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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| My opinion only, but a suggestion on the Hitch-Doc is to install the bolts "UP" from inside the wheel well, rather than down from inside the tour pack (if you have one). That way, if you decide to remove the tour pack, you just remove the nuts, and the hitch stays in place, and there is plenty of clearance for the tire, whether it is a CT or MCT.
I did that when I put my CT on so I could get the Tour Pack off. I have the back rest but need the luggage rack to put on the back rest.
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Cruiser
Posts: 135
Chesterfield, VA | witchbiker - 2012-04-11 8:36 AM My opinion only, but a suggestion on the Hitch-Doc is to install the bolts "UP" from inside the wheel well, rather than down from inside the tour pack (if you have one). That way, if you decide to remove the tour pack, you just remove the nuts, and the hitch stays in place, and there is plenty of clearance for the tire, whether it is a CT or MCT. '08 VV with a little man-bling. Chrome IS a color!! +1 I did that also and highly recommend inverting the bolts so that the nuts are on top under the trunk access panel. Even if you plan to never ride without the trunk, if you ever have to remove it for maintenance this will make the job 100% easier. |
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Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | Got my new patch in today.....cant wait to get it sewed on.....
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Cruiser
Posts: 233
flagstaff, AZ | aaronrkelly - 2012-04-14 11:31 PM
Got my new patch in today.....cant wait to get it sewed on.....
? ?
Where's the LIKE button?
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | aaronrkelly - 2012-04-15 12:31 AM Got my new patch in today.....cant wait to get it sewed on.....
Nice! I like it!! |
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Cruiser
Posts: 232
| aaronrkelly - 2012-04-15 12:31 AM
Got my new patch in today.....cant wait to get it sewed on.....
? ? May i ask where you got that great looking patch ,i would like one? |
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Cruiser
Posts: 232
| Wife and I went for a ride today put 320 miles on the c/t I do like it.175/60-16 wintersport RF. |
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Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | TRELL - 2012-04-15 10:23 PM
aaronrkelly - 2012-04-15 12:31 AM
Got my new patch in today.....cant wait to get it sewed on.....
? ? May i ask where you got that great looking patch ,i would like one?
Got it here - its customizable, you pick the text and the color of the fender on the bike.
There are about 3 different sizes and shapes.
http://store.dryheatembroidery.com/patches-en/custom-patches/ |
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Cruiser
Posts: 142
elgin mn | Ordered mine Thanks |
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Cruiser
Posts: 56
| I am getting close to replacing the rear on my 11 VV tour. Looks like about 11k but with bad cupping as normal. My 07 KP Tour did the same.
Really considering going to the dark side, but......Simple questions for the folks that are doing this...
1) What size tire do I need to migrate to the darkside? I like things to be as close to stock as possible with no fitment issue. Dont tow a trailer, but do load the bike heavy...2 up and luggage.
2) What brands are you using? I would like a mixture of performance and mileage...20k to 30k is what Im looking for.
3) Anyone live in the Charlotte NC area that knows of a shop that would do this?
I am asking for informational purposes only...not for a debate. LOL.
Thanks in advance! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Charlotte Indian-Victory dealer at Lowell. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 56
| Great...I live right down the street and have started building a relationship with those guys. Wasnt sure if they would do it or not.
Still need brand and definitive sizing. Will order soon when I get the info.
Thanks
Edited by kpVision 2012-04-16 10:28 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Mark's a biker's biker. If he tells you otherwise, let us know. I'd be shocked if he don't.
Edited by varyder 2012-04-16 10:37 PM
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Tourer
Posts: 395
Moravia, IA | kpVision - 2012-04-16 9:59 PM
I am getting close to replacing the rear on my 11 VV tour. Looks like about 11k but with bad cupping as normal. My 07 KP Tour did the same.
Really considering going to the dark side, but......Simple questions for the folks that are doing this...
