My new darkside tire - Champiro

[..]

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.

The joy of flat roads and no hills?

[Chrisj CMA]

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.

The joy of flat roads and no hills?

Arent roads supposed to be flat?

[..]

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.

The joy of flat roads and no hills?

Arent roads supposed to be flat?

 

[MarkT]

That tire looks a lot like the Austone.  I'd expect it to have similar handling, likely a bit worse because it's wider. The Austone is 175 wide.

[Tfrank59]

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.

 Thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it.

Here's a confession, I've had my rear wheel off several times and I've never  taken off the fender, so this will be a first. I'm going to go ahead and cut those nut cages just because it sounds like they're going to be in the way of this wider tire. most likely be making it a winter project so no hurry.

 I got to admit that I'm a bit anxious about the handling of a car tire, because I've never done one before. But what pushed me over the edge is that I only got about 10 or 11,000 out of this  latest  motorcycle tire and that is unacceptable especially considering the higher cost.

[..]

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.

 Thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it.

Here's a confession, I've had my rear wheel off several times and I've never  taken off the fender, so this will be a first. I'm going to go ahead and cut those nut cages just because it sounds like they're going to be in the way of this wider tire. most likely be making it a winter project so no hurry.

 I got to admit that I'm a bit anxious about the handling of a car tire, because I've never done one before. But what pushed me over the edge is that I only got about 10 or 11,000 out of this  latest  motorcycle tire and that is unacceptable especially considering the higher cost.

With this tire you will notice a little resistance from going in a straight line at just moving of speed. After that it's all good.

Are you an aggressive rider scraping pegs on every curve no matter the speed?

[Tfrank59]

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.

 Thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it.

Here's a confession, I've had my rear wheel off several times and I've never  taken off the fender, so this will be a first. I'm going to go ahead and cut those nut cages just because it sounds like they're going to be in the way of this wider tire. most likely be making it a winter project so no hurry.

 I got to admit that I'm a bit anxious about the handling of a car tire, because I've never done one before. But what pushed me over the edge is that I only got about 10 or 11,000 out of this  latest  motorcycle tire and that is unacceptable especially considering the higher cost.

With this tire you will notice a little resistance from going in a straight line at just moving of speed. After that it's all good.

Are you an aggressive rider scraping pegs on every curve no matter the speed?

 No I wouldn't call myself an aggressive rider.  I've never scraped my pegs (Well I have on my other bike it has floorboards ha ha), and truth be told I really love the way my Valk handles right now with the motorcycle tire on the rear but I'm willing to try going dark side again just because of cost

[..]

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.

 Thanks for the offer, I might take you up on it.

Here's a confession, I've had my rear wheel off several times and I've never  taken off the fender, so this will be a first. I'm going to go ahead and cut those nut cages just because it sounds like they're going to be in the way of this wider tire. most likely be making it a winter project so no hurry.

 I got to admit that I'm a bit anxious about the handling of a car tire, because I've never done one before. But what pushed me over the edge is that I only got about 10 or 11,000 out of this  latest  motorcycle tire and that is unacceptable especially considering the higher cost.

With this tire you will notice a little resistance from going in a straight line at just moving of speed. After that it's all good.

Are you an aggressive rider scraping pegs on every curve no matter the speed?

 No I wouldn't call myself an aggressive rider.  I've never scraped my pegs (Well I have on my other bike it has floorboards ha ha), and truth be told I really love the way my Valk handles right now with the motorcycle tire on the rear but I'm willing to try going dark side again just because of cost

In that case it should feel 95% like a bike tire.

This tire doesn't follow rain grooves. I tried it on a road that had two long strips of relaid blacktop in my lane. I deliberately rode the join and it felt fine. Previous car tires  I've used (and took off) wanted to wander left/right/left along the join.

[Tfrank59]

Thanks that's good to know and reassuring

[Tfrank59]

well my CT arrived today and boy is it wide!   I threw a tape measure on it and it's exactly half an inch wider than the MT i got on my bike right now, but I realize once mounted and inflated the car tire will skinny up a bit. I hope so because as it is it will probably rub on the driveshaft housing.

[..]

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.

Tire good?
OR
Tire bad?

[Tfrank59]

I haven't mounted it yet--still some life in my MC tire.  I'll get to it over the winter and hopefully the CT won't rub on the swing arm, as it's 1/2" wider than the MC tire that's on there, and the clearance right now seems to be around 1/4".

