Finally decided to go Darkside on my Interstate

[BIG--T]

I've been reading tire threads for years and finally decided to go for it because that's the only way I will know if it's for me......and then I can comment! Lol

So after reading lots of good choices of tires I need to find the tire for my riding style. I ride aggressively,  always 2 up and live in the twisties.  Now we are about 400 lbs w/o luggage and want to be sure the 205/60 won't rub on my Interstate and also one i don't have to fight too much in the curves and slow speed maneuvers. I see that the Yokohama Avid ENVigor, GYTT, Austone taxi  and more are good choices.

I need people's advice that weigh 400 lbs plus or  ride 2 up weighing close to it.

Thanks in advance! 

[PAVALKER]

I will be watching this one.....just for curiousity sake.   

I tried a Hankook 205 tire years ago on my Green/Silver Interstate and that was not for me....it was too square and wide.  It rubbed on the nut cages occasionally and I didn't do the mod, but imagine 2 up it would be a must do mod.  Now with the Austone, I love the handling and no doubt the wear will be outstanding.  However,  riding 2 up on a taller tire will  likely require you to adjust your preload to 5 , on stock 13in length, I have no doubt. 

But, as I said..... I'm going to be watching this one and look forward to other replies.....

[BIG--T]

I will be watching this one.....just for curiousity sake.   

I tried a Hankook 205 tire years ago on my Green/Silver Interstate and that was not for me....it was too square and wide.  It rubbed on the nut cages occasionally and I didn't do the mod, but imagine 2 up it would be a must do mod.  Now with the Austone, I love the handling and no doubt the wear will be outstanding.  However,  riding 2 up on a taller tire will  likely require you to adjust your preload to 5 , on stock 13in length, I have no doubt. 

But, as I said..... I'm going to be watching this one and look forward to other replies.....

John so you like the Austone? I love the 6 ply but can't find a speed rating. I'd like to have a V rating. Yeah I will do the mod for sure unless i get your tire. I've heard a lot about it. I'm running a 200 Battleax now and bet the Austone will look skinny in comparison. 

[PAVALKER]

Yep. I do like it, but I no longer ride 2 up and can't provide any input on that aspect of it. The wider, and shorter 205 did not feel all that well and .....maybe I didn't give it enough time to adjust pressures etc, but the rear end steering on that profile tire was not for me.  Yea, the Austone occasionally rear steers, but no more than a bike tire would on some bad ruts.  It handles like a bike tire....but better in a few areas.  Hope ya find out which tire will meet your needs..

[BonS]

The Austone has Q speed rating and that is 99 mph. There is a Dunlop branded "Austone" tire and it's 87 mph which is an N speed rating. Far from an H rating that's for sure. That said, I certainly haven't heard about any flaming deaths related to this tire as its been pretty much universally praised.

[BIG--T]

The Austone has Q speed rating and that is 99 mph. There is a Dunlop branded "Austone" tire and it's 87 mph which is an N speed rating. Far from an H rating that's for sure. That said, I certainly haven't heard about any flaming deaths related to this tire as its been pretty much universally praised.

Thanks BonS, It's a bummer the rating is that low  because I'm in triple digits often. The Q rating is prolly why you haven't heard any flaming deaths !! 

[kahnma]

The Austone has Q speed rating and that is 99 mph. There is a Dunlop branded "Austone" tire and it's 87 mph which is an N speed rating. Far from an H rating that's for sure. That said, I certainly haven't heard about any flaming deaths related to this tire as its been pretty much universally praised.

Thanks BonS, It's a bummer the rating is that low  because I'm in triple digits often. The Q rating is prolly why you haven't heard any flaming deaths !! 

I have been running the Austone for about 10K now. I ride aggressively in the corners and often 2 up. I am constantly at speeds over 100mph with a passenger and this tire has been great! The trick is getting the pressure correct or it will wobble at speeds above 90.

Another added bonus I wasn't expecting is my passenger says the bike feels much more comfortable now. She feels like it gave her more of a pillow top feel (her words)...

When this tire wears I will definitely be getting another one. And with the 10k I currently have on it she still looks close to new, so it will be no time soon!

[Pappy!]

