Here is an update on my CT experience (so far anyway).

As reported earlier, I mounted a CT on my 2012 Ultra Limited. That tire was a 195/55/16 Dunlop Run Flat. The only difference I noticed in handling was at speeds under approximately 5 mph and while performing tight parking lot turns. Did I find that alarming? Hell no! But the problem I had was a 195/55 has far less circumference. After measuring the circumference and dividing those inches into 63,360 (the number of inches in 5280 feet (1 mile), the math came to 854 revolutions per mile. The stock tire, a 180/65 rotated 800 times per mile. So this created a significant increase in rpm's at any given speed, but at highway speed, it was just too much for my liking. So, to correct this situation, I replaced the 195/55 with a 205/60/16 Bridgestone Run Flat. Now the speedometer and my GPS mph are exactly the same. These two never matched before and I learned a long time ago to trust the mph on the Zumo 665 over the speedometer.

Handling is the same between the two different run flats. In the last two days I've ridden over 400 miles and I personally prefer the Bridgestone and really like the CT handling while running down the interstate at 75-85 mph. Neither tire required any balancing at all but I added 16 oz of Ride-On anyway. I started with 30 psi and the ride is much smoother than the stock tire which cost over 300.00 and only last 12 -14 k miles. I will reduce the psi a little, maybe to 28, to see how that feels.

And lastly, the Bridgestone cost only 135.00 and will last much, much longer than the stock American Elite Dunlop.

I mounted the CT in my garage with the help of my wife. She wasn't happy to have to help but we're now speaking again. Even though I read that mounting could be very difficult, especially a RF, I found it no more difficult than any other tire. Neither tire seated on the rim until I had a little over 100 psi in them and when it did seat, it was quite loud.

If anyone wants to know the size CT to consider mounting on the rear of your bike, and the tire manufacturer that others have already mounted and are enjoying, you can find that info at darkside.nwff.info or just search darkside motorcycle tires.

Have a good one.

 

Getting used to a CT on your bike is like getting used to a new bike. Ya don't pass up getting a new bike because it will handle different than the one ya have now.
I've been using CTs on my bikes since 1978. Never burst into flames. Never had the rear wheel go off on its own path. Never spontaneously died because of the extra tread width on the back and most of all, they were all made of rubber that flexes when leaning into turns and curves, keeping a lot of tread on the pavement. Oh, and I saved a lot of money with fewer tire changes and cost of a CT vs. a MT.