new member to the darkside

[Brian]

Yep. I went and did it after reading all the posts here. Had to try it. I went with the 205/60-16 General Altimax HP. I must admit that there is a difference in handling coming off an E3. I suppose I now have to find that sweet spot with the tire pressure. My first trip was at 42. I did not realize the road noise that was made by cupping E3's. Maybe it's me? I guess a lower pressure allows more flex in the side wall. I see some are running 32 - 36 in their GTT's?

[SANDMAN5]

I'm off the Darkside for now but I'll be back
when "tire-time" rolls around. I ran a GYTT
with 38/2 up and 36/1 up on a standard.
Keep trying till you find what works for you.
I had 35,000 on my last GYTT. Still had tread
but I had to "re-tire" while I had the money.

[Bone]

My 3rd CT the last 2 have been GYTT. My 98 Tourer is set up solo I ride 36#. Last summer on a 2 lane I rode under a cloud the bottom fell out. It was dumping rain you couldn't see car headlights or the painted center line. I moved over to the right side I could then see the gravel skirt. The rear tire didn't hydro at all I felt as safe as possible.

[Brian]

Thanks guys. I think I will drop the pressure for todays ride. By the way, I also did the rear bearing mod too. I feel it makes sense to have the same bearing on each side.

[IamGCW]

I run 34 - 36 in my GYTT.  Once played in the 28 zone, but liked the higher pressure.  I am at 12K + miles on it.  No real wear to speak of.  May try the taxi time when I am rich and bored. 

Gil

[fudgie]

Go to low it will get swishy in turns and bumps. I tend to be in the higher psi.

[cajundood]

Welcome to the darkside padawon...
Although lowering the pressure will give a slightly better ride, its not good for the sidewall. I had a dealership owner tell me that eventually the sidewall will seperate on a car tire after about 20k miles regardless of the tread wear.
It won't blow out on ya...but it will seperate. They just aren't designed to run on the sidewall like that and lowering the pressure instills even more flex on the sidewall, but a lot of it also depends on whether its (for the most part) used on straight roads or sweepers.  I personally run 40 on mine.
 all in all....I just love my 205 falken darkside. 

In about a month or so I'll be going double darkside. I'm only getting 8k or so out of a regular front tire...and replacing a front tire every year just ain't cutting it for me.

[Jess from VA]

40 forever for me too. 

Hard tires with good tread work better (and last longer).... cars too.

[Breeze]

Welcome to the darkside padawon...
Although lowering the pressure will give a slightly better ride, its not good for the sidewall. I had a dealership owner tell me that eventually the sidewall will seperate on a car tire after about 20k miles regardless of the tread wear.
It won't blow out on ya...but it will seperate. They just aren't designed to run on the sidewall like that and lowering the pressure instills even more flex on the sidewall, but a lot of it also depends on whether its (for the most part) used on straight roads or sweepers.  I personally run 40 on mine.
 all in all....I just love my 205 falken darkside. 

In about a month or so I'll be going double darkside. I'm only getting 8k or so out of a regular front tire...and replacing a front tire every year just ain't cutting it for me.

                                                                                                                                Ever consider a Bridgestone Trade Wind rear tire for the front? It is a rear tire for the BMW Alsport and lasts 2-3 times longer. It handles great and is fairly quiet. I absolutely loved mine as long as there was enough air in it. Great tire and will be on mine again as soon as this tire wears out. There are a few guys on here that use it. There is a pic of mine on my last Valk on one of the darkside posts.

[cajundood]

Welcome to the darkside padawon...
Although lowering the pressure will give a slightly better ride, its not good for the sidewall. I had a dealership owner tell me that eventually the sidewall will seperate on a car tire after about 20k miles regardless of the tread wear.
It won't blow out on ya...but it will seperate. They just aren't designed to run on the sidewall like that and lowering the pressure instills even more flex on the sidewall, but a lot of it also depends on whether its (for the most part) used on straight roads or sweepers.  I personally run 40 on mine.
 all in all....I just love my 205 falken darkside. 

padawon??....can't believe no one caught that. what i meant was young SITH....

[Builder630]

Just bought my Interstate with brand new tires. However, still considering the dark side. Does using a CT lower the seat height? I'm 5-7 and that would help alot.

[Jess from VA]

Just bought my Interstate with brand new tires. However, still considering the dark side. Does using a CT lower the seat height? I'm 5-7 and that would help a lot.

Only if you go to a 55 (and not the usual 60), but only maybe a quarter inch.  The CT also tends to make the bike more stable at stops. 

Start using the left foot (only) down at all stops, with right foot on the brake pedal (to stop the bike rolling fore or aft on slight grade changes).  A tiny lean to the left on your plant leg with this technique is really more stable than both feet down.  Try it, you'll like it.  I'm 5'9", but short legged.... 30" pants inseam drags in the dirt.

[Brian]

Welcome to the darkside padawon...
Although lowering the pressure will give a slightly better ride, its not good for the sidewall. I had a dealership owner tell me that eventually the sidewall will seperate on a car tire after about 20k miles regardless of the tread wear.
It won't blow out on ya...but it will seperate. They just aren't designed to run on the sidewall like that and lowering the pressure instills even more flex on the sidewall, but a lot of it also depends on whether its (for the most part) used on straight roads or sweepers.  I personally run 40 on mine.
 all in all....I just love my 205 falken darkside. 

padawon??....can't believe no one caught that. what i meant was young SITH....

I hate to appear stupid here, but what do both of these acronyms mean?

[gordonv]

Welcome to the darkside padawon...
Although lowering the pressure will give a slightly better ride, its not good for the sidewall. I had a dealership owner tell me that eventually the sidewall will seperate on a car tire after about 20k miles regardless of the tread wear.
It won't blow out on ya...but it will seperate. They just aren't designed to run on the sidewall like that and lowering the pressure instills even more flex on the sidewall, but a lot of it also depends on whether its (for the most part) used on straight roads or sweepers.  I personally run 40 on mine.
 all in all....I just love my 205 falken darkside. 

padawon??....can't believe no one caught that. what i meant was young SITH....

I hate to appear stupid here, but what do both of these acronyms mean?

? The only words that I see in the above, are the 2 words "padawon" and "SITH". Both are Star Wars references, and are not acronyms for anything.

[cajundood]

cmon....REALLY??