Tar snakes
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 6
From: Michigan
FWIW, one reason we get bike squirm, especially in a straight line, is the differential in tire width. The way the front tire tracks over a pavement anormally is slightly different than the way the wider rear tire tracks. That causes the bike to react differently when each tire contacts the snake, groove, crack, whatever. As an example mount a set of narrow tires on front of your car or truck and a set of wide tires on the back. That vehicle will "nibble" back and forth going down the road as the tires encounter longitudinal cracks and ruts. Ummmm, I own a tire company - I can't help myself - I have to weigh in on this stuff 
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Jim, I'm sure it will! Tire sizes are just one contributor to the squirm issue. My 09 SG with the redesigned frame sure is stable though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,350
Likes: 46
FWIW, one reason we get bike squirm, especially in a straight line, is the differential in tire width. The way the front tire tracks over a pavement anormally is slightly different than the way the wider rear tire tracks. That causes the bike to react differently when each tire contacts the snake, groove, crack, whatever. As an example mount a set of narrow tires on front of your car or truck and a set of wide tires on the back. That vehicle will "nibble" back and forth going down the road as the tires encounter longitudinal cracks and ruts. Ummmm, I own a tire company - I can't help myself - I have to weigh in on this stuff
Toby
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
So do I and the bike did do the shimmy on some fairly fresh "snakes" in the Lake George area during Americade......
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 9,254
Likes: 283
From: Lake City, Florida (Native)
Yep...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,156
Likes: 1
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Who says they are not dangerous?
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09179/980502-100.stm I know the road and the man. RIP Frank
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09179/980502-100.stm I know the road and the man. RIP Frank
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,442
Likes: 3
From: Bel Air Md
When I went from stock to Metzlers it was a big difference, snakes and grates the bike did not move at all, can't wait for the Bones to need new tires, I think it's the tread pattern that makes a difference.