Time to go Darkside

[1NorthRyder]

The last two trips I’ve gone on I’ve had to replace the rear tire half way through the trip. It’s a pain, so I’m going Darkside. What’s the best tire and do I have to modify anything. I’m riding a 2000 Interstate.

[N8171S]

I use the Austone taxi tire and love them.

[pancho]

Last tire change, I went with the Hankook Champiro 205/55 R on the recommendation of a board member . I am very satisfied  with the tire,,, a vast improvement  over the Verdestein tire I used prior to it.

[Bone]

The first downpour I hit at highway speeds was handled very well by the wide rear tire.

Before a trip divide the miles on any tire by it's cost. It is only pennies per mile changing the tire 2 weeks to a month

before the trip cost almost nothing and you can choose who changes your tire.

[..]

Last tire change, I went with the Hankook Champiro 205/55 R on the recommendation of a board member . I am very satisfied  with the tire,,, a vast improvement  over the Verdestein tire I used prior to it.

Did you mean this non Hankook tire?

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-205-55r16-b508-tires

This si the one I use

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-75r15-100a1568-tires. NOT IN THAT SIZE. Too lazy to find the correct internet page.

[98valk]

I use the G Fit in 206/65-16. lowers rpms 200. 1-2mpg better

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,90637.0.html

[sdv003]

I use the ATT.  Did the nut cage mod, which was easy.  Not 100% sure it was necessary, but did it anyway.

[pancho]

Last tire change, I went with the Hankook Champiro 205/55 R on the recommendation of a board member . I am very satisfied  with the tire,,, a vast improvement  over the Verdestein tire I used prior to it.

Did you mean this non Hankook tire?

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-205-55r16-b508-tires

This si the one I use

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-75r15-100a1568-tires. NOT IN THAT SIZE. Too lazy to find the correct internet page.

That looks like it,, notice in the straight on picture how rounded the transition to the sidewall appears. It handles pretty well for a car tire at low speed maneuvering.... to me.

[1NorthRyder]

Thanks for the great input guys. I guess I’ll have to do some research as too size and which tire manufacturer to go with. I may be somewhat limited because I’m in Canada.

[..]

Last tire change, I went with the Hankook Champiro 205/55 R on the recommendation of a board member . I am very satisfied  with the tire,,, a vast improvement  over the Verdestein tire I used prior to it.

Did you mean this non Hankook tire?

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-205-55r16-b508-tires

This si the one I use

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-75r15-100a1568-tires. NOT IN THAT SIZE. Too lazy to find the correct internet page.

That looks like it,, notice in the straight on picture how rounded the transition to the sidewall appears. It handles pretty well for a car tire at low speed maneuvering.... to me.

My first darkside was a Cooper. it had a square profile and I HATED it.

[MarkT]

I use the ATT also.  It's narrow enough with rounded corners such that it feels almost the same as a bike tire.  Lasts around 25k for me and is taller so at 3500rpm you get 85mpg indicated. So you can cruise pretty fast on the slab while still getting 34mpg.  Also it carries much more weight than bike tires. I pull trailers and sometimes also with a co-rider.  I had already done the nut cage mod so I can't say if it's necessary.  I also have std height shocks - mine are Progressive 444's.  Cost is typically $185 for this tire and it comes in only one size.  The numbers aren't on the tire but it's profile is 75 and width 175.  I have no reason to ever go to another tire unless they stop making this one.

[pancho]

Last tire change, I went with the Hankook Champiro 205/55 R on the recommendation of a board member . I am very satisfied  with the tire,,, a vast improvement  over the Verdestein tire I used prior to it.

Did you mean this non Hankook tire?

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-205-55r16-b508-tires



This si the one I use

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-75r15-100a1568-tires. NOT IN THAT SIZE. Too lazy to find the correct internet page.

That looks like it,, notice in the straight on picture how rounded the transition to the sidewall appears. It handles pretty well for a car tire at low speed maneuvering.... to me.

