New car tire ( Pics)

[Relax]

[/URL]


My 4rth car tire on my bike, the second Vredestein Sportarck 3



Vredestain Sportrack 3 205/55-16  ( speed code V)


I find them silent, smooth and soft and better than the Goodyear Hydragrip and Pirelli P6000 that I also have had.
This Vredestein has "rounded footprint" according to the advertising, and I believe that is one of the reason they feel smoother and more easy in the curves than the other car tire I had.

I ran about 41 psi in then , but noticed a wear in the middle, then had 36 psi for a while, but still too much.
Now I'll go for 32 psi and see what happens..

I ride a lot 2 up which increase the wear of course. I get 16-19 000 miles on all my car tires.
Now with lower psi , maybe some more...we'll see..

[The emperor has no clothes]

You've been a busy young man!

[Ricky-D]

There was a comment regarding that type of wear (centerline) that stated that, no matter what the tire pressure, the center of the tread will still wear faster than the edges.

***

[Jess from VA]

Rick, my Goodyear TripleTreds wear pretty evenly all the way across, at 40lbs.  Course they have a harder compound than many want.  But since I hated the tire at lower pressures and kept them at 40, I was careful to watch for center wear..... it did wear, but evenly with the whole tire thru 36-7K.  Just another reason I am sticking with them.  There was still some tread left, and it is possible if I ran them all the way out, the center would have been bald before the edges.  I don't need that many miles from them however.

[MarkT]

My Yoko A048 wore very evenly - and very fast -  at 34lbs.  It's a soft racing tire with minimal tread depth to start with.  Now on the Neova on the left, expect to get much more mileage with a harder compound and deeper tread depth.

[The emperor has no clothes]

My Yoko A048 wore very evenly - and very fast -  at 34lbs.  It's a soft racing tire with minimal tread depth to start with.  Now on the Neova on the left, expect to get much more mileage with a harder compound and deeper tread depth.

damn you might have been able to get another 1/2 mile out of that tire, you pulled it too quick!

[fordmano]

I just ordered this very same tire today. The Yokohama Neova, should be here in 2 days.
I got to get it mounted ASAP and broke in before 4th July weekend headed to the Hollister Rally Friday morning.

[Relax]

My Yoko A048 wore very evenly - and very fast -  at 34lbs.  It's a soft racing tire with minimal tread depth to start with.  Now on the Neova on the left, expect to get much more mileage with a harder compound and deeper tread depth.

It is hard to tell just from a view of a tire to see which is better on a bike,,,, but I liked the more rounded edge on this tire.  My tire do also have a kinda rounded edge which I believe is the reason I like how it handle on my bike better.

And 34 lbs ....... noted.

[DarkSideR]

I am seriously considering this Vredestain Sportrac 3 tire. Can you please give an update on the tire? How many miles, any problems, how does it behave, any downsides??? I would also like to know what size you put on it. I am running a 205/60 Triple Tread and want something taller to bring the RPM's down at highway speeds.

[Relax]

I am seriously considering this Vredestain Sportrac 3 tire. Can you please give an update on the tire? How many miles, any problems, how does it behave, any downsides??? I would also like to know what size you put on it. I am running a 205/60 Triple Tread and want something taller to bring the RPM's down at highway speeds.

 205/55-16  ( speed code V)

As mention, this is my second of Sportrack. I wanted one more of the same because I liked it better than the 2 others I have had.
I started with about 33 psi, but when riding 2 up & bags,I needed to go to at least 38,,,now 40 psi  to handle speed bumps.
I felt this tire handled more like a MC tire than the other I've had.
Not everyone agree, but that's how i see it.

I get about 28 000 km ( 18 000 miles ) on my car tires. Many get more. Maybe it's because I ride mostly 2 up, or maybe it is because roads here are twisty.. or..or...




While I am at it,,What is happening on the speed bumps? Is it really that the wheel rim "smash " into the tire?  And that is why higher psi helps? Are the side-walls of the tire that soft?
Anyway, with 38-40 PSI I have  no problem......just fun and comfort !

