Longest Life rear tire for Roadster?

[Wannbe]

I was ready to ditch the Darkside tire because of the same handling issues you mentioned. Then the front wore enough to change to the smaller 140 size. That completely transformed the handling and made the dark tire almost unnoticeable. Maybe try that before dumping the rear tire. Good luck.

 

[1olbull]

I was ready to ditch the Darkside tire because of the same handling issues you mentioned. Then the front wore enough to change to the smaller 140 size. That completely transformed the handling and made the dark tire almost unnoticeable. Maybe try that before dumping the rear tire. Good luck.

Interesting!
Perhaps enough weight transfer forward to somewhat reduce that awful side-to-side shifting trying to seek the flat spot?

 

[Wannbe]

I don't know enough about the physics of it all to venture a reason why, but like I said it completely changed the characteristics of the ride. Part of it had to be changing from a completely worn tire to a new one. But the size change made the most difference. Now it doesn't follow the road or "look" for the flat spot. It tracks true and is better than stock for sure. Even with the ct.

 

[Nogrey]

Just my opinion, so not worth much, but I've been riding heavy cruisers for years now. Valkyries for the last 7 years, and now a rocket 3 roadster. I've tried everything. I did the darkside for a couple of years. My brief conclusion is this: The darkside tires give great traction and great mileage. That's about it. The darkside tires take the joy out of riding. Again, this is just my opinion. Motorcycle tires are performance tires. The manufacturer, the engineers that designed, tested and built the motorcycle determined what tire the bike would have to perform at its best. My personal experience agrees with their design decisions. Again. Just my opinion. I applaud companies like Michelin that have come up with new tire designs like the Michelin commander series that improve tire life and increase performance and are designed specifically for motorcycles.
My conclusion: If you're going to drop the money for a performance machine, put performance tires on it. Get the most out of your riding experience. Don't lose the joy of riding because of worry about the wear on your tires. Just like gasoline, you shouldn't stop enjoying your riding experience because it went up 10 cents/gallon.

 

[IMFASTTOO]

Just my opinion, so not worth much, but I've been riding heavy cruisers for years now. Valkyries for the last 7 years, and now a rocket 3 roadster. I've tried everything. I did the darkside for a couple of years. My brief conclusion is this: The darkside tires give great traction and great mileage. That's about it. The darkside tires take the joy out of riding. Again, this is just my opinion. Motorcycle tires are performance tires. The manufacturer, the engineers that designed, tested and built the motorcycle determined what tire the bike would have to perform at its best. My personal experience agrees with their design decisions. Again. Just my opinion. I applaud companies like Michelin that have come up with new tire designs like the Michelin commander series that improve tire life and increase performance and are designed specifically for motorcycles.
My conclusion: If you're going to drop the money for a performance machine, put performance tires on it. Get the most out of your riding experience. Don't lose the joy of riding because of worry about the wear on your tires. Just like gasoline, you shouldn't stop enjoying your riding experience because it went up 10 cents/gallon.

YEP I agree you hit the nail on the head

 

[PacificRimSurveyor]

Just my opinion, so not worth much, but I've been riding heavy cruisers for years now. Valkyries for the last 7 years, and now a rocket 3 roadster. I've tried everything. I did the darkside for a couple of years. My brief conclusion is this: The darkside tires give great traction and great mileage. That's about it. The darkside tires take the joy out of riding. Again, this is just my opinion. Motorcycle tires are performance tires. The manufacturer, the engineers that designed, tested and built the motorcycle determined what tire the bike would have to perform at its best. My personal experience agrees with their design decisions. Again. Just my opinion. I applaud companies like Michelin that have come up with new tire designs like the Michelin commander series that improve tire life and increase performance and are designed specifically for motorcycles.
My conclusion: If you're going to drop the money for a performance machine, put performance tires on it. Get the most out of your riding experience. Don't lose the joy of riding because of worry about the wear on your tires. Just like gasoline, you shouldn't stop enjoying your riding experience because it went up 10 cents/gallon.

" The darkside tires take the joy out of riding."

Could you expand on that statement ?

Because I feel it enhances the experience.
I have more confidence in wet conditions, certainlty in straight line performance and not at all bad in the twisties. Not trying to start a pissing match just my 2cents. Or am I ?

 

[mexican]

" The darkside tires take the joy out of riding."

Could you expand on that statement ?

Because I feel it enhances the experience.
I have more confidence in wet conditions, certainlty in straight line performance and not at all bad in the twisties. Not trying to start a pissing match just my 2cents. Or am I ?

The nay sayers always come up with "smart" qoutes like that, don't pay attention

 

[Douglas]

As I reported in an earlier thread today I inspected my rear metzler yesterday and found a half inch width strip of steel belt all around the tire. I checked my log book when I got home and determined I rode 8,400 miles on it. I thought I got cheated but after looking at a number of threads it appears I did fairly well in comparisons to others.

 

[Nogrey]

The nay sayers always come up with "smart" qoutes like that, don't pay attention

It appears that you feel the need to defend your side, but without any real evidence to back it up. I am not a nay sayer, as you say. I stated my case after a few years of darkside riding. And, as I said in the beginning of my statement, it is just my opinion and my choice. Please, by all means, ride your "darkside" tire. You have my blessing. Does that make you feel better? Hell, put one one the front as well and try to convince yourself and all the rest of us that this is the best way to enjoy your performance cycle. Have you concidered a full concrete solution? You know, Fred Flinstone used concrete on the front and the back of all his vehicles. He got unlimited mileage out of them as well! Must be the way to go!

 

[PacificRimSurveyor]

Fred Flintstone is a Fictitious cartoon character.

I do ride Double Darkside, Avon Trailrider 160-60-17. Go Figure

Ride safe Brother