About to go Dark Side for first time

[wiffmajig]

Not that I am aware of concerning a combination. I'm currently running the stock size Dunlop 404 on the front and the Riken Raptor in the rear, I originally ran the Yokohama on the rear, good tire as well. It's really up to you. Just get a good sport tire. I ordered Riken via the Internet and had it mounted locally.

 

[HarleyToo]

Not that I am aware of concerning a combination. I'm currently running the stock size Dunlop 404 on the front and the Riken Raptor in the rear, I originally ran the Yokohama on the rear, good tire as well. It's really up to you. Just get a good sport tire. I ordered Riken via the Internet and had it mounted locally.

Ok, so I did find that I could order the Riken Raptor through Sears. Since I need two tires, here are the ones I am considering going with (mainly because I hate Metz's);

Front - Avon Cobra AV 71 - 150/80-VR17 $180 - Rear - Riken Raptor - 225/55R16 95W - $85 - http://www.sears.com/riken-raptor-225-55r16-95w-bw-all-season/p-09549308000P

So roughly $265 verses $560.

Sound about right?

 

[wiffmajig]

Ok, so I did find that I could order the Riken Raptor through Sears. Since I need two tires, here are the ones I am considering going with (mainly because I hate Metz's);

Front - Avon Cobra AV 71 - 150/80-VR17 $180 - Rear - Riken Raptor - 225/55R16 95W - $85 - http://www.sears.com/riken-raptor-225-55r16-95w-bw-all-season/p-09549308000P

So roughly $265 verses $560.

Sound about right?

Hell yea... Much better. The Riken has been a good tire for me. Bites well enough to bring my front tire off the ground when I grab 2nd hard. (tuneboy wide open tune)
(TOR's, cat bypass and tuneboy)

 

[alpental]

You should check out this video of a darkside tire while the rider takes a 30 mph posted corner at around 45 mph. Pretty interesting.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZKhoFbL7Fo

 

[1olbull]

Ok, so I did find that I could order the Riken Raptor through Sears. Since I need two tires, here are the ones I am considering going with (mainly because I hate Metz's);
Front - Avon Cobra AV 71 - 150/80-VR17 $180 - Rear - Riken Raptor - 225/55R16 95W - $85 - http://www.sears.com/riken-raptor-225-55r16-95w-bw-all-season/p-09549308000P
So roughly $265 verses $560.
Sound about right?

You might consider the Avon Cobra in a 140/75 VR17 for $114 at https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/1136/22916/Avon-Cobra-AV71-Front-Motorcycle-Tire
Will provide better handling - is higher rated and much less expensive.

 

[HarleyToo]

The video is really a good one, thank you. I think that really shows the huge volume of contact patch there is with a DS tire.

I also found this which provided good detail - http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2004/10/27/theDarkSide.html

Thanks for the link to the Avon 140/75 VR17 - that does look like a much better option price wise. Was there a truly noticeable difference in handling with the slightly smaller tire and is it the same size in diameter?

 

[HarleyToo]

You might consider the Avon Cobra in a 140/75 VR17 for $114 at https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/1136/22916/Avon-Cobra-AV71-Front-Motorcycle-Tire
Will provide better handling - is higher rated and much less expensive.

Are you/have you run this tire? The delta between the two is more than I would have expected a full inch shorter.

NVM, I found a thread on the issue.

Any thoughts between the Avon or a Commander II? The Commander is more expensive but may be a better tire.

Thoughts. I am going to place orders today.

 

[1olbull]

Are you/have you run this tire? The delta between the two is more than I would have expected a full inch shorter.
NVM, I found a thread on the issue.
Any thoughts between the Avon or a Commander II? The Commander is more expensive but may be a better tire.
Thoughts. I am going to place orders today.

Stock, the rear axle is a half inch lower to the ground than the front = generally not productive for handling.
The Exedra Max brings the rear axle up even with the front and the 140 lowers the front a half inch = better handling!
I have ran three 140s up front and have a brand new one on at present.
I have ran a Commander II and it wore out is a tad over 4000 miles. Likely was just a bad tire and I shall try another in the future just to see.
The Avon is a proven and frequently used on many Rockets.

 

[HarleyToo]

Ok, thanks. I will go Avon up front. I was planning on this out back since I cant get the Riken - Nitto NT450 Extreme All-Season Tire - 225/55R16 94V

...or would you suggest something else?

 

[IROCKIT]

wicked idea, how is the ride with a car tire. why is it called the dark side?