I also put about 200 miles on the Riken before heading off to the West Virginia mountains. No issues, no problems, no fuss whatsoever. Run about 29-30 lbs in it and you'll love it.
 
My Own Update

OK, I just did about 2000 miles last week all the way up Blue Ridge Parkway into Virginia pulling a Bushtec Trailer with a darkside goodyear on the Rock . . Here is my opinion.

I never felt uncomfortable with the tire on the bike. It was a bit more noticeable pulling the trailer but when the trailer came off . . I seriously could not tell any difference between the goodyear and the metz at higher speeds or even aggresssive cornering. The biggest difference seems to be low speeds on uneven SOFT ground . . like the driveway or the lawn. Next is uneven pavement but it becomes second nature after a while . . . dont really even think about it. I agree that it takes a little time to get used to the immediate change in the feel of the bike but changing from a worn out tire to a new round one takes a few miles too. Until this trip I was really unsure if I would keep the tire on but now . . its staying and its not just the cost (the goodyear was 185.00 plus mounting and balancing) Its more that the tires just wear out way too soon and for the riding I do its a pain in the ass changing out every few months. Another friend of mine that bought his Rocket in March, rides it 100+ miles per day and in less than 6 months has to put a tire on it. You telling me you wouldnt be a bit ticked off if you had to replace the tires on your car every six months??

As for tire pressures . . . I really havent messed with them much. I have 40 psi in the rear and unless I hear different from people who have played around with them . . works for me.
 
Come on, Snuff. You know you're tempted by the Dark Side. Succumb to your temptation. Just imagine carving through the Ranch Roads and Farm to Markets with more grip. Be the talk of Cranfills Gap, Clifton and Meridian.

Seriously, for me it was economics. I spent around $800 last year in rear tires. Cost me $94 (incl tax) and $10 to mount my Riken Raptor 225/55ZR16. I don't expect to change it for 3 years/30k miles.
You know my "hood" well.:cool:
 
Snuff,

I won't go back. I went out this past Sunday and never even thought about running a CT with one exception. I stopped in a gravel covered flea market lot, the bike handled fine in the rocks but I brought home about half a pick up load of pea gravel in the Rapture treads. If you have enough Mez to get you to ES and back you are welcome to ride my bike while we are out there to get some initial input. The other Dark Side riders are telling you the truth however when they say you have to put some miles on the CT to really get the feel. One other thing I don't think anyone else has touched on. The **** thing looks good on a bike as big as the Rocket.
 
Dark Sider for over two years

I've been riding on a Goodyear Tripple Tread for some time now. I've also been witness to "MANY" discussions on the subject, and heard many stories (mostly pro) regarding a car tire on a motorcycle. The only drawback I have seen is getting one mounted. They're a tight fit! I love it on my Suzuki and when I get a Rocket, it will get one as soon as possible. The technology emphasis on car tires has been for longevity and safety. Motorcycle tire manufacturers I think have different goals in mind. Bikes usually don't see as many miles as cars. So I believe that they have no incentive to make them last longer.

Here is a link to discussion on this deep "Dark" secret.
I hope it will shed some light:

The Dark Side

In the end, everyone will have to decide for themselves. But for now, it's the "Dark Side" for me!
 
Get the dang tire and ride it to ES. befor you get there you will wonder why you thought twice I've run from 32 to 40 psi and dont see a big difference, got 14,000 on my goodyear F1 and it's good for another 20,000 at least. I don't get concerned about high speeds on hot days, I don't hold my breath every time I hit a stone in the road. I pull a trailer and can hardly tell it's there. The carcus of the Metz I took off was about the thickness of a shingle, aaat 3600 miles. How many people here have had a stone poke holes in there tires. And they talk about safety. I have had three blow outs at hiway speed and that will stain your skivies. If I could find a darkside front I have that too. It's not only an econimics issue for me it boils down to just how frickin stupid do tire manufactures think I am.
 
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Get the dang tire and ride it to ES. befor you get there you will wonder why you thought twice I've run from 32 to 40 psi and dont see a big difference, got 14,000 on my goodyear F1 and it's good for another 20,000 at least. I don't get concerned about high speeds on hot days, I don't hold my breath every time I hit a stone in the road. I pull a trailer and can hardly tell it's there. The carcus of the Metz I took off was about the thickness of a shingle, aaat 3600 miles. How many people here have had a stone poke holes in there tires. And they talk about safety. I have had three blow outs at hiway speed and that will stain your skivies. If I could find a darkside front I have that too. It not only an econimics issue for me it boils dowm to just how frickin stupid do tire manufactures think I am.

I'd say that about covers it Jethro.

P.S. I'm leaving the leaking pig in the garage until Wednesday morning when I ride to your place. I'm riding the KLR. The frigg'in forks don't leak....yet.:eek:
 
Well crap! My rear tire is close to the wear bar...I'm going back and forth between Cobra or Dark Side. Can't see that the Avon is going to last that much longer since it seems so soft (just got one on the front). Just not sure that I want a tire that you have to "get used to", but I don't look foward to pulling the rear tire off every 7 to 8000 miles...more encourgement from you "Dark Siders".
Do you encounter loads of gravel roads? Then stay away from the dark side. Does your state have loads of overtaxed roadways with rutts and crowns? Then stay away from the dark side. Do you hate the forearms of PopEye? Then stay away from the dark side.

The Cooper 2XS is powering the FBG to a major grin level. Lots of confidence gained in the power translation. I'll not go back!
 
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