1) What size tire do I need to migrate to the darkside? I like things to be as close to stock as possible with no fitment issue. Dont tow a trailer, but do load the bike heavy...2 up and luggage.
2) What brands are you using? I would like a mixture of performance and mileage...20k to 30k is what Im looking for.
3) Anyone live in the Charlotte NC area that knows of a shop that would do this?
I am asking for informational purposes only...not for a debate. LOL.
Thanks in advance!
1 - The closest to the actual OEM size is a 175/60-16. The problem is its an odd size and your choice of tires will be limited. Im currently using this size because the tire I usually buy was out of stock. Usually I buy a Bridgestone Potenza in 185/55-16, which worked great for me (I pull a trailer). Its a little bigger then the 175/60 and made my speedometer run about 3 miles fast, none the less I thought it was the perfect tire....alas they are discontinued in that size. In the 185/55 you will have a bit better selection then the 175/60. Most people run a 195/55-16 if they dont need the extra clearance for the trailer hitch. This size tire will have a 4 mph difference or so but will give you the best selection of tires.
175/60-16 - closest to stock size....works with a trailer hitch.....poor selection of tires
185/55-16 - works with a trailer hitch (generally accepted as the largest you can go).......better selection of tires
195/55-16 - rubs with the trailer hitch..............best selection of tires
My advise is to go to www.tirerack.com and read up on the different tires in those ranges and pick something you based on the ratings and reviews.
I still cant say enough great things about the Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid.....exceptional tire and I got about 27K out of it with 3/10ths of tread left, I could have run it longer. I recommend it if you can get it in the size of your choosing. I havent ever seen it in 175/60.....near as I can tell nobody stocks and its been discontinued in the 185/55.
My current tire is the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max in 175/60-16. I like it just fine and its a great darkside tire but I do think the Bridgestone is better. The Bridgestone seems to have just a bit better traction.....but since then Ive also changed to a different front tire so that may be where I sense the difference. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | The Dunlop 175/60-16 has been my first 'Dark' tire. I chose that size for two main reasons;
1. It was the only size recommended for a 5" wide rim.
2. I felt a narrower tire would give a closer feel of a MT with less resistance to leaning over.
I chose the Wintersport over others in it's size for two more reasons;
1. I wanted a runflat.
2. The Wintersport is a softer compound to give better traction. Sure I won't get the mileage like the Fuelmax, but I should still get around 24k.
So far my choice has been everything I have expected. Mounting the tire went super easy, no trouble seating it. I notice NO resistance to leaning and it holds traction all the way to where I'm hitting tipovers (a little beyond floorboards). The only aspect I have not needed yet is the runflat factor. Hopefully I won't have to, but it's nice to know it's there.
(DarkSideDecal.jpg)
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 DarkSideDecal.jpg (52KB - 1 downloads)
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Cruiser
Posts: 56
| I appreciate the input, especially so quick. This is a big decision for me, as I like to keep "stock" parts so to speak. The benefits are intriguing and I actually rode last year at Rolling Thunder with a guy that ran a CT on his big Kawasaki Vulcan. He loved it and kept up with us all weekend. I have a little time to decide, but leaning toward the DS. MMMM..... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | I run the 195/55/16 and have no problems. According to my GPS, my speedo is only off about 2 miles per hour. To me this is no bid deal. It is still closer than any other bike I have had a GPS on.
The tire is a Potenza, aired to 38 psi. I also had no problems with the mounting process. Tire seated at 38 psi. It took about 200 miles to break in then it feels much like the flat centered OEM tire but with a better ride.
For what it is worth, I have read that you should NOT run a "run flat" tire unless you have a pressure monitoring system. If the tire does loose air you would not know and can run into problems. This is just what I read in my research before going Dark, others run them with no problems.
