The Dark Side

[Maxx]

All,
Have been riding my 98 tourer since 01 and have decided to try the dark side this year. Read a ton on the subject but no recent posts. I went with a Kelly Charger gt 205/60R16.
Can I get some feedback?

[Paxton]

You purchased the correct size. You'll probably hear that this tire or that tire or the other tire is better
than the one you bought.

I went by the lowest price tire. Did not even see it until they delivered to the shop.
Size: 205/65/16; a tiny taller than yours.

I'd say, get the right air pressure for your taste. I started at 28 PSI, I am up to 40 PSI.
Then, go ride her like you stole it!

RIDE SAFE

[Gavin_Sons]

Im on my second ct. Will never go back to a mc tire unless im forced to do so. Running an yokohoma advid enviger 205 60 16 now.

[HayHauler]

It looks like a pretty square profile to me, but it won't hurt to try it.  DS'rs usually look for a tire with a more rounded profile, one without such sharp corners.

http://www.goodyearautoservice.com/product/tires/charger-gt/pc/637/155159.uts

This is the General Altimax that many Valk riders use and like.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=General&tireModel=Altimax+HP&partnum=06VR6AMAXHP

Hay  
Jimmyt

[valkyran97]

Mine was ds when I got her. Took some getting use to but I like it. Did have to do nut cage mod. Problem was when riding with passenger. Tire pressure and  put some miles on her

[PhredValk]

I'm still on my first CT, over 30K miles. I won't go back. Falken Ziex ZE-512 205/65R-16
New



I'm getting the same tire this year. At 70 MPH it's bang on 3K RPM, the sweet spot for gas mileage.
Fred.

[cajundood]

I run the Falken ZIEX as well.  switched about a year ago. LOVE IT!!!!
  GET USED TO THE TIRE!!! 
 When I first installed mine, I took the bike over to the church parking lot and did figure 8's for about 20 minutes to get used to the tire, then I went and found the absolute worst road i could and rode it to get used to how it reacts so that theres no surprises.

I found out some info on Darkside tires from my buddy who owns a Honda dealership:
Change out the tire every 20,000 miles whether its worn or not. The sidewalls weaken and will give way after prolonged usage. It won't blow out on you but the sidewalls WILL separate. He's told me of a few instances where this has happened.

[0leman]

I just had a HydroEdge removed at 30K, no sign of sidewall problems.  Could have gone a few more miles, but need to do rear end maintenance.

I did find that I had run over a small nail, must have been there a long time as it was wore down..  Tread was thick enough that it didn't go all the way thru, small dimple on inside.   If I had had a MC tire, I would have had a flat.

[Fla. Jim]

I just had a HydroEdge removed at 30K, no sign of sidewall problems.  Could have gone a few more miles, but need to do rear end maintenance.

I did find that I had run over a small nail, must have been there a long time as it was wore down..  Tread was thick enough that it didn't go all the way thru, small dimple on inside.   If I had had a MC tire, I would have had a flat.

Curious I usualy ride single on my tourer and am also running the Hydroedge  205/65/16 at 30k and still have over 5/32nds of tread left. I am running in mid to low 20 lbs and mostly straight flat roads.  What was your specs?

[0leman]

Curious I usualy ride single on my tourer and am also running the Hydroedge  205/65/16 at 30k and still have over 5/32nds of tread left. I am running in mid to low 20 lbs and mostly straight flat roads.  What was your specs?

I am not a heavy weight, around 220 lbs., and have ridden about half the 30k miles two up.  I ran 30 lbs in the tire and don't ride really aggressively.  I do have some curves, mostly 55 mph roads.   I believe the road surfaces around here eat up tires.   They use a lot of chip coating, which is great during the winter for traction.  Several of the bike owners around here have experienced the same result.  Tires wear out faster.  I am happy with 10k out of front tire, every so often I get 12.

[Fla. Jim]

Well with the view comes the tire wear I guess... Sure looks good to this flatlander, one day will have to visit out there.

[sonofscrooge]

Good day to you all. I'm fairly new to the Valk (1 year) and am still learning.

I'm fascinated with this thread. I'm not one who could change a tire on his own so I have a simple (probably stupid) question. Would most shops install one of these for me if I purchased the tire or would the shy away from the job?

Thanks -

[HayHauler]

Most motorcycle and auto shops won't mount it for you... It's the flaming death thing....They don't want the liability.   An independent tire or motorcycle shop will do it for you most of the time without any problems.

Jose mounts mine for $10 and charges $2 to get rid of the old tire.  I give him $15.

Hay  
Jimmyt

[sonofscrooge]

Thanks for the info. Now I have a direction to go in if I decide to make the plunge.

I would just have to get up the courage to take the wheel off myself.

[Stone_Lake]

I purchased the Austone Taxi tire, 175R16 and have put just over 1,000 miles on it.
So far, So good.

[PhredValk]

I couldn't find a tire or MC shop to mount mine, but a quad shop (Cooper Bros in Edmonton) said they didn't care what tire and rim I want, as long as the tire fits, they'll do it.
Fred.

[Wewaman]

Also been told that you can tell them it goes on a trailer.

Go to Shoptalk and watch the slide show

Rear end service by ChrisJ. 
I did mine for the first time by myself and it really is quite simple,  let's just say if I can do it then so can you..  Don't worry there is ALWAYS help here by very experienced Gurus .  Dive on in, you'll be fine.

Wewa