On the Darkside... Now, where's the hillclimbers, gravel roads, single track??

[skidlid1300]

Hi All - I finally went to the Darkside with a Hankook tire on the rear, also put a Bridgestone BT045 on the front... After a 50 mile ride last night, it takes a little getting used to the behavior of the tires, but it's not bad... I purchased a NO-Mar tire changer, and it worked great to install the tires. I figured if this setup is the way to go, and not sure if any dealers or motorcycle shops would install a car tire, so, I'd just do it myself...
I'm still undecided what to make of it yet...

 

[2005RedRider]

The more you ride with it, the more you'll appreciate it. I can no longer tell that mine is a CT, except for the better traction on wet roads, surefooted cornering, longer treadlife and the "cool" look of it.

Other than that - no difference.

Dale

 

[sennister]

I have read a few people say it takes about 1000 miles to break it in. I would imagine if you took some twisties it would be less but after about 1000 miles I will say two things happened.

1. The edges of the tire rounded more making the steering feel lighter than when you first put it on.
2. You are more comfortable as you have likely encountered all the variables in types or roads and road surfaces out there so you know what to expect.

I would say the edges of the tires broke in around 500 miles but in that first 1000 I was discovering a few things here and there.

 

[Bigmak96]

Good for you Skidlid. Welcome to the fold/coven
I will mention here again that I love the way the new Run Flat feels on my 1100. There is a thread.

 

[sennister]

Good for you Skidlid. Welcome to the fold/coven
I will mention here again that I love the way the new Run Flat feels on my 1100. There is a thread.

Now that you discovered a tread depth gauge on your air pressure gauge have you been watching your wear or haven't you put on enough miles yet?

 

[Mondo]

Ron, I experienced the same thing. After following Kevin on some twisties on our gulf states tour, the edges of the Hankook definitely rounded off and the bike handles like a dream. Come on up to WiSTOC in a week and Kevin can do the same for you!

Greg

 

[KTD1911]

Well i have fallen under the influence of the dark , Yeterday I installed a hancook v-12 and a bt45 I am running 36psi in rear took it for a ride last night still not sure yet but if your goin dark always go double dark. Is there a recomended rear psi. any recomendations from the dark siders out there?

 

[George]

I'm liking the BT-45 on the front (didn't reverse it, works a charm in the rain and all other conditions.) My Federal Formosa might have 1500 miles left in it. So...

Ordered a new Michelin Commander II MC tar from Tim this morning, wanna get my ABS and ground clearance back... Cost a little more so hoping the mileage claims hold true. My Formosa has ~19000 miles on it for $94, delivered.

 

[kendoo]

I'm liking the BT-45 on the front (didn't reverse it, works a charm in the rain and all other conditions.) My Federal Formosa might have 1500 miles left in it. So...

Ordered a new Michelin Commander II MC tar from Tim this morning, wanna get my ABS and ground clearance back... Cost a little more so hoping the mileage claims hold true. My Formosa has ~19000 miles on it for $94, delivered.

George,
You mean to say you lost ground clearance with the Formosa? I have the Hankook V12 and BT45 setup and the bike sits a little higher (not a good thing for a vertically challenged guy like myself). I thought about modifying my sidestand so that it is a little more upright.

 

[skidlid1300]

Well, I'm liking this setup. After been out to Colorado and NatStoc, there is very little wear after a 4,000 mile trip. You guys are spot-on, it takes about 1,000 miles to round the corners off a bit. Now, I can't tell that I have C/T on the rear. The front BT-45 is awesome, I put it through it's paces, very sure-footed with no wear... I'm doing this setup again - I'm likin' it!

 

[nhdiesel]

My 2nd bt45 is going on next weelend. It will have almost 22k miles, and would go longer, but ill be home doing other maintenance anyway.

Sent from my LG-US670 using Tapatalk 2

 

[George]

George,
You mean to say you lost ground clearance with the Formosa? I have the Hankook V12 and BT45 setup and the bike sits a little higher (not a good thing for a vertically challenged guy like myself). I thought about modifying my sidestand so that it is a little more upright.

I'm on an 1100 with a 16" Gold Wing wheel, Kendoo... the 175/60/16 tar we run is significantly smaller in circumfereance (and therefore diameter) than the stock size 160/70/17 stocker. The 205/6017 youse guys run on yur 1300's is much closer to STock size so ya don't lose any ground clearance.