Whats all the hoohaa about darksiding?

[Claviger]

It's all been posted before, the technical reasons, the performance reasons, the insurance reasons, the safety reasons.

The only reason to Darkside is being frugal, other than that there not a single upside.

It does NOT provide more longitudinal or lateral traction.

One useful suggestion: If you MUST Darkside, buy only from the 200 treadwear options, (Bridgestone Potenza RE-71 being the best suitable tire on the market currently by a large margin) the tire will have much better grip laterally than the 300-400 wear rating options like the Riken Raptor etc.

 

[1K9]

I have a Raptor mounted on a spare rim. Ran it for a while. For long haul highway touring, it is good. Unfortunately the Raptor circumference is too small and makes the bike about one inch shorter in the back. At triple digit speeds mine wobbled. Also, my TPS and MAP sensor and other gremlins were giving the bike a case of very poor throttle control at shallow throttle settings. My poor skills added to all that made me look like Goofy drunk. The Exedra is soo cheap that going back to MC tire was a no brainer.

I would like an MC tire a little larger in circumference that the Raptor. Perhaps a 225 60 16 will do.



Looking for a CT tire for the Valkyrie

 

[barbagris]

The only reason to Darksider is being frugal, other than that there not a single upside..

Not so.

For anybody doing DISTANCE the NOT HAVING TO REPLACE RUBBER MID-TRIP argument is VERY real. And this most certainly was an issue prior to the E-Max. Especially if you are somewhere that may not have a strong supply chain.

The E-Max changed the world for many of us. My tyre guy is a Bridgstone specialist - but he tells me "our" E-Max is not even kept in stock in Spain. It comes direct from Holland. Read DELAY - about 2-3 days. The Avons take a good week to arrive from the UK - Metzler 2-3 days (they come from Germany). He has all sorts of 225/55 in stock as would pretty much any tyre place.

Sometimes it's just about expediency. Long way from home (in a country that I do not speak the language) and faced with DS or a week waiting - I would go DS in a heartbeat.

I ran a Goodyear 'till it wore out - Fitted because I had a 10-12000km round trip planned through all sorts of small countries out to Bucharest and back plus 2 weeks there. I was forewarned not to expect quick turnarounds. Unless it was for BMW-GS tyres. And no Avon or Metzler will last 120000kms - not with me riding.

Would I do DS again? - maybe - though ONLY if I ever manage to rearrange that particular trip.

My mate pulled out at the last minute (health) and I have no interest in doing 3400kms each way alone. And to be clear I can speak quite a few languages. 3 fluently. And I can understand a sh*tload more. But sod's law says that the one time I need help - I will only find somebody who speaks Croatian or Serb. Or Greek. Or Saami or Inuit or ........

 

[TheKid]

I ran a ??. lowered the bike enough to hit rocks in the driveway, dented the oil pan. You can play with the pressures, buy a more "rounded" car tire so it doesn't have to be thrown into the turns, but for me, Motorcycle Tires Work Better.......Please pass the popcorn

 

[1K9]

Not so.

For anybody doing DISTANCE the NOT HAVING TO REPLACE RUBBER MID-TRIP argument is VERY real. And this most certainly was an issue prior to the E-Max. Especially if you are somewhere that may not have a strong supply chain.

The E-Max changed the world for many of us. My tyre guy is a Bridgstone specialist - but he tells me "our" E-Max is not even kept in stock in Spain. It comes direct from Holland. Read DELAY - about 2-3 days. The Avons take a good week to arrive from the UK - Metzler 2-3 days (they come from Germany). He has all sorts of 225/55 in stock as would pretty much any tyre place.

Sometimes it's just about expediency. Long way from home (in a country that I do not speak the language) and faced with DS or a week waiting - I would go DS in a heartbeat.

I ran a Goodyear 'till it wore out - Fitted because I had a 10-12000km round trip planned through all sorts of small countries out to Bucharest and back plus 2 weeks there. I was forewarned not to expect quick turnarounds. Unless it was for BMW-GS tyres. And no Avon or Metzler will last 120000kms - not with me riding.

Would I do DS again? - maybe - though ONLY if I ever manage to rearrange that particular trip.

My mate pulled out at the last minute (health) and I have no interest in doing 3400kms each way alone. And to be clear I can speak quite a few languages. 3 fluently. And I can understand a sh*tload more. But sod's law says that the one time I need help - I will only find somebody who speaks Croatian or Serb. Or Greek. Or Saami or Inuit or ........

If you balance it with RideOn the chance of a flat tire is further reduced. For those of us in the 60something group, the dampening of road shock is significant. It's about application and ridding conditions. As far as the "CT with explode off an MC rim because the rim and tire don't have matting shapes... Bollony !

I have seem many MC tire failures. Never had one... "knock on my wood" Have never seen of heard about these said CT tire explosions when run on motorcycles.

Going to try a 205 60 16 on the Valkie

And 225 60 16 instead of this on the Rocket.

 

[Claviger]

I've never seen or even heard of the bead compatibility issue actually being a problem.

Seriously, try the RE-71, it stomps the raptor into the ground for performance.

 

[sonny]

Ride a lot of miles. 50,000 on the Rocket X and still running. Tried the dark side for a bit. Sucked. Handling was ridiculous .I'll stick with the bridge stone rear and the Scorcher 140 up front. Good traction even when it is cold. Hit it hard at times and back tire always grabs. Throws me angles at times that has scraped a few things Good thing it is all done up in black. easy fix. Everyday riding is a breeze with this set up. Second set and enjoy it very much. Don't matter which car tire you run they suck. Figured do to the mileage i run a car tire was a good idea. Figured wrong. Tried it and will never do it again.

 

[barbagris]

I've never seen or even heard of the bead compatibility issue actually being a problem.

We could always put this to bed by calling ETRTO - ETRTO - Pneumatic tyres, rims and valves - but where's the fun in that?

 

[1K9]

I've never seen or even heard of the bead compatibility issue actually being a problem.

Seriously, try the RE-71, it stomps the raptor into the ground for performance.

Yeah! That's the main argument. The tire lip will fly off the wheel for no apparent reason and you will turn to dust! I have seen that CT go on and off my rim. It is a ***** even for an expert with machines that mount truck tires! They are not going on or coming off easy.

Motorcycle tire failures are rather common. I have seen practically new Metz literally fall apart. Made an acquaintance with a guy in Florida. Double amputee. He lost both of his lower legs as a result of a sudden motorcycle tire failure with crash.

The handling issue depends on the bike, the rider and the conditions.

If you are going to rack up miles on the Interstate or on mainly straight roads like most of us mortals do, the CT is a good choice. If you are going to chase any of the other Rocketeers that take the front during RAA, you are better off with a fresh MC tire rolling.

Like the RE-71. Is the side wall firm?

 

[Navigator]

And to be clear I can speak quite a few languages. 3 fluently.

English, Australian and New Zealand?

I'm still working on Spanish.