SO WHEN DOES THE "NEW RIDER" FEELING GO AWAY

[simon]

I finished up doing the double row bearing mod on my rear wheel and installed my brand new Goodyear T/T 205/60-16 this afternoon. I had to wait a couple of hours for the rain shower to pass and dry up a little before I could take my bike out to feel it out. It kind of reminded me of when I first started riding motorcycles. I think cornering with the C/T seem natural enough but straight shots down the rode and hitting a little uneven patch seem rather odd and unsettling. I noticed I wasn't as sure of the rodes that I have driven hundreds of times and used my brakes when aproaching curves that I normally power thru. Will this feeling go away? Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks, Simon

[bigdog99]

c/t
the feeling will go away. i thought mine was gone until i went to harrison arkansas. the twisties there put me a little unsettled. i did push a few corners and as the securitiy grew, the more comfortable i became. i catch myself now seeing if my shoes rub a little on the good corners.
it does take some getting used to, but the tire performs as well as any mc tire i have owned. the response is different after the curves also, i remeber the first one i did and the acceleration was enough to stand the bike back up on the c/t. differnt yes, but i like it!

[simon]

I forgot to mention in my first post. I live in Nashville, Tn. area and all the rodes around here are twisty and hilly. Great motorcycle country but I'm a little gun-shy with this new C/T. Simon

[Jess from VA]

Give it 4-6 weeks of riding, and push the envelope/practice a little each time.  There is a learning curve, but you will have it down in a month or two.

I ride a GTT every bit as hard, fast and leaned over as I did my 180 Metzler in the hills and mountains.  But I didn't do it from day one.  Give it some time.  And give it 40 psi, at least at first.

[SANDMAN5]

Give it 4-6 weeks of riding, and push the envelope/practice a little each time.  There is a learning curve, but you will have it down in a month or two.

I ride a GTT every bit as hard, fast and leaned over as I did my 180 Metzler in the hills and mountains.  But I didn't do it from day one.  Give it some time.  And give it 40 psi, at least at first.

Yeah, give it a little time. Also varying the psi can make a big difference.

[BamaDrifter64]

I had about 60 miles on my GY ATT tire when I left for Sturgis Friday morning.  Had never ridden a CT before then.  I now have about 1800 miles on it and it feels pretty good.  Have done some pretty good twisties here pretty fast and it rides just like a MT.  I have mine at 40 psi - you need to ride your's for awhile to get the side walls more flexible.  I still have my moments with my CT - like some slow speed manuvers and some ridges in the road.  Tonite on Mt. Rushmore Road I swear the people behind probably thought I was drunk as I went from one side of the rut to the other and back and forth.  Some ruts just affect you worse than others, even when you're expecting it.

Dave

[X Ring]

Ride it with 40 psi for about 1,000 miles to get the sidewalls broken in.  During that time the c/t will seek out and follow ruts.  After the initial 1,000 miles start dropping you pressure 2 psi at a time until you are comfortable with it.  As you drop the pressure the tendency of the tire to want to follow ruts will also drop as the tire is more flexible.  One member here runs 26 psi and I run 32 psi.  After the breakin tire pressure is pretty subjective.  The handling will also improve.  At first you have to consciously counter steer through curves but as you get used to it, your subconscious will take over more and more.  For me one of the most thrilling things was the first time I rode in the rain and saw that big dry strip behind me.  The wet weather traction is incredible.

Marty

[Tundra]

I forgot to mention in my first post. I live in Nashville, Tn. area and all the rodes around here are twisty and hilly. Great motorcycle country but I'm a little gun-shy with this new C/T. Simon

Stay that way...a little gun shy, it may save your life. You will get used to it, but it's still a car tire on a motorcycle. Play with the air pressure until you find "YOUR" sweet spot. I air mine up to 42psi. Then rode a 9 mile stretch of road that had good and bad surfaces, tight corners and low to no shoulders. Each time I turned around I would drop 2psi and try again. You will notice a differance. I settled on 32psi solo and 36 psi two up. Everyone is differant and differant weights and gear. PLEASE ride cautiously and watch out for low/no shoulder roads. You gotta pay attention, mine pulled me off the road.
Not trying to scare you, but make you aware. Some folks swear by these tires, I'm not one of them. Ride safe 

