Conclusion on Yokohama Advan A048

[MarkT]

Got this tire because I wanted to find a CT that had less of the bad handling that some have - like what I got from a GYTT.  The tire has rounded corners, a tread pattern that looks good, like a bike tire, and good reports from a couple riders.  Price - not so good.



I am pleased with the handling.  Bad behaviors are minimal, in fact I can drag pegs full lock in the parking lot doing Jerry Paladino's exercises. Almost none of the bad behaviors I experienced and reported on the GYTT, on my page at http://www.horseapple.com/Valkyrie/Tech_Tips/The_Darkside_-_Yea_or_Nay/the_darkside_-_yea_or_nay.html  I ran the tire with 34lbs and ride-on installed.  Ride is very smooth and cushy, grip is outstanding.

I have 3814 miles on the tire now and it's nearly shot.  Left side of the tire, tread is gone. Worst mileage I've ever heard of on tires put on a Valk.  This is like sport bike mileage.  OK, I can accept that as an experiment. At least I proved to my own satisfaction that the darkside can work if you are picky about handling and find the right tire.

I am going to try the Yokohana Advan Neova AD08 next.  It's tread depth is 9/32 rather than 6/32, and it's not a racing tire but high performance (v rated) so the compound should be a little harder for more life.  Profile looks about the same as the A048, and tread still looks something like a bike tire.  Price is $76 cheaper at $157.  I'll report here sometime later when I have some results.

[alph]

thanks for the report.  i was "considering" the A048.  not a big fan of the CT cult, i've tried the "darkside" and couldn't stand the unability to "roll" into turns.  i'll keep spending my money on a cycle tire and putting up with those guys telling me to "buy a car tire", and telling me how to vote......

[Rams]

Thanks for posting that tire report.  I'm going darkside at my next tire change.  Seriously considering going with that taxi tire but, I'm always interested to learn about other options.

[TJ]

You might want to try this tire...  I've tried a lotr of tires and this is the best by far....

[BF]

Thanks for the report Mark.  I can't wait to hear your report on that Advan Neova AD08.   

[Fritz The Cat]

thanks for the report.  i was "considering" the A048.  not a big fan of the CT cult, i've tried the "darkside" and couldn't stand the unability to "roll" into turns.  i'll keep spending my money on a cycle tire and putting up with those guys telling me to "buy a car tire", and telling me how to vote......

I recently put a Falken CT on the rear and rode her to the mountains. I experienced absolutely zero resistance rolling into turns. I've read a few comments where people have experienced this and I was on the lookout for it. Didn't experience it at all must be only certain CT's that do this.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Wow, Mark, you must have been hammering that tire.  Did you get the Medium compound or the Medium Hard?  I have the Medium/Hard compound.  I have about 7,000 miles on mine, figure I can get another 2-3000 out of it.  Look forward to hearing you opinion on the other Yoko.  It doesnt look quite as rounded as the A048 but still looks nice.  Keep me posted. 

[Michvalk]

If I only got 10,000 miles on a car tire, I would stick with the bike tire. The only reason, for me, to have a car tire is extended mileage. Altho the tire I have on my bike handles great on blacktop, rutted gravel makes the bike a real handful. I live 3/4 mile down a gravel road, so I ride gravel every day. I have 12,000 miles on my c/t and looks new. Oh, and I only have about 100.00 bucks invested including mounting

[MarkT]

Wow, Mark, you must have been hammering that tire.  Did you get the Medium compound or the Medium Hard?  I have the Medium/Hard compound.  I have about 7,000 miles on mine, figure I can get another 2-3000 out of it.  Look forward to hearing you opinion on the other Yoko.  It doesnt look quite as rounded as the A048 but still looks nice.  Keep me posted. 

Medium Hard.  Yeah I push it a little, but no breaking it loose or braking hard enough to slide.  Drag the pegs frequently - in fact I like taking corners at least that fast - Usually drag the bottom edge of the turnouts too. (They wouldn't drag if they weren't turnouts.)  It's OK, I know a guy who makes great exhausts, I'm thinkin I'll wear my pipes down then get a 5" set with Organ Pipes and Crossfire.  Love the look of those Organ Pipes and I don't have a set for Deerslayer.

I'll run this tire for a while yet - When I can see cord, it's time to change it.

[old2soon]

I have the Falken Ziex 512 205-65-16. Had a General Altimax before the Falken. Like and liking the Falken a whole bunch better. No problem leaning it into a curve. Had to work the General a little harder to get it leaned over for me. Guess that's part of the reason there be so many choices out there-we all be different!!    RIDE SAFE.

[fudgie]

couldn't stand the unability to "roll" into turns. 

Maybe you should work on your upper body strength.  J/K! 

[RDKLL]

Did you ever mount the  Yokohana Advan Neova AD08. I am looking at that as well. Thanks in advance

[MarkT]

Use the search fn.  I reported on it here.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I switched to the Neova also. I like it better than the Advan 048.