Darkside - Front tire

[bob109]

As promised, I'm posting several photos to the Ax which has just over 12.5K miles wear. A close inspection reveals the fine line of different rubber compounds which make up the thread/tread face. Approximately 2-5/8" of the center is hard compound and the sides have softer compound. Ran my finger tip laterally across the thread face and I can actually feel the edges of the different compounds.

Wish I could enlarge the photos for better clarity! Maybe one of our Moderators can perform that trick

Attachment 12762Attachment 12763Attachment 12764

[redinoliver]

When my stone wears out,I will try a Pirelli sport demon. 130 70 18 rear tire.

[Steve 0080]

Here ya go......

[bob109]

Thanks Steve

[smokinjoe187]

i love my michelin rear tire,and if i didn't get such a smoking deal on the front tire thanks to a post here on the board...(99.00) from dennis kirk...
i would be ready to try this...as i get closer to a front tire i will do the homework...
i will admit...i would never have thought to do this but this dark side post has provided some great input...
to bad people don't heed the topic and feel the need to spout off
jmfho

[Richie]

Will a dealer mount the BT-45 on the front, or do we need to find a tire shop?

It would be nice if a dealer would do this without a hassle.

Has anyone used this as a front tire and ran a OMC MT on the rear.


Richie

[Hornblower]

Will a dealer mount the BT-45 on the front, or do we need to find a tire shop?

It would be nice if a dealer would do this without a hassle.

Has anyone used this as a front tire and ran a OMC MT on the rear.

Richie

I see no one has responded to this yet. Maybe Bob109 will step in to make a comment or two. I can say this...it is true that not all tire or motorcycle shops are comfortable installing a car tire on a motorcycle rim. Of course, the BT-45 is actually a motorcycle tire so I don't see why any shop would give you trouble over that. The best place to go to have tires of any type mounted depends on what's available in your particular area. I'm very fortunate to have an auto tire shop locally that does all of my work without question. In this case, the owner of the shop is a motorcycle rider and one of his guys actually doing the work is a good motorcycle mechanic himself. Maybe you want to look for a similar situation in your area.

[bob109]

Will a dealer mount the BT-45 on the front, or do we need to find a tire shop?

It would be nice if a dealer would do this without a hassle.

Has anyone used this as a front tire and ran a OMC MT on the rear.


Richie

I'm fortunate enough to have a small independent motor cycle/ATV repair shop nearby. I purchased some tires from the owner over the years. His only reaction to my request to mount the BT-45 to my front rim was a big grin. The few mechanics (two) which work for him also have no issues with my "Dark Side Practice". They are kind enough to even offer a "high speed balance" once the tire is mounted.

It never hurts to ask first if a shop will mount a "Dark Side Tire" set-up. You'll either get one of two answers "yes or no". No harm in asking except for a occasional "verbal lashing" which is painless IMHO.

Just did a General G-Max CT mounting on the brother-in-laws bike (GL1800) and the local auto mechanic charged $10.00 for the tire mounting and $3.00 for the OEM Stone disposal fee. The dude had a big grin on his face when the brother-in-law handed him $25.00 and told him to keep the change. Needless to say this guy will be looking for our return in the future.

bob109

[Richie]

Thank you both for the replies.

I am aware of the reaction asking a dealer to mount a CT on the rear and i would need a tire shop to mount the rear tire. I had hopes that because the front tire is a MT tire there may be no problem. Seems to me the rear rim and tire is much simpler to remove and replace than the front, that being the reason for a dealer. Not that i couldn't do it but a 72 years old i would just as soon not. Just about ready for a rear tire and thinking about taking a chance on crashing and burning. Ride two up most of the time and think this may be the way to go.

Richie

[Steve 0080]

IMHO...you will be hard pressed to get someone to mount a rear mcy tire on the front of a mcy...just sayin......