[The emperor has no clothes]

I haven't mounted it yet--still some life in my MC tire.  I'll get to it over the winter and hopefully the CT won't rub on the swing arm, as it's 1/2" wider than the MC tire that's on there, and the clearance right now seems to be around 1/4".

I'm sure it will be fine. I've run 3 sizes. 205/60, 206/65, 195/60 and none have rubbed. 

[sixlow]

I imagine the Champiro and the Yokohama feel very similar, here is a pic of the Yoko, love it, nut cage a must with any 205 width tire i believe.

[Pappy!]

TFrank - This may help you as well.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65849.0.html

[N0tac0p]

and how do you go about finding someone who will put a darkside on?!

[The emperor has no clothes]

and how do you go about finding someone who will put a darkside on?!

I do mine myself. Just ask. Check Craiglist also.

[..]

and how do you go about finding someone who will put a darkside on?!

I take my wheels and new tires to a local independent tire guy. He charges me $15.

[ValkISDan]

I just picked up a Champiro on eBay for $68 delivered. Looks like the edges are considerably more rounded than my current car tire. I did notice one difference on the Champiro tires online, they had different side wall ratings. I went with the softer, not sure it makes much of a difference on the bike.

[Tfrank59]

TFrank - This may help you as well.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65849.0.html

 Hey thanks for that link. Believe it or not I just now got the girl up on the lift and I am finally going to have the tire changed and try out this new dark sider. I got to do that nut cage modification and the truth is I've never taken my rear fender off even though I'm on my fourth tire now .

[..]

Happy Champiro foot pegs

[Jess from VA]

TFrank - This may help you as well.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65849.0.html

 Hey thanks for that link. Believe it or not I just now got the girl up on the lift and I am finally going to have the tire changed and try out this new dark sider. I got to do that nut cage modification and the truth is I've never taken my rear fender off even though I'm on my fourth tire now .

There's no need to take off the lower fender half, if you don't want to.  Once the tire/wheel is off (on the lift), just slide up underneath and do the nut cage mod.  On the bike, everything is secured for working; off the bike, the fender is rolling around (and you're not going to put it in a vice).  And remember, depending on if you use a power tool (dremel, cut wheel), lengthy use will build up heat and can screw up your paint on the outside.  I can't remember which side, but one side (on each nut cage), bending back and forth snaps the tac weld off pretty clean (metal fatigue), but the other side had like two tac welds, and it took more cutting (and grinding-sanding sharp edges) to get it off.  Dab paint on bare parts left over.

[..]

5,000 miles

[98valk]

5,000 miles

nice! 

[..]

6,000 miles



Center has worn a tad more than sides. I had it at 38psi. I've reduced it to 36psi to try to counter the premature wear.

[Bassfisher]

The draw to the dark side was too much for me (but hopefully the cookies will be chocolate chip)  I mounted my tire last night.  Prolonged story,  my MC tire caught a nail sideways and the tire was unusable.   Decided to go dark.   My buddy that has an Interstate came over to help me pull off the old one.  I have had the bike approx. one year now and I'm the 3rd owner.  As the rust started to fall out, we both realized that the splines would not be pretty.   They were sooo bad (maybe  1/64 left on the teeth on both the flange and inside the pumpkin).  I don't think it ever had anything done to the drive train (as in lubrication)  since the it left the factory (63,000 miles). Thank goodness they lasted as long as they did.  Needless to say, the search began and I was able to get a used rear end from one of the great member's on here.  When I received my items, they looked brand new.  Basically it was a total rebuild from the swing arm back.   Thanks for the various information from other owners (the dampeners in the freezer overnight really made that part easy).   And this time lots of moly lube everywhere.  I was able to get the tire mounted on the wheel (and the old one disposed of) for $20 as a local tire shop  (not one of the bike shops around this area would touch it).   Dynabeads should be here today for balancing (before anyone jumps on this - yes  I've had great success with Dynabeads on my GW)   I have to mount some new hard bags tonight, so I get to do some bolt cutting to insure that there will be no rubbing with the new mounting bolts for the bags (and I did the cage nut procedure)    Hopefully maybe get to get it out on the street in the next couple days to get used to the new ride

[The emperor has no clothes]

