Darkside/Crowned roads

[snuffcityrider]

Snuff,

I found this " road rut" problem greatly improved when I went up a few pounds in tire pressure.

Thanks...I bumped mine up to 40psi, and it felt much better, at least riding one up. As soon as this much needed rain passes and warmer weather comes back me and the Mrs. are going to log some serious miles before the trip in May.

 

[Sidecar Flip]

I am getting old...that's why I love this site, there are plenty of older farts on this site than me. Makes me feel young again.

.............an 'old fart' is always better than a wet fart...... (I've had some first hand experience with that).......

If you want to ride a scary bike in crosswinds, especially on the slab, you guys need to try my KLR. It's basically a light bike (350 pounds) and it's tall (taller than a R3) plus it's faired and has a higher than stock windshield. You do some serious leaning in cross winds, passing trucks or in wind gusts. With less that 40 horses on tap, the tap is rather limited so powering your way through a situation is, well, not an option.

I remember Ugarte posting about his first experiences on his KLR early last year and he didn't come away with a warm fuzzy feeling but he's worked it out and rides both bikes now.

Obviously, increasing the static pressure makes the contact patch rounder and the less flat contact patch makes for a less corrective ride.

Me, I'm nursing my Metz (well, maybe not).....After all Gus has the bike at Baxter's and I have a feeling Gus isn't a sedate rider, like I am, so I might be looking at a new tire soon. I'm watching the Avon lady closely to see if that tire 'rings my doorbell'.

 

[TxRIIIRider]

You guys need to ride a Trophy in a cross wind! A fully faired bike that weighs less than 500 lbs.. That thing is like a sail! To be honest, I like the Trophy, but I don't know how those sport touring riders tour on these things! My Rocket doesn't blow around nearly as badly...

 

[HeR3tic]

Anybody else feel like their riding at a 45 degree angle, while riding straight on a crowned road? I increased my tire pressure from 32 to 40lbs. and it seems better. I was riding Saturday with my wife in 25mph winds on a crowned road, and it just about wore me out. It got me to thinking about my 2500 mile trip coming up. Kinda wish I had an extra rear wheel, so that I could swap out between moto tire and Dark Side. Any suggestions on improving the ride? I haven't yet road two up with the extra tire pressure, maybe that will fix it.

Agreed. While the darkside commands a great deal of advantge there is/are the flip side of the debate. Other than for purist reasons.

I too find a more often need for counter steering. It has become second nature, and in my experience I've yet to be "worn out" though I don't doubt it will occur. I expect the RAAIV rendezvous will do that for me.

Letting the front tire get down, in PSI, and running a darksider rear will wear out the front tire early. Keep the pressures up.

I've run 45psi in my darksider. It really does handle well. If I get but 20K from this darkside rear I'll be happy. I will no doubt go with a higher tread wear rated tire, in the next episode.

 

[Bubba]

What brand seems to be best for curves

OK guys I've read alot of your thoughts, But only saw one brand tire . is the Riken the best ?????

 

[TxRIIIRider]

Like your Rollie Free pic.. lol I have never ran a darkside tire, but the Riken does appear to be the most popular choice.

OK guys I've read alot of your thoughts, But only saw one brand tire . is the Riken the best ?????

 

[atomsplitter]

You might also try adjusting your rear suspension a bit (increase preload). Less static sag will improve the steering as well.

 

[atomsplitter]

OK guys I've read alot of your thoughts, But only saw one brand tire . is the Riken the best ?????

It' one of the cheapest. The Eagle F-1 is popular (just don't go the 245 unless you like hitting the fender). I ride a Potenza Grid and the Toyo Proxxis is a favorite of some.

 

[liquidsmile]

I road my Valk from Prudhoe Bay to the Keys with a car tire. Dalton Hwy wore me out, but the car tire was perfect for about every road condition I faced. That being said, I will never put one on my rocket.

 

[HellFire]

The rounder the tire the better, and some car tires like the riken seem to take on a rounder shape with higher pressure. That's what I'll be looking for when it's time.
I saw that hybrid bike tire with a flatter tread in the middle and wish it fit our bikes, that would be the shisnit. lol