[Jabba]

It took me a while to trust my 2nd car tire even.  In the 1st 50 miles of it the world conspired against me to scare the hell outta me.  Early morning.  A little dewey.  Brand new tire (Still waxy?) and some freshly mowed grass on the road I didn't see.  Accellerating out of a stop sing, in a left hand curve at the same time, and the new-to-me Interstate, with a new-to-me CT tried to swap ends on me.  Dirt bike experience (IMO) kept me from going down.  But I was nervous on that tire for a long time. 

I had a 100 MPH headshake (tank slapper) at the Whiskey Run in Bardstown Ky after that.  I was running 36 psi then.  I bumped it up to 40.  Got new shocks, and swapped the front tire out to a Metzeler and all is well.

I run 32 PSI on the CT on my standard.  I notice the bump steer a little, but only a little.  People talk about how they try to steer them toward the ditches all the time... I just don't see that, on either bike.

Good luck!  BE safe.  They ain't for everyone.  If you can't get comfortable... try a different tire or go back to a MC tire.  See if there are any darksiders near you that'll let you take a spin on theirs for comparrison.  It just MIGHT be your bike/tire/front tire combo that's queering up.

Jabba

[Hoser]

I finished up doing the double row bearing mod on my rear wheel and installed my brand new Goodyear T/T 205/60-16 this afternoon. I had to wait a couple of hours for the rain shower to pass and dry up a little before I could take my bike out to feel it out. It kind of reminded me of when I first started riding motorcycles. I think cornering with the C/T seem natural enough but straight shots down the rode and hitting a little uneven patch seem rather odd and unsettling. I noticed I wasn't as sure of the rodes that I have driven hundreds of times and used my brakes when aproaching curves that I normally power thru. Will this feeling go away? Any suggestions welcomed. Thanks, Simon

If you don't like it, change back.  Everyone should make thier own choice,  I for one, don't care what anyone uses as a rear tire.  It is ultimately, your choice.  Ride safe.  Hoser 

[Sourdough]

I also tried a GYTT for 3K+ miles... I could never get used to the handling and tried
all kinds of different pressures. Like Tundra said, after awhile I decided the CT was
not for me, and went back to a MC tire. Not bashing the CT or anything; I wish it would
have worked for me, but it didn't. Give it some time, be careful. But, if it doesn't feel
comfortable you can always switch back.

[KerryNolan]

Or, you could put the proper tire back on your bike, and ride it like it was meant to be ridden. Seems pretty sad that you need to "get used  to " the shitty characteristics of using an inferior tire profile just to save a few bucks.
Kerry

[Mildew]

I was never a safety freak but I do feel safer knowing the car tire is back there expecially when it's stopping time wet or dry.

[simon]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I got up early this morning to really get a good ride in with the new Goodyear C/T before the heat of the day set in. I aired it to 40 pounds and took off. It was a much better ride for me today and I ran the bike thru some twisty rodes as well as tried to hit every imperfection in the rode just to see what it felt like. We are blessed with smooth rodes in Tenn. I build customs every once in awhile, and the one I have now has a 250 rear tire on it. It is 11 inches wide. The C/T and the 250 feel alot alike to me save for a little more movement on uneven pavement. I will not give up on this tire so easily. Makes a regular M/C rear tire seam like a weanie.
   Simon

[Jabba]

I didn't have to get used to anything.  When I put the Falken on my standard, I honestly could not tell the difference between it and a MC tire.  1000 miles later I started noticing the differences VERY subtly.  Nothing shitty about it for me.

The IS, I had to get dialed in.  It's pretty good now too.

Jabba

[KerryNolan]

I was never a safety freak but I do feel safer knowing the car tire is back there expecially when it's stopping time wet or dry.

