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Author Topic: My new darkside tire - Champiro  (Read 15938 times)
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Maggie Valley, NC


« on: September 28, 2016, 11:50:12 AM »



https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-60r16-100a1545-tires?stmodel=champiro-vp1&stcategory=all-season&sttype=passenger&gclid=Cj0KEQjw4827BRDJvpbVuKvx-rIBEiQA2_CzsCy1_J74jQXNNZqvDmrq5n-kbY_o1RYjl1pWFUaYJSEaAqD28P8HAQ



The Champiro has slightly more rounded shoulders compared to the Goodyear.
« Last Edit: October 17, 2017, 08:56:56 AM by Britman » Logged
Gavin_Sons
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VRCC# 32796

columbus indiana


« Reply #1 on: September 28, 2016, 01:41:06 PM »

Good looking tire, may be my next one
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gordonv
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VRCC # 31419

Richmond BC


« Reply #2 on: September 28, 2016, 07:25:44 PM »

Not only rounded sides, but not completely flat either. Nice tire.

I like the tread pattern.

What size did you get and is it available in?
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1999 Black with custom paint IS

mark81
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Cincinnati Ohio


« Reply #3 on: September 28, 2016, 08:04:46 PM »

I had that tire around 10,000 miles on my bike. Ran 38-40 psi. Great traction great handling not the mileage i would expect from reports of others with car tires. But it was 10k of hard acceleration, pulling a trailer, dragging pegs in the twisties, or all of the above. I was pleased with it as my first darkside tire

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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #4 on: September 28, 2016, 08:41:39 PM »

I had that tire around 10,000 miles on my bike. Ran 38-40 psi. Great traction great handling not the mileage i would expect from reports of others with car tires. But it was 10k of hard acceleration, pulling a trailer, dragging pegs in the twisties, or all of the above. I was pleased with it as my first darkside tire


yeah 10k ain't much. I don't get near the mileage some guys do. But I've been getting 13-18k out of yokohamas and nexens.
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mark81
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Cincinnati Ohio


« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2016, 08:52:46 PM »

I could have gotten a couple thousand more out of it but it was time to pull it for service and figured while it was apart why not it wont last till next time
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1997 Honda Valkyrie
1981 Honda CB750 Custom
The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2016, 09:44:38 PM »

I could have gotten a couple thousand more out of it but it was time to pull it for service and figured while it was apart why not it wont last till next time
Yeah, we never seem to get everything out of them. I've got to haul off 5 or 6 tires that each have miles left on them and I thought I might use.
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Hooter
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S.W. Michigan


« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2016, 03:33:33 AM »

I like the overall shape of the tire. Edges being that rounded should prove to handle well. Anything with a nut cage mod?
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #8 on: September 29, 2016, 05:12:02 AM »

I had that tire around 10,000 miles on my bike. Ran 38-40 psi. Great traction great handling not the mileage i would expect from reports of others with car tires. But it was 10k of hard acceleration, pulling a trailer, dragging pegs in the twisties, or all of the above. I was pleased with it as my first darkside tire




I believe it was your post that encouraged me to buy the tire.

10,000 miles sounds good for the price. Compared to the Shinko Journey for $122.00 which would have have lasted close to 7,500 miles if I'd kept it on my bike.
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #9 on: September 29, 2016, 05:13:19 AM »

Not only rounded sides, but not completely flat either. Nice tire.

I like the tread pattern.

What size did you get and is it available in?

205-60-16

As to other sizes you'd have to plug in the size you need to see if it's available.
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PharmBoy
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Lawton, Ok


« Reply #10 on: September 29, 2016, 06:10:53 AM »

I put the same tire on my I/S about two months ago and now have over 3500 happy miles on it.  It handles well in all situations so far and has less problems at low speeds than any car tire that I've tried. I have not had it over 90 mph, but I wouldn't anticipate any problems at higher speeds. I have come to the conclusion that my days of 100+ mph are over, even though I do enjoy cruise speeds of 75-80 where road conditions permit and those speeds are not too much over the speed limit...Jim Smiley
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #11 on: September 29, 2016, 08:33:26 AM »

Putting the rear wheel back on I've come to my favorite hassle. Trying to get the rear brake plate into the gap between the spacer and the swing arm.

Had the same problem last year and my brain WILL NOT remember how I managed to squeeze the darn thing into place.


Suggestions welcome.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #12 on: September 29, 2016, 10:16:13 AM »

Putting the rear wheel back on I've come to my favorite hassle. Trying to get the rear brake plate into the gap between the spacer and the swing arm.

Had the same problem last year and my brain WILL NOT remember how I managed to squeeze the darn thing into place.


