EMERGENCY!!! Darkside Help Requested!!!

[Bob E.]

Bob:  What exact size of General Altimax?

I am confused on sizing.  Is there a range of sizes, or one size only.  And, I have to go shopping today, to get this going.

Sorry I didn't get back sooner...I didn't see this until this morning.  Yeah...I have the 205-60-16 AltimaxHP and running at 35psi.  I tried 38psi and it was too hard to turn.  You definitely felt the "squareness" of the tire more.  I also tried lower at 32psi and I didn't like the wiggle I felt.  So I compromised at 35psi and it is good for me.  But you will have to play around and see what feels good for you.  I see that you got the Goodyear.  I haven't tried that tire, but  from what I've read, it is good.  It is definitely one of the more popular darkside tires in use.

[oldman]

I went with the Michelin HydroEdge, 65 series, last summer.  I would have gone with the General if it came in the 65 series.  I wanted to reduce the RPM's. I did have to do the Nut cage, both sides, and the fender mod to keep it from rubbing. You don't have to take the fender off to do the cage nut.  I did the right side cage nut with the tire off, but found that the left side was rubbing, so did the left side with the tire on (Jacked up the bike, dropped the rear tire by taking off the shocks). Dremel with a cutoff wheel, tool does help, but you could do it with a hack saw.

There is a small percentage of Valks that will rub on the swing arm (right side).  I did not have problems with this, but others on the forum have noted it.

So far I like it, have around 5K miles on it and no signs of wear.  I do find that I have to counter steer more than the MC tire I had before.  AND she wants to follow ruts a bit more.  Nothing that I can't handle.

[Alpha Dragon]

Regarding following ruts, when I started riding my Valk last fall, I found it wanted to follow ruts much more than my Moto Guzzi or GL1200.  I think I have learned to adapt to this quirk.  I am going to the Honda store today to get brake pads, might as well do them too while I have the rear wheel off. 

[MP]

Good idea.  Be sure to clean the pistons good, and lube the slides.

MP

[Alpha Dragon]

Well, I have compiled everything necessary, (except for the dyna beads).  I have studied all there is to study on this forum, (and others), and I have watched Youtube videos of changing tires using the harbor freight tire changer.  All that is left is to drill some holes in my concrete shop floor and mount the tire changer, then get going.  Should be doing it all this Saturday.  This forum, (and the Internet) is great.

[NITRO]

I don't know if many places carry them, but I know when I asked at a local GoodYear place, they had Dyna Beads in stock. Apparently they use them for balancing oversized truck tires.