The fact is, that the larger contact patch on the car tire, coupled with the lighter weight of the motorcycle (and only 2 wheels), make the bike less stable and more prone to hydroplaning in wet weather. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroplaning_%28tires%29 ) The round profile of the motorcycle tire is better suited to push through the wet roads. The larger contact patch on the CT also follows road imperfections and groves and tends to wander more. I've ridden on them, it's all nothing but rationalization for doing something that doesn't ride as well as MC tires. Sorry, but if CT's were better, bike manufacturers would sell bikes with them installed. There really is no conspiracy.
I'll not comment on this further, because everyone already knows it's true.
Kerry

[BamaDrifter64]

Thanks for not commenting on this topic further...you have gifted us with your great intellect and knowledge enough for one thread....

Dave

I was never a safety freak but I do feel safer knowing the car tire is back there expecially when it's stopping time wet or dry.

The fact is, that the larger contact patch on the car tire, coupled with the lighter weight of the motorcycle (and only 2 wheels), make the bike less stable and more prone to hydroplaning in wet weather. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroplaning_%28tires%29 ) The round profile of the motorcycle tire is better suited to push through the wet roads. The larger contact patch on the CT also follows road imperfections and groves and tends to wander more. I've ridden on them, it's all nothing but rationalization for doing something that doesn't ride as well as MC tires. Sorry, but if CT's were better, bike manufacturers would sell bikes with them installed. There really is no conspiracy.
I'll not comment on this further, because everyone already knows it's true.
Kerry

[daytona]

I knew it!!!   

[MP]

Or, you could put the proper tire back on your bike, and ride it like it was meant to be ridden. Seems pretty sad that you need to "get used  to " the shitty characteristics of using an inferior tire profile just to save a few bucks.
Kerry

Read some of the other posts.  At least 3 deaths in Sturgis this year due to MC tire failure.  None attrituted to Ct's.  So, who has the "shitty" tire?

MP

[MP]

I was never a safety freak but I do feel safer knowing the car tire is back there expecially when it's stopping time wet or dry.

The fact is, that the larger contact patch on the car tire, coupled with the lighter weight of the motorcycle (and only 2 wheels), make the bike less stable and more prone to hydroplaning in wet weather. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroplaning_%28tires%29 ) The round profile of the motorcycle tire is better suited to push through the wet roads. The larger contact patch on the CT also follows road imperfections and groves and tends to wander more. I've ridden on them, it's all nothing but rationalization for doing something that doesn't ride as well as MC tires. Sorry, but if CT's were better, bike manufacturers would sell bikes with them installed. There really is no conspiracy.
I'll not comment on this further, because everyone already knows it's true.
Kerry

I am glad you will not comment further.  It is drivel.  One of the major assests of a ct is better wet road traction.  Even detractors who have run one say that.  I guess everyone who has never riden one knows that, ones who actually have riden one know it is a lie.

MP

[larryh0841]

What kind of car tire do motorcycle road racers use??? Just asking.

[Jabba]

What kind of car tire do motorcycle road racers use??? Just asking.

Is that to imply that I should be buying $10,000 each F1 wet track tires for my station wagon?

Just askin...

Jabba

[vanagon40]

I knew it!!!   

+1

[MP]

What kind of car tire do motorcycle road racers use??? Just asking.

By asking this, you are implying that the best racing tires make the best touring tires.

Are you also saying that we should all be running NASCAR Daytona 500 slick tires on our  family minivans?  I mean, they can go around corners at over 200 mph!  So, I should run them on my family sedan?

Now, I would only get 100 miles out of them, and every rock, nail, twig in the road would make them go flat, and they cost a fortune,  But hey, you can go faster, right?

MP

[dabull]

I rode a 2005 Hertitage Soft Tail Classic for a couple years, wonderful bike, great fun, and had lots of lookers.  Switched and bought a 1997 black Honda Valkyrie . Still took some getting used to the handling and just different feel. Gerat cruiser and super great in the twisties for a big bike.  Great fun, and lots of lookers.  Last year changed to a Goodyear TT and took some getting used to.  More great fun and I for one will not go back to a MC tire on the rears.  Ride what you want, they are not for everyone. Just my nickels worth.

