Darkside, tire size ?

[Sonny]

Based on information I have read on this board I have bought my last Motorcycle tire for the rear.
But the perfect size seems to be somwhat of a preferrence.  Can anyone tell me what size & type of tire is the best choice when making this change?  Is the 205/60R 16 the best size?  What is the most run as far as brands?

[X Ring]

The 205/60R16 is probably the most popular size followed by the 205/55R16 and 205/65R16s.  As far as brand and models, there's more than you can shake a stick at.  Try to find a tire with a symmetrical tread and an H or V speed rating.  Do a search for Car Tire or Dark Side.  Also, don't just listen to the guys on here.  Got to some of the Dark Side forums and see what guys on other bikes are running.  MCDarksiders is probably the biggest one and Smokin Joe is one of the mods there.  http://mcdarksiders.forumotion.com/

Marty

[2qmedic]

Also as a note:

205-55 shorter tire and slightly higher motor RPM
           (should not have to do nut plate mod)

205-60 same height as the stock tire and equal motor RPM
           (possibly will need to do nut plate mod)

205-65 taller tire and slightly lower motor RPM
           (plan on nut plate mod)

[PhredValk]

"I have bought my last Motorcycle tire for the rear".

Sonny, please don't set that in stone quite yet. I'm going Dark this tire change myself, for all the same reasons that you are (Falken Ziex ZE-512 205/65R-16, in fact). As many here would tell us, keep an open mind for the first thousand miles or so. Not all DS converts stayed converted, so don't talk yourself into it untill you know for sure, or you may get in trouble later.

I hope we both have positive experiences, but be really comfortable with this choice before it's permanent.
Fred.

[2qmedic]

As many here would tell us, keep an open mind for the first thousand miles or so. Fred.

I'll 2nd that statement.
I was not sure about the whole DS thing untill:
- the tire was broken in and,
- I setteled in on a good psi.
This took about 1200-1300 miles for me.
After that I was OK. 
After that, the more I rode it, the more I liked it. 
Nuff said,

[Sonny]

Thanks for the information.  I have done some checking on the 205/60R-16  Doesn't seem to be hundreds out there that size with the H or V rating.  This is my second Valk and close to 80,000 miles.
I have always run the Cobra Venom.  The best is about 10,000 miles.  I do ride it hard, not like fire burn outs but I do twist the gas hard alot. The last set from the local Honda shop was almost $600.00 for the set mounted and balanced.  That just under is what I paid for the set of 4 tires for my 3/4 ton 4x4 GMC.

Next what is (the nut plate mod) ?

[X Ring]

The nut cages contain the nuts that the rear fender rail bolt screw into.  If you don't remove the cages your car tire or 200mm m/c tire will more than likely rub against them.  http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2005/08/24/valkyrieRearFenderNutCageMod.html

Marty

[BigM]

One thing about the 55 is I'm 5'10 and with it the height of the bike fits me fine. I ran the Goodyear  F1 Aqua tread. Two sq. of shoulder. Followed the ruts and had to leaned into curves. I ran 2 Toyo proxsis. Great tire But, can't get it any more. I did luck up and get the Hankook on now. But, can't get them any more. So for me not sure what the next one will be.

[Sonny]

I bought a FUSION HRi 205/60R16.  The stock tire is a 180/70R16, around 7-1/2" wide.  The new tire is 8-3/8" wide.  I see this size tire in many different brands put on bikes. I measured from where the original nut holder brakets are spot welded to the other side only 8-3/8" total.  But I have seen nothing about grinding down the edge of the bolt area to clear?

[X Ring]

Just remove the nut cages.  You may have to cut the bolts to length or install carriage bolts inside out.

Marty

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Sonny, I'll have my DS interstate in the eastern part of Mo. the middle of June arround the Union area. What part of Mo. is Holt in. maybe we can get together and ride and kick some tires. I've been a member of the darkside for over 80 thousand miles now.

[Paxton]

Hello Folks; I went Darkside 4 days ago:

TIRE SPECS... Brand / Size / Price:
NEXEN 205/65/16 - $89.75, including delivery to the M/C shop.
 
For the "trial period," the original plan had been to install a used car tire in good condition. 

However, I changed my mind and opted for a new tire... So, my selection criteria became...
#1.) Find the Lowest Priced Tire. #2.) Find the desired Tire Size. #3.) Find the shop that regularly performs the Darkside conversion,
including all preventive services.

I also wanted a shop that would allow me to watch every step of the process to my satisfaction.
I chose Cycle Depot in Los Angeles. It met all my criteria...

Most rewarding; they allowed my A-Z participation in the process. This provided a chance to oversee the work on driveline maintenance,
like lubing the final drive and wheel flange splines and replacing the O-rings.

