Went to the Fla. District GWRRA rally, was criticized over my C/T. :)

[John Schmidt]

Was held outside Mickey The Rat's domain at one of the few dozen overpriced hotels in that area. Went mostly to see if my back could handle a ride, spasms been pretty fierce lately but all went well. When I pulled into the pkg. lot and was locking my stuff up, some Wingers strolled by and stopped to look. Suddenly one guy started in with the usual "flaming death" diatribe re. my c/t. So while I was locking up the helmet, etc., I just smiled and asked if he had ever ridden on one. "H*** no, and never will, most dangerous thing anyone has ever done....yadayada, etc." You all know the routine. So I queried him as to how he could possibly know how they handle if he's never ridden one. "Don't have to, to know it's dangerous." So I told him he reminded me of my Child Psychology professor in college. "Oh yeah, how's that?" I told him she was a 62 yr. old spinster, never married or had any children, yet was spouting what someone else had written as gospel. Myself and a few other class members were married and had kids, leading us to joke about some of the stuff being thrust down our throats. "So my friend, there's another example of someone handing out all kinds of advice but no personal experience.....such as yourself." His answer..."well, I'm a safety instructor and blah, blah, blah."  I said "fine, but when it comes to c/t's on a bike you don't know squat."  He got a little irritated when most of the others with him started to chuckle, and gave me some nice comments on the bike. The "know it all" just walked away by himself while I had a nice chat with the half dozen or so still standing there.

And....the back did fine, no spasms at least. Just stiff and sore.

[old2soon]

Had a service mgr at a rival dealership tell me about the same thing.  Course when he told me I had a lot of bling in my hands I WUZ gonna buy.  After his diatribe I left the bling on his counter and told him if he wanted it put back he could put it back.  Haven't been back since nor do I intend to.  Good on ya John.  RIDE SAFE.

[Momz]

A lot of riders consider themselves "experts" in the GWRRA. And I've met more than my share of those a$$holes.

Stupid experts aren't limited to Gold Wingers, I've encountered BMW, Ducati, and especially HD tire experts.

John, I'm sure you educated more by being polite than preaching. After meeting you and seeing your Valk, I'd say you are more qualified to discuss motorcycles than the majority of so-called motorcycle technicians.

I'd like to run into you in the future again.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

If you have a Harley now, you get the same treatment at all Metric Shops.

So I know how you feel and I don't shop at those places either.

Once you go car tire, you never usually go back.

Once you go Harley you are afraid to go back.

Peer Pressure is Hell ain't it.

[Jess from VA]

Some months back I ended up talking with a tire engineer of some sort on the phone.  He began easy but as this was having no effect on convincing me, he ramped it up.  After all, how could a mere layman even begin to debate the science of tires?  He started throwing coefficient of friction stuff at me.  Told him I had no idea about any of that, then asked him if he rode... all my life.  Good, now have you ridden a car tire?  I don't need to.  YOU LOSE!!  What, I don't lose, you don't know anywhere near what I do about tires.  Probably not, but I know what works.

Sorry, your opinion is all slide-rules and formulas..... but if you haven't ridden one, you just don't know what you're talking about.  Man slammed the phone down.... beat.   I never raised my voice.  He got really angry.

The debate will never end.  I do find it amusing that the harshest angry cynics have almost never tried one.  It's not like I was trying to talk him into one......... but damn he wanted to talk me out of one.  

The other little tidbit is..... no one can name a single documented incident where a CT was found at fault for causation in a mishap/accident.  Not one.  

[Tropic traveler]

If you have a Harley now, you get the same treatment at all Metric Shops.

So I know how you feel and I don't shop at those places either.

Once you go car tire, you never usually go back.

Once you go Harley you are afraid to go back.

Peer Pressure is Hell ain't it.

If you leave the HD fold you will be treated as an apostate by the HD acolytes. Small price to pay IMO.

I guess I'm one of the car tire go back guys.  Michelin to Avon.

Oh well, I have two Austone tires ready to go when the Avons wear out.  So I guess that makes me a double backer. 

[Michvalk]

I guess I have it easier than most. If I want to ride a car tire, I will. If I want to ride such and such bike, I will. Never have been concerned about other peoples opinion when it is unsolicited, and I never will. If I need something for my bike, I can find it without worrying about some opinionated service manager somewhere, as there are a bunch will get me what I want, no opinion necessary, thank you very much. I have too many other things to worry about!  

[alph]

I rode with a C/T for 6000 miles. Hated every mile of it. Actually ruined what should have been a nice vacation.  Just understand a car tire isn't for everyone.  I don't care if you ride on a car tire, I'll just have to disagree with those that say they're as safe as a cycle tire. 