[valkmc]

I was never a safety freak but I do feel safer knowing the car tire is back there expecially when it's stopping time wet or dry.

The fact is, that the larger contact patch on the car tire, coupled with the lighter weight of the motorcycle (and only 2 wheels), make the bike less stable and more prone to hydroplaning in wet weather. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroplaning_%28tires%29 ) The round profile of the motorcycle tire is better suited to push through the wet roads. The larger contact patch on the CT also follows road imperfections and groves and tends to wander more. I've ridden on them, it's all nothing but rationalization for doing something that doesn't ride as well as MC tires. Sorry, but if CT's were better, bike manufacturers would sell bikes with them installed. There really is no conspiracy.
I'll not comment on this further, because everyone already knows it's true.
Kerry

Not true,motorcycle companies don't design or build tires, they put the tire on their bikes that will help them sell the bike, (looks most of the time with crusiers) and make them the most profit. I have owned a bike of one kind or the other since 1975 and I would not have dreamed of putting a CT on my sport bikes or standards of the 70's and 80's. The valk lends itself to using one, my Goodyear TT out performs the bike tires I have used FOR MY STYLE OF RIDING, the important thing is I like it and have confidence in it, everyone should pick their own tire and ride.  I certianly do not care what Honda says I should put on my bike, they did not have the good sense to keep building the valk.

[bogator]

  My 2 cents""""""" took me 20 min. to get use to the ct. will not go back to mc tire. I'm done talking now..

[Gryphon Rider]

The fact is, that the larger contact patch on the car tire, coupled with the lighter weight of the motorcycle (and only 2 wheels), make the bike less stable and more prone to hydroplaning in wet weather. The round profile of the motorcycle tire is better suited to push through the wet roads.
Kerry

On August 2 I rode through a terrific rainstorm on Deerfoot Trail (6-8 lane freeway) in Calgary.  Big rigs were driving 50 MPH with their hazards on.  Some cars were pulled over to wait out the worst of it.  I have a brand new Avon Cobra on the front and a five year old Falken Ziex with 2/32" to 3/32" tread remaining.  I was riding at 60 MPH.  Between left and right curves the road changes side slopes and the water crossed the road in wide streams, probably 1-2" deep, but it's hard to tell at 60 MPH.  The bike slowed slightly, and sheets of water came off the front tire, instantly soaking my boots, but my tires stayed in full contact with the pavement.  It probably helped that I was fully loaded with camping gear.  A scale in BC put me at 550 kg (1200 lbs) but that seems high to me, as I weigh 185 lbs.

[bill v e]

one's perception is often one's reality, regardless of the facts, right? - i am more interested in experiences then perceptions.  i fully respect those who have decided not to try a car tire on the valk - i have even more respect for those who have tried it and decided to stay w the motorcycle tire.  here is my experience:  2000 is/ 151,000+, on my sixth car tire, over 143,000+ miles in all riding conditions you can reasonably imagine.  after putting about 8,000 miles on the stock motorcycle tire (dunlop) i switched to bridgestone 205/55/16 - have tried toyo p, yokohama, goodyear and two offbrands, all same size.  right now i have an ACHILLES ATR SPORT w the SHINKO SR712 on the front, reverse direction.  this is by far the best combination of all i've tried.  it still is different than running a motorcycle tire, but the handling is every bit as good on curves, stops and accelerates a bit better and just as safe, FOR ME, in wet, gravel and various precarious road conditions.  i think the over riding factors for deciding yea or nay would be how skilled and confident you are on various bikes and conditions, your own level of risk tolerance and ability to handle the unconventional, and your willingness to change as your own experiences direct you.  it seems rather nonsensical to me to promote or defend based soley on one's perceptions - this board has always been most valuable to me because we predominately offer opinions based on experiences and reasons of merit - more so than any other group i know of!!!!

