Wanting to test the waters of the darkside.

[FR56]

One thing that keeps being overlooked in this conversation. If you ride your Rocket to the limits, i.e. try to ride your 800 lb motorcycle like it is a squid bike, then don't go darkside. It's not for you.

However, if you are a less aggressive type rider, primarily a commuter/tourer, then darkside is very appropriate. 50,000 miles so far with no issues. Riken Raptor 225/55ZR16.

You may have help me choose the dark side when tire time comes for me. I have my K1200 for spirited corner carving. Prudence's charms are elsewhere to be savored. 50,000 miles without the redundant trouble and notable expense is just the kind of accessory to those charms.

Any plusses/minuses/considerations to 50 & 55 aspect ratios other than a nominal change in speedo calibration and seat/ride height?

 

[tdragger]

You may have help me choose the dark side when tire time comes for me. I have my K1200 for spirited corner carving. Prudence's charms are elsewhere to be savored. 50,000 miles without the redundant trouble and notable expense is just the kind of accessory to those charms.

Any plusses/minuses/considerations to 50 & 55 aspect ratios other than a nominal change in speedo calibration and seat/ride height?

As far as 50/55, it's really up to you. A 225/55 is going to turn the engine about 1% slower than stock at a reference speed such as 60 mph. A 225/50 is going to make it turn about 4-5% faster at 60. This, of course, affects gas mileage and range.

As I posted in another thread, the Riken Raptor ZR appears to be no longer available. I've mounted a Yokohama to see how it will work.

 

[Zonechamp]

I hope you didn't pay $350 for that tire like your link shows. I paid $150 Canadian for my 225/55R-16 Yokohama S.Drive from Kal Tire.

 

[tdragger]

I hope you didn't pay $350 for that tire like your link shows. I paid $150 Canadian for my 225/55R-16 Yokohama S.Drive from Kal Tire.

That "link" is one of the advertising auto-links that this site creates based on keywords. Not my link. I paid about $106 for the Yoko and $20 to have it mounted.

 

[cardinal93]

@tdragger did you get your starting issues sorted out?

 

[tdragger]

@tdragger did you get your starting issues sorted out?

Not yet. Got the beast up on the rack and the tank up checking things out. Changed the fuel filter but it didn't make a difference. Going to pull the plugs this week and see how they look. Changed the tune and it also didn't help.

 

[FR56]

I've noticed "Summer" and "all season" describing many tires researched. I certainly don't ride in the snow, and I avoid rain like the plague. Do "summer" tires crack and fall apart if used below 55*F? All season rubber has more and larger 'grooves' lateral to rotation which can cause more noisy road "hum".

 

[tdragger]

You will want the summer tire. In the pic below, notice the UTQG line. The lower the number, the softer the rubber compound. You want to stay around 300 or less. The 'AA' represents traction grade ('AA' is the stickiest) and the last 'A' represents temperature control ('A' is the best).

 

[FR56]

You will want the summer tire. In the pic below, notice the UTQG line. The lower the number, the softer the rubber compound. You want to stay around 300 or less. The 'AA' represents traction grade ('AA' is the stickiest) and the last 'A' represents temperature control ('A' is the best).

A decent "Treadwear" number also. Past experience has always given great mileage(despite what said) with a 500 or more rating. Thanks for the info.