Darkside report...

[2qmedic]

Went out for a quick ride this afternoon on the new tire.


tiresbyweb.com/p-9409-vredestein-sportrac-3-tires.aspx
The Vredestein Sportrack 3 really suprised me. It handles like a MC tire, quick countersteering at speed, very light countersteer needed in a corner, and parking lot speed handling was really easy. It seriously felt like I was riding a MC tire again. I wish the Sportrack 3 had been my first DS tire.

The last tire which was a GYTT handles like crap compared to the Sportrack 3.


I'm happy  

[csj]

Found the page for this type of tire, there are at least 7 16" tires that COULD
fit the valk.

Which of them did you use?

I like the tread pattern.

[F6BANGER]

This is the Sportrac-3 he is talking about.....

[2qmedic]

Yep,that's the one.
I installed a 205-60-16.
From compareing the two, it was about 7/8" taller than the Good Year TT that I had. Now I know it was compareing a worn tire to a new tire, but the Sportrack 3 is a tad taller.
I would definitely recommend this tire. It handles very well.

[fudgie]

Getting one next month. 

[PhredValk]

You need to remove the . in front of the URL address.
Fred.

[CASABROKER]

Spendy....

[2qmedic]

You need to remove the . in front of the URL address.
Fred.

Holy Cow !!! ...where did that little sucker come from ???

It's gone now
Thanks

[DarkSideR]

I was turned on to this very tire by another VRCC member. 2qmedic is the 3rd person to use this tire that I know of. I have mentioned this tire in a couple of posts because of it's great handling characteristics. The tire literally has a rounded profile thus giving it more MC tire handling characteristics. It also has a softer sidewall giving it great corning control.

I run my tire at 36psi, but honestly cannot tell a difference whether is has 32psi or 42psi.

I came off a GYTT to the Vredestein and has the same thoughts as 2qmedic. The Vredestein is soo much of a better handling Darkside tire. Now, I didn't buy it for this reason, but man-oh-man is she a good looking tire! The tread is described as "3-D Tread"

I am glad you came across this tire and I hope you enjoy it as much as I am. 

[DarkSideR]

Here is the original thread with Q&A and reviews.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,56794.0.html

[DarkSideR]

Spendy....

Still less expensive than even a cheap MC tire.

[DarkSideR]

I finally was able to do some wet riding on the Vredestein.

On Memorial Day, my son and I took a really nice 250 mile ride. 50 of it was in the rain. I am happy to report that the tire was excellent in the rain.   I was on Hwy 50 doing 55-60mph, the rain was coming down pretty good so there was standing water on the road. No issues what-so-ever. In the wet braking, corning, and accelerating under normal conditions was superb. I of course rode cautiously as anyone would in the rain, but felt 100% confident on the Vredestein.

[Skinhead]

That's good to hear I have one ready to go on my IS when my Austone finally wears out.

[Pappy!]

I have to agree on the cornering with that tire.
Was absolutely a night and day difference in cornering.  The bike now falls into a corner very naturally  vs the old Car tire I had on mine. That crowned cross section on the Vredestrian really works!

[pancho]

I'm thinking about truing a car tire on my bike,, I like the reports on this tire. Has anyone tried it in the 205-55-16 size? How does the height of the 205-60-16 match up to the height of a MC tire?

Never mind,,, I just read the other post and purchased the last one from a seller on eBay. Quess I didn't need to think about it too long.

[DarkSideR]

That's good to hear I have one ready to go on my IS when my Austone finally wears out.

I would like to know if/when the Austone wears out. How many miles do you have on it now?

[valkcowboy]

I keep reading reviews on tire sites that talks about the road noise that the Vredestein Sportrack 3 produce. Has anyone found this to be a fact on our Valks ?  Also is anyone running a Yokohama Avid Enviger ? If so any feed back ?

[night-shifter]

I can't seem to find these tires online. Have they been discontinued?

[valkcowboy]

They are being phased out for the sportrac 5.. But still can be found several places..