[Jess from VA]

I'll just have to disagree with those that say they're as safe as a cycle tire. 

Well, let's see;  in exchange for a bit less neutral handling (some of the time), you get less slippage, better traction, better braking, better rain riding, better dirt/gravel/sand riding, less affect from cross winds, less chance of punctures/blowout, better mileage (put another way, at 37K miles it had much better tread than my Metz at 9K).

Actually, after a reasonably short learning curve, they are not as safe as bike tires, they are safer than bike tires (rear only).  Personal preference is not the same thing as overall safety.

I'm not trying to change your mind, at least you tried one.  Just my opinion on safety.    

[Brad]

less chance of punctures/blowout

Help me understand this.  Is it due to the steel belts?  I would think that the larger contact area would increase your chances of a puncture as you are covering more road area.  Me and flat tires are on a first name basis.  I have picked up nails in 3 rear tires on the valk.

[Rams]

I'll just have to disagree with those that say they're as safe as a cycle tire. 

Well, let's see;  in exchange for a bit less neutral handling (some of the time), you get less slippage, better traction, better braking, better rain riding, better dirt/gravel/sand riding, less affect from cross winds, less chance of punctures/blowout, better mileage (put another way, at 37K miles it had much better tread than my Metz at 9K).

snip

Personally speaking, I believe that neutral handling issue greatly depends on which C/T the rider chooses.    Some riders choose for tread pattern or width.    My greatest concern was overall height, handling and engine rpm reduction at highway speeds.   I'm very happy with my choice.

[PAVALKER]

I'm not sure if a CT is safer than a BT or not.... I don't think there is any documented data to prove anything one way or the other.  Further more, if you notice the older style bike tires.... They had a flat CT profile, and some still do.

I tried a wider CT as my first and didn't care for the handling aspect of that tire, it drove the bike from the rear.  Went back to bike tires and all was well.... For awhile.  I get tired of replacing expensive bike tires at intervals of every 9k or less miles...it chaps my ass.  I recently went to an Austone CT with a somewhat narrower and maybe a slightly rounder but still flat profile.... And I like the ride, handling and am very hopeful on the mileage wear.

Does anyone know of any documented data proving the fiery death or accident here say?

[da prez]

  Kind of like the nun teaching sex education classes or how to raise children without first hand experience.
                              da prez

[Gavin_Sons]

I was told once that a car tire would not work on a bike. I said oh yeah, looks to be working fine on mine, guess ill just have to wait and see when it stops working. This was also from a goldwing safety boy that wears his bubble suit when he rides

[Skinhead]

 Kind of like the nun teaching sex education classes or how to raise children without first hand experience.
                              da prez

At least the nuns were right about one thing, a swat on the ass is a great teaching technique.

[BF]

Does anyone know of any documented data proving the fiery death or accident here say?

Here ya go.....

[MP]

But, ain't that a MC tire?   

[solo1]

At first I was of the opinion that running car tires were just asking for it.  Now, the facts are in, CT's work for those that use them.  The proof is there.  I'll not argue about it.

As for me, I ran a rear car tire on my Valk when I had a sidecar. Although much different since the bike doesn't lean with a rig, I was very satisfied with it.  Better traction, more stable, excellent braking., etc.

[Willow]

The other little tidbit is..... no one can name a single documented incident where a CT was found at fault for causation in a mishap/accident.  Not one

Be careful how far your push your claims.

There are instances in which the rounder tire will function better in a particular situation.  There are those in which the wider tread tire will have the better result.  Both have their strengths and weaknesses.  Be careful in claiming that either choice is pure strength.

The other thing people need to be careful of is separating the entire range of choices into motorcycle tires and car tires.  Not all car tires are the same.  Not all motorcycle tires are the same.

I used to respond to the question of is that a car tire with, "No.  It was not originally designed or marketed with a motorcycle in mind but as you can clearly see it is now a rear motorcycle tire." 

[Jess from VA]

less chance of punctures/blowout

Help me understand this.  Is it due to the steel belts?  I would think that the larger contact area would increase your chances of a puncture as you are covering more road area.  Me and flat tires are on a first name basis.  I have picked up nails in 3 rear tires on the valk.

Well Brad, of course there is no objective data available.  Going purely by memory, I can only remember maybe one person here reporting a rear CT flat from puncture.  Yes, the contact patch is much greater but the CT carcass is just so much more tough and beefy than a BT that I believe that many of the small things that would puncture a BT will not fully penetrate a CT.  (Didn't someone just post a pic of a nail in a CT that didn't fully penetrate? Jeff-ChrisCJ in FL?)  Also, I think the chances of a sidewall penetration/damage are higher in a BT than a CT.  OF course sidewall puncture generally is considered unrepairable by everyone.