We just bought the Yokohama Avid Envgor for Lesa's Valk. Her first Darkside tire. Edges are very rounded so it drops into a lean/corner at speed nicely. Thinking I am going to up the pressure on her tire from the mid-30s. Her first comment was about differences in low speed handling vs the bike tire and am hoping that will make a positive change in that regard.
After her first 175 mile trip this weekend on it she was already used to it overall.
This may help you in regard to the nut cage mods.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65849.0.html

[BIG--T]

The Austone has Q speed rating and that is 99 mph. There is a Dunlop branded "Austone" tire and it's 87 mph which is an N speed rating. Far from an H rating that's for sure. That said, I certainly haven't heard about any flaming deaths related to this tire as its been pretty much universally praised.

Thanks BonS, It's a bummer the rating is that low  because I'm in triple digits often. The Q rating is prolly why you haven't heard any flaming deaths !! 

I have been running the Austone for about 10K now. I ride aggressively in the corners and often 2 up. I am constantly at speeds over 100mph with a passenger and this tire has been great! The trick is getting the pressure correct or it will wobble at speeds above 90.

Another added bonus I wasn't expecting is my passenger says the bike feels much more comfortable now. She feels like it gave her more of a pillow top feel (her words)...

When this tire wears I will definitely be getting another one. And with the 10k I currently have on it she still looks close to new, so it will be no time soon!

That is welcome news about the 100+.  What IS scary is a death wobble above 90! What pressure works for you? Can you post a close up pic of it the tread?

[BIG--T]

We just bought the Yokohama Avid Envgor for Lesa's Valk. Her first Darkside tire. Edges are very rounded so it drops into a lean/corner at speed nicely. Thinking I am going to up the pressure on her tire from the mid-30s. Her first comment was about differences in low speed handling vs the bike tire and am hoping that will make a positive change in that regard.
After her first 175 mile trip this weekend on it she was already used to it overall.
This may help you in regard to the nut cage mods.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65849.0.html

Thanks for the info Pappy! I've heard nothing but good about that tire so far. So you are increasing the pressure for slow speed maneuvers? Thanks for the link! 

[kahnma]

The Austone has Q speed rating and that is 99 mph. There is a Dunlop branded "Austone" tire and it's 87 mph which is an N speed rating. Far from an H rating that's for sure. That said, I certainly haven't heard about any flaming deaths related to this tire as its been pretty much universally praised.

Thanks BonS, It's a bummer the rating is that low  because I'm in triple digits often. The Q rating is prolly why you haven't heard any flaming deaths !!  

I have been running the Austone for about 10K now. I ride aggressively in the corners and often 2 up. I am constantly at speeds over 100mph with a passenger and this tire has been great! The trick is getting the pressure correct or it will wobble at speeds above 90.

Another added bonus I wasn't expecting is my passenger says the bike feels much more comfortable now. She feels like it gave her more of a pillow top feel (her words)...

When this tire wears I will definitely be getting another one. And with the 10k I currently have on it she still looks close to new, so it will be no time soon!

That is welcome news about the 100+.  What IS scary is a death wobble above 90! What pressure works for you? Can you post a close up pic of it the tread?

I started with a tire pressure of about 40 and i got the wobble pretty bad and it scared the hell out of me. I went online and saw that many of the Goldwing riders would air them up to between 45 - 55 to get rid of the wobble. I have mine aired up to 50 and i dont notice the wobble anymore. I keep meaning to lower the air pressure 2 pounds at a time to see if i can run it lower without a wobble but it rides good now so i haven't bothered.

I have also read that using 2 oz of the dynabeads to balance the tire is better then the traditional weights for balancing as it will balance itself better. I have not tested this but next time around i will give it a try.

I never figured out how to post pictures on here but I can send you a picture of the tire via email or text if you'd like. my email is mkahn1991@gmail.com and my cell is 518-275-2489.

[Valkorado]

I'm on my second Austone, and I ride two up and (occasionally) triple digits.  I use 2 bottles (16 ozs.) of Ride-On with this tire for balance.  When the first tire was mounted it was at 36 and felt squirrelly.  I now run at 42 and haven't had any bad behavior from the tire since.  This tire plays well with my 13" Progressive 444s, not so much with the blown 416s and leaky 440s I tried before them.

[Pappy!]

Big-T, yes will be increasing pressure to see if it does anything for low speed work. Maybe the other guys can chime in on whether a pressure increase will/won't work.
I run a Vredestein on my Valk and run the mid 30s pressure in it. Difference is that I have run darkside for long enough to not notice any differences anymore.