Suggestions welcome.
For me it seems the best way is to get everything in place excluding the bracket for the brake. Put the axle all the way thru everything , pull the wheel all the way in. With a jack or some support under the tire pull the axle out just enough to give room for the bracket to go in. Then slide axle back thru. Having the brake pads already spread out helps.
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Fazer
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West Chester (Cincinnati), Ohio


« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2016, 01:28:13 PM »

That spring looks like it goes below the pads.  Daniel Meyer showed us how to change pads at Inzane last year.  He took out the bolts that hold the caliper in place and rotated it up on the axlw to get to the pads.  I do not remember if the pin needs to come out as well, but there has been much written about said pin and how to fix what is there.  Come to think of it, I do think it has to come out.  I believe there is an allen headed screw covering the pin itself.  After you get that out, a well fitting screw driver is needed to remove the pin.  Tapping the screwdriver with a hammer a couple of times will help loosen.  Daniel stressed using anti seize on the pin threads when re-assembling.

At least you should not have to remove the axle.
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2016, 01:40:07 PM »

That spring looks like it goes below the pads.  Daniel Meyer showed us how to change pads at Inzane last year.  He took out the bolts that hold the caliper in place and rotated it up on the axlw to get to the pads.  I do not remember if the pin needs to come out as well, but there has been much written about said pin and how to fix what is there.  Come to think of it, I do think it has to come out.  I believe there is an allen headed screw covering the pin itself.  After you get that out, a well fitting screw driver is needed to remove the pin.  Tapping the screwdriver with a hammer a couple of times will help loosen.  Daniel stressed using anti seize on the pin threads when re-assembling.

At least you should not have to remove the axle.

It's a flat head screw covering an allen bolt.

I have my anti seize waiting to be applied.
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Mallett
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« Reply #15 on: October 01, 2016, 05:23:17 AM »

I run a Yokohama...love it...just enough round edge to work will in the twisties

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Dusty
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Mill Bay B.C.


« Reply #16 on: October 03, 2016, 04:04:21 AM »

That spring looks like it goes below the pads.  Daniel Meyer showed us how to change pads at Inzane last year.  He took out the bolts that hold the caliper in place and rotated it up on the axlw to get to the pads.  I do not remember if the pin needs to come out as well, but there has been much written about said pin and how to fix what is there.  Come to think of it, I do think it has to come out.  I believe there is an allen headed screw covering the pin itself.  After you get that out, a well fitting screw driver is needed to remove the pin.  Tapping the screwdriver with a hammer a couple of times will help loosen.  Daniel stressed using anti seize on the pin threads when re-assembling.

At least you should not have to remove the axle.

It's a flat head screw covering an allen bolt.

I have my anti seize waiting to be applied.

I had to use a heat gun to warm up my brake casting to get the flat head screw out. I used a paint stripper gun to carefully heat the area but my screw head was  buggered by the time it was out. I had used anti seize the last time I did brakes  but it is not a very nice environment down there. I also clamped vice grips on the screw driver to get more leverage.

Dusty
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #17 on: October 03, 2016, 05:01:15 AM »

That spring looks like it goes below the pads.  Daniel Meyer showed us how to change pads at Inzane last year.  He took out the bolts that hold the caliper in place and rotated it up on the axlw to get to the pads.  I do not remember if the pin needs to come out as well, but there has been much written about said pin and how to fix what is there.  Come to think of it, I do think it has to come out.  I believe there is an allen headed screw covering the pin itself.  After you get that out, a well fitting screw driver is needed to remove the pin.  Tapping the screwdriver with a hammer a couple of times will help loosen.  Daniel stressed using anti seize on the pin threads when re-assembling.

At least you should not have to remove the axle.

It's a flat head screw covering an allen bolt.

I have my anti seize waiting to be applied.

I had to use a heat gun to warm up my brake casting to get the flat head screw out. I used a paint stripper gun to carefully heat the area but my screw head was  buggered by the time it was out. I had used anti seize the last time I did brakes  but it is not a very nice environment down there. I also clamped vice grips on the screw driver to get more leverage.

Dusty

I fear that's the path I may have to follow  Angry
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #18 on: October 03, 2016, 05:11:56 AM »

It's the best car tire I have used.

I had a Cooper Zeon on my first Valkyrie

Didn't like it. Too square

I used a Hankook on my ST1300

Didn't like it. Too square

My current Valkyrie came with a Goodyear.

Didn't like it. Too square

This Champiro feels 95% like a bike tire.

There's a slight amount of wanting to go straight but NOTHING like the other tires used.

No concrete highway groove grabbing. But a little bit of input needed at 75mph to 95 mph. Could be the 42 psi. I'm going to drop to 40psi to see if that makes a difference. No input needed on blacktop.

Going fast thru the twisties I could feel a little lag going from right to left or of course left to right but nothing like the square profile tires used previously.

Tire with shipping was about $80 then $16 to get it put on.

