Making the move to the Darkside
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 2
From: scurry, TX
Making the move to the Darkside
After much thought and much reading here, Tooeasy's experience and other sources over the great big Internet I have finally decided to take the plunge. I had my bike dynotuned last week and while it was on the dyno I realized that although I still had valid tread on my rear tire it was cupping pretty badly on both sides (10k miles). Time for a new tire...and something new. Car Tire!
I was still hesitant to do it because of all the naysayers regarding sidewall, flat bottom etc... Then I realized after a close look at my rear OE tire that it was pretty flat. Anotehr thing noticed that outside of that flat area on the rounded part was hardly touched. The tire ******* are still in tack and the tread at the ends were as deep as a new tire.
With that observation I realized that I don't lean over that far as there are not exactly alot of twisties in my part of Texas. I mainly go straight anyway and will never use the "sidewall" of the CT.
Anyhoo...not to make this a big debate I thought I'd share my thoughts and my experience with you as it progresses. Am I crazy to try it. Maybe but I figure if I can skydive then be too afraid of this I would be inconsistant.
The tire I have ordered is the Dunlop SP5000 195/60/16. The local tire shop will install without blinking an eye.
I was still hesitant to do it because of all the naysayers regarding sidewall, flat bottom etc... Then I realized after a close look at my rear OE tire that it was pretty flat. Anotehr thing noticed that outside of that flat area on the rounded part was hardly touched. The tire ******* are still in tack and the tread at the ends were as deep as a new tire.
With that observation I realized that I don't lean over that far as there are not exactly alot of twisties in my part of Texas. I mainly go straight anyway and will never use the "sidewall" of the CT.
Anyhoo...not to make this a big debate I thought I'd share my thoughts and my experience with you as it progresses. Am I crazy to try it. Maybe but I figure if I can skydive then be too afraid of this I would be inconsistant.
The tire I have ordered is the Dunlop SP5000 195/60/16. The local tire shop will install without blinking an eye.
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 2
From: scurry, TX
Ok. Done. Dunlop SP5000 installed and aired to 32psi. I tested it around the neighborhood at low speeds while buddy was following me on his bike.
He says the tire "looked a little low" but had a very good amount of tread the entire time in corners.
It felt fine...but definitely different. I understand what everyone says now regarding needing more input in the corners. The bike does tend to want to stand back up.
He says the tire "looked a little low" but had a very good amount of tread the entire time in corners.
It felt fine...but definitely different. I understand what everyone says now regarding needing more input in the corners. The bike does tend to want to stand back up.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
Most people start out with more tire pressure and work their way down as they get used to it. Give the tire time to break in before you get carried away with it. I can feel the difference every once in a while, but for the most part I don't notice anything.
I like to find shady spots down by the river or a lake, which means I go off road a lot. I've been in places I know a MT would not pull me through, the only reason I did not get stuck is because of the extra traction of the CT. I feel very secure on the road. I like the security and peace of mind I get from a CT.
I like to find shady spots down by the river or a lake, which means I go off road a lot. I've been in places I know a MT would not pull me through, the only reason I did not get stuck is because of the extra traction of the CT. I feel very secure on the road. I like the security and peace of mind I get from a CT.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
When your on the superslab it will almost drive itself............try walking along side of it holding the handlebars, it will almost do that by itself also.....had it on my 1100 VStar, never could get used to cornering. My bad back hurt less during that time, big bonus.....have fun and give yourself time to adjust before going 2up...
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Aurora, IL
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
From: NC
I've been running that same tire for the last 7,000 miles. Been real happy with it. When I got it, it had 6/32s left, I'm down to about 3 to 4/32s. I like to have a tire on hand to limit down time so I started looking for replacements and decided to try the yokohama AVID Ascend. It comes with 12/32s tread whereas most the others came with 10/32 and its also Low Rolling Resistance for supposedly better gas milage. We'll see.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 2
From: scurry, TX
Thanks for the advice folks. I'll bump up the pressure a bit to see how that works out...but it didnt' feel bad.
Thet - I got it from a local mom&pop tire shop in my little town. They quoted and ordered me a Bridgestone Forenza at $145 installed. Since they made the error they kept their word on price and ordered me the correct tire that I asked for (Dunlop SP5000). It should have been more in the $180 range installed.
Note: installed = on rim. Not on bike. I did that part.
