tire brand for looks

I have an extra rim and been thinking about putting a CT on it just for kicks. I do have a CT on a VTX so not a new to the darkside, knowing some of the pluses and minuses. Mainly I do not like the looks of most car tire tread patterns and was luckly to find one I liked for the VTX years ago but it is not made any longer. For sure can't live with one of those a-symmetrical designs. Been looking and really wanted as tall a tire as possible as in a 60 rather than a 55 and the only really good looking tires in my opinion are in the 55 series. Tell me I will not lose lean angle with the 55. Anyway really like the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R. Looks a lot like a motorcycle tire but is expensive and so soft it is rumored to not last long. Half as long as my other one would be fine cause I can't seem to wear that one out. Opinions about 60 vrs 55 welcome and tread patterns/looks but don't need to hear how CTs are the best thing since sliced bread.

"CT's are the best thing since sliced bread" !!!!!

Just kidding. Just had to. I've never used one but I also bought a like new rear wheel and tire from a trike builder in Alabama a few months ago. Been thinking about which tire to put on it myself to give the Darkside a try. I'll keep an eye on this thread. Several users here and on YouBoob like the Michelin Primacy. Steve0080 told me he uses a SP Wintersport Dunlop Runonflat in 195-55-16 3D DSST.

..if you can find one:

http://i68.tinypic.com/jk8s1s.jpg

Try this one at #32 ...


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...955HR6WS3DDSST


Dunlop Snow Tire!

Will's Primacy is the one I've seen on quite a few. Obvious to me to get the Runflat....what's not to like. Steve0080's mileage on the Dunlop seems to be stupid long in his last note to me. Damn decisions :banghead:

Here she is: http://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Miche...PA3+-+Run+Flat

From YourBoob..................https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvACbZKcqM8

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Steve 0080

Try this one at #32 ...


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireS...955HR6WS3DDSST


Dunlop Snow Tire!

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That link did not work for me. A SNOW TIRE IN FLORIDA??????????????????

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Walcrow

Will's Primacy is the one I've seen on quite a few. Obvious to me to get the Runflat....what's not to like. Steve0080's mileage on the Dunlop seems to be stupid long in his last note to me. Damn decisions :banghead:

Here she is: http://www.1010tires.com/Tires/Miche...PA3+-+Run+Flat

From YourBoob..................https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvACbZKcqM8

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The run flat sounds nice but I have had very few flats in my life so not a large concern. I also read where the run flats have stiffer sidewalls so negatively affects the ride a bit and makes them hard to mount (pity for my tire guy). Looks is paramount but I do worry about losing lean angle when going to a 55 series tire vrs a 60.

The stiffer side wall is the BENIFIT.!!!!! I thought they quit making the Alpine? I used the Dunlop as a replacement ????? I can't look this up at my current location....

I'll check Discount and Tire Rack later but the Primacy might not be available anymore. Several sites say "NO LONGER AVAILABLE". Steve's had great success with his Dunlop and quite a few YouBoob vids have guys using Kumho tires. Sounds fishy to me...........

Steve.......you on the Space Station or something?

Did you look at the picture of a RE-71R? Look here: https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire...2-16756ba37b15

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Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

Did you look at the picture of a RE-71R? Look here: https://www.bridgestonetire.com/tire...2-16756ba37b15

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That Potenza has Potential .......I do like that one. Not quite as many cuts as the Michelin for water siping? I've been a Michelin customer for decades on everything I've owned, except for Goodrich T/A Radials for the 4x4 beasts I used to take out west.

Got the tire and mounted on my spare silver rim. Changed out the black front rim to silver also so about one and a half hours to swap both wheels. That 195 was tough to get up into the wheel cavity even deflated but it did fit with lots of encouragement. I think it looks good. Have only done a few tight curves and a couple of peg scraps but really not much noticeable difference in the way it handles. At slow speeds you do notice a little more effort to fall into a turn but that decreases with speed. Have not been on the hiway yet to check tracking. First picture is old tire on rim and CT not on rim, Second is a still good Avon and CT both on rims. Going on a long ride tomorrow and will put it through the test.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f9...psfrqzyuzv.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f9...psdv7ublde.jpg

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f9...psghfmdy1r.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

Got the tire and mounted on my spare silver rim. Changed out the black front rim to silver also so about one and a half hours to swap both wheels. That 195 was tough to get up into the wheel cavity even deflated but it did fit with lots of encouragement. I think it looks good. Have only done a few tight curves and a couple of peg scraps but really not much noticeable difference in the way it handles. At slow speeds you do notice a little more effort to fall into a turn but that decreases with speed. Have not been on the hiway yet to check tracking. First picture is old tire on rim and CT not on rim, Second is a still good Avon and CT both on rims. Going on a long ride tomorrow and will put it through the test.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f9...psfrqzyuzv.jpg

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Lots of center wear on that Avon - you may have to relegate it to "twisty road only" status!

