Darkside question

[bikerbob1520]

I bought my 98 std in 07. First thing I did was put on a 205-60 GYTT. 35,000 miles
later the swingarm was wearing a groove on the right side of the tire! Had it been
rubbing the whole time? I didn't notice it if it was. So I tried a 200 Metz. Can NOT
remember if it rubbed or not, but I didn't buy another one. Now I'm back to a 180
Metz. Near as I can measure, I have 3/8 (9mm or so) clearance to the swingarm.
Am I limited to a 195-60 or can I shim the right side? Would it make the pinion
coupling wear excessively? Make my Valk handle or ride "weird"? I'll replace the wheel
bearings even though they seem to be good. No wobble, vibration, etc. Thanks.


P.S. If I need a 195-60, which ones are being used/avoided?   

[gordonv]

Going by memory here. The tire sizes recommended original where 205 wide by 55, 60 (OEM size) or 65.

Some need the nut mode for rubbing on the 65.

Takes those figures to a tire size calculator. Find one that has 2 sizes or use a note pad, plug in the figures for any other tire and compare the diameter. If the 205/60 was closest to OEM, and the /65 is oversize, it gives you base numbers to play with and get one the size you want it for.

The ATT was 175/80-16, 26.9" dia, and is an oversize, giving you the lower rpm nice on long cruises.

[Jess from VA]

Everyone running a 60 car tire (closest to stock bike tire height) needs the nut cage mod, but some few Valks also need the fender washer mod (which will push the frame over enough to avoid sidewall rubbing).  

Most of us that don't need the fender washer mod still only have about one credit card of space between the 60 sidewall and the swingarm (and some put a chrome cover on that swingarm, even decreasing space).  But with two interstates and 60 car tires for 10 years with only one credit card of space, my car tires have never rubbed (except one time the tire pressure got way low after winter sitting, and stupidity in not checking it).  And I've only ever run the Goodyear Assurance Triple Treds.  (and not all 60 series car tires are perfectly/exactly the same size)

There is no evidence of any car tire causing premature wear in any part of the drive train or wheel bearings.  I would not change wheel bearings unless they are faulty, or unless you are riding up to the Arctic Circle.

A 195 car tire (which I have no personal experience with) should never rub the sidewall (and may not even need the nut cage mod), but most of the available ones are in 65 rather than 60 series, so are taller, and might possibly rub the fender and wiring (rather than the sidewall) depending on shocks, shock length, and weight carried on hard compressions.  

I cannot recommend a 195, but some here can.  

[The emperor has no clothes]

Everyone running a 60 car tire (closest to stock bike tire height) needs the nut cage mod, but some few Valks also need the fender washer mod (which will push the frame over enough to avoid sidewall rubbing).  

Most of us that don't need the fender washer mod still only have about one credit card of space between the 60 sidewall and the swingarm (and some put a chrome cover on that swingarm, even decreasing space).  But with two interstates and 60 car tires for 10 years with only one credit card of space, my car tires have never rubbed (except one time the tire pressure got way low after winter sitting, and stupidity in not checking it).  And I've only ever run the Goodyear Assurance Triple Treds.  (and not all 60 series car tires are perfectly/exactly the same size)

There is no evidence of any car tire causing premature wear in any part of the drive train or wheel bearings.  I would not change wheel bearings unless they are faulty, or unless you are riding up to the Arctic Circle.

A 195 car tire (which I have no personal experience with) should never rub the sidewall (and may not even need the nut cage mod), but most of the available ones are in 65 rather than 60 series, so are taller, and might possibly rub the fender and wiring (rather than the sidewall) depending on shocks, shock length, and weight carried on hard compressions.  

I cannot recommend a 195, but some here can.  

I can. Actually, I've found more options in 195/60 than the 195/65. I prefer the 65. I've done a lot of miles on 205's. Both 60 and 65.  They were fine.

[Chrisj CMA]

Not sure what you want to shim but anything that interferes with the proper interface of the wheel, flange and final drive would have disastrous results. Bottom line, there’s nothing to shim.

