It was just a matter of time...Sport bikes see the " Dark "

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

[old2soon]

Give him a cookie. Soooo the crotch rocket crowd has/have gotten a little smarter?? RIDE SAFE.

[Chrome]

Saw a Busa with 2 DS's while we were at Biketoberfest. Tons of pics taken of it. Some folks have way too much spare time and money.These must have been 24 to 26" tall.
Chrome

[The Anvil]

That's a 954RR, I had one. BRILLIANT machine. The owner should be strung up by his testicles for doing that. Supid, stupid, stupid.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

If a car tire is so good why not a car tire on the front/

Anybody.

Waiting Waiting

Do you know one that will fit ?  Must be Z rated and directional to fit my needs.

[Fudd]

I tend to agree, Anvil.

What I would like to see, is a controlled test on a track with a skilled driver in full leathers pushing the envelope on the turns to see what the limitations are.

The car tire on the Valk works great at the bank limits of my bike, but I'm not dragging my knees like that sport bike is capable of doing.  

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Some folks have way too much spare time and money.

I agree ....Wild lookin' machine .

[BigAl]

No I don't and I am not looking ,,,,cause one of you guys will put it on.

One helluva wreck I would say.

Car tire on the front of a motorcycle.

My God that would be taking it too far.

[Fudd]

If a car tire is so good why not a car tire on the front/

Anybody.

Waiting Waiting

As far as it goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it.  Motorcycle tires work well on front.  Also, nobody even makes a 17" car tire narrower than 8" wide.

[The Anvil]

I tend to agree, Anvil.

What I would like to see, is a controlled test on a track with a skilled driver in full leathers pushing the envelope on the turns to see what the limitations are.

The car tire on the Valk works great at the bank limits of my bike, but I'm not dragging my knees like that sport bike is capable of doing.  

I wouldn't personally put a CT on the Valk either, but I don't think it's a mortal sin as the mission of the bike could be very different. I also don't do much (none if I can avoid it) straight up and down freeway droning. If I did I maight very well put a CT back there.

But the 954 is one of the sweetest handling sportbikes ever made. Why on earth would you mess that up?

[Cruzen]

One of my Iron Butt friends showed up with a Car Tire on his Yamaha FJR.  He said that some of the FJR riders were going to it.  Knowing the way he rides we're all wondering how long it will be before he goes down.  That night I sent him the video Dag shot with the CT on his Valk.     

[BigAl]

Here from Cruiser Magazine is the real reason the car tire is on motorcycles.


According to most of what I read on the Darkside (and similar forums) none of that matters. Some dispute the facts provided by the tire manufacturers and at least one guy said he didn't much care what the facts were. He liked his car tire and even if side by side testing showed that the motorcycle tire was superior, he was going to keep on running it. It's hard to argue with logic like that.
Read more: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/0907_crup_mounting_car_tires_on_motorcycles/index.html#ixzz1dFvp9rJ4

[BigAl]

Cruiser Bike Challenge


Knowing what I do about the dynamics of motorcycles, (and to be fair here I'm not a big fan of overly wide motorcycle tires either) I think I'll put my faith in the engineering staffs at Dunlop, Avon, and Metzler etc, and stick with motorcycle tires on my bikes, at least until someone can prove me wrong. Along those lines, I'll make a standing offer to any Darksider. Since I don't own a motorcycle that'll accept a car tire, and I'm fairly sure Honda would have a hemmorage if I installed one on my long term VTX, I'm going to ask one of you guys to hook me up. If you're game, we'll meet some sunny Sunday and take a ride. I'll show you some of my favorite roads and I'll even spring for lunch. If the car tire works as well as you say it does, I'll be happy to say so in print, you've got my and Motorcycle Cruiser's word on it. Any takers
Read more: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/0907_crup_mounting_car_tires_on_motorcycles/index.html#ixzz1dFwlb6BV

Well come on Dark Siders Here is your chance to get it in a motorcycle magazine,,,in Print for all to see.

Anybody

Anybody

Waiting

[Serk]

BigAL - I generally enjoy your posts, but please... Find a new religion other than the first church of car-tire-bashing.

Thank you.

[BigAl]

Just giving Joe the usual hard time about car tires.

Sorry if I offended anyone.

Just being like ole Bobbo, point counter point.

By the way has anyone seen Bobbo.