[night-shifter]

so far it looks like ebay only. I have another one to check, but I need to wait until their call center is open.

[big poppa pump]

The ones available on eBay are more than 6 years old. Make sure you have the DOT date before you purchase any tire from eBay.

[jmann]

I run the yoko avid envigor and can't tell the difference from a m/c tire. I have 15k on it and it still has a lot of life left. I will get the same when this wears out. 115 dollars to my door.

         

[okweaver]

I second the Yokohama Envigor 205/60R-16.  I'm on my second one but it is V rated.  I liked the H rated better.  Both are far superior to the handling characteristics of my first Darkside tire, the GTT.

[night-shifter]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know about the date on the tires, never really though of it before. I will now. I will probably try the yokohama when the Metzler wears out, which should be soon.
Any other tires I should look at?

[valkcowboy]

Thank you both for the feedback on the Yokohama looks like the Yokohama with H speed rateing is the next tire for my dragon. I have read about many of the tires being a bit noisy, is that also the case with the Yokohama seeing how it is a directional tire???

[valkcowboy]

Yes be cautious of  the Vredestein Sportrac 3 tires on ebay all the ones I have found are 07 - 09 year model tires.

[night-shifter]

Is the Yokohama Avid Envigor the same tire?

[okweaver]

Sorry for the abbreviation.  Yes, the full name is the Yokohama Avid Envigor.  I use a 205/60R-16 that gears me up to 70 mph at 3K rpm.  The 205/55R-16 is closer to the M/C tire diameter where you should run 65 mph at 3K rpm.
It is a directional tread pattern but I have not noticed any noise from the tread.  The GTT got continually louder as the tread wore down.  My last Envigor was past the wear bars and never made any noise.  At least not that my ears could hear.

[valkcowboy]

Sorry for the abbreviation.  Yes, the full name is the Yokohama Avid Envigor.  I use a 205/60R-16 that gears me up to 70 mph at 3K rpm.  The 205/55R-16 is closer to the M/C tire diameter where you should run 65 mph at 3K rpm.
It is a directional tread pattern but I have not noticed any noise from the tread.  The GTT got continually louder as the tread wore down.  My last Envigor was past the wear bars and never made any noise.  At least not that my ears could hear.

That is good to know that they are not noisy, what kind of mileage did you get out of the last Yoko?? So the 60 series tire is a bit taller so lower rpms, not a bad thing. Do you have any clearance issues with it being taller?  I am planning on taking out the nut cages anyway... Just wondering if it rubbed on the bottom of the fender? Or if it makes the bike set up in the rear like some of the other 65 series tires do??

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sorry for the abbreviation.  Yes, the full name is the Yokohama Avid Envigor.  I use a 205/60R-16 that gears me up to 70 mph at 3K rpm.  The 205/55R-16 is closer to the M/C tire diameter where you should run 65 mph at 3K rpm.
It is a directional tread pattern but I have not noticed any noise from the tread.  The GTT got continually louder as the tread wore down.  My last Envigor was past the wear bars and never made any noise.  At least not that my ears could hear.

That is good to know that they are not noisy, what kind of mileage did you get out of the last Yoko?? So the 60 series tire is a bit taller so lower rpms, not a bad thing. Do you have any clearance issues with it being taller?  I am planning on taking out the nut cages anyway... Just wondering if it rubbed on the bottom of the fender? Or if it makes the bike set up in the rear like some of the other 65 series tires do??

Actually the 205/60 is pretty close to the stock M/C 180/70 in height. I got close to 20k out of the envigor. Some have gotten more. I have had no rubbing with any of the car tires I've used 60 series and 65 series. I did the nut cages anyway though. I would recommend the envigor, I had no issues with it at all.

[valkcowboy]

Sorry for the abbreviation.  Yes, the full name is the Yokohama Avid Envigor.  I use a 205/60R-16 that gears me up to 70 mph at 3K rpm.  The 205/55R-16 is closer to the M/C tire diameter where you should run 65 mph at 3K rpm.
It is a directional tread pattern but I have not noticed any noise from the tread.  The GTT got continually louder as the tread wore down.  My last Envigor was past the wear bars and never made any noise.  At least not that my ears could hear.

