....    
 from a guy that calls himself  " GEAR JAMMER "      
and rides a  " SUPER BEE "                                          bobby        

John,  I swear I've never gone over 95mph on the Super Bee      

Gear Jammer	powered by Aeva

[Hollywood]

I didn't mean exactly match the front tire,but a bridgestone fusion has a pretty darn close pattern to an avon venom,i have heard lots of people complain about wiggles, and not just darksiders, basically it's like running 4 different tires on your cage(nobody does that!)  softer ride can be made by adjusting your shocks, but if anybody wants to run 28 in a 40 rated tire,that's up to you. we have been running car tires for 8 years now, have over 177,000 miles on her 2.  Just be sure you can't push the sidewall  down easily, or the tire will buckle.   

[Vroom Kaboom]

Awesome guidance, y'all, thanks a bunch.  Plan on breaking her down this week and all the info really helps.  Also very reassuring to know lots of folks are doing this and it works.

[Valkpilot]

...run 28 in a 40 rated tire...

I don't know how they do it either, but I know at least 3 here in Texas that run in the 26 to 28 range with no issues.

[Vroom Kaboom]

OK.  I bought my tire (Bridgestone G019, 205/60/16) and built my low-budget lift adapter.  Once I get the wheel off, any suggestions on where to take it to get the tire mounted and balanced?  The only indy shop I'm really familar with is Thunder Alley in Burleson and they said they couldn't do it.

[Houdini]

any suggestions on where to take it to get the tire mounted and balanced?

I had my last one mounted at the Firestone in Allen.  The store manager had a puzzled look on his face but the tire guy said "no problem".  $20 to dismount, insert a plug on the inside, and mount it back on the rim.

[Six Guns]

Cycle Werkz in Fort Worth installed my CT on my 98 Tourer. They are at I-30 and Las Vegas Trail. They are good people and will treat you right. Tell them Victor sent you.   

[Vroom Kaboom]

10-4.  Thanks y'all!

[Hollywood]

just depends, most  shops won't put a car tire on a mc rim, due to liability issues.try one of the tire repair places ,we also buy tires from them too and they install them free. usually about $20 bucks for a good used car tire

[Hollywood]

be careful who you reccommend, they may do it for you, but refuse others. it is still a liability for the shop or tire guy if something goes wrong. : you may want to call ahead too.

[Vroom Kaboom]

And the adventure continues.  After searching Fort Worth (and Waxahatchie . . . don't ask) I finally found someplace that would mount my DS tire.  Three Bears Tire Shop in Grand Prairie, thankfully, spared me the safety lecture.  This was possibly due to the language barrier.  After a quick exchange in Spanglish to ensure that I realized the car tire I provided was NOT the same as the motorcycle tire they just pulled off, my rear wheel was Dark-side-ified.  $6.59 and no questions asked - definitely a center of excellence!  D and S Honda/Kawasaki in Arlington balanced the wheel, again no lectures - woohoo!

Six Guns - The Cycle Werkz folks seemed like good people but were decidely unimpressed when I told them you referred me.  Hope I didn't get you in trouble!

[Six Guns]

The guys at Cycle Werkz mainly work on crotch rockets but have worked on valkyries. The head mechanic (Scott), is very good at what he does but is a traditionalist and thinks that motorcycle tires should be on a motorcycle and car tires should be on a car. They have put 2 car tires on my valkyries but didn't really want too. Sorry if they didn't treat you right. I just thought they would do it for the business.     

[Vroom Kaboom]

No worries!  They treated me fine.  They just didn't seem too happy that they were being refered for a Darkside job.  Otherwise, they were friendly and professional.  I would consider using them for other things.  I was more concerned that I might have screwed up your deal there.  I really appreciate your effort to help me.

In any case, the bike goes back together today and then a test ride!

Thanks again!

[Hollywood]

make sure you give yourself some leeway and ride easy, it will take some getting used to, esp cornering!

[Old Geezer Richard]

Hey Varoom , I have had great luck with my Michelin Pilot 205/55/16 with 15,000+ miles and stilllooks brand new .....  the tread design IS not aggressive and very similar to my Avon venom up front ...... I switched to Prog. spring upfront and I/S shocks adjusted all the way up and run 34lbs by myself / 36 riding double in the summer .... in the winter I run 36 by myself and 38 riding double and 40 lbs up front year around ..... and the RPM's increase about 150 ..... I'll never use a M/C tire again ...

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I'm running the same tire. Got about 5k on it now and love it. 36-38psi works best for me, opinons will vary tho.

[bigguy]

Just ordered the Bridgestone Potenza Grid G019.205/60/R16. It will be here in a week-and-a-half. That way I avoid paying freight. Since I'm not in a hurry, I'll wait. Total price $105.00

[Vroom Kaboom]

I bought the same tire.  It was in stock at Discount Tire on Camp Bowie.  $112 out the door.  Plan on taking my first ride on it today or tomorrow.  Having some issues getting my IS bag back on.  Pain in the butt!

