First Impressions Darkside R3T

[laraza]

Have had a 205/60R16 General Altimax fitted on my 09 R3T for a couple of days and approx 200 miles now and thought I would give my first impressions vs the m/c tyres I had fitted before in case anyone is interested.

My bike was running Avon Venoms front and rear which I thought were a huge improvement over the Metz, bike ran smoother, grippier and rolled into corners much more easily than with the Metz, downside? the rear has lasted just 4000miles.

I am a total c/t virgin, having never owned a bike with one fitted and am big enough to accept that some of the 'negative feelings' may be down to me not having enough confidence with the tyre yet.

Ok, positives first.
Bike feels much more planted, a feeling echoed by my pillion, on the straights and through gentle curves.

Feels like I've gained 20 bhp when whacking the throttle open, just seems to grip and fly much better

Very smooth ride and felt pretty good when riding through a shower and the extra tyre life is a given.

Negatives? Fiddling with the psi is a pain (still not found that sweet spot) and follows ruts a bit more.

Roundabouts and sharp corners are cheek clenching for me at the moment. Just do not have the confidence that the tyre will grip when I start rolling it on to its side and consequently I am taking these like a total novice (almost feet down and I've been riding bikes for 33 years) any advice on this part is very welcome!

To sum up, too early to say really if I can get the confidence I need around the bends then I think its a 'no brainer' if I can't then I will look at it again, in any case 200 miles is way to early to decide!

 

[ewswartze]

Ease into the cornering until you are comfortable. It is not a race to see who can replace the pegs first. I do frequently drag the pegs but have never even had the feeling the riken I have was about to slide out. I was uneasy at first also so I went to an empty parking lot and did my own slow speed tests. Cheers

 

[Stick]

I had that same tire on my RIIIT and found 42 PSI was good for me. Pressure in the low 30's would let the sidewalls fold over when running over 90 mph in corners. They don't handle as well, but when you learn to work with the tire, you'll find a smile. I am currently running a Goodyear Eagle F1, 245 wide on my RIII which is very flat. Here's the secret, are you ready? Lean and twist! That's it, a nice controllable slide around the corner, the more you do it, the bigger the smile gets.

 

[UNCLE JESSE]

Glad to see you came to the dark side just remember counter steer and you will be running over people and in the curves that softer sidewall gives a whole lot better ride it's like putting on an extra cushion. I put 40 pounds of pressure in my tire seems like it handles better specially two up

 

[laraza]

I am definitely going to up the pressure, I am running at about 35 at the moment and it feels like there's too much give in the tyre.

 

[Kmutt]

Great feedback!!! Looking forward to more miles.....I think this is the way to go when my metz runs out....The front tire sucks and since im not a speed demon (except on the straightaways!) the metz's will do for now....


mutt

 

[rainman]

i have a 08 touring and run 34 in mine and it feels great on straight and curve started with 36 and it seemed to follow the road to much but each to their own once u find the right pressure and forget u r running a c/t u will never look back enjoy the darkside

 

[laraza]

Up'd the pressure to 40 and took her out yesterday with a pillion, it felt much better for me. Just going to have to keep experimenting I guess but the confidence is starting to come

 

[vader]

I'm running 34 psi, same setup, it feels good. I had a buddy on an america follow me and record it with his iphone, you can't see it very well but he say's it doesn't ever get up on that corner, edge, or whatever ya call it.

 

[Elvis]

I am getting one put on tomorrow -going with the 205-60-16HP Altimax and 3oz of dyna beads

I have a Venom as well, but it did last for 8500 miles