The draw to the dark side was too much for me (but hopefully the cookies will be chocolate chip)  I mounted my tire last night.  Prolonged story,  my MC tire caught a nail sideways and the tire was unusable.   Decided to go dark.   My buddy that has an Interstate came over to help me pull off the old one.  I have had the bike approx. one year now and I'm the 3rd owner.  As the rust started to fall out, we both realized that the splines would not be pretty.   They were sooo bad that (maybe  1/64 left on the teeth on both the flange and inside the pumpkin).  I don't think it anything on the drive train has ever been lubricated since the it left the factory. Thank goodness they lasted as long as they did (60K miles).  Needless to say, the search began and I was able to get a used rear end from one of the great member's on here.  When I received my items, they looked brand new.  Basically it was a total rebuild from the swing arm back.   Thanks for the various information from other owners (the dampeners in the freezer overnight really made that part easy).   And this time lots of moly lube everywhere.  I was able to get the tire mounted on the wheel (and the old one disposed of) for $20 as a local tire shop  (not one of the bike shops around this area would touch it).   Dynabeads should be here today for balancing (before anyone jumps on this - yes  I've had great success with Dynabeads on my GW)   I have to mount some new hard bags tonight, so I get to do some bolt cutting to insure that there will be no rubbing with the new mounting bolts for the bags (and I did the cage nut procedure)    Hopefully maybe get to get it out on the street in the next couple days to get used to the new ride

So, which tire did you go with ?

[Bassfisher]

A Douglas    Ill have to look at the model

Just an update -  I have only got the mounting brackets on for the new hard bags,  but have finally ridden the bike with the car tire.   I installed Dynabeads and inflated the tire to 38 PSI.  After riding around the block to see how it would feel, I was very impressed.    Like many have said,  it only took a few miles to get the hang it.    I have about 40 miles on it now and really liking it. 


Thanks for all the advise

[..]

7000 miles

[f6john]

How does the 205-60 size affect the engine rpm a cruising speeds, more, less, the same?

[Jess from VA]

A (205) 60 16 is as close to the OE 180 70 16 as any car tire can be, diameter wise.  RPMs about the same.  It is often reported that a 65 is 200 RPMs slower (including the Austone Taxi tire 175), and a 55 is about 200 RPMs faster than the stock 180/70 or a 60 CT.  And the 65s and 55s can supposedly affect MPG a little bit, and also the speedos on Stds and Tourers.

[98valk]

A (205) 60 16 is as close to the OE 180 70 16 as any car tire can be, diameter wise.  RPMs about the same.  It is often reported that a 65 is 200 RPMs slower (including the Austone Taxi tire 175), and a 55 is about 200 RPMs faster than the stock 180/70 or a 60 CT.  And the 65s and 55s can supposedly affect MPG a little bit, and also the speedos on Stds and Tourers.

front tire affects speedos on std/tourers.  rear tire rpm only.  I'm running a 205/65 rpms down ~200rpm seeing ~2 mpg better. other posters w/TT are down ~300rpm.

[Jess from VA]

A (205) 60 16 is as close to the OE 180 70 16 as any car tire can be, diameter wise.  RPMs about the same.  It is often reported that a 65 is 200 RPMs slower (including the Austone Taxi tire 175), and a 55 is about 200 RPMs faster than the stock 180/70 or a 60 CT.  And the 65s and 55s can supposedly affect MPG a little bit, and also the speedos on Stds and Tourers.

front tire affects speedos on std/tourers.  rear tire rpm only.  I'm running a 205/65 rpms down ~200rpm seeing ~2 mpg better. other posters w/TT are down ~300rpm.

Yeah that's a big whoops. 

[..]

I can report that the tire handles well at speed and hard cornering.

Chased a Corvette and Mustang over the Cherohala Skyway yesterday using 3rd and 4th gear between 4,000 and 6,500 rpm.

The tire stuck like whatsit to a blanket.

[..]

10,500 miles

[..]

Now at 11,500 miles compared to about 7,500 to 8,000 on a Shinko Journey.

Tire has shown itself to be a good companion at peg scraping speed on the mountain roads and  highway zooming and during a frog choker.

[98valk]

looks like another 12k should be no problem. 

[..]

and how do you go about finding someone who will put a darkside on?!

I take my wheels and new tires to a local independent tire guy. He charges me $15.

New owner and now it costs $20.

[..]

12,500 miles

[Cracker Jack]

You need to be spending more time on them "chicken strips".