I just noticed you said non Hankook tire Britman,,, and although it looks like the Hankook, it is not.  That is not the one I am using,, I have a genuine South Korean Hankook HA....   It really does handle well,, I run it at about 38 when cold.

If it has a downsize it is the 205/55 profile,, while I like the way the bike sits,, it makes sparks easily,, it has the RPM's up a bit at any given speed, limiting me to 33MPG if I am careful.  I did the "nut cage mod" on the right side before this tire and not sure it would have been necessary....  but it is probably a good idea.

[Relax]

My favorite DS tire was Vredestein Sporttrack 3, but , unfortunately, it is no more available.
I liked it firstly for the riding qualification, but also for the look!

The last years tire patterns has changed to track alongside the tire again. It is my experience that such tracks should be as far into the middle of the tire as possible. When such tracks are more out on the shoulder, I ( and the passenger) can feel them in the curves .
So, rounded shoulders is  no 1
Secondly , when possible , no alongside tracks, and, if there are  such tracks , they should be as far as possible from the shoulders.

[..]

My favorite DS tire was Vredestein Sporttrack 3, but , unfortunately, it is no more available.
I liked it firstly for the riding qualification, but also for the look!

The last years tire patterns has changed to track alongside the tire again. It is my experience that such tracks should be as far into the middle of the tire as possible. When such tracks are more out on the shoulder, I ( and the passenger) can feel them in the curves .
So, rounded shoulders is  no 1
Secondly , when possible , no alongside tracks, and, if there are  such tracks , they should be as far as possible from the shoulders.

Just like the Champiro VP1

[RWhitehouse]

Another vote here for the ATT (Austone Taxi Tire). As said it's a 175 width, compared to most commonly available tires which are 205 or 215's.

I replaced a mostly worn out shinko 180 width MC tire with the ATT shortly after I got my Valk.  Honestly, I noticed virtually no difference in handling.  Grip wet or dry is loads better than any MC tire I've ever tried on a cruiser. I have no issue tossing it into corners still well faster than is prudent, and highway stability is predictably excellent. It's very resistant to road grooves, snakes, ect.

I have about 5000 miles on mine so far and the tire looks absolutely brand new. Certainly no visible wear. Buddy has close to 30k on his ATT, and he rides 2up most of the time and for a while was towing quit a bit also. That one I'd say is probably at about 25%. Getting close to the bars. I've seen mileage reports on them anywhere from 25-50k.

As far as I know the only outlet for them in the US is Universal Vintage Tire. They're like $200 shipped. Which might sound like a lot when you can find a cheapo 215 car tire for like $40, but about the same as a Metzeler Marathon or Dunlop Elite rear, and they last 3x as long.

[Fazer]

+1 on the ATT.  I did the nut cage mod, but not necessary with the Austone.  However, when you are experimenting with new curse words while trying to get the square nut into the cage while holding the fender in place and squeezing your fingers between it and the brand new tire you just installed, you will wish you had made the modification.  Easily done while your fender rear half is off anyway.  Much easier to start a hex lock nut.

[1NorthRyder]

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I’ll give the ATT a try. First I have to see if I can source it here in Canada, otherwise I’ll be going on a road trip south of the border.

[Mikerthebiker]

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I’ll give the ATT a try. First I have to see if I can source it here in Canada, otherwise I’ll be going on a road trip south of the border.

I bought a 205-60/15 Continental at Cdn Tire. I can’t remember the name of the tire. It was reasonably priced, symmetrical tread, rounded corners and handles nicely. I previously had a Triple Tread and I like this one better. IIRC, I couldn’t get that size locally in a Goodyear so I went with the Continental. I think it was about $150 Cdn or so.
I did not have to do the nut mod for either tire.
Had no issues mounting it myself, once I invented a couple of new expletives!

[doubletee]

I run a Yoko Avid Envigor. Just another option for you to consider.