[simon]

Well, I put about 100 miles on the new Goodyear T/T and got kind of use to the feel. Since I always found riding a relaxing thing, I am going back to using a motorcycle tire. I guess I'm an old dog that just don't want to worry about looking at the rode condition every minute and wondering if I should go around this or that. It's bad enough having to deal with traffic every second I'm on the bike. Anyways, I got a M/C tire on the way so if any of you darksiders out there want a deal on a very slightly used Goodyear assurance T/T, 205/60R16 just let me know. Thanks, Simon

[SANDMAN5]

Well, 100 miles ain't NEARLY enough to really make an informed decision,
but if you're uncomfortable you're probably doing the right thing. After
all, it IS your motersickle.

[Jabba]

Well, 100 miles ain't NEARLY enough to really make an informed decision,
but if you're uncomfortable you're probably doing the right thing. After
all, it IS your motersickle.

It doesn't matter why or how fast you don't like it.  If you ain't comfortable on it you're doing the right thing IMO.

I like mine.  I'm gonna keep 'em.

Jabba

[2qmedic]

Took me about 1200 miles to get the Goodyear TT setteled in. Maybe because I'm a light weight at 165lbs. But then it seemed to get in the grove and rode better.
Untill I got there (1200 miles), I thought about going back to a MC tire. But now, I like it.
Where as the MC tire has the advantage on the high speed stuff, the CT has better traction for everything else. Note here; I can push the bike and know where the limits are.
Motorcycles aren't for everyone,
sport bikes aren't for everyone,
H/D's aren't for everyone,
Valkyrie's aren't for everyone,
CT's aren't for everyone.
The moral of the story,
Each to his own...I respect that.

[BamaDrifter64]

Let me tell you my story about CTs....I left out of here 10 days ago on a 9 day trip to Sturgis.  I had put a GY ATT on my bike right before leaving and only had 60 miles on it.  First CT I had ever rode on.  Had 40 psi in it and towed a trailer with my bike to Sturgis and back.  10 days later, after 3300 miles on it, having ridden it on interstates, on sharp curves at high speed, on rutted roads, on wet and dry services, all I can say is that it is different than a MT, but the advantages of a CT far outweigh the disadvantages, to me.  I rode curves at high speeds with other bikers w/MT and neither they nor I could tell any difference having the CT on.  I had great stability on the interstate, had great stopping power even with the trailer, on both dry and wet surfaces.  Did approximately 150 miles in rain, wasn't a problem at all, and did about 5 miles in a severe thunderstorm with 60 mph winds blowing across the interstate, with a deluge of sideways rain, and then hail, and the CT performed flawlessly.  Only disadvantage I found was on rutted roads - the worse the rut, the worse the back tire wandered.  Just my $.02....

Dave

[X Ring]

Dave, have you started dropping your pressure yet?  As the pressure drops the tendency of the c/t to follow ruts decreases also.  I started out at 40 psi and after the 1,000 mile break in I started dropping the pressure.  Now I run 30 psi.  The sidewalls are more compliant and it doesn't follow ruts anymore. 

Marty

[MP]

+1 on lowering the pressure to decrease rut following.

MP

[Ricky-D]

Yep,

When you take the relatively low weight of the bike (as compared to a car) the share that the car tire takes is extremely low!

If you use the car tire manufacturers recommendation for inflation and cut it by the same factor as the weight relationship:

You will be down in the same range of tire pressure where you find most darkside riders prefer to ride.

You will still be in the safe area of tire inflation as opposed to under-inflation.

And the ride is:

Smooth and comfortable!

***

[BamaDrifter64]

Dave, have you started dropping your pressure yet?  As the pressure drops the tendency of the c/t to follow ruts decreases also.  I started out at 40 psi and after the 1,000 mile break in I started dropping the pressure.  Now I run 30 psi.  The sidewalls are more compliant and it doesn't follow ruts anymore. 

Marty

I haven't dropped it yet....heck, I haven't ridden it since getting back home from Sturgis on Saturday....hoping to ride a little tomorrow...will drop it down to 36 to see how it does then....

Dave