[Cage SC]

OK...I've already made the decision to go Darkside and Joe Licketto is going to help me with that as well as shaving the ribs out of the "c" rear fender to allow for the clearance. That said, I STILL have five quick questions:

1 - When you made the decision to go Darkside what, exactly, was the thing that got you to choose the tire model you eventually put on? Was it individual research, just went with the flow, tried it out on someone elses bike, liked the latest trend or something else?

2 - What tire did you finally choose?

3 - Were you content or did you change?

4 - Are you happy with the final results over time?

5 - Last, but not least, what did you wish someone had advised you before-hand that you would definitely pass on to others if they were you now?

Thanks for taking the time to help out here. :cheers:

 

[yfx4]

I just did it. As in I put the wheel on on Saturday. I have 60ish miles on it right now and it is great. I chose the Hydroedge 205/70R15 for the 1300R. It was available nearby. On the DS forum it and the GYTT seem to be the popular ones other than the General Grabber which I would have to order. I had to call several places to get one to mount it. The local "Chopper Shop" wouldn't--for no good reason it seemed to me other than it is wrong to put a CT on a bike. Finally found a great little Hole-in-the-wall mom/pop MC shop that would mount it if I brought it in. I found it via the innovative balancing website while I was also looking for a local dealer of dynabeads. None of the discount tire/NTB/etc places would touch it. Anyway, putting the wheel back on the bike was not too bad. I was sure to clean/check everything back therre really well while it was out--checked wires, nuts, bolts, cleaned it all up well. Putting the wheel back on is a little messy with the moly paste and all. It was my first time though so next time will be easier no doubt.

I chose to go DS because I was tired of 4900 miles on a tire. I did not want more of the same so I decided to try something different looking for a different outcome.

Yesterday on the way home from work I forgot it was different. I guess if you ride your VTX like a sportbike you will notice a huge difference but I don't. It tracks a little different than a MC tire. In turns when leaning if you hit a bump it feels a little different. I used to have trouble on some patches of new road marking paint, with the HE on it they are A LOT less noticeable/slippery.

All in all a VERY positive experience so far. Yes it felt different but not in a bad way. When you ride a new bike it feels different too. But in a little time you adapt to the little nuances and it is fine.

It has not been long enough for me to pass on anythng I wish I knew before.

 

[eagleinthewind]

Mich Hydroedge 205/70/15, seems choosen by more but also readily available for about $125 and tends to be a little more rounded on the edges so less breakin. Biggest thing is finding someone to mount it as it took us 125 # pressure to seat the bead, then on install on an S/R you need to let all the air out to slide the tire up into the fender but don't worry the bead will not come off the wheel. Also on the S/R the bolts that hold the pipes on are best reversed leaving the bolt head on the inside for more clearance, not sure if that applies to your model.. Braking is better as to stopping power if rear is needed and doesn't kick out either, beware of downshifting inot first at 15+ MPH or you might eat the windshield as the tire grabs! I have 9,000+ on mine, a couple of trips to DC and one to FL and the Dragon and love it, will never go back. I will be pulling it by the 12,000 mark to regrease the spline and all but look to get 25,-30,000 miles out of the tire, right now you can hardly tell it has been on the ground.

 

[tmichael23]

OK...I've already made the decision to go Darkside and Joe Licketto is going to help me with that as well as shaving the ribs out of the "c" rear fender to allow for the clearance. That said, I STILL have five quick questions:

1 - When you made the decision to go Darkside what, exactly, was the thing that got you to choose the tire model you eventually put on? Was it individual research, just went with the flow, tried it out on someone elses bike, liked the latest trend or something else? It was purely a financial decision for me. Putting new set of tires each spring was killing me lol

2 - What tire did you finally choose? Yokohoma envigro avid, because of it's more rounded corners and sidewalls than others I looked at. I also went with a 195 instead of the traditional 205 just couldn't visually wrap my head around the fit

3 - Were you content or did you change? 100% happy

4 - Are you happy with the final results over time? 100% 12K on it now, no sign of wear LOL still getting used to the wandering affect on uneven or grooved surfaces.

5 - Last, but not least, what did you wish someone had advised you before-hand that you would definitely pass on to others if they were you now?

Thanks for taking the time to help out here. :cheers:

Hope this helps, took me 3 years to decide lol

 

[jstar61]

1 - When you made the decision to go Darkside what, exactly, was the thing that got you to choose the tire model you eventually put on? Was it individual research, just went with the flow, tried it out on someone elses bike, liked the latest trend or something else? I went with Michelin because I have used them on other vehicles and liked them, as well as the fact that it was one of the two most popular darkside tires. I also liked the looks a little better than the triple tread.