Good luck on your decision and tire choice. |
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Central Wisconsin | kpVision - 2012-04-17 1:34 AM I appreciate the input, especially so quick. This is a big decision for me, as I like to keep "stock" parts so to speak. ...... +1 on the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D RunOnFlat 175/60r/16 . I like the 175mm width better then the 195mm width I had on the year before, plus I have a trailer hitch.
Put about 10,000 2up miles on the run flat tire last year without the TPMS, just recently purchased a TPMS and metal valve stems for the sensors. Maybe when the run flat tire needs to be replaced I'll take the valve stem core out and take it for a short low speed test ride, without my wife. Also been using dyna beads and some guys are having good luck with airsoft pellets for balancing.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| Your speedo / mph stats for the various tire sizes is a little confusing. The 195/55 would actually be the closest to stock diameter, and hence, provide the least speedometer error. Next would be the 175/60, and worst would be the 185/55. Each one successfully would indicate that you are going faster than you truly are. The stock E3 tires generally are about 2mph "fast" (ie, speedo says 70mph when gps says 68mph). My guess is that the 175/60 is probably about 4mph off (ie speedo=70, gps=66). That is too large of a discrepancy for my tastes.
aaronrkelly - 2012-04-16 11:07 PM
kpVision - 2012-04-16 9:59 PM
I am getting close to replacing the rear on my 11 VV tour. Looks like about 11k but with bad cupping as normal. My 07 KP Tour did the same.
Really considering going to the dark side, but......Simple questions for the folks that are doing this...
1) What size tire do I need to migrate to the darkside? I like things to be as close to stock as possible with no fitment issue. Dont tow a trailer, but do load the bike heavy...2 up and luggage.
2) What brands are you using? I would like a mixture of performance and mileage...20k to 30k is what Im looking for.
3) Anyone live in the Charlotte NC area that knows of a shop that would do this?
I am asking for informational purposes only...not for a debate. LOL.
Thanks in advance!
1 - The closest to the actual OEM size is a 175/60-16. The problem is its an odd size and your choice of tires will be limited. Im currently using this size because the tire I usually buy was out of stock. Usually I buy a Bridgestone Potenza in 185/55-16, which worked great for me (I pull a trailer). Its a little bigger then the 175/60 and made my speedometer run about 3 miles fast, none the less I thought it was the perfect tire....alas they are discontinued in that size. In the 185/55 you will have a bit better selection then the 175/60. Most people run a 195/55-16 if they dont need the extra clearance for the trailer hitch. This size tire will have a 4 mph difference or so but will give you the best selection of tires.
175/60-16 - closest to stock size....works with a trailer hitch.....poor selection of tires
185/55-16 - works with a trailer hitch (generally accepted as the largest you can go).......better selection of tires
195/55-16 - rubs with the trailer hitch..............best selection of tires
My advise is to go to www.tirerack.com and read up on the different tires in those ranges and pick something you based on the ratings and reviews.
I still cant say enough great things about the Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid.....exceptional tire and I got about 27K out of it with 3/10ths of tread left, I could have run it longer. I recommend it if you can get it in the size of your choosing. I havent ever seen it in 175/60.....near as I can tell nobody stocks and its been discontinued in the 185/55.
My current tire is the Goodyear Assurance Fuel Max in 175/60-16. I like it just fine and its a great darkside tire but I do think the Bridgestone is better. The Bridgestone seems to have just a bit better traction.....but since then Ive also changed to a different front tire so that may be where I sense the difference. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| Thomas - 2012-04-17 8:05 AM
kpVision - 2012-04-17 1:34 AM I appreciate the input, especially so quick. This is a big decision for me, as I like to keep "stock" parts so to speak. ...... +1 on the? Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D RunOnFlat 175/60r/16 .? I like the 175mm width better then the 195mm width I had on the year before, plus I have a trailer hitch.
Put about 10,000 2up miles on the run flat tire last year without the TPMS, just recently purchased a TPMS and metal valve stems for the sensors. Maybe when the run flat tire needs to be replaced I'll take the valve stem core out and take it for a short low speed test ride, without my wife. Also been using dyna beads and some guys are having good luck with airsoft pellets for balancing.