Best of luck with the CT.
Looking forward to hearing your report.
Cheers,
Steve

The pic you posted is the Shinko. When I experienced its poor traction ability on both wet and dry I finished it off with several burn outs and enjoyed the smoke. But yes even the Avon with less than 5K on it is showing more wear in the middle and some what of a flat center.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

The pic you posted is the Shinko. When I experienced its poor traction ability on both wet and dry I finished it off with several burn outs and enjoyed the smoke. But yes even the Avon with less than 5K on it is showing more wear in the middle and some what of a flat center.

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Would you please get away from your computer and get out and ride and report back to us?

We're waiting........'popcorn and coke':popcorn::popcorn:'popcorn and coke'

LOL it is a pretty day out today and I've rode around the hood a few times but doing a longer ride tomorrow up to Stockton. I'm also happy to meet you somewhere sometime and let you ride this CT and see what you think. Of course you might explode from what I've read about you and what you think about CTs on bikes. :nono:

I'm also resting today as much as possible because the Wife has told me I will have to stay out tonight past my normal 9:00 bedtime.

Put a couple hundred on the CT today which included many twisties, poor pavement, temp bridge grating, and under construction grooved pavement as well as some flat smooth pavement and speeds into the triple digits. The tire handled flawlessly and it is easy to forget it is back there. My VTX with a CT was not so nice and was very much a negative in multiple ways, not so with this bike. I don't know if it is the tire choice or the bike but barley noticeable that it is not a regular motorcycle tire, in fact much better then a crappy poor traction Shinko I had on it for a while. The only things that might be considered and they are minor are: Cons, a little more effort is required to fall into a curve at slow speeds. Maybe a bit of wander on straight flat smooth pavement if not paying attention, that's it! Pros, I think a little more lean angle is available now, but still touch down the pegs often. Traction is improved with no slippage off the line or dumping of the clutch. I'm running 42 pounds as that is what I've always run in my tires, so might experiment some with lower pressures but would be subprized to see an improvement. Another thought is maybe mount the Go Pro so I can see the tire in action because I wonder how much compression of the edge I'm experiencing. Wet pavement is yet to be experienced but I don;t push a bike in the wet anyway.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by willtill

..if you can find one:

195/55r16 Michelin primacy alpin pa3 zp run flat

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There is a replacement Michelin with EXCELLENT reviews that would work and has very similar tread design with many sipes for water to exit, there is also the Pirelli winter tire (I have not seen any reviews)

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phantom

There is a replacement Michelin with EXCELLENT reviews that would work and has very similar tread design with many sipes for water to exit, there is also the Pirelli winter tire (I have not seen any reviews)

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

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http://i64.tinypic.com/30vnjfp.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

Put a couple hundred on the CT today which included many twisties, poor pavement, temp bridge grating, and under construction grooved pavement as well as some flat smooth pavement and speeds into the triple digits. The tire handled flawlessly and it is easy to forget it is back there. My VTX with a CT was not so nice and was very much a negative in multiple ways, not so with this bike. I don't know if it is the tire choice or the bike but barley noticeable that it is not a regular motorcycle tire, in fact much better then a crappy poor traction Shinko I had on it for a while. The only things that might be considered and they are minor are: Cons, a little more effort is required to fall into a curve at slow speeds. Maybe a bit of wander on straight flat smooth pavement if not paying attention, that's it! Pros, I think a little more lean angle is available now, but still touch down the pegs often. Traction is improved with no slippage off the line or dumping of the clutch. I'm running 42 pounds as that is what I've always run in my tires, so might experiment some with lower pressures but would be subprized to see an improvement. Another thought is maybe mount the Go Pro so I can see the tire in action because I wonder how much compression of the edge I'm experiencing. Wet pavement is yet to be experienced but I don;t push a bike in the wet anyway.

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The F8B was made for a car tire :yes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phantom

There is a replacement Michelin with EXCELLENT reviews that would work and has very similar tread design with many sipes for water to exit, there is also the Pirelli winter tire (I have not seen any reviews)

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

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Rolling the dice on your recommended Michelin...I don't know what would bother 53Driver more; dabbling on the Darkside or how skittish I am on the OEM Stones :shhh:

Not sure I understand the desire to run a snow or ice tire when you will not be on snow or ice. From what I read a snow and ice tire gives up dry pavement traction to get better snow and ice traction. Also give up quite ride so might be noisy. Maybe those things don't matter on a bike.

