Darkside tire

[cheeseman1969]

Hello all!! The weather is getting warmer and time for more riding. I was doing some spring cleaning and just getting the lady pretty. I took a glance at my rear darkside tire. It was made in 2008. That is 7 years WOW!! (Note: I bought her from a friend in spring 2012) Did not realize that as the tire looks great. Yes some wear but looks like another summer it could do. So now shopping for a new one. I have a General Altimax HP on her and no complains at all. My question was this..

I have 205/55 R16 on her, but lots of comments that I have seen is going 60 or even 65. I have done all the mod's as when I have passenger (not often), she would rub at times. So what is the big difference besides size? Handling, better mpg? smoother? Just wondering to go up or just stay where I am. One thing, I try to do lots of miles, riding is theraputic (LOL). Riding 500-700 miles a day if I want to, (normal) is not a problem at all. Plus to get any good curves, I live in Nebraska so 500 miles to mountains is normal. LOL

[Jess from VA]

Cheese, the 60 is closest to stock height.  A 55 is about 200 rpms faster (than a 60 at the same speed), and a 65 is about 200 rpms slower (than a 60 at the same speed). Word is you get a bit better gas mileage with the 65 than the 60 than the 55, but probably not enough to worry about.  Foot reach to ground is also minimally affected (remember a half inch at the rear, is only a quarter inch at the pegs).

I chose the 205 60 simply to be close to OE.

If looking for a new tire, you should at least consider this 175R70/16 Austone Tire everyone is raving about.  It's only a 175, but tall.  Car tire longevity and grip with near bike-tire handling.... so they are saying.  I am not recommending it.... just that you consider it.

I think we are hearing they go at least 30K, someone running one should chime in on miles.

https://www.universaltire.com/175r16-austone-taxi-black.html

[cheeseman1969]

Now that is funny. I was just reading about those tires!! Also the 200 rpm matches with another thing that I just posted about MPG. Someone was asking about low mpg and reading the replies, noticed that I was not getting just ok mpg. Not good. Sometimes I am slow. HHEHHEHEHEHE.

[GOOSE]

the rear tire has nothing to do with the speedo readings  >>  55/60/65  >>  the speedo reading will be the same.

[Jess from VA]

the rear tire has nothing to do with the speedo readings  >>  55/60/65  >>  the speedo reading will be the same.

Whoops.  Fixed.

[BobB]

I also just installed an Austone Taxi Tire this spring.  The Valk now sets up a little higher and we are running 72 MPH indicated at 3000 RPM. 

[Crackerborn]

On the first ride of the season, I had this happen to my rear tire



I used the screwdriver to show the puncture left from whatever I ran over. This was a Yokohama AVID ENVgor 205/60-16R and I replaced this one with the same tire. The tire went from 38 PSI to 0 PSI in less than a second and I was traveling somewhere north of 65 MPH when it happened. The rear end of the bike never got squirrelly as I stopped the bike and that is the real reason I am staying with this non motorcycle specific tire over others.



The new tire on the Girl. When I had a similar thing happen on a MC tire, the trip to the side of the road was considerably more exciting and I seem to remember having to go commando for the rest of the day.

All kidding aside, I no longer have one riding friend because he is still recovering from a wreck when his rear tire blew on the interstate 6 years ago. I have never worn a darkside tire out on other rides, but I changed them every three years. I plan on trying my best to wear out this Yokohama before the next three years go by.

[RonW]

darn