Best Darkside Choice for Valkyrie?

[Andy Cote]

A while back when I started looking for a new tire for my GL1500 Goldwing, I stumbled into this whole darkside tire discussion. Read everything and talked to a few folks before finally deciding to make the move. While there were only a few tires in the correct size, the favorite seemed to be the Austone Taxi Tire. I installed it and have been satisfied with performance and wear (14k and still going).

Now the Valkyrie needs a tire. For some reason, not as many stories or threads on this and many are kinda old and dated. I'm looking for some real and current feedback. It seems that the most common size is 205/60R16. So far I see the following as possibilities; all speed rating H (max 130mph) and load index over 90 (max 1323 lbs):

Sumitomo HTR A/S P01
Kumho Solus KH16
Falken Ziex ZE912
General Altimax HP
Hankook Optimo H418 3 groove
Bridestone Potenza G019 GRID
Michelin Primacy MXV4
Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max

Of these, the General and Bridgestone seem to have some support. I am particularly interested in experiences with the last one as they make this in a size to fit the Goldwing as well.

Flame suit on - fire at will. Please tell me what you like or don't like about these brands.

PS: I know about the nut cage.

[Gavin_Sons]

Had the falken was not crazy about it. Switched to yokahama advid envigor and like it much better. May not last as long as some of the other brands but at 100 bucks it is pretty cheap to replace.

[Thulsa Doom]

Why not use the Austone Taxi tire on the Valkyrie as well?

[2qmedic]

I have the Good Year TT, currently at 43K miles and time to replace.
I really can't complain at all. Have to hold counter steer in the corners. No tread noise to mention, I ran it at 38 spi for even wear, any softer would begin to wobble at higher speeds. That being said, It will accentuate worn shock bushing issues (high speed wobble), so after I replaced them it was fine.
Holds nice in the rain, holds great in the corners for scraping pegs.
I will be buying another tire this month and looking at the Vredestain Sportrac 3 tire.

Cheers

[old2soon]

Falken Ziex 512 in 205-65-16. Gonna end up getting right at 25000 miles out of it. Not too shabby for a less than $85.00 cost. RIDE SAFE.

[olddog1946]

Last year I was running a federal 535, 205/55/16, which only lasted for 20K. While I was ok with the tire and loved the grip in the rain and snow, I wasn't all that excited about how jittery it was on the rutted roads around Seattle. Really glad I don't live over there, lol.
I am now running a Champiro Gt Radial, 205/60/16 that I got from Discount Tire, shipped to my front door for $71.00. The tread is much more to my liking with a more rounded profile that is much less afftected by road conditions, tar snakes, etc.  I notice none of the counter steer requirments of the first Ct and really the only time it needs any additional attention is in the 3" deep ruts on the Seattle roads. The tire has done well in the rain, not been in any snow yet (and hope not to) and while it has done well in the mountains I haven't pushed it all that hard. So far I am quite satisfied with it.

[salty1]

A while back when I started looking for a new tire for my GL1500 Goldwing, I stumbled into this whole darkside tire discussion. Read everything and talked to a few folks before finally deciding to make the move. While there were only a few tires in the correct size, the favorite seemed to be the Austone Taxi Tire. I installed it and have been satisfied with performance and wear (14k and still going).

Now the Valkyrie needs a tire. For some reason, not as many stories or threads on this and many are kinda old and dated. I'm looking for some real and current feedback. It seems that the most common size is 205/60R16. So far I see the following as possibilities; all speed rating H (max 130mph) and load index over 90 (max 1323 lbs):

Sumitomo HTR A/S P01
Kumho Solus KH16
Falken Ziex ZE912
General Altimax HP
Hankook Optimo H418 3 groove
Bridestone Potenza G019 GRID
Michelin Primacy MXV4
Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread
Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max

Of these, the General and Bridgestone seem to have some support. I am particularly interested in experiences with the last one as they make this in a size to fit the Goldwing as well.

Flame suit on - fire at will. Please tell me what you like or don't like about these brands.

PS: I know about the nut cage.

Why even go there?  MC tires are built to maximize the handling characteristics of the bike. If you have to insure more counter steering pressure in corners is very telling about going DS! Why force things, there's enough of them already to go around. I've been doing quite well with Avon Cobras. The present tire set has 9000 miles on them and is looking like I'll go another 9K before I need to replace them. 

[Farther]

Maybe we can turn this into an oil thread too!

[sawdustar]

Maybe we can turn this into an oil thread too!

ROFL...!!!!!!

Sheer economy got me to move to a CT over the price of a MT for my VTX1300. 3 years later and still going strong on a Wal Mart Douglas 205/70-15 tire for $49.95 with 3 ounces of Dynabeads in it. Been really happy with it. Got about 14,000 miles on it and will get another 14,000.

Now I have the Valk as well....and it will need all new tires come early next year.....so I'm watching this thread with eyes wide open.

[KSDragonRider]

I have had the falken 512  and the Yokohama  envigur, I liked the 512  better,  but only got 10k  out of it.   the yoko will beat that I'm sure.   kinda thinking the taxi tire will be my next one,  but have about 10k  before I need to worry about a rear tire.   need to order a front in the next couple months thou.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I`ve had yokohama avid envigor 205/60/16 and nexen n5000 205/65/16 and both have been good. thinking of going with yokohama avid ascend 195/60/16 and a Michelin activ rear 140/80/17 up front unless anyone has had issues with either.

