Dark Side Front

barbagris

Mad Scientist
Joined
Aug 1, 2010
Messages
12,988
Location
On the verge of insanity
Ride
1979 Guzzi V1000G5 - 2018 KTM 790 Duke
In the search for autonomy - i.e. I'm pissed of with having to wait for new tyres to come special order every 6000kms - I've opted to try a M/C rear tyre on the front

Went for an Avon Azaro AV46 140/80ZR17

No real impressions yet as on my way from the tyre place the heavens opened and the roads were awash. Deep troughs of water that turned the sump spoiler into a water scoop. Not ridden so slowly for a long time. And on un-scrubbed rubber and diesel/oil oozing up - I was not in the mood to be heroic.



Already running a CT rear - so why not?
 
That would make you "Double Dark"
Oh Dark Lord

For a moment I thought you put a car tyre on the front too
 
I'd be really interested to hear from anyone who's put a car tyre on their bike why they won't put one on the front. Not designed for a motorbike? Too square and flat? Low pressure needed not conducive to good handling? Just seems wrong?

It's OK fellas; just messing with you.
 
Well you let bulls chase you up the street why not try a car tyre on the front
 
On the C109 I had before the Rocket, I was running a CT on the rear and a Metz 160 rear tire on the front. Everyone running them said Metz had suggested mounting it backwards, so I did. It handled well. Of course the C109 didn't have much lean angle before the boards were grinding. It ran 135 mph (many times) solid and stable. I never had an issue with it.
 
Just taken it for a quick run.

BLOODY HELL - What a difference. Very much lighter in the twisties. Just done a quick 40kms testing the new filter-plenum thing - and really confidence inspiring - very nearly scrubbed off all the way across already.
 
You find me a Z rated 140 (or 150) width 80 aspect 17" rim RADIAL C/T and I'll consider it. Really.

Had this discussion yesterday with my tyre guy and the Goodyear rep for Spain (who was a bit flummoxed to see a Goodyear CT on a bike).
 
Kia Ora from Aotearoa New Zealand Just adding to the Rear Car Tyre debate. I am on to my 4 Car Tyre I use a 225/55/16 and its a Hankook. bought 3 of them for 150 each. I average approximately minimum 350 kilometres per 5 day week and if I go for a putt in the weekend Ill get in another 300 ks on top.
I have had Bridgestones got just 4000 ks out of one was pure crap tyre let go on smooth parts of the tarseal road. Probably went through 3 sets of them. NZ $240 front $350 rear, Had Metzlers $490 rear $350 front. Good tyres still have issues when worn just wear overnight.feeling too expensive.
Tried Avons beautiful sticky tyres awesome to ride on in the dry. But expensive as the Metzler. Gave them away when I was cornering and the rear let go less then 1000 ks and they wouldn't refund me the cost of the tyre.
So after 700000 ks I changed to the Car Rear Hankook 255/55/16 paid $150 fitted and a Shinko 17 paid $150 fitted. I have been through probably 4 fronts $600 and 3 rears $450. I can keep up with V Rods Heritages Fat Bobs Fat Boys Road Kings Sportsters Ducatis pretty well anything then I pass them. My Bros give up testing me. I've accomplished 110 000 ks in just over 3 1/2 years. Tyres are expensive if you use her every day Rain Hail or Shine. Car tyres give you better straight line braking and don't wear on the flat. Once you get passed wearing the edge off your a way. Shinkos seem to match well although some Rocket riders this way say they are no good over 200 ks. Thats my look at Car tyres try both before you make judgement. Like I have. Thanks
Ma te wa hoki (Laterwards) Onesonwillie