Looking at going to the the darkside......

[2tonevalk]

Giving serious though to going to the darkside.
Went to go to Little Bighorn to see if Custer was still there.  Came out of eating joint in Billings MT.  Saw the back tire eaten away.  Cords showing thru.  Had a helluva time finding a shop and replacement.  Having to settle for a Dunlop E3.  Dammit!
I got maybe 8k out of that Avon.  So either I'm going back to the Battle ax or the darkside.
So how many miles do you get from a car tire?  Ain't opening the can of worms of which tire is best.  Lol. Just interested in the mileage and any problems on the road with flat fixing.  Etc.
Thanx in advance  for your input.  It's greatly appreciated.

[Fla. Jim]

Here's my Michelin Hydroedge at 30k about a yr and a half ago wore down to 5/32nds, about half life, 26psi  205/65/16 size.

South coastal Fla. No mountains or hills, good asphalt roads, single up most of the time, 250 lb rider. Also you didn't ask but I use a rear M/C tire on front mounted reverse direction usually  around 30 k to worn out. The rear tires come with twice the tread as the fronts.

[Willow]

...
So how many miles do you get from a car tire?  Ain't opening the can of worms of which tire is best.  Lol. Just interested in the mileage and any problems on the road with flat fixing.  Etc.

Depends on the tire and the inflation.  Don't make the mistake of believing "a car tire is a car tire."  They're each one a little different.  Honestly, the best performing tire will most likely get the least mileage, not a guarantee though.     

[Skinhead]

I'm currently on my way home from Inzane by way of Beartooth pass, Yellowstone, the Tetons, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Escalante (awesome), Ouray (Million $ highway), Black Canyon of the Gunneson, Independence pass, Red cliff, Minturn, and currently in Kremling, Co.  Heading for Rocky Mtn NP tomorrow and then starting to head home to MI.  I turned over 100K on this trip and have been hauling a trailer since I left Spearfish.  That said, I'm running the Austone taxi tire and a dunlop 404 rear on the front.  Romeo sent me a picture today of Gator John's rear MC tire that came apart on him.  I've never heard of anyone here having a DS tire come apart on them.  I think Willow suspects road debris may have cause his accident a few years back, when it cut his tire, but that's about all I can think of.  My ATT has over 31,000 miles on it and I will probably change it when I get home.  The only complaint I have of this tire is that it rubs on the inner fender on a severe bump due to the tall side wall and profile of the tire.

[ironvalk]

  I have been running a general altimax for about 10,000 miles now. Better ride and quieter than the metzlers I used to run. 28 psi solo- 32 psi two up. Still looks almost new. Could not get that many miles out of the metzlers. Car tires can be repaired with a plug easy (have put plugs in my chevy blazer many times, due to driving a mail route). A flat on the bike (with motorcycle tire) once required a trailer tow back home. I would have been able to plug the hole if I had been running the altimax. Not saying a car tire is for everyone, but I like it a lot and I am not going back!

[Stormchase]

I have been interested in this. Im reading all i can. I have very good tread on my back Dunlop. The guy I got the bike from said it was 8 years old. I have recently noticed that its been going low on me. Almost flat the first time i caught it. Time for a tire. I dont want Metzler due to the quick wear. They are sticky tho! I do like to dip in turns. Thats the only thing that has me thinking about car tires. They look cool but I dont know if its for me or not. How are they on heavy turns?

[The emperor has no clothes]

I have been interested in this. Im reading all i can. I have very good tread on my back Dunlop. The guy I got the bike from said it was 8 years old. I have recently noticed that its been going low on me. Almost flat the first time i caught it. Time for a tire. I dont want Metzler due to the quick wear. They are sticky tho! I do like to dip in turns. Thats the only thing that has me thinking about car tires. They look cool but I dont know if its for me or not. How are they on heavy turns?

Like Willow said, not all car tires are the same. I've done about 70k now on them. Many of those miles have been tight corners. The only real drawback in my opinion is the under 15 mph handling. But I'm so used to it now it's no big deal.