2 - What tire did you finally choose? Michelin Hydroedge 205/65-15. I wanted a little lower profile so went with the 65.

3 - Were you content or did you change? Yes. I have 26,000+ miles on it and am content.

4 - Are you happy with the final results over time? Yes. It is a little different than a MC tire, but the increased traction has saved my but a time or two. I honestly believe when I was rear-ended, if I would have been on a mc tire I would have went down.

5 - Last, but not least, what did you wish someone had advised you before-hand that you would definitely pass on to others if they were you now? Nothing, there was/is plenty of info out there to make a informed decision.

 

[epiphysis]

when I decided to go darkside, it was after doing some reading.......most of the reviews were favorable, so I did it....I went with the Good Year Triple tread cause some of the guys I trusted did the same. I did that last year at around 29,000 miles. I now have 38,000 miles and honestly, dont know I have a car tire under me most of the time......it is more stable in the rain, on gravel, which is important cause I have a dirt driveway which is very long, and grass...........I notice some instability with grooves in the road or truck grooves.........my tire looks wonderful at over 9,000 miles.......I would do it again! :mosh:

 

[Spoiler]

1 - When you made the decision to go Darkside what, exactly, was the thing that got you to choose the tire model you eventually put on? Was it individual research, just went with the flow, tried it out on someone elses bike, liked the latest trend or something else?

I saw that many had used this same tire and I liked the tread pattern look, and I did PM a few Cafe members that had my same exact bike already darksided to get their opinions first though....

2 - What tire did you finally choose?

Michelin Hydroedge 205-55-16. I went with the "55" series for that real low profile look... it dropped the back of my bike 1-1/2"

3 - Were you content or did you change?

Very content so far... I put it on and rode it about 20 miles and then headed to the OBX with the wife on the back this spring ... everything went well.

4 - Are you happy with the final results over time?

I have 2000 miles on it and it seems like a winner to me.

5 - Last, but not least, what did you wish someone had advised you before-hand that you would definitely pass on to others if they were you now?

Nothing really, other than to give it a try. Basically the same thing I told an old girlfriend once.. it's only odd for the first few minutes, then you'll relax.

 

[yfx4]

Like Don said, I flipped the exhaust bolts and let the air out when I put it on the bike. I jacked the bike up all the way, located the wheel, then let the bike down over it. Worked for me, especially with the R fender.

The shop that mounted it said it took 80lbs to bead it. Mounting was OK they said, took more pressure but was OK.

Borrow a GPS unit to check your speedo accuracy. They are off OEM and the tire change will alter how off it is. Some say speedo healers are good to correct the OEM inaccuracy. Some just use the GPS as the speedo. Whatever you choose--just be aware so you don't get a ticket when you thought you were OK.

I was expecting a HUGE change in handling and ride from the MC tire. It IS different but not night/day like you might expect from the flame that hits in some of the DS threads. I do believe you will be happy with your choice. I am.

 

[hdixon]

1 - When you made the decision to go Darkside what, exactly, was the thing that got you to choose the tire model you eventually put on? Was it individual research, just went with the flow, tried it out on someone elses bike, liked the latest trend or something else?

I wanted the rear tire to last longer and I'm doing a 3 week x-country this summer.

2 - What tire did you finally choose?

Yokohama Avid Touring S (205)

3 - Were you content or did you change?

Seems fine so far

4 - Are you happy with the final results over time?

Only been Darkside for 5 weeks-ish but so far so good

5 - Last, but not least, what did you wish someone had advised you before-hand that you would definitely pass on to others if they were you now?

Nothing unexpected. Everything answered here at the forum.

 

[00 Doc]

My 1st Darkside tire was the General Grabber, I had followed another 1300 rider through some twisties and was just amazed at how much contact that tire maintained when leaned over. I put over 15,000 miles on that tire and just recently put a Michelin HydroEdge on, not because the General was worn out or I was unhappy with it, but because I just wanted to try something different.
I'm glad I did, the HydroEdge is just marshmallow smooth and sticks every bit as well as the General did. Going to the Smokies in a few weeks and looking forward to the long distance ride.

 

[vjp5]

ok......I'll admit it.....I'm just :icon_susp. I will be ready for a new rear tire this fall. I am deciding between the Hydro and the Yoko Avid S, so I am pouring over everyone's answers. Thanks for letting me snoop.

