Going Dark!

[Dubsvalk]

My rear tire is almost to the point of no return so I ordered an Austone 175R/16 car tire to replace it.  I already have an extra rear wheel with a car tire mounted but I wanted to try this tire instead.  My good friend "SmokinJoe" will get a heck of a deal on a slightly use C/T just like the ones he uses!  I haven't seen where anyone is running one of these on a Valk bur the reviews have been excellent from the Goldwingers using them.  I hope to have it on by the end of this month and will post my thoughts on it.
Dubs

[bscrive]

I would love to put a CT on my valk but my insurance will not cover me if I do.  I really love the look and from Dags video it looks like they handle well to.

[Dubsvalk]

I have ridden behind SmokinJoe thru the twisties and watched his 205 size car tire.  It made a believer out of me.  The tire never rolls over onto the shoulder and the tire patch on the ground is always more than any motorcycle tire would have.  I have never heard anyone complain about blisters or tread separation on a car tire on motorcycles either, like I see on a regular basis for m/c tires.  I saw one thread where the person commented that he was underwhelmed at the difference between the C/T and the M/T and that is exactly how I think you would want it; for the car tire to be no different than a motorcycle tire in terms of handling, feel and confidence.  I actually belive I will be very pleased with the results.
Dubs

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I have ridden behind SmokinJoe thru the twisties and watched his 205 size car tire.  It made a believer out of me.  The tire never rolls over onto the shoulder and the tire patch on the ground is always more than any motorcycle tire would have.  I have never heard anyone complain about blisters or tread separation on a car tire on motorcycles either, like I see on a regular basis for m/c tires.  I saw one thread where the person commented that he was underwhelmed at the difference between the C/T and the M/T and that is exactly how I think you would want it; for the car tire to be no different than a motorcycle tire in terms of handling, feel and confidence.  I actually belive I will be very pleased with the results.
Dubs

Handling and feel ARE different then a motorcycle tire. Anyone that has run a CT will tell you this if they're being honest.
I ran o0ne on my Tourer and will when this avon wears out on my standard, but to think it is the same is just not the case. Dave

[BF]

I've never riden on a car tire......and since owning my Valk, I've only had a Metzler and the current Elite III on it. 

However, almost everything I've read about the handling of a car tire makes it sound like they handle like an under-inflated motorcycle tire. 

I'd like to try a car tire someday, but the way alot of folks describe the way they handle, I'm not so sure. 

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

I've never riden on a car tire......and since owning my Valk, I've only had a Metzler and the current Elite III on it.  

However, almost everything I've read about the handling of a car tire makes it sound like they handle like an under-inflated motorcycle tire.  

I'd like to try a car tire someday, but the way alot of folks describe the way they handle, I'm not so sure.  

My post was not to say the handling is a problem or to discourage the use of one, I just feel that to tell people that it is the same as a MT doesn't seem accurate to me. I had no problem with running a Triple Tread Goodyear and would run another one again in the future, just want people to make there own informed decision.

[Novavalker]

I would love to put a CT on my valk but my insurance will not cover me if I do. 

That's BS.
I'm covered and pass the mandatory safety inspection in Nova Scotia with a CT.  What line in your policy excludes CTs???

[Slick]

I would love to put a CT on my valk but my insurance will not cover me if I do. 

That doesn't sound right to me either. I've had a few friends that had to file claims and neither was denied because of there equipment (CT)

[LandElephant]

My question is why a smaller tire? The match out to the standard Valk tire is either 195 or 205.

As far as getting use to a car tire, yes the push over is a little different, and some say grooved roads make it a bit squirelly.  I put 40k on two tires and I guess I got use to the marginal effort to push the bike over, and the quick return to center because of the flatter tread.

That's being honest.  It's not a motorcycle tire and does have a different feel, but.....

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

[KY,Dave (AKA Misunderstood)]

My question is why a smaller tire? The match out to the standard Valk tire is either 195 or 205.

As far as getting use to a car tire, yes the push over is a little different, and some say grooved roads make it a bit squirelly.  I put 40k on two tires and I guess I got use to the marginal effort to push the bike over, and the quick return to center because of the flatter tread.

That's being honest.  It's not a motorcycle tire and does have a different feel, but.....

Charlie Morse
Land Elephant

Is there an echo in here Charlie  How's it going in Michigan if you're still there. Enjoyed riding with you on the Cherohalla  Dave

[Dubsvalk]

Comparing deminsions the 175R16 most closely matches the deminsions of the E3 I am running now.  It is a little taller and the tread is a little wider so there should be a little less difference in the handling characteristics in this tire and my E3.  I know that it will feel a little different but will give me more tread on the ground, a longer lasting tread and I truly believe a much safer tire.  Just as most who are already using car tires.  Many of the Goldwingers have been running this tire loaded, 2 up, pulling trailers without incident.  It is just another option to consider.  I will take pics so you can see the differences and will let you know how it feels to a Darkside Newby in a week or so.
Dubs

[BigAl]

Call Lucky 13 and WImp before you go Dark.