[Big Rig]

I have had 3 sets of metzlers and each set has gotten me just over 13k. Just this week I put an ATT on. I have to finish up some more maitenance items and plan to put some miles on this week. I will post as time allows on my first experiences

[0leman]

I am on my second DS tire.  Got tired of having to replace rear tire at 10K or less.   I got just over 30K on my HydroEdge (It was a lot more wore out than 2tone's), could have maybe gotten another 2-3K our of it.  I now have a Kumho solus tire.  Corners better, not sure if I will get the same miles.   I Probably will try the Taxi Tire when it wears out.

Keep in mine, not all roads across this country are the same.  Our local roads, chip coated, wear tires down pretty quickly.  So when you hear folks getting great mileage out of MC tires, check to see what kind of road surface they are riding on.

[fudgie]

I think I got 35k out of my Hankook K-106. It threw a belt in North Dakota and I finished my trip back to NE Ind. Im on the Vredstien Sportrak 3 now and on its 2nd summer. I was changing my Metz 200mm every spring. Got 13k out of them.

[old2soon]

At the ride I was on yesterday a LOT of folks were asking da prez and I about running D/S. I told them MY thoughts on the subject-NO ONE can give me enough money or talk fast enough to get me to ever go back to a M/C specific tire on the back of MY  Phatt Ghurl. I'm currently on a Austone Taxi tire with a little over 3000 miles on it and I'm quite happy with it even in a toad floater of a rain. Come to think of it one of those rain storms was a cow floater!!  I've gotten as low as 13000 out of a D/S tire (bad air guage) and as high as 19000-course I've been known to use ALL the H/P and torque available to me FAR too often-least ways THAT'S what I've been told!  The E-3 that came on the bike was less that 150 miles on it and it was trash in about 6500 miles. The E-3 is the ONLY tire til this point in time that has given me cause for concern in a rain storm.  Some car tires can be delivered to your house for around $80.00 with free shipping. 2 years ago I put on 2 new tires on my gal for less than $200.00 but it took lucking into 2 different sales. RIDE SAFE.

[BobB]

After running on Avon Cobras for seven years, I decided to let myself be sucked into the black hole of the Dark Side.  There are a lot of CTs that are used but the Austone Taxi Tire has always been highly rated.  So that's what I started with, got a free shipping deal.  Now, I've got just over 3000 miles on them and I doubt I'll be returning to the light side.  Anyway, I have no idea where I can find the event horizon...

[Disco]

Giving serious thought to going to the darkside...Thanx in advance for your input.

The last 64,000 I've put on my Valkyrie have been on 3 DS tires.  The first was the (no longer available) Continental Vanco in 195/75.  Asymmetrical, but very neutral, and it was great for 32,000 miles.  I only noticed the asymmetry after replacing it with the superior Falken Ziex 512 in 205/65.  When it went away after >16K miles, I installed a General Altimax in 205/60.  It's a great tire, too, with >15K miles on it now, but I liked the Falken more.  

As I contemplate its replacement I'm faced with a new set of criteria that leads me to the advice part:

If your Valkyrie is the only bike you ride on the street, going DS will be a one-time adjustment.  You'll be a pro in an afternoon and will probably never regret it.  I haven't.  

However, if you regularly ride another bike [edit] especially Non-Valkyrie [/edit] on the street and it does not have a DS tire, you will be faced with that adjustment every time you get back on your Valkyrie.  Some days, the adjustment will come fast.  Other days, it may take 40 or 50 miles.  Trust me, if you want to feel like you've just signed up for the beginner's riding course on a big fat pig that doesn't want to turn, go from an F800GS to your beloved Valkyrie + Altimax - and it's much rounder on its corners than some other choices.  It's shocking.  Granted, those bikes are about as different as they can be, and the adjustment may be less severe from another bike to the Valkyrie, but don't let anyone ever tell you there is no difference between DS and MC.  They both work, but they are very different when experienced back to back.  

I'm not trying to talk you out of a DS, at all, but because my circumstances have changed, I'm probably going back to MC on my next rear tire change.