[kahnma]

The Austone has Q speed rating and that is 99 mph. There is a Dunlop branded "Austone" tire and it's 87 mph which is an N speed rating. Far from an H rating that's for sure. That said, I certainly haven't heard about any flaming deaths related to this tire as its been pretty much universally praised.

Thanks BonS, It's a bummer the rating is that low  because I'm in triple digits often. The Q rating is prolly why you haven't heard any flaming deaths !!  

I have been running the Austone for about 10K now. I ride aggressively in the corners and often 2 up. I am constantly at speeds over 100mph with a passenger and this tire has been great! The trick is getting the pressure correct or it will wobble at speeds above 90.

Another added bonus I wasn't expecting is my passenger says the bike feels much more comfortable now. She feels like it gave her more of a pillow top feel (her words)...

When this tire wears I will definitely be getting another one. And with the 10k I currently have on it she still looks close to new, so it will be no time soon!

That is welcome news about the 100+.  What IS scary is a death wobble above 90! What pressure works for you? Can you post a close up pic of it the tread?

I started with a tire pressure of about 40 and i got the wobble pretty bad and it scared the hell out of me. I went online and saw that many of the Goldwing riders would air them up to between 45 - 55 to get rid of the wobble. I have mine aired up to 50 and i dont notice the wobble anymore. I keep meaning to lower the air pressure 2 pounds at a time to see if i can run it lower without a wobble but it rides good now so i haven't bothered.

I have also read that using 2 oz of the dynabeads to balance the tire is better then the traditional weights for balancing as it will balance itself better. I have not tested this but next time around i will give it a try.

I never figured out how to post pictures on here but I can send you a picture of the tire via email or text if you'd like. my email is mkahn1991@gmail.com and my cell is 518-275-2489.

I also should probably note that the combined weight of me and my passenger is only about 330 lb

[old2soon]

I'm on my second Austone, and I ride two up and (occasionally) triple digits.  I use 2 bottles (16 ozs.) of Ride-On with this tire for balance.  When the first tire was mounted it was at 36 and felt squirrelly.  I now run at 42 and haven't had any bad behavior from the tire since.  This tire plays well with my 13" Progressive 444s, not so much with the blown 416s and leaky 440s I tried before them.

   How many miles did you get out of that first A T T? AND what kind of shape was it in at the miles you ran? Plus after reading these posts I need to raise the pressure in mine some. As always-T I A for any and all info! RIDE SAFE.

[Valkorado]

About 18,500 on mainly rough chip/seal roads BUT it probably had another thousand in it at least.  I had a new one installed because I was going on a trip and didn't want to risk it.

[Tailgate Tommy]

Pic of the tire and installed on the bike.

[BIG--T]

Thanks to all of you for your help, lots of great information. The one thing I do know if I get 18k out of a tire I'll be a happy camper for sure!! 

[..]

Pic of the tire and installed on the bike.

Got a photo looking at the bike from the rear showing the tire?

[BIG--T]

Pic of the tire and installed on the bike.

Got a photo looking at the bike from the rear showing the tire?

I was hoping someone would post a shot from the rear too

[Jess from VA]

Found two.

[BIG--T]

Thanks Jess it looks good on the Shadow and will look at lot skinnier than my 200 for sure! 

[..]

Found two.

Nicely curved.

The Coooper Zeon I used to run was squarer and made for slightly "edgy" handling at times.

[Valkorado]

This was my last Austone at over 17k miles.  It is a good wearing tire.  Was at the wear bars when I swapped it out around 1,500 miles later.

[big d]

The next question is what what size is everyone running?

[BIG--T]

The next question is what what size is everyone running?

Big D I would think most running CT are running 205/60 or close where the Austone Taxi is 175/60

[BIG--T]

This was my last Austone at over 17k miles.  It is a good wearing tire.  Was at the wear bars when I swapped it out around 1,500 miles later.

Thanks Valkorado  I like that and especially the mileage! I just found out that some running it was ripping out their wiring when hitting a big bump! I'm running a lot of weight with stock shocks

[Mr Whiskey]

The next question is what what size is everyone running?

Big D I would think most running CT are running 205/60 or close where the Austone Taxi is 175/60

Pretty sure that's 175/80 on that taxi tire (csr81).
60% of 205mm is 123mm
80% of 175mm is 140mm
Not a huge difference in sidewall height, but enough.
I run a 205/55, (that's 112.75mm sidewall) & I had to do the nut cage mod even with my IS shocks at 11k miles on 'em. We were 2 up crankin' & bankin' almost all the time!