 CHOOSING THE CAR TIRE:

I did not shop for a specific tire-brand or thread pattern or speed rating... 

To be sure, these are all important things to consider, especially if one plans to skip the "trial period."

I am following the advice from those who encourage "trial periods."
So, for an affordable trial, my purchase was the lowest-priced-tire available in short notice. 

I chose the taller tire believing that it would provide a softer ride than a lower profile tire. 
Of course, I have no way to compare their ride qualities.
However, the ride feels softer than w/the M/C tire. 

I also liked the idea of lowering the RPM's, albeit just a few hundred.
I figure that to get better MPG and to quiet things down, every little bit helps.

My bike came with short pipes installed by the P.O. While the exhaust note is nice, it is a lot closer to the rider's ears... 
worse yet for the passenger. A day-long-ride really tires one out. 

The lower RPM from the taller Darkside helps a little in reducing noise. But, to effectively "push-back" the noise level, l am soon retrofitting longer pipes.

BTW, my height is 5'6." The Mustang seat in "Dragonfly" is one-inch higher than stock. The taller car tire makes it higher yet...  ???

To "correct" for these new heights, I installed 11.5" Progressive shocks. I can now mount the bike with both feet planted on the ground. 

With the OEM tire, the tach reading was 3500 RPM @ 75 MPH.
Now on the Darkside, it reads 3250 RPM at 75, although I am in fact traveling at 77... 

In summary, this lower-quality-tire feels right and the thread pattern is not that bad-lookin.'
I think that overall, the inexpensive
NEXEN-tire would do the job for ME, as I never exceed 75 MPH in this bike. 

NOTE: I am not suggesting that the reader ought to buy this same tire. I am simply sharing my observations on how MY bike behaves. 
As they say, "... your mileage may vary depending on your driving habits..."

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this subject. Your posts have been very helpful to me. 

Here are some before/after photos that I posted elsewhere in another thread.

https://picasaweb.google.com/103917731019176896112/VALKYRIEBEFOREANDAFTERDARKSIDE?authkey=Gv1sRgCL-I2MbK0YGcyAE#

Have a great Valkyrie day. I will too! 

"When I die, I want to go like my grandpa... while asleep... unlike the passengers in his car who died screaming their heads off!"

[X Ring]

I did not shop for a specific tire-brand or thread pattern or speed rating... 

I chose the taller tire believing that it would provide a softer ride than a lower profile tire. 
Of course, I have no way to compare their ride qualities.
However, the ride feels softer than w/the M/C tire. 

I also liked the idea of lowering the RPM's, albeit just a few hundred.
With the OEM tire, the tach reading was 3500 RPM @ 75 MPH.
Now on the Darkside, it reads 3250 RPM at 75, although I am in fact traveling at 77... 

Hey Paxton,  when I was looking for a tire for my 1st DarkSide, I was advised to get a H or V rated tire to better handle the stresses and possible heat built up by running a car tire.  Granted H and V speed rated tires have stiffer sidewalls than lower speed rated tires do and that possibly contributes to more stability.  I haven't noticed a softer ride.  Not saying there isn't one, just saying I haven't noticed it.  I was also advised to buy a tire with a symmetrical tread so left and right handling would be the same.

Your experience with the approximate 200 rpm reduction in engine speed mirrors mine with a 65 series tire.

Your speedometer reading is interesting as most m/c speedometers read 3-5 mph fast and the speedometer reads off the front wheel.  How do you know your speedometer is slow?  Did you check it against a gps?  Are you running a non stock size front tire?  If it is taller than stock that would account for your speedometer reading slow but really at that speed, it's not that slow.  I wouldn't worry about it.

Marty

[Paxton]

Marty;
Your wondering about the front tire size versus speed reading makes sense...

How I determined the Speedo error...

The regional law enforcement agencies share a large training center for Motorcycle officers.
It's location happens to be not far from home.
They calibrate their speed detection equipment, such as radars at the same location.

I've gone there a few times over the years to practice with the group or just to watch their riding techniques.

I am not a cop, I just have done lots of consulting and training work with / for them.
Because they have seen me around for so long, some of younger guys think I am a sworn officer.

I spent 34 years around those folks, so I am lucky that I get to access the facility.
Yet, I'm always careful not to abuse the privilege.

Mixing business w/fun is often times not a good practice.

At any rate, I asked three men to ride my bike on their fast track at 75 MPH and "clock it."
The results amongst the three weren't exact
but the resulting variations were less than one mile from one another.

One reported 76.8, a second reported 77.6 and the third detection try showed 77.2 MPH while the Speedo reads 75 MPH.

In spite all I have done to assess the Speedo error, your question is intriguing.
Now I am curious to know the real answer.

Thank you for bringing it up.