On the other hand, we all get flats in our cars.  However any cage weighs many times what the Valk weighs (pushing the object fully thru the tread).

Again, just my opinion, but I believe the CT is much less susceptible to puncture/flats than a BT.

And, in line with this argument, I would feel much safer with a puncture repair in a CT than a BT, in deciding to keep using the tire for the rest of it's life, post repair.

[John Schmidt]

......"No.  It was not originally designed or marketed with a motorcycle in mind but as you can clearly see it is now a rear motorcycle tire." 

Good one Carl, I've used similar language a few times myself. Usually ended the conversation rather quickly. I travel in the horrendous Orlando traffic on the bike and believe me, they are out to get you. You all have heard of Meals On Wheels, here we have Fools On Wheels. The braking ability of the c/t has saved my bacon more than once, due to the flat and wider contact patch. There has been a few times when I've actually locked up the rear and all it did was squat and grab, no tendency to slide off to one side which will cause you to high-side once you let up. I'll probably replace this tire when I do my annual maintenance next year, it's not worn out but is getting some age. I'll be looking for something even more round shouldered and a bit more sticky. But it won't a m/c tire.

[RP#62]

You let people that wear matching pajamas and funny hats criticize you about. . .  anything?

-RP

[Jess from VA]

Another good point John.  Regarding slippage. I have had someone pull out in front of me, slammed on brakes, and had my rear bike tire try to pass the front of the bike, going sideways.  I have also nailed the throttle from a stop to merge with fast traffic, and had a rear BT (fairly worn) lose traction and again try to pass the front of the bike, going sideways.  Nothing like that has happened with my CTs.  

[Tropic traveler]

I had a puncture on my CT that went all the way through. I happily replaced it with an Avon MC tire due to the VERY ill low speed handling of the 205/65/16 HydroEdge. I bought the bike with the Michelin already on. I gave it 5,000 miles before the flat & while I did enjoy all the positive characteristics that everyone here has mentioned it was not enough to offset the horrible low speed handling. I'm sure the HydoEdge was not the best choice of CT to use, extremely squared off as it was so I am going to Austone when the Avon wears out.  
Haven't heard any bad reports on the taxi tire & several Valk riders in my area whose opinions I trust {Bert-valkoholic, Rick-flask} recommend it.


Loved the look!

[John Schmidt]

Yes Eddie, that HydroEdge...especially in a "65"....was one of the worst choices for a c/t. Shoulders are too square and try to stand you up all the time. Lousy handling, I've ridden it and to me it was a nightmare compared to my Bridgestone. And the tall 65 just made it worse. I think you'll like the Austone, I don't have one but have ridden it.

[Paxton]

Brad;
It sounds like you are always getting nailed! Wha' up with that!  


Alph;
Sorry to hear that your 6K mile vacation was ruined by a CT. It's perhaps just me.
If I found myself in such situation, I'd had pull over at a  M/C shop and installed a m/c tire.
I could have regained at least 5.5K miles of joy!

RIDE SMART

[Hog Killer DS0048]

Just my two cents for what's it's worth. I've got between 50 and 55,000 miles on car tires on three different bikes. A 2000 Tourer, 2008 Victory Vision, and now a '99 Interstate. The reason I switched was because of rear wheel lockup with the bt. Once causing me to slide into a busy intersection. I didn't change because of cost, image, any other reason. I do have to admit though, it does look cool! I've had nothing but positive results and do not see myself changing back at any point. Other riders can warn me, poke fun at me, I don't care. If you've not given it a try, don't preach to me!

[Paxton]

Sometimes I need to be board... so please, keep tellin' me to get rid of my car tires.

[wiggydotcom]

[/quote]

And, in line with this argument, I would feel much safer with a puncture repair in a CT than a BT, in deciding to keep using the tire for the rest of it's life, post repair.
[/quote]

Jess, it would also be a much easier decision for me to replace a punctured car tire knowing I can put a new one on for $100 vs a $200 bike tire.

[fudgie]

I'll just have to disagree with those that say they're as safe as a cycle tire. 

Well, let's see;  in exchange for a bit less neutral handling (some of the time), you get less slippage, better traction, better braking, better rain riding, better dirt/gravel/sand riding, less affect from cross winds, less chance of punctures/blowout, better mileage (put another way, at 37K miles it had much better tread than my Metz at 9K).