[Jess from VA]

In the fender washer modification, you shim the fender struts (with washers on one side) to give more room between the swingarm and the car tire.  It's rarely necessary but does happen on some few bikes.

[bikerbob1520]

I should have mentioned I've already done the nut cage and I think
I did the fender washer. The 205 was definitely rubbing the swingarm.
I, too, have found very few 195-65, mostly 195-60.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I should have mentioned I've already done the nut cage and I think
I did the fender washer. The 205 was definitely rubbing the swingarm.
I, too, have found very few 195-65, mostly 195-60.

I like this one 195/65
https://www.performanceplustire.com/tires-for-sale/radar-tires/argonite-rv-4/ty:Tire:ts:195-65-16/

As I was looking for a link, I saw they also have it in 175/75. I think that is the size of the Austone that so many liked was.

[Bone]

How much air pressure are you running ?
A real soft tire expands at the sidewalls  when you add your weight.
Passengers increase the bulge.
I used 3 GYTT  they have a stiff sidewall.

[Valkorado]

Love this tire in 195/65 @ 42 psi.  Great tire.

https://www.prioritytire.com/zeetex-ct1000-lt-195-65r16-104-102t-d-8-ply-at-a-t-all-terrain-tire/

[bikerbob1520]

How much air pressure are you running ?
A real soft tire expands at the sidewalls  when you add your weight.
Passengers increase the bulge.
I used 3 GYTT  they have a stiff sidewall.


Can't remember what PSI I ran as it was several years ago. My next
question was going to be about what air pressure to run in a car tar.

[Bone]

Last time I wrote it down it was 33 lbs.
I always ride solo I removed the passenger seat.

[Jess from VA]

In always run 40psi in my GYATTs.  (for best performance, handling, braking, and wear)

My shocks/forks do the dampening, not my tires.

Now this does give me a small amount of center wear, but understanding I get 37K miles before replacement, it's no big deal.

[vanagon40]

In the fender washer modification, you shim the fender struts (with washers on one side) to give more room between the swingarm and the car tire.  It's rarely necessary but does happen on some few bikes.

The fender washer modification has no effect on the room between the swingarm and the tire. The fender washer modification widens the fender so that removal of the nutcages is not necessary. Think about it--there is no way shimming the fender struts could affect the swingarm.

The link I had for the ender washer modification is dead.

[Dagwood]

If you decide to go 195-60, I went with a Hankook Optimo H426 Radial Tire - 195/60R16 89H rear and  Cobra chrome front. Real pleased with handling on my new to me I/S. My standard runs cobras fr t and rear, but I tend the do a lot peg dragging on that one.

[Jess from VA]

In the fender washer modification, you shim the fender struts (with washers on one side) to give more room between the swingarm and the car tire.  It's rarely necessary but does happen on some few bikes.

The fender washer modification has no effect on the room between the swingarm and the tire. The fender washer modification widens the fender so that removal of the nutcages is not necessary. Think about it--there is no way shimming the fender struts could affect the swingarm.

The link I had for the fender washer modification is dead.

I stand corrected, and you're right.  

In any event, some few bikes needed the washer mod for tire space, beyond the cages.

Why anyone would feel the need to save the cages, or the Interstate scoops (or the unleaded fuel only decal) is beyond me.

[bikerbob1520]

If you decide to go 195-60, I went with a Hankook Optimo H426 Radial Tire - 195/60R16 89H rear and  Cobra chrome front. Real pleased with handling on my new to me I/S. My standard runs cobras fr t and rear, but I tend the do a lot peg dragging on that one.

That one is on my short list.

[pais]

Love this tire in 195/65 @ 42 psi.  Great tire.

https://www.prioritytire.com/zeetex-ct1000-lt-195-65r16-104-102t-d-8-ply-at-a-t-all-terrain-tire/

Valkarado,
Wondering why you like this tire so much? I'm trying to decide on a DS tire to put on. I am more concerned with a comfortable, smooth ride. Anybody out there using such a tire?