[frosty]

I to have ran a few. The goodyear (to sq. of shoulder)  2- Toyo Proxies, good tire . Now the Hankook like it. But the Toyo and Hankook can no longer get 205-55. So looking for something comparable. This sporttrac may be the ans. I do run 40 psi. in mine. Avg. 20k  2 up. I do like staying with a brand name tire also. Not familiar with this one.
What is the price and best  place found to get the sporttrac ?

[DarkSideR]

I found a wholesaler here in Colorado who sells them out of the door for $153.00. I read all good reviews in the UK (if that means anything to you).

I looked at the sizes available and wish they made one a bit taller. I have heard a taller tire can bring the RPM's down at highway speeds. Out here the speed limit on most of the Interstate Highways are 75mph. So at 80mph  (with a 205/55) runs a 4,000rpm. Just reducing that by 3-4 hundred rpm's would be huge.

I saw on a Goldwing forum those guys have used a Vredestain COMTRAC. This is a taller, narrow tire (looks more like the famous Austone Taxi tire). May be a good option.

[Ricky-D]

Generally speaking:

A 205/60/16 will closely match the stock tire in circumference and keep the rpm's at the stock rate.

Some have installed a 205/65/16 and see reduced rpm's although only in the 200 rpm -250 rpm range of reduction.

Because of the manufacturing tolerances regarding the swing-arm there have been some, while trying to run a 65 profile tire, have experienced the tire rubbing on the swing-arm.

Since all tires are not exactly following the tire size designations (some smaller/some larger) it may also be the tire rather than the swing-arm that causes the interference.

***

[frosty]

Having short legs the 205-55 helps handling the beast. Especially in parking lots with the S.o. on back. Top heavy. BUT, I do experience more peg scraping WITH the peg lowering kit.

[DarkSideR]

Just ordered a Vredestein Sportrac 3 205/60/R16 from tiresbyweb.com (out of Michigan) for $177.00 (no tax, free shipping).

I am riding from Colorado to St. Louis at the end of the month and will have it mounted it for that ride. I will be looking at 1,900 miles on the tire, so I will be able to work up a good report when I get back.

Thank you for your original post shedding light on this tire. It was a toss up between this tire and the Austone Taxi. I like to Hot Rod my bike from time to time so I obviously went for the more aggressive option.

[frosty]

It appears to have a square shoulder. How does it handle in the truck ruts?

[DarkSideR]

It appears to have a square shoulder. How does it handle in the truck ruts?

The tire in the picture above is the Goodyear Triple Tread. Sorry for the confusion. Original post says he is on his second Vredestein. He finds them smooth and quiet. I will follow up with a full report when I get back from my long ride at the end of the month.

[frosty]

ok, I did run a Goodyear triple tread. Didnt care for it. Had to sq. of shoulder. lean in let off and it would stand back up. Followed the ruts. thanks

[Relax]

Just ordered a Vredestein Sportrac 3 205/60/R16 from tiresbyweb.com (out of Michigan) for $177.00 (no tax, free shipping).

I am riding from Colorado to St. Louis at the end of the month and will have it mounted it for that ride. I will be looking at 1,900 miles on the tire, so I will be able to work up a good report when I get back.

Thank you for your original post shedding light on this tire. It was a toss up between this tire and the Austone Taxi. I like to Hot Rod my bike from time to time so I obviously went for the more aggressive option.

That's a really cool Valk!

Good luck with your new tire when it's installed!

[DarkSideR]

The new Vredestein Sportrac 3 205/60 was just delivered. I am excited but also got nervous. This puppy looks wide  Measuring the outside width of the tire (off the rim) it measures a full 3/4" wider than the Goodyear Triple Tread (on the rim). It also measures 1/2" taller. I hope once on the rim this tire will fit!  ???

FYI - Just looking at the "Rounded Profile" of the tire I am already seeing the benefits.

