Darkside Review ???

[PeteOZ]

I hope at the end we don't all just pick the bits from the article we like as its the objective findings that are most relevant. As I've said before, personal opinions are good but not a sound basis for such an important decision.

The best outcome will not be whether CTs are OK or better or worse, but that the discussion and the article provide a catalist for some sensible consideration by bike and tire manufacturers of the real needs of this large and apparently growing segment of the motorcycle market.

Unfortunately Canberra, it's human nature to pick bits from statistics and research that support our own biased views, so I'm afraid your fears will be realised in some way.

However, I the review will NOT nominate a "winner", but will simply provide the catalyst you mention above. Who knows, maybe some smart tyre exec who is surreptitiously monitoring this thread will see a potential market in producing a motorcycle tyre with a longer life, well balanced tread for the cruising/touring market (hey, there goes another flying pig now)

Thanks for crediting me with starting the thread, but that credit should really go to the editor (Peter Thoemig) who was the catalyst for my original post. His willingness to take on what is reported here as being a taboo topic for many US mags speaks volumes for his principles (probably not the right word, but I'm on my second glass of red ......)

Pete

 

[nolton]

Can't speak for Scowherd but I will choose the best SAFE option for me; not just the safest tire. Mileage, handling, price, looks etc can all be traded off to varying degrees but safety should be a non negotiable criterion regardless of riding style. Is such a super sticky tire even available and if so is it a road-legal option? If not, its hypothetical existance adds nothing to this discussion.

Triumph really f***ed up when it decided on the 16" wheel as it is that decision that has so limited our options as to force many to consider CTs. Then there's the other matter of whether MTs can really cope with the weight and torque levels of big cruisers. I could tow a caravan with my bike now yet it leaves a footprint of about 3 inches of rubber on the road. No wonder we rip through the MTs.

I would add one thing, Pete. This has been one of the most controvercial and enjoyable threads on this site and I'm really glad you started it off. I hope at the end we don't all just pick the bits from the article we like as its the objective findings that are most relevant. As I've said before, personal opinions are good but not a sound basis for such an important decision.

The best outcome will not be whether CTs are OK or better or worse, but that the discussion and the article provide a catalist for some sensible consideration by bike and tire manufacturers of the real needs of this large and apparently growing segment of the motorcycle market.

Yea, Peteoz. What he said !! I would like to thank you as-well. This thread has helped me decide what to do when its my time to get another tire "tyre".
It has been like watching a political or religious debate. WOW!!!!
Give me a heads up when the mag. comes out !

 

[PeteOZ]

Thanks Nolton, will do. I imagine it will be a few months yet before anything appears in print.

Pete

 

[HansO]

review on this Tuesday!

Thanks Nolton, will do. I imagine it will be a few months yet before anything appears in print.

Pete

Ya never know how long these thing take to get to print but I'll ask "The Bear" on Tuesday and let you know. So far we have got 3 darksiders with 3 different tyres possiblly another Rocket Std with Cobras m/c tyres and are you still coming PeteOZ, lets hope the weather is good to us.

 

[TriumPhil]

Just make sure that you have some R3s available with "normal", i.e., motorcycle tires on them, so that the reviewer-riders can do side-by-side, back-to-back comparisons!

 

[STRIPES]

I've been through 2 Mezzlers and am on my third CT (Falcon 245). Next time I'll go down to a 225 to ease the counter-steer a tad. I'll never go back to a MC tire. I have had my ass saved more than once because of better braking (more rubber on the ground). Plus, I have never had the CT to try to "swap ends" while accelerating (like I have with the Metz).

 

[HansO]

as unbiased as possible

Ya never know how long these thing take to get to print but I'll ask "The Bear" on Tuesday and let you know. So far we have got 3 darksiders with 3 different tyres possiblly another Rocket Std with Cobras m/c tyres and are you still coming PeteOZ, lets hope the weather is good to us.

Yeah Phill I am happy to be able to tell you that after many messages the guy mentioned above ( who doesn't like computors therefore does not go on forums or near computors) just returned my call and said he will be there so if PeteOZ is on a m/c tyre that will be 2 M/C and 3 Darkside tyres I have tried to get another CanberraR3 to come but he has other comitments. I have tried to keep this unbiased as possible and it being a REVIEW I don't think it is case of testing each against each other (no racing etc) competively and from memory "The Bear" has tested both the Std/Classic and Touring previously he might have even done the Roadster I'm not sure in saying that I think he has a pretty good reference point to work from, any way the sun is shining and I can hear " The Mistress" calling me so I'll catch ya later.
Cheers
Hans

 

[CanberraR3]

Yes, unfortunately I'm still leaving monday morning. Only mate I'd trust to take the bike for me crashed on his Harley and has a smashed elbow. If important for the story I would be prepared to let someone really really trustworthy take it up but would need to be someone you, Pete or Bear would vouch for. Would have to get here to collect sunday arvo or early monday. One problem might be that the Metz is 90% gone - Cobra going on when I return. Let me know what you think.

 

[TriumPhil]

You're fooking killin' me, Hans! It's about 15 degrees here and we just had another batch of snow today. My Mulberry Mistress has turned into one coldhearted biotch. She just glares at me when I pass her in the garage. Hooked up as she is to a Battery tender, she gives the impression of being a cold and desperate machine on life support.

I figured that the evaluation would be done well as your mates appear to be fair minded and quite squared away human beings. Wish I could be there to participate, to enjoy the weather and especially to become better acquainted with Aussie lasses.2010 Australian Grand Prix Grid Girls - Photos

Thank the good Lord that we live in places that allow for free expression/choice and curse you for rubbing that good weather in our face!

 

[CanberraR3]

Wish I could be there to participate, to enjoy the weather and especially to become better acquainted with Aussie lasses.2010 Australian Grand Prix Grid Girls - Photos

This is so embarrassing. Trust me, there are better looking ones.