Thanks for the advice Serk, and point taken.........Chilling as we speak.

[Gear Jammer]

Cruiser Bike Challenge


Knowing what I do about the dynamics of motorcycles, (and to be fair here I'm not a big fan of overly wide motorcycle tires either) I think I'll put my faith in the engineering staffs at Dunlop, Avon, and Metzler etc, and stick with motorcycle tires on my bikes, at least until someone can prove me wrong. Along those lines, I'll make a standing offer to any Darksider. Since I don't own a motorcycle that'll accept a car tire, and I'm fairly sure Honda would have a hemmorage if I installed one on my long term VTX, I'm going to ask one of you guys to hook me up. If you're game, we'll meet some sunny Sunday and take a ride. I'll show you some of my favorite roads and I'll even spring for lunch. If the car tire works as well as you say it does, I'll be happy to say so in print, you've got my and Motorcycle Cruiser's word on it. Any takers
Read more: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/0907_crup_mounting_car_tires_on_motorcycles/index.html#ixzz1dFwlb6BV

Well come on Dark Siders Here is your chance to get it in a motorcycle magazine,,,in Print for all to see.

Anybody

Anybody

Waiting

If this is from Zimmerman @ Motorcycle Cruiser magazine,  I know RJ wrote him and offered to let him ride his bike MGM, but was told it was too far away to be practical. 

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Cruiser Bike Challenge


Knowing what I do about the dynamics of motorcycles, (and to be fair here I'm not a big fan of overly wide motorcycle tires either) I think I'll put my faith in the engineering staffs at Dunlop, Avon, and Metzler etc, and stick with motorcycle tires on my bikes, at least until someone can prove me wrong. Along those lines, I'll make a standing offer to any Darksider. Since I don't own a motorcycle that'll accept a car tire, and I'm fairly sure Honda would have a hemmorage if I installed one on my long term VTX, I'm going to ask one of you guys to hook me up. If you're game, we'll meet some sunny Sunday and take a ride. I'll show you some of my favorite roads and I'll even spring for lunch. If the car tire works as well as you say it does, I'll be happy to say so in print, you've got my and Motorcycle Cruiser's word on it. Any takers
Read more: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/0907_crup_mounting_car_tires_on_motorcycles/index.html#ixzz1dFwlb6BV

Well come on Dark Siders Here is your chance to get it in a motorcycle magazine,,,in Print for all to see.

Anybody

Anybody

Waiting

If this is from Zimmerman @ Motorcycle Cruiser magazine,  I know RJ wrote him and offered to let him ride his bike MGM, but was told it was too far away to be practical. 

That's him Bobby...That was what 10 years ago ?

[..]

ST1300 Darksiders

http://www.st-owners.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?484-Darksiders

[..]

I'll be here waiting for you to come up with a real bet. You're a pretty fierce keyboard warrior with a strong bet like that. My car tired ST1300 will drags the pegs no different then with a MC tire.

Put your money where your mouth is or shut up with ragging car tires on motorcycles.

Raymond,

Which tire are you using?

[Black Pearl's Captain]

I'll be here waiting for you to come up with a real bet. You're a pretty fierce keyboard warrior with a strong bet like that. My car tired ST1300 will drags the pegs no different then with a MC tire.

Put your money where your mouth is or shut up with ragging car tires on motorcycles.

Raymond,

Which tire are you using?

Hankook with almost 18,000 miles on it and maybe 15,000 left. I deleted my post. thought Al was making the bet.

FYI cartire on an ST is much less different then a Valkyrie car tire vs. stock. You literally don't know the car tire is there on an ST after a few miles.

Raymond

[..]

I'll be here waiting for you to come up with a real bet. You're a pretty fierce keyboard warrior with a strong bet like that. My car tired ST1300 will drags the pegs no different then with a MC tire.

Put your money where your mouth is or shut up with ragging car tires on motorcycles.

Raymond,

Which tire are you using?

Hankook with almost 18,000 miles on it and maybe 15,000 left. I delated my post. thought Al was making the bet.

Raymond

That's a good looking tire and one I've been thinking about for a ride to the left coast and back next summer.

