5,700 miles and I need a new rear tire

[CWCobra]

I put 15,000 miles on a car tire on a Honda VTX1300R before I sold it. I never once regretted having a car tire. The performance, wear, and economics were exceptional.
I hope to have my R3T car tire mounted before the weekend.


YMMV,
CW

 

[ewswartze]

The single factor that pushed me to try a car tire was when i observed that 99.99% of the negative comments came from those who have not personally tried them on a bike. As with life in general, when you pursue status quo, status quo is the maximum you are likely to realize. CARPE DIEM

 

[GPMAZ]

A gentleman on the other site just reported totaling his Rocket when he ran wide on a turn. He's fine but, he's concerned about how his insurance company is going to react when they see the car tire. It may bear watching if anyone's concerned about that aspect of the issue.

 

[HansO]

Not wanting to start a debate but read the insurance artical mentioned in one of the post and Also I know anAussie guy who out of his own fault (panicked) lost the frontend in the wet and no sooner had he had it repaired and tried to go through a corner to fast on Dirt(stupid) and lost the front again The insurance company involved paid up both times as the rear tyre (DarkSide) DID NOT cause the accident I insure through the same company and even asked them if there would be problem should I have a claim thier answer was "not if it dosent cause the acident and it is a road legal tyre" that is all I have to say on the subject and is proof enought for me, as I have said before on this subject to others If you are not in favour don't do it but don't bag it either just because YOU think that way, there are a hell of lot more people that have tried and loved the Darkside than those that have gone back...........Enought Said

 

[GPMAZ]

If you are not in favour don't do it but don't bag it either just because YOU think that way

Why is it we can discuss the pros and cons of virtually any issue here EXCEPT the use of car tires on a motorcycle?

AZTOM66 asked what the pros and cons of mounting a car tire on his R3T might be.

In my opinion, riding a motorcycle involves certain risks. You can choose to mitigate those risks or to exacerbate them. Things like wearing a helmet or not, wearing protective gear or not, are a couple of those choices.

If as has been reported, running a car tire requires constant counter steering to maintain a constant arc through a turn, then it is not inconceivable that this can potentially cause a problem. As the gentleman on the other site reported that he was 'a little worn out I think from muscling the bike through tight turns for a couple hours' and subsequently 'I went wide on a turn and hit a steep embankment at about 40.'

Now, could this have happened regardless of the type of tire he was using, absolutely. But, could the type of tire have contributed to the problem, possibly.

You are correct that I've never tried a car tire on a motorcycle. But, having ridden motorcycles for 45 years now I do feel I have a small understanding of the dynamics of how they work. I will readily agree that they are less expensive and offer higher mileage than motorcycle tires. But, I feel that like anything else, there is a trade off.

I'm not trying to tell anyone what to do. Whether to wear a helmet or not, to run a car tire or not. But when someone asks for opinions, I believe we all have a right to respond.

 

[TriumPhil]

What motivated me to return to the OEM Metzeler vs. the Toyo car tire that I had on my R3 for better than 7,000 miles was the ability to ride on the sidewall of the car tire due to the Rocket's impressive lean angle. Unlike the very interesting article that RKTBOB put up, where it was impossible for the author to lean his Valkyrie sufficiently to get even close to the sidewall of his CT, that is most definitely not the case on our Triumphs, no matter which car tire one employs, and anyone who says otherwise is just blowing hot air.

 

[HansO]