Might give you pause, but to each his own.

Just a friendly piece of advice.

You don't have to even take it.

From someone who cares.

I am now running my Rear Avon Backwards from recommended rotation, I think I will call it ,,,Front Darkside Rotation.

I believe and no one can tell me otherwise, that it helps me slow down faster, speeding up has never been a problem for me.

[Dubsvalk]

Big Al!  Looks like you had a good run this weekend!  I play on an MSF course all weekend teaching people to ride.  I know, but I have already mounted the new tire on my spare wheel.  The old car tire on it is going to SmokinJoe since it is the same as he is already using.  I too want to go darkside on the front as well but that will have to be in about 12,000 miles as I installed a nre front tire just before the Inzane ride.  I will try to posr some pics and hope to have the C/T mounted in the next couple of weeks.  I'm just about on the wear bars and am just squeezing a few more local miles out ot it while I have time to buy two double row rear bearnings and some fresh grease for the splines.  It will be a little early to service the rear but while it is off it will be so easy to go ahead and do it again.  I've never seen grease wear out splines before so I think I will be OK!   I hope Joe and Lucky Thirteen keep all their didgets this time!
dubs

[..]

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?484-Darksiders

[Jabba]

I was totally underwhelmed by the differences when I first mounted the first Non-Motorcycle specific tire on my standard.  I really could barely notice the difference.  That was a Falken at 32 PSI.  When I put the Altimax on the IS, it was obvious.  that tire needs a little more pressure, and I run 41 in that one.  We're 2 up a lot on that bike, and that one got better with miles.  about 11K on that one now... and it's barely noticeable anymore.  Even people that borrow the IS (Squealy and and another buddy do ocassionally) say it's barely noticeable.  

I can't claim a NMS tire is BETTER than a MC tire.  But for me, a fat ass with a big wife on an IS... I feel A LOT better with a tire on it that will HANDLE it.  We go 550 lbs plus luggage and gear.  And we're both lighter than we were a year ago when we set it up.

Jabba

[Dubsvalk]

Jabba, I put a few miles behind you and your missus at Inzane.  Your C/T and bike never faltered and always had tread on the pavement.  And you put in some hard miles two up on that ride.  After following you and other darksiders, I wanted to give it a try myself.  If it lasts longer, stops faster, handles just as good in the twisties, and doesn't scare the sh--t out of you everytime you press it into a curve; I don't see too much of a down side to it.  For $163.00 mounted and balanced on my rim I have to give it a try!
Dubs

[sugerbear]

I was totally underwhelmed by the differences when I first mounted the first Non-Motorcycle specific tire on my standard.  I really could barely notice the difference.  That was a Falken at 32 PSI.  When I put the Altimax on the IS, it was obvious.  that tire needs a little more pressure, and I run 41 in that one.  We're 2 up a lot on that bike, and that one got better with miles.  about 11K on that one now... and it's barely noticeable anymore.  Even people that borrow the IS (Squealy and and another buddy do ocassionally) say it's barely noticeable.  

I can't claim a NMS tire is BETTER than a MC tire.  But for me, a fat ass with a big wife on an IS... I feel A LOT better with a tire on it that will HANDLE it.  We go 550 lbs plus luggage and gear.  And we're both lighter than we were a year ago when we set it up.

Jabba

couldn't have said it better myself.  but were just a little over that weight 2 up w/luggage.
really liked the falken 512. couldn't find one when i needed it. but now i know where to look.

[Fudd]

There is a certain mystique about going on the darkside for the first time.

[BigAl]

I am going to admit something today.

I don't understand the attraction to lose traction.

To take a good motorcycle and put a car tire on it.

It's way beyond this ole Clinton Town Boy.

Wimps splines look like crap after the first 10,000 miles of a car tire and they were perfect before.

I guess that's why the car tire guys keep all those extra rear ends around to service them or replace them after a car tire work out.

I love you all but it's OK if I don't understand it. Right.

Rock on to the Fall Color Ride.

[Serk]

I am going to admit something today.

I don't understand the attraction to lose traction.

To take a good motorcycle and put a car tire on it.

It's way beyond this ole Clinton Town Boy.

Wimps splines look like crap after the first 10,000 miles of a car tire and they were perfect before.

I guess that's why the car tire guys keep all those extra rear ends around to service them or replace them after a car tire work out.

I love you all but it's OK if I don't understand it. Right.

Rock on to the Fall Color Ride.

[Fudd]

I am going to admit something today.

I don't understand the attraction to lose traction.

To take a good motorcycle and put a car tire on it.

I love you all but it's OK if I don't understand it. Right.

You're right.  It's OK that you don't understand.  I can't even imagine how someone would think that traction is lost with the use of a car tire.  From what I read in a previous reply, what you "believe, no one can tell you otherwise."  So, I won't try.  You ride careful, too.