[Gear Jammer]

Cruiser Bike Challenge


Knowing what I do about the dynamics of motorcycles, (and to be fair here I'm not a big fan of overly wide motorcycle tires either) I think I'll put my faith in the engineering staffs at Dunlop, Avon, and Metzler etc, and stick with motorcycle tires on my bikes, at least until someone can prove me wrong. Along those lines, I'll make a standing offer to any Darksider. Since I don't own a motorcycle that'll accept a car tire, and I'm fairly sure Honda would have a hemmorage if I installed one on my long term VTX, I'm going to ask one of you guys to hook me up. If you're game, we'll meet some sunny Sunday and take a ride. I'll show you some of my favorite roads and I'll even spring for lunch. If the car tire works as well as you say it does, I'll be happy to say so in print, you've got my and Motorcycle Cruiser's word on it. Any takers
Read more: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/0907_crup_mounting_car_tires_on_motorcycles/index.html#ixzz1dFwlb6BV

Well come on Dark Siders Here is your chance to get it in a motorcycle magazine,,,in Print for all to see.

Anybody

Anybody

Waiting

If this is from Zimmerman @ Motorcycle Cruiser magazine,  I know RJ wrote him and offered to let him ride his bike MGM, but was told it was too far away to be practical. 

That's him Bobby...That was what 10 years ago ?

It can't be that long ago, I've only been around here half that time  

[Black Pearl's Captain]

That's a good looking tire and one I've been thinking about for a ride to the left coast and back next summer.

Just do it, well worth it if you ride a lot of miles (or take a long trip). Very little compromise compared to stokc MC tire.

Raymond

[alph]

i'd be impressed when the profesional cycle racers start using 'em!  don't see that ever happening.  there's a reason why i'd think.  

as for anyone wanting to use a CT, good for you.  me, personally, tried riding a friends interstate with a CT, didn't much care for it, not something in my future ever.

hey, what ever happened to BOBBO??  see, you guys that can't stand someone having a different view point chased him away!!

BOBBO, if you read this, i'd ride with you anyday.  (that is unless you've got a CB and for some stupid reason you try and talk me into voting your way!!  )

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Great logic alph. How many of those pro racers are racing on Valks or ST1300's?

And this is why I quit talking car tires. Go ahead and continue on this thread without me. I just needed reminded why I don't talk car tires anymore here.

Raymond

[RoadKill]

The first person I ever brought over to the darkside is the head tech. at the local HD dealer,He put one on his ZXR 1200 R ! That had to be close to 10yrs ago. He is a VERY meticulous person and takes his riding (and racing) seriously!   And Bobbo cant come to the phone right now,he's taking the lotion from the basket and then it puts the lotion on it's skin!       

[Super Santa]

That article/offer from Motorcycle Cruiser magazine was printed in July 2009.

[3fan4life]

From the article:

I'm going to ask one of you guys to hook me up. If you're game, we'll meet some sunny Sunday and take a ride. I'll show you some of my favorite roads and I'll even spring for lunch. If the car tire works as well as you say it does, I'll be happy to say so in print, you've got my and Motorcycle Cruiser's word on it. Any takers?

Read more: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/tech/0907_crup_mounting_car_tires_on_motorcycles/index.html#ixzz1dGiq2hAm

Joe, I think that you should take the guy up on this.

Maybe you can even talk him into meeting you on the Dragon.  

[Spirited-6]

And this is why I quit talking car tires. Go ahead and continue on this thread without me. I just needed reminded why I don't talk car tires anymore here.

Raymond

Ray, the last time I down played CT`s a contract was put out on me. I don`t do that any more. 

[R J]

No I don't and I am not looking ,,,,cause one of you guys will put it on.

One helluva wreck I would say.

Car tire on the front of a motorcycle.

My God that would be taking it too far.

BigAl, Harley Davidson, Indian, and a couple of other bikes made here in the Good Old USofA early on ran car tires from the factory....    They always say, what goes around comes around.   My 44 Harley has car tires on both ends and they are the same siaze.   6:00X16 4 ply

[Cruzen]

I knew it was too good to be true.  We made it almost 6 months without this discussion coming up again.  It's like discussing religion or politics.  No win for anyone on this topic.  Dag's video was enough for me to make my decision.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I knew it was too good to be true.  We made it almost 6 months without this discussion coming up again.  It's like discussing religion or politics.  No win for anyone on this topic.  Dag's video was enough for me to make my decision.

