Darkside Tire Advise

[Randy3269]

Good evening all,

I've been on the darkside for years now and need to replace the rear tire. It really doesn't have any wear, but it's starting to get hard and showing a few cracks. I'm sure the one I have is no longer available. Can anyone recommend a good replacement?

Thanks in advance!!

[Challenger]

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?gclid=CjwKCAiA95fLBhBPEiwATXUsxHuFlfzbACAJmy5JalDgkeq87iL-_lKVFvVPFhOaBuv3cYk-G_XF_xoCCRkQAvD_BwE&tireMake=Vredestein&tireModel=Quatrac&partnum=96HR6QT&GCID=C13674x012-tire&KEYWORD=tires.jsp_Vredestein_Quatrac_Tire&code=yes&ef_id=CjwKCAiA95fLBhBPEiwATXUsxHuFlfzbACAJmy5JalDgkeq87iL-_lKVFvVPFhOaBuv3cYk-G_XF_xoCCRkQAvD_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!!!!x!!&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19641426407


I have this one on both my Valks and after wearing out three different dark side tires, this one is a keeper. Love the way it handles and rides.
(Diclaimer) Idon't recommend dark side to anyone, It's their choice.

[Jess from VA]

The Michelin CrossClimate2 is the best darkside tire I've ever run, by far.

The edge isn't super rounded, but I can notice nearly no tendency to stand the bike up in the leans/curves or any need to countersteer.  I've been on car tires a long time so I'm used to them, but I swear the bike handles like I'm on a regular motorcycle tire.  40 psi.  And like new after a few years of riding.

A bit more expensive than my past tires and worth it.

[Hook#3287]

I've been on darkside for some time now, starting with the iconic Taxi Tire, no longer available.

My next one will probably be the Michelin Jess is referring to.

I put those on my last cage and really liked them, but no experience with them on a bike.

When I sold the cage, they were the only thing I was sad about losing.

[HayHauler]

The Vredestein and the Michelin are very similar.  I am on my second Vredestein and love it.  I will use this tire until they stop making it, then switch to the Michelin.
Both tires have awesome handling capabilities.

My $.01875.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Randy3269]

Thank you Gentlemen,

I like the way both of those tires look. I couldn't find the Michelin in a 195/60R-16. What size are you using Jess?

 I guess I should replace the front too. What do y'all like up front?

[HayHauler]

I am running a Metzler Cruisetec front tire in the stock size.  It is pretty good, but I liked the Metzler ME888 a better and they are no longer made.  Avon tires are good for the front too.

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Jess from VA]

Thank you Gentlemen,

I like the way both of those tires look. I couldn't find the Michelin in a 195/60R-16. What size are you using Jess?

 I guess I should replace the front too. What do y'all like up front?

Randy, I've always run (including the Michelin) a 205 60.  I can't remember if I did the nut cage mod it's been so long.  The tire fits perfectly with no rubs.

I second the Metzler Cruisetec for the front.  IMHO, the two best tires for any Valk. 

The Metz 880 and 888 are no longer made, and the Cruisetec is it's replacement (and the only one they make in our front size). 

[fudgie]

I am running a Metzler Cruisetec front tire in the stock size.  It is pretty good, but I liked the Metzler ME888 a better and they are no longer made.  Avon tires are good for the front too.

Hay 
Jimmyt

I hv a 888 on the valk. Good to know.

[fudgie]

Ive ran yokohama avid envigor on the valk. Currently have one on the wing. The wing is double dark.

[Randy3269]

Thank you all! I sincerely appreciate your recommendations. Hopefully, the Fat Lady will be headed to Attic Rat soon. He said to call him in a couple of weeks to schedule. 

[98valk]

Thank you all! I sincerely appreciate your recommendations. Hopefully, the Fat Lady will be headed to Attic Rat soon. He said to call him in a couple of weeks to schedule. 

if u want that elusive 6th gear on the hwy use a 205/65-16 tire size. rpms are lowered by 200.

this is the tire I'm using right now. over 30k miles on it now.

https://www.laufenn.com/us/front/us_front/gfit.do#