Actually, after a reasonably short learning curve, they are not as safe as bike tires, they are safer than bike tires (rear only).  Personal preference is not the same thing as overall safety.

I'm not trying to change your mind, at least you tried one.  Just my opinion on safety.    

Awesome 

[R J]

less chance of punctures/blowout

Help me understand this.  Is it due to the steel belts?  I would think that the larger contact area would increase your chances of a puncture as you are covering more road area.  Me and flat tires are on a first name basis.  I have picked up nails in 3 rear tires on the valk.

Put a mudflap on the front of your bike.    99% less nails and etc.   I've got 243K+ on MGM and have only had 4 flat rear tires.     It has had a mudflap almost from day 1.   That was the 1st thing I added to MGM.      The flap will deflect crap the front tire picks up and tries to sling back to the rear tire.

One of my rear CT's, I zapped the throttle in 2nd gear in a mudhole.   In the bottom of the hole was a razor sharp rock, so yupper, it took a hunk of tread out of the tire and popped a bottle cap hole in it.    New tire time.   Oh, this was on my way to Alaska way back when.    Had to replace the CT with a motorcycle tire, something to do with liability.   LOL.    Got home and a new CT went back on.

Fire suit on, so shoot away.

[Mr Whiskey]

Well, I switched to the CT for the grip more than 50k miles ago. I run the "stickiest" 205/55/16 (in V rate) I can find & usually only get 'bout 8k to 10k outta one of these. As I said, I did it for the improved grip, (& yes, the slow speed handling sux, I'll admit that).
I had jus' put a new Riken Raptor on Old No. 7 when we got hit & the rear wheel & tire survived unscathed so.................................
I guess we're gonna see jus' what this bike (2K/IS) is capable of on this CT.
I'm gonna move the control pegs up an inch & a half & leave the crash guards OFF!
I'm pretty sure I can "road rash" the valve covers. Do you think it will set off the bank angle sensor? Hope not, but we ARE gonna see!
Peace, Whiskey.

[Regis]

If you have a Harley now, you get the same treatment at all Metric Shops.

So I know how you feel and I don't shop at those places either.

Once you go car tire, you never usually go back.

Once you go Harley you are afraid to go back.

Peer Pressure is Hell ain't it.






Afraid of what ? having someone make fun of you ? I am who I am and don't give 2 sheetz what someone else thinks and aint afraid to tell em so . Preach HD crap to someone else .

[Regis]

I was told once that a car tire would not work on a bike. I said oh yeah, looks to be working fine on mine, guess ill just have to wait and see when it stops working. This was also from a goldwing safety boy that wears his bubble suit when he rides

Larry , the local KAW dealer told me I would hate the CT but after 50k+ miles later ... he was wrong . I don't preach anything , I don't care what you ride or how you ride as long as you shut up, and get the %^&* out of my way baby ! and ......hey Gavin you drunk azz baztard , you owe me $20 for the lap dance

[Rams]

......hey Gavin you drunk azz baztard , you owe me $20 for the lap dance

There's a story here and I definitely want to hear it. 


So tell me Regis, did he stiff you on the twenty after you danced or what?   

[John Schmidt]

I was wondering about that. The way he wrote it, seems as though Regis gave him a lap dance and didn't get paid for it. Not sure I really want to know the details. 

[Gavin_Sons]

I was told once that a car tire would not work on a bike. I said oh yeah, looks to be working fine on mine, guess ill just have to wait and see when it stops working. This was also from a goldwing safety boy that wears his bubble suit when he rides

Larry , the local KAW dealer told me I would hate the CT but after 50k+ miles later ... he was wrong . I don't preach anything , I don't care what you ride or how you ride as long as you shut up, and get the %^&* out of my way baby ! and ......hey Gavin you drunk azz baztard , you owe me $20 for the lap dance

Haha, I was having a good time. We had a 130 dollar bar tab when we left.

[Gavin_Sons]

We went to a local bar last night to watch regis and his band and I may or may not have had too much to drink.

[musclehead]

doing the car tire thing for the first time, liking it so far. I know some of you guys have a car tire on your bike and ride twistys all day long. good for you, I'd still hav a M/C tire if I lived in the mountains. just personal choice.

so far the only diatribe I've had concerning my car tire was from the co-owner of the trike shop 2 blocks away when I asked if they would mount it... 

[Rams]

We went to a local bar last night to watch regis and his band and I may or may not have had too much to drink.

Yeah well, I'd stick to that story if I was you.  

Although I'm sure it'll be an interesting story, I really don't need to know.  

But, I gotta ask, is he a good lap dancer?