YMMV

[The emperor has no clothes]

Giving serious thought to going to the darkside...Thanx in advance for your input.

The last 64,000 I've put on my Valkyrie have been on 3 DS tires.  The first was the (no longer available) Continental Vanco in 195/75.  Asymmetrical, but very neutral, and it was great for 32,000 miles.  I only noticed the asymmetry after replacing it with the superior Falken Ziex 512 in 205/65.  When it went away after >16K miles, I installed a General Altimax in 205/60.  It's a great tire, too, with >15K miles on it now, but I liked the Falken more.  

As I contemplate its replacement I'm faced with a new set of criteria that leads me to the advice part:

If your Valkyrie is the only bike you ride on the street, going DS will be a one-time adjustment.  You'll be a pro in an afternoon and will probably never regret it.  I haven't.  

However, if you regularly ride another bike on the street and it does not have a DS tire, you will be faced with that adjustment every time you get back on your Valkyrie.  Some days, the adjustment will come fast.  Other days, it may take 40 or 50 miles.  Trust me, if you want to feel like you've just signed up for the beginner's riding course on a big fat pig that doesn't want to turn, go from an F800GS to your beloved Valkyrie + Altimax - and it's much rounder on its corners than some other choices.  It's shocking.  Granted, those bikes are about as different as they can be, and the adjustment may be less severe from another bike to the Valkyrie, but don't let anyone ever tell you there is no difference between DS and MC.  They both work, but they are very different when experienced back to back.  

I'm not trying to talk you out of a DS, at all, but because my circumstances have changed, I'm probably going back to MC on my next rear tire change.

YMMV

Ive got a standard currently with a Metzler and an I/S with a Yokohama. There is not much difference in my opinion. I think the difference you are seeing is between two completely different bikes. 

[Pappy!]

I also ride a Valk with a DS and one without. Never notice a difference at all now.
We have three Valks. On the DS Valks one has a Vredestein Sportrac on it. Super handling and great looks. No longer available. Just put a Yokohama Avid Envigor on Lesa's Valk. Very nice tire. Very rounded profile which is something that you need to look for in going to the DS.

[Disco]

I think the difference you are seeing is between two completely different bikes.

That's the point I was trying to make.  Edited to add emphasis.

I also ride a Valk with a DS and one without. Never notice a difference at all now.

The word "now" makes my point.

Like I said, I'm not trying to talk anyone out of a DS at all.  I'm merely sharing my experience.   

[Big Rig]

Ok,

Finally got to ride into work this morning. First ride with the ATT on the rear....I am sharing my initial findings feelings...
We had major storm blow thru last night and still without power...trees and junk all over the place...

Bike is TALLER!!! I am 6'4" 34" inseam...IT IS TALL! 

The first couple of miles, flat road, heavy truck useage...bike felt a little squirrelly with the ruts. More in line with an older rear with flats on the centerline...that took a little getting used to bc in my mind I have a brand new set of tires...this tire is quiet ...very quiet...that is good and bad...good because it is quiet and bad because now I hear other things...or at least I think I do...

As i stated, trees, power poles down and debris on most roads...my normal twisties I ride in were unpassible...so alternate routes were found...

I will say that for the most part, once I got out  of the ruts, it handled as I would expect a new MC tire to handle. I did not hit twisties but had some long leaners and maybe just a tad more pressure on the handlebars...maybe a tad is too much. So far I am pleased, I will give more info once I can hit my twisty road once the debris and trees are cleared up.

[Tailgate Tommy]

I really like the combination of the Austone and Avon on my IS. I have about 3,000+ miles on it this year and it seems very much like a MC tire in all areas. I have a std with E3s as well and need to take it out and do a comparison of any differences between the 2. I did increase the Austone pressure from 38 to 45 to help eliminate a bit of wiggling at high speed when there is high winds. YMMV 

[Big Rig]

ATT Ride update!

Love the ATT, this is until I hit 75mph. I know the speed rating on the tire is in the 99mph range, but at 80mph range it got a little squirrely.

