DARKSIDE evaluation

[Clark]

all I can say is.. I AINT NEVER GOIN BACK.. and here's why.. MUCH better braking capability with 7 inches of rubber on the road vs 3 inches... MUCH better stability in crosswinds for same reason as above.. less $$$ to purchase..and from what I have read 3-4 times the mileage b4 replacing AND le$$ than a mc tire.. as far as handling goes.. a teeny bit more attention is needed at parking lot speeds.. and a small amount more counter steering needed in the twisties..HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.. but not for paranoids or sissies.. jus sayin

[..]

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-Safety/braking-tips.htm

[Gear Jammer]

I turned a Winger friend to the Darkside today.    Awaiting his evaluation 

[fudgie]

I knew you were smart!

[BF]

.. as far as handling goes.. a teeny bit more attention is needed at parking lot speeds.. and a small amount more counter steering needed in the twisties.... jus sayin

So......it's sorta like riding on a mc tire that's low on air then.  

[Clark]

I knew you were smart!

yer my new bestest friend

[Bob E.]

I run a car tire for economic reasons only.  The tire I run lasts nearly twice as long as a MC tire and costs half the price.  So total cost is about 1/4 the cost of MC tires.  Performance wise, I prefer the feeling of the MC tire.

[Clark]

I run a car tire for economic reasons only.  The tire I run lasts nearly twice as long as a MC tire and costs half the price.  So total cost is about 1/4 the cost of MC tires.  Performance wise, I prefer the feeling of the MC tire.
[/quote.. butttttt....yer sayin its worth it right???????

[Bob E.]

I run a car tire for economic reasons only.  The tire I run lasts nearly twice as long as a MC tire and costs half the price.  So total cost is about 1/4 the cost of MC tires.  Performance wise, I prefer the feeling of the MC tire.

.. butttttt....yer sayin its worth it right???????

My financial situation being what it is right now, yes it is worth the sacrifice in performance/feel.  That's why I just replaced my worn-out car tire with another car tire.  However, if money gets a little more available (not likely any time soon with 3 kids...all girls...and a wife), I'd go back.  When I ride my Dad's 1500 wing, I'm reminded of the difference every time.

[Clark]

its weird but I found that if i get off another bike and back onto my darkside bike its not as noticable as when i get off the darkside bike and onto a mc. tire bike..

[old2soon]

I liked it as soon as i put it on. I've got over 16000 miles on my D/S choice and i DO NOT see me going back anytime soon. I really don't notice that big or any difference in the handling(read twistys) dept or the slow speed parking lot stuff. I also realize it aint fer everyone. But i am convinced-even if i didn't git no dad burn cookie. RIDE SAFE.

[Mo Lee]

all I can say is.. I AINT NEVER GOIN BACK.. and here's why.. MUCH better braking capability with 7 inches of rubber on the road vs 3 inches... MUCH better stability in crosswinds for same reason as above.. less $$$ to purchase..and from what I have read 3-4 times the mileage b4 replacing AND le$$ than a mc tire.. as far as handling goes.. a teeny bit more attention is needed at parking lot speeds.. and a small amount more counter steering needed in the twisties..HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.. but not for paranoids or sissies.. jus sayin

I agree 1000%

[Jabba]

When i went DS about 3 years ago... I was skeptical.  Honestly, when I did it, I hit the tire pressure perfect on the first guess, and I could barely tell the difference.  After 1000 miles or so... I could notice it a little bit.  Falken 912 205/60/16

When I went DS on my IS 2 years ago... it was a different story.  General Altimax, 205/60/16 and it was VERY noticeable.  I had to play and search for the sweet spot in the tire pressure, and it took a couple thousand miles to get the tire "broke in".  I am not sure that happens or if I just got used to it, but it got better. 

I like the idea of the DS tire on the IS because as I figure it, when loaded and with my SO we're a 1400+ lb rig rolling down the road.  I feel better about the load rating on the DS tire than I did about the MC tire.

Plus all the afore mentioned advantages.  I don't think the DS tire is BETTER.  And it ain't for EVERYONE.  But I like it and don't plan a return. 

I have ridden Squealy's new to him 99 tourer a little lately, and it got a MC tire.  There are barely noticeable differences.

Jabba