1st dark side tire, which of these 2 should i get ?

[shape]

Plan on purchasing a rear tire in a week or two for my std. Still painfully deciding if I want to go the DS route or not. The 2 I'm considering are the  Austone taxi tire @ around $165. Or the Champiro 205/60R16 92H for only $51 at walmart.com. Is there a reason not to get the much cheaper Champiro? Also, it seems the ATT is available at just one online retailer, correct? That just seems a little odd to me, not that it matters I suppose. I believe I read somewhere the ATT comes in one size only, is that also correct? Note I'm aware of the cage nut modification needed to accommodate the Champiro. Thanks for any help, Shape

https://www.walmart.com/ip/GT-Radial-Champiro-VP1-205-60R16-92H/51007320 

https://www.universaltire.com/175r16-austone-taxi-black.html

[..]

I've never used an ATT but I'm on my second Champiro and see no reason to use anything different.


14,000 miles




Old and new

[..]

I use 36psi.

I started with 42psi and wore the center too quickly

[Jess from VA]

Shape, the main thing to know is that the 175 (but tall) Austone footprint is apparently so close to a bike tire that many report not being able to tell much difference from a bike tire. (And yes, one seller and size, and it's a bit spendy, but you'll still get most of the advantages of a 205 car tire, it will still give you maybe 30K or more miles, and it's still cheaper than a 180 bike tire)

The 205 (or maybe a 195) car tire is cheaper, but you will have a bit more learning curve on it when first moving from a bike tire.  And here, which 205 (or 195) you get can make a pretty big difference in handling.  There's a sh!t load of 205/195 choices, but only one Austone.

It sure doesn't look like that Champiro will get 30K.   

[..]

Champiro is 95% like a bike tire.

13,500 miles

[Houdini]

Personally, I'd go with the Champiro.  I prefer the fat tire look and the learning curve is like 3 1/2 minutes, so not a consideration in my opinion.

[MarkT]

Not mentioned here is the height of the ATT - Considerably taller so it drops RPMs such that high speed riding still delivers good MPG.  At 80mph indicated she's turning 3500 rpm which delivers 34mpg on my bikes at that speed.  I have run a lot of darkside tires, all of them 205-60's.  Always looking for rounded corners when buying them.  The wider profile is definitely felt in handling - the Att's 175 width with it's rounded corners makes it a LOT more like a bike tire than the others, in handling.  Such that I've bought 2 more ATT's for my 2 daily riders; I don't care much about the price or having the wide look since the handling and high speed cruise mileage of the ATT is so much better I'm sticking with it.  I will be at Inzane on an ATT with about 20k miles at that point - not changing it till I get back and even then it won't really be necessary but I might as well so the ATT's I already have don't get old on the shelf.  As always, YMMV except in the points I mentioned and I don't care what you ride - just be safe. No soap box here.

[sdv003]

I was a bit skittish about going DS.  I bought an ATT figuring if it was hard to get used to, i could alwas go back.  For the most part, youd never know it wasnt a bike tire.  All the ways you would know are a positive, like 30K miles per tire and lower RPM.  Id recommend the ATT, but ive never tried the Champro.

[98valk]

G Fit
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,90637.0.html

champiro
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,90404.0.html

side stand fix for taller tire
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,93955.0.html

[Hyde]

ATT is the only CT Ive run, was on my bike when I got it. As long as they are available I think it will be the only rear I will run, I've done incredible things to this tire and never had a single issue. I wish I had videos of 90mph full lean to show the darkside naysayers!

[N8171S]

I have used a few but have the austone on both valkyries and love them.  They handle so close to a motorcycle tire you can't tell the difference.

[MarkT]

On the side stand height with taller tire I just welded a piece of SS .120 wall tubing I use for the Organ Pipes mod, to the bottom of the stand.  And cut it at an angle so it would sit flat on the ground a little lower. The tubing is lighter wt than similar thickness bar stock, SS is strong & shiny, and the edges provide dig-in grip if I park on a slope in neutral. Just using what I have on hand and metalworking tools.  Handy to have a metal shop.

[Skinhead]

On the side stand height with taller tire I just welded a piece of SS .120 wall tubing I use for the Organ Pipes mod, to the bottom of the stand.  And cut it at an angle so it would sit flat on the ground a little lower. The tubing is lighter wt than similar thickness bar stock, SS is strong & shiny, and the edges provide dig-in grip if I park on a slope in neutral. Just using what I have on hand and metalworking tools.  Handy to have a metal shop.

I just used a  3x3 in piece of 3/4" plywood with a string attached.  Drop it when you park and slide it under the side stand, tie a loop in the other end of the string and attached  it to the mirror stalk or handle bars.  When you go to leave, just stand the bike up and pull the block up by the string.  It helps if you have a tank bib to store the block in for easy access. 

[Hyde]

Is there a reason to extend the side stand or block it up? Ive just been using mine as normal with the ATT

[98valk]

Is there a reason to extend the side stand or block it up? Ive just been using mine as normal with the ATT

too much lean for some parking conditions, some m/c are worst than others.