Darkside - Reality hits the road!

[Monk]

My question on this is more where do you get the CT mounted on an MC rim?

That can be a challenge ....

Some Wal Marts will do it.

If they hesitate I've heard of guys telling them it is for a specialty trailer and to mount the tire like it is on the left side.

Some shops that deal with nice rims will do it.

I'm fortunate, in that I have a local tire place that will do mine for $15.00. I carry the rim and tire in already off the bike.

Once you get it done the first time, it can be a little easier, because the rim already has a CT on it.

[Monk]

One other thing is the margin of safety on the load rating. If you are a big guy its easy to exceed the rating on the MC tire. That 6.5 inch contact patch vs 2 inches is a no brainer. That Alpin is the bees knees.

So true, several years ago when I first started down this path I looked up the load rating for all the tires made to fit the 1800. When I starting looking at the weight of the bike, my weight and packing stuff on the bike, it got kind of scary!!

The CT solved that problem!!

[Patch]

My question on this is more where do you get the CT mounted on an MC rim?

None of the national chains will intentionally drop a CT on an MC rim that I'm aware of, but there are plenty of smaller wheel/tire shops that probably will. I was told by a co-worker that rides CT's on his Ultraglide he can sometimes get a place to mount and balance if he tells them it's being done for a trike setup. While I don't condone it, he can't do it himself.

[Steve 0080]

My question on this is more where do you get the CT mounted on an MC rim?

Pep Boys...all day in FLA....

[wjduke]

Run flat tires have limitations. I'll post the list I have at work tomorrow. What I mean by this is, some manufacturers don't even allow a repair. Others say it's ok to run soft, but not totally flat. This isn't a negative post....just more info that you guys should know.

[Steve 0080]

I don't run a CT for the savings. That is a benefit that I like, but it is not my primary reason.

My use of a CT is about safety.

I use a runflat which gives me a margin of safety I cannot get with a motorcycle tire. When I have a flat, I slow down and start looking for a safe place to stop to inspect the tire. I had this happen on New Years Day. I found a service station where I was able to plug the tire and continue my ride. Usually, if a motorcyle tire goes flat you are stuck on the side of the road where ever you managed to get it stopped.

Another safety factor is the additional grip a CT provides, especially in the rain. The Michelin Alpin can be hammered pretty good coming out of a turn on a wet road and it will hold. Sure helps put the mind a ease when caught out in the rain.

So, once again it is about safety and piece of mind for me.

Me too... with a trailer on the back it is the added safety that made me make the call.....

[wjduke]

For what it's worth. Seems that most of what you guys use isn't an issue, besides the Michelin permitting one repair.

Attachment 19643

[Retired Army]

After reading several articles I understand the difference in rim construction between motorcycles and cars is a bigger factor than sidewall construction. I converted my F6B to a trike and run two car tires mounted on car rims.

[Monk]

After reading several articles I understand the difference in rim construction between motorcycles and cars is a bigger factor than sidewall construction. I converted my F6B to a trike and run two car tires mounted on car rims.

That was another big concern for me back when I started looking into this.

One thing I found was that the Goldwing/F6B rim is a little different animal than what I would call a standard motorcycle rim. But still it was a big concern in my book.

So, I spent some time talking with the guy that was changing the tires for me. I ask him point blank, should I be concerned about the tire not seating properly to the rim and/or should I be concerned about the tire coming off the rim? His reply "I have a devil of a time getting that tire off on purpose, there ain't no way it is coming off by accident!"

[shooter]

I have a tire shop and I do all my own tire work on the B and my 109. The CT seats just fine on the motorcycle rim.