[lee]

My first DS tire was the Kumho Solus KH16.  I put about 16k miles on it and it still was not worn out.
Just decided to try something else.  So I am now running the Bridgestone Potenza G019.
I have about 19k on it and will change it next spring.  (Still not worn out.)  I will most likely go back
with the Kumho Solus.  Edges are a little more rounded, and cheeper.  (On fixed income so I look for Cheep)
Some people say they will never run anything but a directional tire.  Directional tires are for rain and I stop and get
a cracker when it starts to rain. 
Kumho is not directional,  Bridgestone is.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Been on the darkside forever. DS 0008 is my number. Ran a bunch of different tire over the years cooper zeon, falken, Yokohama, Bridgestone Potenza G019 GRID and a few others. I am now on my second bridgestone and as long as I can get the tire in the 205/60/16 and the V rated version I'll stay with them. JMHO

[Thunderbolt]

My first one was a Bridgestone Potenza.  Did not wear it out, but it was getting old so after 4 years I changed it out. I went with the Michelin Primacy MXV4 in the same size 205-60/16.  It is much better than the Bridgestone was in that it is more round on the edges and turns and doesn't pull you into the ruts at traffic lights as bad.  Cost a little more but made in Canada and good quality and well you don't have to change these things too often anyway do you?  It is not symmetrical in that the tread pattern does not match side to side, but I don't have a problem with that it rides perfect.  You do need to take the wheel off and check and grease the splines/driveshaft every 10,000 miles or so.

[Andy Cote]

Thanks for the feedback so far.  Please keep the comments coming.

I am not opposed to a 195 or even the 175 Austone or even an Avon MT so please share why you think these are the better choice or actual bad experiences with any.

And no, I have already picked out my preferred oil and filter and muffler bearings.  Just need rear tire info.

[Skinhead]

I love the Austone TT on my interstate, my only 2 complaints: 1] Taller tire, bottoms out when two up and hit a large bump, 2] makes bike lean over further on side stand ( use a shim under side stand to correct this).

[Valkorado]

I love the Austone TT on my interstate, my only 2 complaints: 1] Taller tire, bottoms out when two up and hit a large bump, 2] makes bike lean over further on side stand ( use a shim under side stand to correct this).

+1.  Love the handling characteristics of the Taxi Tire.  10k now, looks like easily that much left.  13" 440s helped the two-up bottoming, kickstand pad for the lean.

[Willow]

And no, I have already picked out my preferred oil and filter and muffler bearings.  Just need rear tire info.

If you've found something better than the OEM muffler bearings we're going to need to hear about that.

[Andy Cote]

UPDATE

So I nice gentlemen (Mr. Prez @ GL1800riders) donated a Falken 205/65-16 ZIEX 512.  Slipped that huge piece of rubber up there today.  Close but clears.  Only two miles up and down the road so far.

[old2soon]

UPDATE

So I nice gentlemen (Mr. Prez @ GL1800riders) donated a Falken 205/65-16 ZIEX 512.  Slipped that huge piece of rubber up there today.  Close but clears.  Only two miles up and down the road so far.

    I'm fairly certain you will be liking that tire.  The one I have is about ready for replacement and I might add it's replacement is currently-a Nexen N5000-is in my garage awaiting it's turn. I've run it in the heat and the cold and the dry and the rain and in all the regimes I've been in with the Falken  tire never gave me cause for concern. And I've felt just as comfortable at speeds-if caught at-would result in my immediate arrest and confinement. RIDE SAFE.

[flsix]

Recently put a Michelin Primacy on my IS and really like the handling characteristics of this tire. The more rounded profile of the tread makes transitioning from turns to straight line running a non issue.
I've found 42 PSI seems to be what works best for my riding style.

[cma1]

i recently had a dunlop elite 3 mounted on the rear to replace the one that had 22,000 miles on it, thats about as dark as i am going to go.

[PhredValk]

I've had 3 seasons on the Falken 205/65-16 ZIEX 512 and am very happy. Been to Ontario each of the last 3 years on it (6000 miles per year on that trip alone). Quiet, great in the rain, very smooth. Should last for some time yet, but will probably change it out next spring.
Fred.

[jajelinski]

Just installed an Austone taxi tire on my 99 standard Valkyrie. Initially got it to accommodate my sidecar but after a 100 mile solo (no sidecar) christening this morning I absolutely love how this tire handles.  I really couldn't tell the difference between it & my oem Dunlop in the twisties and it handled the highway way better.  Definitely a must for anyone with a Valkyrie rig & I would recommend it for non-hacked Valkyries as well

[BradValk48237]

Falken here....

6000+ miles and still looks new....

I only notice it on heavy grooved pavement......

Brad

[DarkSideR]

One option to consider. The Vredestein Sportrac 3. The tire had me at "Rounded Profile". Handles much better than the Goodyear Triple Tread.

[cma1]

like the oil threads, if you like car tires on a bike there are a zillion opinions on whats good, if you don't and choose to rum motorcycle tires on a motorcycle there are only a few choices, but no amount of convincing will change your mind.