1600 miles on a four day to Tennessee to ride the Dragon, running down Route 81 at times SUCKED! Rain, Thunder, lightening...cagers...

The tire did as expected at all speeds below 75 mph. Running the mountain twisties was a blast. There was NO detectable difference in feel to me. You boys have some very nice roads down there for sure!

All things considered I am very pleased with the new tire.

[DarkSideR]

Love the ATT, this is until I hit 75mph. I know the speed rating on the tire is in the 99mph range, but at 80mph range it got a little squirrely.

I recently put new rubber on the back of my bike. I was so close to pulling the trigger on the ATT, but ended up with the Hankook Optima 205/65 H426 because I ran it up to 90mph with no squireliness. I can stop 2nd guessing myself now.

[Valkorado]

ATT Ride update!

Love the ATT, this is until I hit 75mph. I know the speed rating on the tire is in the 99mph range, but at 80mph range it got a little squirrely.

1600 miles on a four day to Tennessee to ride the Dragon, running down Route 81 at times SUCKED! Rain, Thunder, lightening...cagers...

The tire did as expected at all speeds below 75 mph. Running the mountain twisties was a blast. There was NO detectable difference in feel to me. You boys have some very nice roads down there for sure!

All things considered I am very pleased with the new tire.

Bump your pressure up to 43 and I bet that shimmy will disappear.   

[Tailgate Tommy]

ATT Ride update!

Love the ATT, this is until I hit 75mph. I know the speed rating on the tire is in the 99mph range, but at 80mph range it got a little squirrely.

1600 miles on a four day to Tennessee to ride the Dragon, running down Route 81 at times SUCKED! Rain, Thunder, lightening...cagers...

The tire did as expected at all speeds below 75 mph. Running the mountain twisties was a blast. There was NO detectable difference in feel to me. You boys have some very nice roads down there for sure!

All things considered I am very pleased with the new tire.

Bump your pressure up to 43 and I bet that shimmy will disappear.   

+1. I'm running 44-45 and it's much better. I started at 38. Might try a bit lower and see if there's any difference. Love mine!

[mongoguzzi]

Where are ya'll getting your tires mounted?  Anything near East Texas?  Thanks!

[havoc]

being relatively new to motorcycling and to this awesome community of motorcycle enthusiasts, please excuse me if this has been answered before. Here is a question:

is there ANY RISK that insurance will NOT cover a rider who has been in an accident because they were using a car tire on their motorcycle?? (we all know how hard adjusters work to make sure their employer's policies are followed to the letter and if not, then getting out of having to cover the insured)

any darksiders out there who have had to submit an insurance claim yet? did you have any hassle by the insurance adjuster?

[Jess from VA]

While it has been discussed, no one here has ever reported being denied a claim, and no one here has ever been able to point to one single published/documented incident of a claim being denied, ever, anywhere (due to a CT).

Moreover, no one has ever pointed to a single documented accident causally attributed to running a car tire (which is the kind of evidence an insurance co would need to rely on to withhold coverage for someone creating a patently dangerous situation).   Like trying to run rocket fuel in your gas tank.

Until such time insurance co's just start stating in their written policies they will not pay if you run a car tire, there should be no problem (so don't go calling them and asking about it.... the squeaky wheel gets the safety fanatics).

Another angle that could come along is annual state (province) safety inspections.... but that has not found it's way into any list of prohibited items anywhere that I'm aware of.

Reports of my flaming death are greatly exaggerated.  (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)

On the other hand, numerous traumatic losses of inflation have been directly attributed to OE Honda valve stem failures.

[havoc]

that is good to know. SO it sounds like there have been darksiders out there who HAVE successfully claimed through insurance and the CT never came up. That is good.

[Willow]

... SO it sounds like there have been darksiders out there who HAVE successfully claimed through insurance and the CT never came up. ...

Yes.  Some multiple times.

[Big Rig]

Where are ya'll getting your tires mounted?  Anything near East Texas?  Thanks!

small local tire store will mount anything type tire I bring in....ask around