Excellent questions Cage :cheers: You saved me from asking the same ones later this year.

 

[chkridr]

I'm still thinking about going darkside as well. Thanks for the thread Cage. I'm going to follow this one for a bit.

 

[blackdot]

I'm going dark this weekend hopefully. But am still torn between the MHE and the Yokohama Avid Touring-S.

My buddy's shop has both in stock and he'll help me mount whatever I decide.

Both are talked about well by those who are riding on them. Both have their good points in my opinion the MHE has directional tread and the Yoko is more rounded.

The price is a little higher on the MHE in my area and it may come down to that for me. I'll keep you posted.

 

[yfx4]

I'm certain that you will be pleased either way. Let us know what ya do!

 

[DrOmega]

OK...I've already made the decision to go Darkside and Joe Licketto is going to help me with that as well as shaving the ribs out of the "c" rear fender to allow for the clearance. That said, I STILL have five quick questions:

1 - When you made the decision to go Darkside what, exactly, was the thing that got you to choose the tire model you eventually put on? Was it individual research, just went with the flow, tried it out on someone elses bike, liked the latest trend or something else?
Decided based on tire wear - 5k about as good as it got. Didn't ride a darksider but read the darksider forums end to end, coresponding with some of the authors.

2 - What tire did you finally choose?
GYTT 205/60 16

3 - Were you content or did you change?
Was weird at first, but the learning curve was quick.

4 - Are you happy with the final results over time?
20k later - same tire, thinking about changing it to a Yokohama Avid Envigor due to slightly rounder corners.

5 - Last, but not least, what did you wish someone had advised you before-hand that you would definitely pass on to others if they were you now?
LOL - the whole experience is like mmm interpersonal relations talk about it all you want, understanding comes with doing.

Last thought - you may not have to shave anything off the bike - at least my C has a fat rear fender.

 

[Good Old Rebel]

Went darkside with a General Altamax 205 and Airsoft beads. Tire was OK but bouncy in the turns. Replaced it with a Yoko Envigor v rated 205 tire (Thanks for the tip Pointman!). Fixed the bounce and rides 95% like a bike tire. Other than the CT being a little more active on uneven pavement, I can't tell the difference. Pluses are to many to list, the negatives are few and minor. I have about 1000 miles on it now and I ain't lookin' back!

Rebel

 

[dryriver]

I purchased the Hydroedge about a month ago with the intent to go darkside. Since then, every vehicle I own has had problems, and between work and work on them I haven't touched the bike to install or ride.
There is plenty of info on here and other forums to make the decision. The cost savings alone make it appealling and the ride improvement is exciting to me. I'm not a hard riding drag the floorboard kind of rider (at 70 I've done all of that I need), but the long range touring I like to do makes the ct the best choice.
If I ever get it on, I'll add my thoughts to a forum like this.

 

[lamaybl5711]

I went with the cheapest tire I could find because I wasn't sure if I'd like it....bought a Douglas tire from Walmart. My only regret is that I didn't buy one of the more commonly used tires. I'm sitting on about 10k on the tire and it still looks new. Only other thing I could add is post some pics once it's mounted.

 

[Bassdude404]

1 - When you made the decision to go Darkside what, exactly, was the thing that got you to choose the tire model you eventually put on? Was it individual research, just went with the flow, tried it out on someone elses bike, liked the latest trend or something else?

Did alot of research, and joined the darkside forum (just remembered that, haven't logged on in over a year now:hmm2, then just waited for my stock rear tire to get worn out enough to justify replacement...At the tech session here last year, saw Tiger X's Yokahama in person as he was installing it on his ride and that sealed the deal for me...

2 - What tire did you finally choose?

Yokahama Avid Touring S 205/70-15

3 - Were you content or did you change?

Still rolling on it today...

4 - Are you happy with the final results over time?

Only been since last July with winter storage break, but very happy with the performance and treadwear...

5 - Last, but not least, what did you wish someone had advised you before-hand that you would definitely pass on to others if they were you now?

Can't think of a single thing that hasn't been covered by folks here, even the handful of folks that have switched back to a motorcycle tire have posted their dislikes...
Thanks for taking the time to help out here. :cheers:

 

[X46290]

Alot of great feedback, what are you waiting on? MHE 205/70 here with 6k miles and I'm not going back to a mt. But thats just me, good luck in your choice of tire, Hamph