Sorry Harry, as I said I'm not wanting start a debate but You ride a Touring which was developed to counter the critics that baged the Std and Classics's quirk in the steering department even a Std set up ie Metz 240/50/16 requires constant counter steer this is only very slightly (with a DS tyre) increased at turn in, the effort required to maintain your line is no different.
You also by your own admission have never ridden a DarkSide so are not Qualifed to comment on the subject you are merely passing on heresay. you may have ridden bikes for 45 years well guess what so have I and proud to say I still ride like I was in my twentys ( I would have said teens but I was just plain crazy then)and I have met guys that say proudly "I have ridden a bike for 50 years with out an accident"... sorry that just usally means that they ride like old nanny's, never exploring the limit, Not saying You are like that just saying having ridden for x amount of years says nothing, you also say this is your first and probally last cruiser, what more can I say to that you obiviously don't really like a Power Crusier because A Rocket is like no other cruiser, a mate was skiting how his 2000 cc Kawka has nearly as much torque as the rocket but only after I left him in a cloud of rubber smoke did he relise that the Rocket is much more than just another cruiser............... and that brings me to my point that the Metzler is just not up the job of harnessing all that power
getting of a Touring and on to a Std or Classic is quit like getting of a sports bike and getting on a maxy scooter quite different (a bit of an exageration but I'm sure you know what I mean) I know guyswho hated the Std/Classic but loved the Touring they are chalk and cheese. yeah all techo boffins will tell you it can't work but sorry it does I can go harder now than I ever did on a Metzler

 

[GPMAZ]

Hanso, you're absolutely right, I haven't tried it, and very likely won't.

As you stated, this is likely my last cruiser. My riding history is mainly BMWs for the last 20 years or so. Last one being a GS and assorted twins and a couple of fours before that. I much prefer the riding position of the BMW to that of the Rocket. The feet forward position is just somehow unnatural for me.

The hardest thing to give up will be the torque. The reason I sold my Corvette and bought a Viper was for the torque. My buddy and I hauled 3 Vipers to race tracks all over the country for several years and I am a firm believer in the old adage that there's no replacement for displacement. Before I give up on Rockets I'll likely give the R3R a try since the riding position may suit me better.

Anyway, thanks for discussing the issue. I honestly believe that nothing can be lost when differing opinions engage in a rational discussion. And since I veered off and talked about the Vipers, here's my favorite photo taken in Tijuana at the very unheard of Tijuana Grand Prix, which we happened to win that year.

 

[HansO]

Hanso, you're absolutely right, I haven't tried it, and very likely won't.

As you stated, this is likely my last cruiser. My riding history is mainly BMWs for the last 20 years or so. Last one being a GS and assorted twins and a couple of fours before that. I much prefer the riding position of the BMW to that of the Rocket. The feet forward position is just somehow unnatural for me.

The hardest thing to give up will be the torque. The reason I sold my Corvette and bought a Viper was for the torque. My buddy and I hauled 3 Vipers to race tracks all over the country for several years and I am a firm believer in the old adage that there's no replacement for displacement. Before I give up on Rockets I'll likely give the R3R a try since the riding position may suit me better.

Anyway, thanks for discussing the issue. I honestly believe that nothing can be lost when differing opinions engage in a rational discussion. And since I veered off and talked about the Vipers, here's my favorite photo taken in Tijuana at the very unheard of Tijuana Grand Prix, which we happened to win that year.

I do So LOVE AMERICAN MUSCLE CARS and I love your optional EXTRA'S

 

[HansO]

What motivated me to return to the OEM Metzeler vs. the Toyo car tire that I had on my R3 for better than 7,000 miles was the ability to ride on the sidewall of the car tire due to the Rocket's impressive lean angle. Unlike the very interesting article that RKTBOB put up, where it was impossible for the author to lean his Valkyrie sufficiently to get even close to the sidewall of his CT, that is most definitely not the case on our Triumphs, no matter which car tire one employs, and anyone who says otherwise is just blowing hot air.

I am trying a different brand this next one for the sidewall issue with the Toyos, I have been riding with other darksiders that lean as far as I do (pegs scraping) and they have no marks on sidewalls.
I have no actual wear on the sidewalls but after a ride like the one yesterday I can see stone marks not be confused with wear because the fine wear rating writing is still untouched wear wise and I have always seen your concern about the sidewall but also have never had any slipage when that far over it seems strange but those are the facts when I went that far over on the metzler I had slipage cos I was on the sharp edge at the very edge of the thread and actually had some wear on the sidewall, before you queiry the tyre pressure it was 42psi
Oh as for your Pm on the other site I just ignored that as you having a bad day and if every thing goes to plan will be over your way (hopping to be at MV next May) and if I do meet you and you are civil I might even buy you a beer... or two oh I might be bald by choice but I ain't OLD nor Fat, clothes can be deceiving.