That is good to know that they are not noisy, what kind of mileage did you get out of the last Yoko?? So the 60 series tire is a bit taller so lower rpms, not a bad thing. Do you have any clearance issues with it being taller?  I am planning on taking out the nut cages anyway... Just wondering if it rubbed on the bottom of the fender? Or if it makes the bike set up in the rear like some of the other 65 series tires do??

Actually the 205/60 is pretty close to the stock M/C 180/70 in height. I got close to 20k out of the envigor. Some have gotten more. I have had no rubbing with any of the car tires I've used 60 series and 65 series. I did the nut cages anyway though. I would recommend the envigor, I had no issues with it at all.

Thanks for the info, it sounds more & more like the next tire for my Valk. Seen one in person at a local tire store a few weeks ago & since then I have not heard or read anything bad about them.

[night-shifter]

OK I am new to this darkside conversation, so  I am going to ask some newbie questions. I am asking these with the Yokohama Envigor in mind. I was discussing this with a local shop owner who does most of my work, and he'll mount a car tire cheap enough, but says most everyone comes right back in and gets them taken off, with the exception of some of the Goldwing guys. I want to get some information before I make my decision.
1. When cornering, how do the handling characteristics change. Does the Valk try to stand up more?
2. How is the stability at low speed, I'm thinking parking lots, stop & go traffic, etc.?
3. How does the bike react to potholes, tarsnakes, and grooved pavement, etc.

Thanks.

[The emperor has no clothes]

OK I am new to this darkside conversation, so  I am going to ask some newbie questions. I am asking these with the Yokohama Envigor in mind. I was discussing this with a local shop owner who does most of my work, and he'll mount a car tire cheap enough, but says most everyone comes right back in and gets them taken off, with the exception of some of the Goldwing guys. I want to get some information before I make my decision.
1. When cornering, how do the handling characteristics change. Does the Valk try to stand up more?
2. How is the stability at low speed, I'm thinking parking lots, stop & go traffic, etc.?
3. How does the bike react to potholes, tarsnakes, and grooved pavement, etc.

Thanks.

No doubt about it there are differences. They are not for everyone. I think the biggest differences are at slow speed with different angled roads. But once you know what it's like to me it's no big deal. But the first time you go over an angled drain in a parking lot at 5 mph it will get your attention. If you are seriously considering them, do a search on dark side or car tires and I'm sure you'll find 1 or 2 thousand opinions about it.

[fudgie]

1. When cornering, how do the handling characteristics change. Does the Valk try to stand up more?
     No change to me. Still can take curves one handed.

2. How is the stability at low speed, I'm thinking parking lots, stop & go traffic, etc.?
     Stability and low speed handling has increased. Much easier to handle at low speeds.

3. How does the bike react to potholes, tarsnakes, and grooved pavement, etc.
     Potholes-same as mc tire. Tar snakes-never a issue with any of my rear tires, its always been the fronts. Grooved pavement-Effects alittle so you know its there. Ive noticed different tires have different effects on grooved concrete. Ive changed lanes at 80 mph at diff heights of road and its all good.

[Crackerborn]

1. When cornering, how do the handling characteristics change. Does the Valk try to stand up more?
     No change to me. Still can take curves one handed.

2. How is the stability at low speed, I'm thinking parking lots, stop & go traffic, etc.?
     Stability and low speed handling has increased. Much easier to handle at low speeds.

3. How does the bike react to potholes, tarsnakes, and grooved pavement, etc.
     Potholes-same as mc tire. Tar snakes-never a issue with any of my rear tires, its always been the fronts. Grooved pavement-Effects alittle so you know its there. Ive noticed different tires have different effects on grooved concrete. Ive changed lanes at 80 mph at diff heights of road and its all good.

 
At 80 mph (staying with traffic flow) on the tollway around Chicago there is grooved concrete that will get your attention, but it gets your attention even in a cage. Crack(head) work on the roadway.