[Jess from VA]

No worries, when I got my first GATT, I tried to shove it up into the fender while OFF the rim and it would not fit at all (Uh oh).  Once mounted and aired up, it's a squeeze but should fit with the one or two credit card clearance from the swingarm as usual. 

[DarkSideR]

I got the Vredestein mounted today, and was only able to take a short ride. So far so good. I noticed the was more clearance with the Vredestein than the GYTT. 

[Jess from VA]

Good deal.  

What is max psi printed on the sidewall, and what are you running?

Like to see a pic on your bike if possible.  This is a good looking tire.  

[DarkSideR]

Good deal.  

What is max psi printed on the sidewall, and what are you running?

Like to see a pic on your bike if possible.  This is a good looking tire.  

Jess, The Max PSI printed on the sidewall is 52 PSI! (I am initially running it at 36psi)
As requested I took some pictures for you.
**This is a good picture of the bike leaning to one side, and you can see the good contact patch.

**Part of the reason for a good contact patch is because of the amount of the sidewall give. When the tire was off the rim I noticed that the sidewall are very flexible. (even impressed the guy at the harley shop who mounted it)

**I really like how this tire beads up to the rim.

**And lastly here is an overall shot if the tire in fender.


The 3D tread is really cool looking (not why I bought the tire, just an added bonus). And the amount of tread available is staggering. As of right now I am please with what I am seeing and the short ride I took on it. I leave Saturday (August 24th) for a 900 mile ride from Colorado to St. Louis. I am sure that trip will tell the worth of the tire. I will give a full write up when I get back. Of course this write up will be comparing the GYTT (previous tire) to the Vredestein.

[Jess from VA]

Thanks for the info and pics Josh, 'preciate it.  The original poster (Relax) talked about 16-19K which is less than I like, but otherwise it is promising.  

BTW, are you available and how much do you charge for polishing rims?  

[DarkSideR]

Thanks for the info and pics Josh, 'preciate it.  The original poster (Relax) talked about 16-19K which is less than I like, but otherwise it is promising.  

BTW, are you available and how much do you charge for polishing rims?  

My model of Valk was the deluxe model. I do believe the rims were factory polished. ???

[BigM]

Good pics and info. Keep us informed. Also from the 55 to the 60 difference. Likes -dislikes. Thanks

[Relax]

Thanks for the info and pics Josh, 'preciate it.  The original poster (Relax) talked about 16-19K which is less than I like, but otherwise it is promising.  

BTW, are you available and how much do you charge for polishing rims?  

Riding single I had 33-35 psi, but when 2 up I needed about 40 psi. Probably because of the flexible sidewalls   I ride 70-80 % 2 up , hence I wear the rear tire more. I had close to same miles on my Vredestain as my former Goodyear,

[Tailgate Tommy]

Hi Josh.
I'm wondering what dealer you got them mounted at? I'm in Fort Collins and would like to go darkside, but seems hard to find someone who will mount one.
Thanks!
tkylli

[DarkSideR]

Hi Josh.
I'm wondering what dealer you got them mounted at? I'm in Fort Collins and would like to go darkside, but seems hard to find someone who will mount one.
Thanks!
tkylli

I am in Pueblo and had a small independent custom shop mount it. I had Fay Meyers in Denver mount my first one. Which doesn't help you much up there in Fort Collins.

[DarkSideR]

Good pics and info. Keep us informed. Also from the 55 to the 60 difference. Likes -dislikes. Thanks

So far the only difference I have noted going from the 55 to a 60 is (and as expect) the RPM's are down. On the GYTT a 205/55 at 80mph the engine was doing 4k rpm. With this Vredestein a 205/60 at 80mph the tach now reads 3,700 rpm.

According to this fuel economy chart provided by MrArn that 300 rpm drop is going to save on gas.
3000 to 3500 rpm means I'll be getting 32-42 MPG
3500 to 4000 rpm means I'll be getting 27-31 MPG
Running over 4000 rpm drops it under 26 MPG

The tire fits fine. I played with the rear shocks dropping them to the lowest setting and couldn't get it to rub with just me on it weighing 180lbs.