Some folks are just envious they want one so bad they can taste it yet from talking them down they can't have one. Jealousy is never pretty 

[Gryphon Rider]

Many opponents to dark side tires quote the nebulous opinions of these mysterious "tire engineers" without actually providing any factual (or well-developed theoretical) information, or heaven forbid, actually presenting a tire engineer with R & D experience with both motorcycle and car tires who is willing to address dark side tires in any depth.  It also seems that those with the most strident opinions are those who haven't done very much (if any) riding on a dark side tire.  Claiming knowledge about the dynamics of motorcycles is a far cry from presenting that knowledge in a way that supports one's suppositions.  Does anyone know if Mark Zimmerman actually put his money where his mouth is and made good on his "standing offer"?

From the Zimmerman's Motorcycle Cruiser article:

But here's the problem; Car tires are fundamentally unsuited for use on motorcycles. Moreover, that's not just my opinion but also the opinion of every tire engineer I've ever discussed this with. We all understand that the dynamics of motorcycles and cars are vastly different. As such, they demand different types of tires and at the risk of great over simplification I'd point out that if a car type tire worked well on a motorcycle everything from a moped to a MotoGP bike would be wearing them as standard equipment. The fact that they can even be used on a big cruiser says more about the way those bikes are designed and ridden than it does about the suitability of using a car tire on one.

According to most of what I read on the Darkside (and similar forums) none of that matters. Some dispute the facts provided by the tire manufacturers and at least one guy said he didn't much care what the facts were. He liked his car tire and even if side by side testing showed that the motorcycle tire was superior, he was going to keep on running it. It's hard to argue with logic like that.

Knowing what I do about the dynamics of motorcycles, (and to be fair here I'm not a big fan of overly wide motorcycle tires either) I think I'll put my faith in the engineering staffs at Dunlop, Avon, and Metzler etc, and stick with motorcycle tires on my bikes, at least until someone can prove me wrong.

[Daniel Meyer]

The tire engineer that stuck the OEM dunflop on the Valk has ZERO credibility...


Without exception, the most dangerous tire I have ever had on any machine.

[The Anvil]

He liked his car tire and even if side by side testing showed that the motorcycle tire was superior, he was going to keep on running it. It's hard to argue with logic like that.

I can pretty much argue with any logic. But why would you want to? If they like it and it works for them then what business is it of his?

[MP]

i'd be impressed when the profesional cycle racers start using 'em!  don't see that ever happening.  there's a reason why i'd think.  

alph, buddy, by that logic, I assume you are running Nascar Goodyear tires on your wife's town car?  I mean, professional car racers are using them, so they must be the best for your car, too. There must be a reason why, you'd think.     
Right?   

MP

[old2soon]

He liked his car tire and even if side by side testing showed that the motorcycle tire was superior, he was going to keep on running it. It's hard to argue with logic like that.

I can pretty much argue with any logic. But why would you want to? If they like it and it works for them then what business is it of his?

Anvil-i agree with you-this time. Nobody and i mean NOBODY stood on my neck with a pistol in my ear and forced me to go D/S. Did a LOT of reading-asked questions on this board and am VERY happy with MY decision to go D/S. It works for me and my style of riding. I can ride the twistys aggressively or like an old fart. But i DO ride. Ain't the ridin part what it's all about in the end??? RIDE SAFE.

[Pete]

No I don't and I am not looking ,,,,cause one of you guys will put it on.

One helluva wreck I would say.

Car tire on the front of a motorcycle.

My God that would be taking it too far.

Actually BigAl it was often done in the 1970s using special triple trees on Bikes with side car and on some three wheelers. Everyone who had them and talked about it, really like them in combo with car tires on the rear and side car.

Got lots better mileage as expected and better ride and handling according to them.

[BigAl]

Safety

Is it not dangerous enough riding a motorcycle without taking chances with the engineering.

It was engineered for a motorcycle tire of SPECIFIC SIZE.

Why take a chance on getting hurt.

They are not any better as some would just scream at you.

Will never be convinced it is the right tire for a Valk.

It may be if it was engineered for it. But it's not.

Boss Hoss puts them on from the factory.

They are saying this is the right tire to run.

Honda does not and thats that.

[Mr Whiskey]

Luv ya BigAl. The right tire to run is the one that gives you the best chance of keepin' the rubber side down! That doesn't always mean the engineers know what's best, or even right.
Long Live the Darkside! (205/55/ZR16 94W Riken Raptor)
Peace, Whiskey.