Made the switch: Kuhmo ECSTA PA31
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Lake, Ms
Made the switch: Kuhmo ECSTA PA31
Moved to the Dark Side this past weekend. Was planning on making the switch this winter but after a pre trip inspection, and finding a severe cut in my rear tire, the move had to be done now and I was unprepared. Searched locally for the brands that are mentioned here but no luck in finding them. Settled on the Kumho ECSTA PA31 195/55-16. The tire was relatively easy to mount. Had it on the rim in less than 10mins and that included cleaning the bead seat on the rim. Bead seated at a pretty low pressure of 30psi and I bumped it up to 32psi for the first ride. Once on the bike and a quick clearance check, it's time to take it for a ride. Noticed some differences right off the bat as did my wife. Not necessarily bad just different. Put around 150 miles on it that afternoon and the ride is noticeably better on the smooth highways. At this point my only concerns are that it feels really soft in the curves. I'm betting that the sidewalls will stiffen a bit and this will become almost nonexistent.
So.....for the guys that's been riding on the CT's for a while, what's your thoughts? I've seen recommendations to run lower psi's but not sure that's going to take the soft feeling out of the tire in the curves.
So.....for the guys that's been riding on the CT's for a while, what's your thoughts? I've seen recommendations to run lower psi's but not sure that's going to take the soft feeling out of the tire in the curves.
Last edited by SBates08; Aug 10, 2017 at 11:01 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Vancouver B.C.
Haven't read up to much on tire sizing choices and this maybe a stupid question. But do you thinks slightly lower profile tire will help with that feeling of soft side wall? I've been thinking of changing over as well.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Lake, Ms
That's a good question. Lower profile may run into rubbing issues as well though. I think the only thing to stiffen it up will be a higher tire pressure. Will definitely need more time on it to get it dialed in.
You know, for a section all about car tires it doesn't get very much tread here (pun intended).
You know, for a section all about car tires it doesn't get very much tread here (pun intended).
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Vancouver B.C.
A sense of humour. A great skill set to have.
Had s nail puncture my tire on the freeway. The edit I take goes over one of our links never bridges and there is two sweeping S curves . Bike felt really strange going through the first. Thought it was that infamous Harley wobble that some guys have. Next sweeper was extremely scary. Knew right then I had a serious handling problem. Didn't quite know what thoug. Took first side street and knew right there I had a tire going dead. Actually thought it was the front tire. Ends up it's the rear tire. Fairly large nail . Pulled out the nail and plugged it . Who the hell puts those **** stems on our wheels. Offset or 90's should be used. Few burns later compressor is pumping a I'm on my way. This could have been so much worse. As it was rush hour and traffic was really moving. Need a bit more piece of mind. So would like to give one of the run flats a go
Had s nail puncture my tire on the freeway. The edit I take goes over one of our links never bridges and there is two sweeping S curves . Bike felt really strange going through the first. Thought it was that infamous Harley wobble that some guys have. Next sweeper was extremely scary. Knew right then I had a serious handling problem. Didn't quite know what thoug. Took first side street and knew right there I had a tire going dead. Actually thought it was the front tire. Ends up it's the rear tire. Fairly large nail . Pulled out the nail and plugged it . Who the hell puts those **** stems on our wheels. Offset or 90's should be used. Few burns later compressor is pumping a I'm on my way. This could have been so much worse. As it was rush hour and traffic was really moving. Need a bit more piece of mind. So would like to give one of the run flats a go
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Lake, Ms
Originally Posted by PFWiz
Try adjusting your air pressure about 2 psi at a time to find your sweet spot. I like between 34 and 37 psi cold.
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I run a Yokahoma 195/60 on my 13 RGU.
I am down to 25-28 and run 2 up 95% of the time. If I am loading down to go camping I sometimes go up to 30-32 but really don't have to. I have come home from a rally after dropping the pressure for a slow race and just didn't take the time to air it back up.
But I like it
I am down to 25-28 and run 2 up 95% of the time. If I am loading down to go camping I sometimes go up to 30-32 but really don't have to. I have come home from a rally after dropping the pressure for a slow race and just didn't take the time to air it back up.
But I like it
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Parsippany,NJ, USA
I'm running a Kuhmo Ecsta 195-60-16 NRF on my Wing, been running a CT for 7 years now, I have 20K mi on the Kuhmo & its just about gone.
I ran a Michelin Alpin prior to the Kuhmo & got 30 K mi out of the Michelin..
I ran a Michelin Alpin prior to the Kuhmo & got 30 K mi out of the Michelin..
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