[bigguy]

Picked up the darkside tire today. Hope to get it mounted this weekend.

[bigguy]

First impressions. click for blog.

First impressions. click for blog.

[V-NAV]

Good job.  Interesting to read about your highs and lows.  Good luck with your new tire experience.

John

[Houdini]

More precisely, I didn’t expect the break over that comes as you turn harder. You have to push harder into a turn up to a point where it suddenly gets easier. This probably happens as the tire comes off of the flat and rolls onto the edge. What ever the reason, you have to be careful to not over steer as the bike seems to suddenly jump in the direction you are going. This will take a little more getting used to than simply pushing harder.

That must be a Potenza thing.  I'm on my second Goodyear Triple Tread and I've yet to experience that sensation.  Try adjusting the tire pressure up and make sure the front tire is properly aired up also.

[bigguy]

That must be a Potenza thing.  I'm on my second Goodyear Triple Tread and I've yet to experience that sensation.  Try adjusting the tire pressure up and make sure the front tire is properly aired up also.

That surprises me. I looked at the tripple tread real hard. I really liked the tread pattern, but ultimately went with the Potenza because it looked to me to have slightly more rounded edges. I thought that might reduce some of the effects of turning.
Again, I've barely got 10 miles on it. Somebody on here mentioned that after about 200 miles, his tire (don't remember what it was) just seemed to settle down. He wasn't sure it something changed on the tire, or if he just got used to it.
I can also play with the pressure. I've got 40 lbs. in the back and 35 on the front. I'll run it this way for a couple of hundred miles. Unless I just get thrilled with it, I'll drop it back to 35 lbs. and see how that goes.

[Houdini]

40 #s should be plenty, give it some time.  Personally I don't believe that tires "break-in", but that is just my opinion. I think it is a matter of the rider getting used to a different handling tire. 

I was 100% sold on my GTT within 10 miles, maybe it has a softer sidewall or something.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I've been running 36-38 psi in my bridgestone and I like this tire as much or more than any darkside I've ran.

[RainMaker]

More precisely, I didn’t expect the break over that comes as you turn harder. You have to push harder into a turn up to a point where it suddenly gets easier. This probably happens as the tire comes off of the flat and rolls onto the edge. What ever the reason, you have to be careful to not over steer as the bike seems to suddenly jump in the direction you are going. This will take a little more getting used to than simply pushing harder.

That must be a Potenza thing.  I'm on my second Goodyear Triple Tread and I've yet to experience that sensation.  Try adjusting the tire pressure up and make sure the front tire is properly aired up also.

I also run the Goodyear and never experienced the fishtail you mention from rolling up on the sidewall.  After mounting, I went from the Addison Airport over to 75 and north to 455 west, a really twisty road that goes past to Lake Ray Roberts, to do a test run and get used to it.  It gripped great from the first sweeper and like Chuck, I was comfortable within the first 10 miles.  It may be pressure, but I've run from 32 to 42 lbs and again, it doesn't do anything but track straight for me.

I got the Goodyear because I had it on two cars and it was quiet and worked well there.  I knew the tire so felt safe putting it on the Valk. 

The last time I put a motorcycle tire on the rear, it took about 50 miles to scrub off the "new" to where it gripped and didn't feel like it was sliding whenever I leaned over in a turn.  Maybe the Potenza is doing something similar.

Let us know if the Potenza settles down. 

RainMaker

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

I've  got over 5k on my Potenza and I've never  experienced any fishtail or other ill handling at all. I've ran Coopers, Falkens, Kumho, Toyo and now Bridgestone all good tires.

[Vroom Kaboom]

The verdict is in - I'm sold!  I noted all the issues with the CT - more steering input, road feedback, etc.  After the first fifty miles or so, I forgot I was on a CT.  I proceeded to do a Hill Country weekend - over 650 miles.  I rode in the rain, in the wind, on dirt roads and pulled a trailer with complete confidence.

Two caveats:  1.  I'm not an extreme or aggressive rider.  I like to tour.  So, for the sportier type of rider, the idiosyncracies may be more significant to those folks.  2.  I will never be accused of OVER-thinking.  I made minor adjustments to my riding technique, promptly forgot I was supposed to be worried about my back tire, and enjoyed the ride.   If that's not you, then stick with the MC tire.

Bottom line, it works and it's affordable.  Daddy likes!

[Houdini]

The verdict is in - I'm sold!

Bottom line, it works and it's affordable.  Daddy likes!

I couldn't have said it better ... welcome to the darkside!  

[bigguy]

The verdict is in - I'm sold!
Bottom line, it works and it's affordable.  Daddy likes!

+1 so far. It's a little more work puttering around town, but I got it out on the Highway last Friday night and fell in love.
Final test will be to how it 2ups. Probably find out this weekend.