What is the best DARKSIDE tire?

[Smokinjoe]

Yea that Cooper looks like an awesome tire.  If I try anything else thats what I will likely try.  The tire looks great and the "BadMoJo stamp of approval" goes a long way for me.   BTW Joe, what pressure do ya run out of curiosity?

It rides and handles great at 35 psi for along time I ran 40 psi cause that's what other folks did but on the Cooper 40 psi will wear the center. 35 psi is perfect for the Cooper Zeon 2XS don't expect to get a million miles out of it cause it won't happen the compound is too soft but that tire will hang with you in the twisties.

[timk519]

Dial-a-Jets? Do you have those installed (timk)? I haven't ever really looked into those. How do they even work?

See http://thunderproducts.com/dial_a_jet.htm

Dag and I have them on our bikes, and like them a lot. Better performance and MPG, not too hard to install on a stock valk, but require changing the carb jets.

[STEELERS]

Im also running the Yoko A048 MH compound in 205-55.  Tire works great for me and looks bad ass.

[honda*mann]

Hi,

Well I did it, went to the DARKSIDE last week. General 205/60-16 on the back, e-3 on front.
After 300 miles I really do not notice too much of a difference. Corners about the same.

Mounted tires myself, sure are easier getting on than taking off!!

Thanks
Honda*mann

[mrflamewerks]

205-60-16 Goodyear Assurance TT on both Valks.

26 PSI seems to work best for both of our riding styles.

5K on the older of the two tires, no appreciable wear. The tire does seem to be getting rounder toward the outer edges of the tread. Which is interesting considering the fact that an MC tire tread wear flat.

There is only about 700 miles on our IS DS, so the tire still looks new.

[The_Dude]

Dang - now you all have me thinking about going darkside, and I just finished mouting a new E3.  Oh well, they wear down so fast it really doesn't matter anyway.

It was your comments about the 205/65/16 lowering RPM's at crusing speeds.  The only criticism I have for the Valk is that the engine is racing somewhat when rolling along at 75.

It inspires a couple of more questions:  are there acceptable tires/sizes that are even larger diameters?  Would I need to alter anything under the rear fender to accomodate these selections?

[Nogrey]

Dang - now you all have me thinking about going darkside, and I just finished mouting a new E3.  Oh well, they wear down so fast it really doesn't matter anyway.

It was your comments about the 205/65/16 lowering RPM's at crusing speeds.  The only criticism I have for the Valk is that the engine is racing somewhat when rolling along at 75.

It inspires a couple of more questions:  are there acceptable tires/sizes that are even larger diameters?  Would I need to alter anything under the rear fender to accomodate these selections?

You can mount a 205/55/16, 205/60/15, or 205/65/15. 205 is the maximum width. I've looked into other widths like 200, 195 and the like but they don't really have any offerings that I've found. The standard valk tire is 180 in width. The center number is the ratio of width to height. If you go over 205/55 in height you need to do the nut cage mod. Some folks get away without doing it, but you really need to especially if you weigh over about 200 pounds or if you ever ride two up because the tire will rub on the nutcage (fender mounting bolt). It's not a big job at all. I ride a general HP ultimax in a 205/55/16 and have found that it runs right at 3200 rpm at 65. I'll go a little taller next time but boy do I get the comments on how cool of a tire it is. Sort of a "low profile" if you will. Makes it look fatter as well. Handles amazing!

[michaeljpmurphy]

I have run a Goodyear Triple tread Assurance 205/55/16 now for about 23,000 miles. Run lower air pressure, usually around 24/26lbs and expect another 25-30k more mileage from it, at a minimum. The harder u push these in sweepers, the more planted your are. In sharp corners, as the pictures below indicate, you do come up on the edge, although patch contact remains larger than that of a bike tire. What takes some getting used to is..... the harder you push the bike in turns, the more planted you become... and feel. In emergency stops, these tires "hook up awsome"... as I am positive this tire saved me once in an emergency! I have owned more than 25 motorcycles and have riden now for 4 years. I know the only reason I stopped "in time" and within the distance I did, was due to having the car tire on the back; as when I first hit the brakes, I knew I was going to hit the person who made an "unsignaled" turn right in front of me (to the left with their right hand signal on!). Another story.

You won't be sorry if you go to a car tire. More countersteer, but generally much more planted in all but very tight corning. Of course your buddies will always tease you about not needing a 'side stand" any longer... telling everyone that you can just stop the bike and it stands up by itself!

You will like it. 

[michaeljpmurphy]

23,000 miles... Goodyear Triple Tread Assurance - 205-55-16. I run 24/26lbs of air. love the tire...

[mrflamewerks]

Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread
205/60R/16

The tire still looks as new as the day I put it on and at this point I wouldn't consider going back to a Motorcycle Tire.

Clint
Independence, Mo

I second this. We have this tire on both of our '99 Valks. The cruiser tire has about 3800 miles on it. Looks new. The '99 IS had the the GATT installed about 1000 miles ago. Rides like a dream.