[old2soon]

I like how effortless the transitions are with the Austone. On the way up and the way back from Fort Leonard Wood today had some interesting twistys on Mo-17 and just seamless on the L R L or R L R and just so easy to throw around and RIDE! IF I wear this one out there WILL be another Austone when needed.  RIDE SAFE.

[BIG--T]

Yep I like this tire but do wonder about the Q (90mph) rating because I do hit triple digits frequently.  

[samoanrich]

Whiskey man, You don't think that 205-55 is short for a interstate with 2 up. Just asking brother. Thinking of switching out my current ct, played with the tire pressure just don't like the way it handles. Yes its my third ct so not a newbe on riding them.

[samoanrich]

It's a Vredestien in case your wondering.

[Mr Whiskey]

Whiskey man, You don't think that 205-55 is short for a interstate with 2 up. Just asking brother. Thinking of switching out my current ct, played with the tire pressure just don't like the way it handles. Yes its my third ct so not a newbe on riding them.

I love it! It's the only size we've ever run, but that's because you can't get a good "sticker" tire (tread wear rating 320 or less[soft], speed rated W or better[softer], load rated 90+ if possible[with stiff sidewalls]) in a 205/60. Much better selection in 205/55.
I run the same style tire as SmokinJoe, for the same reason, grip.
(He even put the same one I'm runnin' on one of his bikes.)
That being said, it's far from "forgiving" when you're goin' slow, & a down right PITA when you're off road!
If there was another size out there that met those specs I'd consider running it, but I never thought of our 205/55 as short, no.

[ValkISDan]

Lots of good info on darkside. I personally have a Bridgestone but am very interested in what others are using and their experiences. The austone sounds intriguing but I have 12.5 inch progressive 430's and saw a post regarding possible bottoming out. The wobble some are experiencing  concerns me to. Wobble can equal flaming death and it usually doesn't let you know its coming. I'll stop rambling on but I'm excited to get to Inzane and talk tires with other darksiders. Maybe a few of us could offer brief rides to let others experience the different tire brands.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Lots of good info on darkside. I personally have a Bridgestone but am very interested in what others are using and their experiences. The austone sounds intriguing but I have 12.5 inch progressive 430's and saw a post regarding possible bottoming out. The wobble some are experiencing  concerns me to. Wobble can equal flaming death and it usually doesn't let you know its coming. I'll stop rambling on but I'm excited to get to Inzane and talk tires with other darksiders. Maybe a few of us could offer brief rides to let others experience the different tire brands.

The wobble can and does occur with any tire. The correct pressure is the important thing.

[ValkISDan]

Lots of good info on darkside. I personally have a Bridgestone but am very interested in what others are using and their experiences. The austone sounds intriguing but I have 12.5 inch progressive 430's and saw a post regarding possible bottoming out. The wobble some are experiencing  concerns me to. Wobble can equal flaming death and it usually doesn't let you know its coming. I'll stop rambling on but I'm excited to get to Inzane and talk tires with other darksiders. Maybe a few of us could offer brief rides to let others experience the different tire brands.

The wobble can and does occur with any tire. The correct pressure is the important thing.

I must be one of the lucky ones that have never experienced a wobble on any tire on any of my bikes including 1 1100 shadow and 2 valkyries

[The emperor has no clothes]

Lots of good info on darkside. I personally have a Bridgestone but am very interested in what others are using and their experiences. The austone sounds intriguing but I have 12.5 inch progressive 430's and saw a post regarding possible bottoming out. The wobble some are experiencing  concerns me to. Wobble can equal flaming death and it usually doesn't let you know its coming. I'll stop rambling on but I'm excited to get to Inzane and talk tires with other darksiders. Maybe a few of us could offer brief rides to let others experience the different tire brands.

The wobble can and does occur with any tire. The correct pressure is the important thing.

I must be one of the lucky ones that have never experienced a wobble on any tire on any of my bikes including 1 1100 shadow and 2 valkyries

It can be pretty disconcerting . I've only had it a couple times. Doing 95 on a wide sweeper with a strong side wind and get a wobble that builds will get your attention real quick. It's amazing what the difference of 5 lbs. of air can make.