Question about cornering with a car tire

[alph]

I know that the subject of riding a CT has been brought up many times before, and I have searched for an answer to my question but have not found any real straight forward opinions. 

I’m at that point where I’ll be getting a new rear tire for my bike and I’m thinking about a car tire.  My only concern is that I love riding through the twisties that we’ve got along the Mississippi river and from everyone that I’ve talked to about car tires, they tell me that they don’t corner as nice and smooth as a standard MC tire, that there is a transition from the flat part of the tire to the sides, and the squirmy feeling from the softer sidewalls.

I really enjoy zooming through the turns as if I’m on a sport bike, and I’m afraid that if I go with a CT I’ll be losing that feeling of control.

My Valkyrie handles as nice as my old Yamaha sport bike did in the corners, just don’t know if a CT could handle as well. 

Does anyone have any input?  I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Al.

[Warlock]

I run car tires on both of my Valks. On the Touter I run a Yokohoma AS 430 205/60/16 and on the Standard I run a Michelin Riken Raptor 205/55/16. I run 35 lbs in both. I find the Raptor handles better than the Yokohoma. If you decide to run a car tire look for one that has more of a rounded edge. I run curves with both and can run and scrap my pegs. There is a difference in handling between the car tire and the m/c tire. I'm so use to the car tire I have no problems in curves. There is no bounce or soft feeling while in the curve. You can get all kind of opinions on this subject. Some of my biggest plus to the car tire is the traction and braking power of the car tire. My wife also said that the car tire rides better. The only thing I would suggest is maybe try one. The first time I tried one I didn't like it. So lateer I put one on and after riding it awhile I really liked it. I have no problems in curves at all. But I will say there is a difference in handling. The car tire isn't for everyone. You might can find someone in your area with a car tire that might let you take a pend on it.
David

[Jess from VA]

Al, there is a learning curve on a CT.  I just did it this Spring; Goodyear TT, with nut cage mod.

At 30 psi I was wallowing all over the road, at 40 psi it was much, much better.

The tire wants to stay flat, and tends to follow the various flat spots (and ruts) in the road, so you get some feedback in the rear you are not used to.  It is bothersome at first but you learn to ignore it.  In small-medium leans, you have to hold the bike in the turn with the bars (a couple pounds of pressure, nothing fatiguing), the tire wants to return to flat.  It is a little bit like the difference between power steering (bike tire) and manual steering (car tire).  Counter steering is more useful with CT than BT; or you learn to use it more.  You need (IMHO) an ordinary R rated sidewall, not a stiffer speed rated sidewall, so the tire can flex easier in the leans (it's still a car tire, so it can handle any load the valk can bring).  At full lean the CT is almost neutral, and takes less pressure to hold in a line....and it does very well at sticking in a full (board dragging) lean, and even with half the tread off the pavement, you still have way more contact patch than with bike tire.  In very slow turns, you need to use the bars more, just dropping your shoulder and body english do not turn the bike as on a bike tire.  On straight and level and freeways, it is almost not noticeable.  Braking and wet and gravel riding are all better than CT, but I did it for one reason....longevity.

You need to give it at least a month or so of rides to get used to it, and get to where it is 2d nature.   I have been riding for 40 years, and am pretty proud of my skills, and I live for the most technical twisty roads I can find.  With the CT, I felt a little bit like a rookie again, and had to pay attention more than I was used to.  I am now sold.  Most who switch stay with it, some do not and I can understand why.   Three weeks ago, I ran with a group of young sport bike outlaws on the Skyline Dr; speeds to 80/90, passing on the double yellow, and as hard as I could go in the twisties.  I ran third behind two liter bikes, and none of the 600s could catch or pass me.  They were amazed the Valk could run this way, and esp with the car tire.  

Think of it as going back to school.....for awhile.

[houstone]

Jess has nailed it.  I switched about 3 months (1500 miles) ago, and have graduated!  It is great.  I even run the few turns down here in Houston with much more confidence than before.  I think that is partly because I was so aware of it, and just kept pushing to find my comfort zone.  It is amazing how well it handles.
Please let us know how it goes!  
Jeff

[Shockbushing Gary]

If you want it to handle like a sport bike, look on the back of some sport bikes and see what they run.

[SPOFF]

Three weeks ago, I ran with a group of young sport bike outlaws on the Skyline Dr; speeds to 80/90, passing on the double yellow...

Hmmm, 90 in a 35 and reckless driving on a Federal controlled road. Does Guantanamo Bay mean anything to you? 

