Darkside suggestions for the R3T

[rocket31998]

Has anyone had success running at CT on an R3T?

 

[TriumPhil]

I don't know that "success" is the right word to use in this discusssion, Robert.

There are clear tradeoffs to be made between running a CT or a MT. If one desires optimal handling under all conditions, but most particularly in the turns and twisties, the MT will, for the most part outperform the CT, although I found that on my VTX 1800s, the CT stayed glued to the road surface in performing through hard, powered curves where the MT had a tendency to break traction.

MTs do require significantly more rider input, i. e. countersteering, when turning. Their larger contact patch and flatter profile will cause the tire to "grab" more when you encounter pronounced camber in the roadway, on raingrooved surfaces and things like steel-grated bridge surfaces. The CT will be somewhat more squirrelly on loose, unpaved road surfaces such as dirt and gravel.

For me (based only on CT experience with my big Hondas) the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages of running a car tire because the necessary adjustments were just not that hard to make or deal with - once they were factored in to my riding style, they became rather second nature for me! Better traction overall on wet and dry paved surfaces. Better hookup with the road. More stable and controllable braking (especially avdvantageous with the rear tire skittishness and rear brake grabbiness/lockup control issues that have been amply documented with th R3s). The intrinsic design/engineering features of the CT added a road cushioning effect akin to an augmented and more comfortable rear suspension. The right CT will provide substantial economies of both cost and longevity vs running a MT on the rear. A CT is distinctly preferable when piling the miles up on quality highways and superslabs.

That said, some folks find the disadvantages outweigh the gains. Others find the rider input accomodations, which are absolutely and always necessary to run on the DS, are either too alien, uncomfortable, tiresome or bothersome.

The only way to know for sure if this mod will work for you is to spend $150-$250 and give it a whirl for yourself. I know that you have already pretty much decided to undertake the "experiment" and I hope that you will find the results to your liking. If you try it and don't like the change it will only have cost, on average, 200 bucks to see for yourself. For me, that is an affordable change which is well worth the cost and effort!

 

[STRIPES]

Great post TP! My only reservation is pertaining to performance. I have yet to have my CT break loose in a curve (unintentionally). The MT was far easier to "come loose". Riding the CT gives me the feel of being on rr tracks.....much more grip. But again, you are right.... much less effort with the MT.

 

[TriumPhil]

I think we are saying the exact same thing as regards CT performance in the twisties, Ken!

 

[rocket31998]

The low numbers of respondents tells me that this is new ground for many R3T riders. Perhaps many of you were drawn to the tourer because of the narrower rear tire. Unlike many here, I was a R3 Classic rider who switched to a Tourer for that rear tire alone. On the other hand, at CT intrigues me especially since I learned that the R3T Stock tire is not rated to handle my mods. I'm at a crossroad as I will be getting my front tire replaced over the next couple of days. I either go with a CT on the rear of wait another six months and see what happens.

 

[TriumPhil]

Robert, I'll go out on a limb here and say that many of the CT's detractors /claimed detriments can be chalked off to their being used mostly on the other model R3s. Since they are running 225-245 series CTs the negatives are magnified by the larger tire size. I don't think that you will disappointed with the CT experience on the 180 rim and considering the cost as compared with a MT, it will not extract atoo much from the wallet to give it a try.

That said, please give the CT, if you go that way, a good 500 miles of "testing" before you pronounce judgement. I know when I first went over to the Dartkside, I felt as if I made a huge mistake! In all honesty, that "ooops" feeling passed within my first hour of riding on a CT. Besides, with the type of riding and road conditions in your area this time of year, I would think taht you will find that the extra contact patch will be a very welcome attribute.

 

[STRIPES]

If I am not mistaken, roughly half of the RAA participants show up with CT's

 

[rocket31998]

If I am not mistaken, roughly half of the RAA participants show up with CT's

It just seems like the R3T owners appear to be noticable absent from this discussion.

 

[azbbqer]

It just seems like the R3T owners appear to be noticable absent from this discussion.

Most R3Ts haven't been on the road long enough to worry about changing the rear tire. I had just purchased a new ME880 when the recall came out. I had ~5600 mi. on the rear at the time. I had ~1000 on the ME880 when the dealer gave me a new set of tires. I've got almost 12000 on the bike now and the back tire still looks 75%.
I am thinking of going "over to the dark side" even before I have to get rid of this tire. I had a Goodyear Triple Tread on both of my previous Suzuki VL1500's and loved them.

 

[rocket31998]

Most R3Ts haven't been on the road long enough to worry about changing the rear tire. I had just purchased a new ME880 when the recall came out. I had ~5600 mi. on the rear at the time. I had ~1000 on the ME880 when the dealer gave me a new set of tires. I've got almost 12000 on the bike now and the back tire still looks 75%.
I am thinking of going "over to the dark side" even before I have to get rid of this tire. I had a Goodyear Triple Tread on both of my previous Suzuki VL1500's and loved them.

Thanks! This is what I'm talking about!