All I need to do now is wait for a wet road to check adhesion  Shocked
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John Lane
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Marysville Wa.

Marysville, Wa.


« Reply #19 on: October 03, 2016, 07:48:34 AM »

I am on my 2nd Champiro, went 25k on the 1st one. Enjoy.
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John and Gina Lane
1998 Black Tourer
2013 F6B (Gina's)
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #20 on: October 09, 2016, 06:37:38 PM »

This tire is the one.

I will not be using a bike tire ever again.

Even felt great on 25 miles of forest roads today.
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #21 on: October 09, 2016, 06:38:48 PM »

What pressure are you using if you have a Champiro fitted?
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #22 on: November 06, 2016, 11:01:15 AM »

1,500 miles and I am completely satisfied with the tire.

40psi

Every type of road surface apart from off road single track.
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Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


WWW
« Reply #23 on: November 07, 2016, 09:31:48 AM »

That does it. I'm moving to the Darkside. It's a $250 ordeal for me to buy a motorcycle tire and have it installed so I'm gonna try this one. Wish me luck


Luke Skywalker: "I'll never turn to the Dark Side"
« Last Edit: November 07, 2016, 09:53:51 AM by Tfrank59 » Logged

-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
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Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #24 on: November 07, 2016, 11:15:01 AM »

That does it. I'm moving to the Darkside. It's a $250 ordeal for me to buy a motorcycle tire and have it installed so I'm gonna try this one. Wish me luck


Luke Skywalker: "I'll never turn to the Dark Side"

If I didn't think it was good I would say so.
I do not have any wet road experience with it. Frickin drought conditions here in N GA.
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pancho
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Bonanza Arkansas


« Reply #25 on: November 07, 2016, 11:22:38 AM »

That spring looks like it goes below the pads.  Daniel Meyer showed us how to change pads at Inzane last year.  He took out the bolts that hold the caliper in place and rotated it up on the axlw to get to the pads.  I do not remember if the pin needs to come out as well, but there has been much written about said pin and how to fix what is there.  Come to think of it, I do think it has to come out.  I believe there is an allen headed screw covering the pin itself.  After you get that out, a well fitting screw driver is needed to remove the pin.  Tapping the screwdriver with a hammer a couple of times will help loosen.  Daniel stressed using anti seize on the pin threads when re-assembling.

At least you should not have to remove the axle.

It's a flat head screw covering an allen bolt.

I have my anti seize waiting to be applied.

I had to use a heat gun to warm up my brake casting to get the flat head screw out. I used a paint stripper gun to carefully heat the area but my screw head was  buggered by the time it was out. I had used anti seize the last time I did brakes  but it is not a very nice environment down there. I also clamped vice grips on the screw driver to get more leverage.

Dusty

Even putting anti seize on it, that little cover screw is always much tighter than when I put it in!!  Every time.

Tfrank,,     after a couple of days you'll be wondering, what took me so long.
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The most expensive things you will purchase, are those things you would not have needed if you had listened and obeyed.
Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #26 on: November 07, 2016, 11:25:53 AM »

That does it. I'm moving to the Darkside. It's a $250 ordeal for me to buy a motorcycle tire and have it installed so I'm gonna try this one. Wish me luck


Luke Skywalker: "I'll never turn to the Dark Side"

If I didn't think it was good I would say so.
I do not have any wet road experience with it. Frickin drought conditions here in N GA.


just one thing before I pull the trigger...are there going to be any clearance issues (for ex. in the swingarm) fitting this tire on a stock 1998 tourer?
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-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
..
Member
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Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #27 on: November 07, 2016, 11:27:44 AM »

1,500 miles


« Last Edit: October 17, 2017, 09:00:18 AM by Britman » Logged
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Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #28 on: November 07, 2016, 11:29:02 AM »

That does it. I'm moving to the Darkside. It's a $250 ordeal for me to buy a motorcycle tire and have it installed so I'm gonna try this one. Wish me luck


Luke Skywalker: "I'll never turn to the Dark Side"

If I didn't think it was good I would say so.
I do not have any wet road experience with it. Frickin drought conditions here in N GA.


just one thing before I pull the trigger...are there going to be any clearance issues (for ex. in the swingarm) fitting this tire on a stock 1998 tourer?

I too have a 98 tourer. No problem.

I've chased sports bikes on the Cherohala Skyway - for a short while - bike felt firmly planted at some speeds which may have been frowned upon. Long sweepers and tight curves.

Peg scraping will happen.
« Last Edit: November 07, 2016, 11:31:45 AM by Britman » Logged
Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #29 on: November 07, 2016, 11:36:07 AM »

 OK thanks much.  Peg scraping because she sits a little lower?
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-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
..
Member
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Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #30 on: November 07, 2016, 11:46:37 AM »

OK thanks much.  Peg scraping because she sits a little lower?