As for a car tire, in the 12 years I've had a Valkyrie I've never thought it handles so well. Just too damn big. And I've always kept a Ducati or something for when I really wanted to go around corners. Don't get me wrong, the Valk was a revelation in 1996: it was the only cruiser that wasn't dangerous in a curve. But a sport bike, no. From my perspective, the car tire doesn't hurt the Valk's handling at all. If you can make this elephant dance on twisty roads, then you'll be just as fast on a car tire.

[R J]

I run a Goodyear Triple Tread at 36# and had a small learning curve at the beginning.

My son rode it out to his shop about 3 weeks ago to do some maintenance on it for me.

He called when he got to the house just cussing up a storm.

Asked him what was wrong, he said the ass end of MGM was all over the firkin road with me.

I told him to check the rear tire pressure and to call me back.   He called back and said it has 28#.   Told him to blow it up to 36#, take a short ride and let me know.

Never heard back, so on Monday, I called him.   He had just gotten back in town.  Him and his bride didn’t have the kids, in laws had em, so they took off on a bike ride, to Minneapolis no less.

Now he is thinking about putting a CT on his chopper.    Told him he could try it but don’t plan on it as working as well, with the front rake he has….  He said he just loved that CT on there, and his bride said it rode 200% better on long runs….



Big difference in the rake.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I changed over to a CT a few months back.  Im not a cornering guy, more straight liner but for a rounded  tire, check out the Yokohama A048.  Comes in two compounds.  Not cheap and wont get the mileage of some others but may be what you need.  CT definitely feels different at first, but Im used to it now.  No complaints, I love the solid feel. 

[Ricky-D]

WOW!!!

That Yokohama is a baaaadd lookin mutha.

I'm gettin one like that next time!

[roboto65]

Nice looking tire for sure but cost more than the Avon http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=ADVAN+A048&partnum=055WR6048MH&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes


206 bucks 

[R J]

Nice looking tire for sure but cost more than the Avon http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=ADVAN+A048&partnum=055WR6048MH&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes


206 bucks  

What does 2 Avons cost?   Take about $210 off for this tire and is ya ahead or behinder?

Honda Direct Line has Avon rears on sale for $218.99 * 2 = $437.98 - $210 = $226.26 savings.

Now, I suppose you are going to tell me you will wear out a CT in he same mileage.

[Steve K (IA)]

If you want it to handle like a sport bike, look on the back of some sport bikes and see what they run.

 Ya, what Gary said....

Alph,
You answered your own question with these 2 sentences.

"I really enjoy zooming through the turns as if I’m on a sport bike, and I’m afraid that if I go with a CT I’ll be losing that feeling of control."

"My Valkyrie handles as nice as my old Yamaha sport bike did in the corners, just don’t know if a CT could handle as well." 

[roboto65]

Now, I suppose you are going to tell me you will wear out a CT in he same mileage

With the some of the softer compound CAR tires yes they will wear out in about 8000 miles I have read on other forums of this so it kinda defeats the purpose does it not?      But if they get 25 to 30 thousand then I agree one bad a#@ tire. !!!!

[Sludge]

If you want it to handle like a sport bike, look on the back of some sport bikes and see what they run.

 Ya, what Gary said....

Alph,
You answered your own question with these 2 sentences.

"I really enjoy zooming through the turns as if I’m on a sport bike, and I’m afraid that if I go with a CT I’ll be losing that feeling of control."

"My Valkyrie handles as nice as my old Yamaha sport bike did in the corners, just don’t know if a CT could handle as well."  

I cant speak for all CTs, but my Yoko ADVAN A048 will go anywhere my bike tire would.  Dragging hard parts in the twisties..  Thats far enough.  No chicken strip left on the front tire.  Look up some pics of SmokinJoe.  There should be plenty.  The corners take a bit more counteersteer pressure, but once your used to the CT, you will ride it hard just like ya did your bike tire.  I cant say everyone will have the same impression as I, but I live in the NC mountains, and we have a curve or two around here.

I dont have any pics of me from Killboy or anyone, but I did dig one up of Joe on his CT.

[BF]

That ADVAN is the most motorcycle lookin' car tire I think I've ever seen.  Looks like a contender for sure. 

How does it handle in the wet, braking, etc...compaired to a motorcycle tire......especially the wet? 

[Sludge]

Ive had no trouble with it.  However, it is expensive, and it wears quickly.  Too quickly really.  Ive got just over 5k on this one and its lookin pretty slick.  However, its super sticky and it takes the abuse of my supercharged valk well.  Thats why I keep it on.  I may go over to another tire someday.  SmokinJoe has good performance it seems from his tires in the mountains.