[da prez]

Did the rear end get put together properly with no  M I S S I N G  parts.

                                               da prez

[Valker]

I try to run darkside tires that only have siping grooves near the center of the tread. Those feel more stable to me when cornering hard.
This is the one I run on all my Valks. https://www.bestusedtires.com/pirelli-p4-four-seasons-plus-205-65r16-94t-as-a-s-all-season-tire/

[Valkorado]

Love this tire in 195/65 @ 42 psi.  Great tire.

https://www.prioritytire.com/zeetex-ct1000-lt-195-65r16-104-102t-d-8-ply-at-a-t-all-terrain-tire/

Valkarado,
Wondering why you like this tire so much? I'm trying to decide on a DS tire to put on. I am more concerned with a comfortable, smooth ride. Anybody out there using such a tire?

Yes.  This one.  Comfortable, smooth.  Capable of whatever you throw at it.

[0leman]

Love this tire in 195/65 @ 42 psi.  Great tire.

https://www.prioritytire.com/zeetex-ct1000-lt-195-65r16-104-102t-d-8-ply-at-a-t-all-terrain-tire/

Valkarado,
Wondering why you like this tire so much? I'm trying to decide on a DS tire to put on. I am more concerned with a comfortable, smooth ride. Anybody out there using such a tire?

Yes.  This one.  Comfortable, smooth.  Capable of whatever you throw at it.

I got this tire several weeks ago.  Have some where over 500 miles on the tire now.  Do like it.  this is my 4th DS tire.  Running 42 lbs. right now, may play with pressure when the weather get warmer.  I was running 30 lbs in the 3 previous tires.  the previous tires were all the 205 series.

I will say with the increase in pressure over other tires, this tire does not smooth out some of the roads  imperfections.  Not bad, just different. 

[Valkorado]

Love this tire in 195/65 @ 42 psi.  Great tire.

https://www.prioritytire.com/zeetex-ct1000-lt-195-65r16-104-102t-d-8-ply-at-a-t-all-terrain-tire/

Valkarado,
Wondering why you like this tire so much? I'm trying to decide on a DS tire to put on. I am more concerned with a comfortable, smooth ride. Anybody out there using such a tire?

Yes.  This one.  Comfortable, smooth.  Capable of whatever you throw at it.

I got this tire several weeks ago.  Have some where over 500 miles on the tire now.  Do like it.  this is my 4th DS tire.  Running 42 lbs. right now, may play with pressure when the weather get warmer.  I was running 30 lbs in the 3 previous tires.  the previous tires were all the 205 series.

I will say with the increase in pressure over other tires, this tire does not smooth out some of the roads  imperfections.  Not bad, just different. 

It is a beefy all season tread 8 ply (2 ply sidewalls).  If my rememberer is working correctly it maxes out at 65 psi.
Admittedly I prefer a tight ride in the twisties, but I don't find 42 psi harsh by any means, no worse than the Austone. The truck tire is definitely a solid chunk of rubber.  I ordered a member recommended tire from Wally after I wore down a taxi tire.  It looked nice, but I squatted down on it full weight (under 200#) and it folded down to the floor!  I returned it.  Searched and studied a few days and came across the Zeetex.  I liked the 8 ply and the profile and pulled the trigger.  No folding when I took a seat on that tire!  I love the ride and handling.  It's on both bikes now.

Kick it back to 38 and tool around, if ya don't like that tick it down a pound of two at a time until you find your sweet spot.

[pais]

As long as I stay with 195x65x16, I don't need the nutcage mod?
I really want something for a quiet, smooth, comfortable ride.

[Valkorado]

As long as I stay with 195x65x16, I don't need the nutcage mod?

Correct.

[pais]

As long as I stay with 195x65x16, I don't need the nutcage mod?

Correct.

Thank you! A lot of DS post to search through. Get lost reading them, lol.

[Pastor John]

Everyone running a 60 car tire (closest to stock bike tire height) needs the nut cage mod, but some few Valks also need the fender washer mod (which will push the frame over enough to avoid sidewall rubbing).  