? ?
?
Dynabeads in a run-flat? Don't some run-flats use supportive ribs inside the tire, which of course would inhibit the beads from dispersing around the tire?
Edited by Turk 2012-04-17 8:18 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | I put a 195/55R16 Bridgestone Potenza on my Vision.  
No issues. It's within 2 mph of my GPS at 70 mph. I also run 38 psi. 
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Central Wisconsin | Turk...Dynabeads in a run-flat? Don't some run-flats use supportive ribs inside the tire, which of course would inhibit the beads from dispersing around the tire? The Dunlop run flat has a smooth area in the center. Turk...My guess is that the 175/60 is probably about 4mph off (ie speedo=70, gps=66). That is too large of a discrepancy for my tastes. The Dunlop 175/60/16 is one mph off compared to the factory E3 at 60mph.
| Specification | Sidewall | Radius | Diameter | Circumference | Revolutions | Speedometer | Odometer | Difference |
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| 175/60-16 | 4.1" | 12.1" | 24.3" | 76.2" | 831/mi | 60MPH | 10000mi | N/A | | 180/60-16 | 4.3" | 12.3" | 24.5" | 77.0" | 823/mi | 59MPH | 9904mi | 1.0% | | 195/55-16 | 4.2" | 12.2" | 24.4" | 76.8" | 825/mi | 60MPH | 9928mi | 0.7% |
Edited by Thomas 2012-04-17 9:48 AM
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Tourer
Posts: 394
Tucson, AZ | +1 on the 195/55/16 Potenza. I'm on my third one. Two on a Honda Valkyrie and the one I'm running on my VV. The only difference is that I keep 35 psi in the tire. However I ride one up with no hitch and rarely have it loaded heavy, except me, 280 lbs. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 185
Rhode Island | Running the Dunlop 175/60R16 Winter Sport also, one of the few designed for a 5" rim; running 34-36psi with Dynabeads almost 3k on it and am happy with it all around.
Jim |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 612
| Thomas - 2012-04-17 9:41 AM
Turk...Dynabeads in a run-flat? Don't some run-flats use supportive ribs inside the tire, which of course would inhibit the beads from dispersing around the tire?The Dunlop run flat has a smooth area in the center. ?Turk...My guess is that the 175/60 is probably about 4mph off (ie speedo=70, gps=66). That is too large of a discrepancy for my tastes. The Dunlop 175/60/16 is one mph off compared to the factory E3 at 60mph.
? | Specification | Sidewall | Radius | Diameter | Circumference | Revolutions | Speedometer | Odometer | Difference |
|---|
| 175/60-16 | 4.1" | 12.1" | 24.3" | 76.2" | 831/mi | 60MPH | 10000mi | N/A | | 180/60-16 | 4.3" | 12.3" | 24.5" | 77.0" | 823/mi | 59MPH | 9904mi | 1.0% | | 195/55-16 | 4.2" | 12.2" | 24.4" | 76.8" | 825/mi | 60MPH | 9928mi | 0.7% |
As I said, the factory E3's are 2mph off of TRUE speed, as registered on the GPS. Going to a smaller circumference tire is going to increase the discrepancy from TRUE speed. The 175/60 and 185/55 are smaller circumference tires. The fact that the stock E3's are 2mph off is bad enough, but increasing that further to 3 or 4mph is not what I *personally* am comfortable doing. I'm trying to figure where you believe my statement is inaccurate ?
BTW, your chart is wrong..... the percentages are incorrect. Both the 175/60 and 195/55 make more revolutions per mile than the stock 180/60. So the E3 should show 0%, while the others should show varying degrees of inaccuracy compared to that.
Edited by Turk 2012-04-17 1:13 PM
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All Dark Siders (car tire) please step inside