I have been playing with tire pressure. It's odd, I don't feel any difference in the tire when at 30psi or at 36psi. I will say however at 30psi the tire makes some noise. I will start my trip at 36psi and enjoy the new gains in fuel economy.

[Ricky-D]

Good deal.  

What is max psi printed on the sidewall, and what are you running?

Like to see a pic on your bike if possible.  This is a good looking tire.  

Jess, The Max PSI printed on the sidewall is 52 PSI! (I am initially running it at 36psi)
As requested I took some pictures for you.
**This is a good picture of the bike leaning to one side, and you can see the good contact patch.

**Part of the reason for a good contact patch is because of the amount of the sidewall give. When the tire was off the rim I noticed that the sidewall are very flexible. (even impressed the guy at the harley shop who mounted it)

**I really like how this tire beads up to the rim.

**And lastly here is an overall shot if the tire in fender.


The 3D tread is really cool looking (not why I bought the tire, just an added bonus). And the amount of tread available is staggering. As of right now I am please with what I am seeing and the short ride I took on it. I leave Saturday (August 24th) for a 900 mile ride from Colorado to St. Louis. I am sure that trip will tell the worth of the tire. I will give a full write up when I get back. Of course this write up will be comparing the GYTT (previous tire) to the Vredestein.

To me,,,, it looks as if the tire is mounted in the wrong direction.

***

[DarkSideR]

RickyD - Today you are my Savior! Good eye, and thank you. Yep looked at the rotation arrow on the sidewall and sure enough, wrong. 

 I will be having a word with the shop that mounted it. 

[fudgie]

What are you running on the front? Let me know how the long grooves in the concrete feel, see if it throws you or not. And how stable it is at high speeds. 100 or so.

[DarkSideR]

What are you running on the front? Let me know how the long grooves in the concrete feel, see if it throws you or not. And how stable it is at high speeds. 100 or so.

I opt'd for the Shinko Journey Touring SE890. I know there had been some issues with this tire but at just $124 delivered I thought I would give it a try. I have a  couple hundred miles on it without any problems or issues. Running it at 38psi.

I will give you an update on the Vredestein rear when I get back from St. Louis.

[DarkSideR]

If I thought this Vredestein was good before.. it's unbelievable when it's mounted the correct way.

[2qmedic]

Does anyone have a good opinion for the Vredestein tires as concerning wet road traction and cold weather (20 degree) traction?

I currently have a GYTT and will be replacing it soon.

Thanks

[DarkSideR]

I now have 900  miles on the Vredesrein. I can only report that its great on hot, dry, and flat roads. Although having more tread depth, and being a softer tire than the Goodyear I would image it would be fine in the wet and cold.

[DarkSideR]

Vredestein Report

I now have 1,700 miles on the new Vredestein. I will be reporting on it's performance and comparing it to the GYTT that I previously had.

The performance was great on all road surfaces. From warn pot holed back roads to the concrete super slabs the tire as great. It didn't want to run with the ruts, and it didn't wander on the grooved concrete.

Sorry to say but while crossing the entire states of Kansas and Missouri I didn't encounter many corners, so I cannot report on corner handling. I did however lean the bike from time to time in the bends and on the highway off ramps, and didn't have any issues.

Parking lots and gas stations are now a joy. Uneven surfaces no long pitch the bike nearly as much as the GYTT did.

I did 600 miles in 110 degree heat. The tire held 36psi the whole time.

And lastly I ran the bike up to 105mph and held it for a long straight. It didn't wander, and I felt 100% confident.

Negatives? Only one. Get the bike up to 60mph, pull in the clutch, and coast.. I do feel the whirl of the tire. I didn't feel anything on the GYTT. I wouldn't say that's a negative and it's not something you would normally do, so just reporting..

Would I recommend? Yes. The 205/60 fits and in 5th gear dropped my rpm's down 300, thus giving me better fuel economy (although the heat had other plans for my fuel economy). The rounded profile of the tire really helps low speed handling.

[fudgie]

Where and how much?