Confessions from the Darkside - UPDATE

[Davidk]

Confessions from the Darkside - UPDATE

Having never traveled in the Darkside before, I wanted to test drive a car tire before committing. While I was not completely happy with the handling of the G-Max tire that I borrowed from Shooter, it did prove that a car tire would not hinder my driving, including slow, tight turns.

Finding reassurance from several folks on this forum regarding running a snow tire in the summer, I purchased a Michelin Primacy Alpin PA3 ZP from 1010tires.com for $178 plus $15 shipping. Not many left. 1010 and a company in Germany were the only ones that I found.

Shooter was kind enough to install it for me today—Thanks Shooter!

Filled at 41psi, I drove 1 hour home on highway and twisties. All I have to say is wow! I could tell within minutes that the tire was great. No handling issues at all. I couldn’t even tell that I was driving a car tire, felt like a MT, even when riding with my wife later this eve.

Pros: Run flat design, high mileage. Cons: none. HIGHLY recommended.

[Pap]

Ah, yes, another convert! Welcome to the Darkside!

[willtill]

Interesting. This Michelin Alpine tire is made with....

Increased traction at low temperatures for improved braking and handling in the wet and better overall performance in the snow, all the result of the revolutionary Helio CompoundTM, with sunflower oil.

(pulled from 1010.com tire site)

[zzh54]

This is just a question, I gathering info on darkside. Isn't that to much air??? I thought if you running a run flat you air pressure would be down by 32 34 ?? Like I said, just looking for answers.

[Hornblower]

This is just a question, I gathering info on darkside. Isn't that to much air??? I thought if you running a run flat you air pressure would be down by 32 34 ?? Like I said, just looking for answers.

That would normally be the case but it is subject to personal tastes. Still, that seems awfully high for a RF.

[Davidk]

According to the specs the max is 51psi

[wjduke]

According to the specs the max is 51psi

Don't run it at 40 or 42...shooter will have a heart attack

[Steve 0080]

According to the specs the max is 51psi

Too much air !!!!!!!! I ran mine at 36* ... Knowing this tire I would now run 32-34 !!!

[willtill]

Well DavidK... your post just finally pushed me over the edge.

I just ordered a Michelin Alpine as well from 1010tire.com



I think that I'll be pleased by going to the Darkside. I've read and studied this enough FOR YEARS... and I am "TIRED" of replacing rear motorcycle tires so often....

Now I need to find a car tire for my Suzuki DR650... that fricken machne goes through a rear tire every 3 thousand miles....

[Davidk]

Too much air !!!!!!!! I ran mine at 36* ... Knowing this tire I would now run 32-34 !!!

What is the advantage of running at 32-34? What is the disadvantage of running it at 41?