I'm still waiting for someone to be bold enough to put a whitewall on a F6B!!


http://c4.c4isit.net/f6b/ww.Tire.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

Not sure I understand the desire to run a snow or ice tire when you will not be on snow or ice. From what I read a snow and ice tire gives up dry pavement traction to get better snow and ice traction. Also give up quite ride so might be noisy. Maybe those things don't matter on a bike.

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From what I understand, Snow and Ice tires are made of a softer stickier rubber compound for greater traction on slippery surfaces. Hence why they only last 10-15 K miles on a car. If you read the reviews on the Michelin you will see that it gets a 8.5 out of 10 points in dry traction as well. Unlike a cage/box, the tire noise is not trapped or magnified on a bike. These tires tend to last 25,000+/- miles on a motorcycle for a fraction of the cost of a motorcycle tire that doesn't get as many miles.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phantom

From what I understand, Snow and Ice tires are made of a softer stickier rubber compound for greater traction on slippery surfaces. Hence why they only last 10-15 K miles on a car. If you read the reviews on the Michelin you will see that it gets a 8.5 out of 10 points in dry traction as well. Unlike a cage/box, the tire noise is not trapped or magnified on a bike. These tires tend to last 25,000+/- miles on a motorcycle for a fraction of the cost of a motorcycle tire that doesn't get as many miles.

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+1

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phantom

From what I understand, Snow and Ice tires are made of a softer stickier rubber compound for greater traction on slippery surfaces. Hence why they only last 10-15 K miles on a car. If you read the reviews on the Michelin you will see that it gets a 8.5 out of 10 points in dry traction as well. Unlike a cage/box, the tire noise is not trapped or magnified on a bike. These tires tend to last 25,000+/- miles on a motorcycle for a fraction of the cost of a motorcycle tire that doesn't get as many miles.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by BIGLRY

+1

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What's not to like about a car tire? They are the cats meow... :icon_cool:

The snow tires do have better traction in cold temps and on snow and ice. A rubber compound that is less effected by really low temps is amazing. They are not as good as summer tires on warm asphalt or even wet pavement. Plenty good enough though. And Will I know you really wanted to say "best thing since sliced bread". LOL. I'm very happy with my change so far, will see how the mileage goes as my choice of tire is not known for long life.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

The snow tires do have better traction in cold temps and on snow and ice. A rubber compound that is less effected by really low temps is amazing. They are not as good as summer tires on warm asphalt or even wet pavement. Plenty good enough though. And Will I know you really wanted to say "best thing since sliced bread". LOL. I'm very happy with my change so far, will see how the mileage goes as my choice of tire is not known for long life.

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:icon_lol:

Just watch your tire pressure, especially when the ambient temperature fluctuates. Darkside is finicky. Today it was unexpectedly warm here, and my usual starting cold 28psi was at 30psi today; and I did some serious high speed driving. My rear tire pressure (I have Steelmate TPMS installed) registered 34psi on the rear, and coming home after a long run, I hit some nice curves and felt the rear slightly wash out a bit at the apex’s of them. Examined my Michellin afterwards and noticed that there was newer wear evidenced near the edges of the tread

So... in closing, the tire outer edge of the tread face must be able to maintain contact with the road surface during a turn/curve. It can only do this if the tire is pressured appropriately for the expected ambient temperatures, once you have determined the sweet spot for the cold pressure.

Too much pressure in a motorcycle mounted car tire = :nono:

Because of the stiffer sidewall... Run flat tire pressure can be anywhere fron 27-30psi cold, depending on your weight and cargo. I keep mine at 28psi... I may knock it down to 27psi and see how that works with riding like I experienced today. :yes:

I guess I will have to do some experimenting. I'm running 42 to start and very happy with the results, that is a huge diff from your 28. Mine is not a run flat so don't have the stiffer sidewalls that might really matter. One reason I choose this tire is the edges are a bit rounded, maybe that matters also.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2wheelsforme

I guess I will have to do some experimenting. I'm running 42 to start and very happy with the results, that is a huge diff from your 28. Mine is not a run flat so don't have the stiffer sidewalls that might really matter. One reason I choose this tire is the edges are a bit rounded, maybe that matters also.

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I'm about to install my 3rd General G-Max! It isn't a run-flat! As such, I have my best handling with the tire set at 43psi. I do all "solo riding" and tip the scales at 255 lbs. The higher pressure eliminates/minimizes "squirm"!

Ride Safe

bob109

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phantom

There is a replacement Michelin with EXCELLENT reviews that would work and has very similar tread design with many sipes for water to exit, there is also the Pirelli winter tire (I have not seen any reviews)

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...omCompare1=yes

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What pressure would you recommend to start out at with the Michelin?

Yep!

Mileage now getting close to 2k and still at 42 pounds. Results so good I see no reason to even try increasing or reducing the numbers.