Most of us that don't need the fender washer mod still only have about one credit card of space between the 60 sidewall and the swingarm (and some put a chrome cover on that swingarm, even decreasing space).  But with two interstates and 60 car tires for 10 years with only one credit card of space, my car tires have never rubbed (except one time the tire pressure got way low after winter sitting, and stupidity in not checking it).  And I've only ever run the Goodyear Assurance Triple Treds.  (and not all 60 series car tires are perfectly/exactly the same size)

There is no evidence of any car tire causing premature wear in any part of the drive train or wheel bearings.  I would not change wheel bearings unless they are faulty, or unless you are riding up to the Arctic Circle.

A 195 car tire (which I have no personal experience with) should never rub the sidewall (and may not even need the nut cage mod), but most of the available ones are in 65 rather than 60 series, so are taller, and might possibly rub the fender and wiring (rather than the sidewall) depending on shocks, shock length, and weight carried on hard compressions.  

I cannot recommend a 195, but some here can.  

With the GYTT gone, what have you found to replace it?

[Jess from VA]

With the GYTT gone, what have you found to replace it?

Well the funny thing is that I still have two going strong on two bikes (only one worn out was at 37K) .  One still has a third left (and my miles are way down).

I read all the tire threads on here, and saved several recommended to favorites, but I don't have to decide for a while yet.  I'll probably stick to a 205 60, though a 185 might not be a bad choice.

It's funny that back a decade ago, the GYTT was one of the most used tires.  But over the years many said it was too square and disliked it.  It's the only tire I've ever run, and admit it's better after 10K miles or so, but I have no complaints at all.  Only praise. 

Wind, rain, ice, snow, grip, miles and extreme confidence.     

[Skinhead]

I have run the following DS tires on my bikes:

Bridgestone Potenza - My first on my 2003 standard - OK, but required more effort to turn.

GYTT - currently on my 2003 standard - Worst tire effort wise, feels like it is fighting you.  My son is currently riding this bike and would like to change it.

Austone Taxi Tire- 3x on my Interstate - Most like a MC tire of any I've used, lowered hi-way cruising RPM but also rubbed on harsh bumps.

Vedestran - Interstate, switched to this after ATT's, Handled well and good wear.

Yokahoma Avid Envigor - Currently on 2 of my interstates, little difference between this and MC tire.  Have an extra already mounted on a spare wheel for next change.

I also run double DS on my bikes and have not had an issue, but I would avoid the GYTT.

[luftkoph]

I have run the following DS tires on my bikes:

Bridgestone Potenza - My first on my 2003 standard - OK, but required more effort to turn.

GYTT - currently on my 2003 standard - Worst tire effort wise, feels like it is fighting you.  My son is currently riding this bike and would like to change it.

Austone Taxi Tire- 3x on my Interstate - Most like a MC tire of any I've used, lowered hi-way cruising RPM but also rubbed on harsh bumps.

Vedestran - Interstate, switched to this after ATT's, Handled well and good wear.


Do you mean Vredestein ? I can’t seem to find that particular model, my google foo is weak today.

Yokahoma Avid Envigor - Currently on 2 of my interstates, little difference between this and MC tire.  Have an extra already mounted on a spare wheel for next change.

I also run double DS on my bikes and have not had an issue, but I would avoid the GYTT.

[Skinhead]

Do you mean Vredestein ? I can’t seem to find that particular model, my google foo is weak today.

Yes, sorry for the spelling error.  They no longer make the tire I ran (I actually still have it, I haven't found a place to get rid of it yet) But I'm sure there are newer models that will work just as well.  BTW all except the ATT were 205/60R16.

[luftkoph]

Do you mean Vredestein ? I can’t seem to find that particular model, my google foo is weak today.

Yes, sorry for the spelling error.  They no longer make the tire I ran (I actually still have it, I haven't found a place to get rid of it yet) But I'm sure there are newer models that will work just as well.  BTW all except the ATT were 205/60R16.

Ok thanks