Angle of bike. I use #5 on the rear shocks.
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Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #31 on: November 07, 2016, 11:48:47 AM »

OK thanks much.  Peg scraping because she sits a little lower?

Angle of bike. I use #5 on the rear shocks.

 OK I bought it. It's just over $72 delivered to my house, which is like a third of what I was paying for MT
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-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
..
Member
*****
Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #32 on: November 07, 2016, 11:58:44 AM »

OK thanks much.  Peg scraping because she sits a little lower?

Angle of bike. I use #5 on the rear shocks.

 OK I bought it. It's just over $72 delivered to my house, which is like a third of what I was paying for MT

I got mine fitted at an independent small tire place. Mr Sanchez has been fitting tires for me for years. I have to take wheel and tire to him.
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Tfrank59
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'98 Tourer

Western Washington


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« Reply #33 on: November 07, 2016, 04:13:17 PM »

yeah, Pep Boys, where I could have it delivered to doesn't do motorcycles.  kinda strange.  but I found a new place that will mount and balance for $15, so that's hard to beat.
« Last Edit: November 07, 2016, 04:15:10 PM by Tfrank59 » Logged

-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
Tfrank59
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Posts: 1364


'98 Tourer

Western Washington


WWW
« Reply #34 on: November 08, 2016, 05:07:10 AM »

It's the tire on the left

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-60r16-100a1545-tires?stmodel=champiro-vp1&stcategory=all-season&sttype=passenger&gclid=Cj0KEQjw4827BRDJvpbVuKvx-rIBEiQA2_CzsCy1_J74jQXNNZqvDmrq5n-kbY_o1RYjl1pWFUaYJSEaAqD28P8HAQ

Old Shinko Journey in the middle

And for comparison the Goodyear Assurance I took off the bike after I bought it.




The 2 car tires side by side



The Champiro has slightly more rounded shoulders compared to the Goodyear.


Do you know if your bike has had the nut cage removed from the fender segment? Reason being in Daniel Myers write up he notes that it does need to be removed unless your tire is a 205/55/16.   No big deal I intend to remove it anyways but just wondering.
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-Tom

Keep the rubber side down.  USMC '78-'84
'98 Valkyrie, ‘02 VTX 1800, '96 Royal Star, '06 Drifter, '09 Bonneville, '10 KTM 530, '04 XR 650, '76 Bultaco, '81 CR 450, '78 GS 750...
..
Member
*****
Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #35 on: November 08, 2016, 05:27:47 AM »

It's the tire on the left

https://simpletire.com/gt-radial-p205-60r16-100a1545-tires?stmodel=champiro-vp1&stcategory=all-season&sttype=passenger&gclid=Cj0KEQjw4827BRDJvpbVuKvx-rIBEiQA2_CzsCy1_J74jQXNNZqvDmrq5n-kbY_o1RYjl1pWFUaYJSEaAqD28P8HAQ

Old Shinko Journey in the middle

And for comparison the Goodyear Assurance I took off the bike after I bought it.




The 2 car tires side by side



The Champiro has slightly more rounded shoulders compared to the Goodyear.


Do you know if your bike has had the nut cage removed from the fender segment? Reason being in Daniel Myers write up he notes that it does need to be removed unless your tire is a 205/55/16.   No big deal I intend to remove it anyways but just wondering.


I don't know.
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Bone
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« Reply #36 on: November 08, 2016, 06:37:16 AM »

I'm on my 2nd GYTT on a 98 Tourer I did take the nut cage off before my 1st CT.
The GYTT is a 205/60 that rides very close to the swing arm tube I can slide a credit card  between the tube and tire. I think the cage needs to be removed mine is gone so I can't give you the distance measurement.
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pancho
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Bonanza Arkansas


« Reply #37 on: November 08, 2016, 10:21:03 AM »

I was going to go with a Yokohama envigor when I change out the  Vredestein sportrac 3, but I really like the looks of the profile on this tire,,,   I wonder if it will still keep the rounded look in a few thousand miles?

looks good at 1500
« Last Edit: November 08, 2016, 10:29:34 AM by pancho » Logged

The most expensive things you will purchase, are those things you would not have needed if you had listened and obeyed.
Icelander
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Snohomish, WA


« Reply #38 on: November 08, 2016, 01:14:12 PM »

My 98 was too close for comfort with the nut-cages in. I took them off just to make sure.

Tfrank59: I'm in Snohomish if you want an extra pair of hands to help do the R&R.
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1998 Valkyrie Tourer.

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Chrisj CMA
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Crestview (Panhandle) Florida


« Reply #39 on: November 08, 2016, 01:50:32 PM »

Theres no way I would go to a car tire and only get 10,000 miles.  I get twice that on a M/C tire every time.
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