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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I've put on about 7 rear tires and about 5 front tires in the past 4 and half years, all E3s on my Vision. On my previous bike, the Gold Wing, I ran E3s as well, bias, since it was the older Wing. I'm not as tough as your friend, I only put on about 70,000 miles after 2.5 years.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | varyder - 2012-04-23 8:14 PM
I've put on about 7 rear tires and about 5 front tires in the past 4 and half years, all E3s on my Vision. On my previous bike, the Gold Wing, I ran E3s as well, bias, since it was the older Wing. I'm not as tough as your friend, I only put on about 70,000 miles after 2.5 years....
in all fairness he is retired... nothing but time.. he has a camper/trailer he tows behind his bike and camps all over the place. thats another reason why he went CT. this trailer is Not light weight... lol its soo nice inside. like a mobile motel.. =) |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| Any darksiders try a general g-max tire? I am thinking about. It seem similar to the hankook ventus v4 that I loved, but the ventus lasted only 14k. Sides are worn off, I kept it at 40psi but hit the twisties much more than the slab.
If anyone has any info on the general I'd appriciate it. I'm trying to stay away from the run flats. And I like the g-max specs and the fact it has bead lock like the Ventus.
Thanks |
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Central Wisconsin | jeffmack - 2012-04-24 9:29 AM Any darksiders try a general g-max tire?... If anyone has any info on the general I'd appriciate it. I'm trying to stay away from the run flats. ... Thanks I was unable to get the correct size Dunlop Winter Sport for my other bike so I installed a General Altimax , seems like a good tire. The General G-Max is not available in 185mm or 175mm, for us using hitch-doc trailer hitches.
Just curious why are you are staying away from a Run-Flat? I would much rather have a run-flat on the back if I was to get a flat. Unless your thinking the bike might get unstable and you not knowing the run-flat is flat? IMHO ... out of the three different CT's that * I have experienced * I like the Dunlop Winter Sport the best.
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | i heard mixed results on runflats. Mostly good stuff. but a few have said you might be running on a tire that is low or out of air and not know it.. for me i just carry a tire plug kit and a portable air pump int he compartment where the CD player goes. I have nothing against run flat tires. i just heard mixed opinions about them |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| I don't want a run flat due to the handeling that the stiff sidewall delivers. I was able to ride a run flat and non run flat holding back to back. To me the non run flat handled very well, hard to tell a CT was on. The run flat tire didn't handle like I wanted and transition into and outta turns were not seem less. As far as getting a flat, shit happens. As long as I have a bead lock I'm good with it. It rather know psi is getting pissed out ASAP and pull over and patch it, been done before unfortunately. Just my 2 cents answering a question. We all have our reasons for what we ride on. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3773
Pittsburgh, PA | jeffmack - 2012-04-24 2:33 PM
I don't want a run flat due to the handeling that the stiff sidewall delivers. I was able to ride a run flat and non run flat holding back to back. To me the non run flat handled very well, hard to tell a CT was on. The run flat tire didn't handle like I wanted and transition into and outta turns were not seem less. As far as getting a flat, shit happens. As long as I have a bead lock I'm good with it. It rather know psi is getting pissed out ASAP and pull over and patch it, been done before unfortunately. Just my 2 cents answering a question. We all have our reasons for what we ride on.
+1 |
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Visionary
Posts: 1229
Rancho Cucamonga, CA | Run Flat was one of the key reasons I went to a CT. My parents went down on the fwy due to a sudden loss of rear tire pressure (flat) and spent several years recovering.
I find the Run Flat is pleny soft in the sidewall if you keep the pressure below 38, then it feels just like the E3.
I also have a TPMS, since I have heard the same stories (also to keep an eye on the front tire), but I would like to hear from someone that has actually rode one without air in it. I have to believe that you CAN feel a difference.
If they ever come out with a Run Flat MT, I might switch back.
50 miles @ 50mph on a flat sounds good to me. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| Darkside Flat, big puncher. Got some first hand experience Friday on running a (G-19) Bridgestone Potenza 185/55R16 with a hole punched in it to the left of center in the outer most groove. Saw something in the highway, moved over to the rite anuff to miss it with the front tire. Still got a loud noise that sounded like It broke off my front fender Plexaglass mud flap. About a mile or so down the road (doing 70) on a banked curve to the left,(I75 mile marker 219.8, headed North) it felt like the rear was easing left, need to stop and see what gives. I knew when I started to slow down I Had a Flat. The rim just pushed down on the tire, even flat it looked like a Motorcycle tire half full. The tire stayed seated to the rim all the way around. Never got any side to side movement from the tire. The hole in the tire was on the left side. I moved over anuff to miss the front tire but not anuff to miss the wider rear. The whole was about the size of a wooden pencil (looked like a 22 was shot thru it). Called the VMA road assist they sent a flat bed tow that had the rite stuff for a motorcycle. They called ahead to St. Petersburg FL. Victory dealer who said he'd be open till 8 pm. We got their at 7:45 and they started rite away. The owner said the shop people (2) could stay till they got me back on the road and let them lock up. Can't say anuff good words about this dealer!
I will tell you that I can't wait to get my CT back on. Noticed a BIG difference going from a CT to MT & I don't like it (MT). Less stable, less braking, over steer in the turns. Didn't notice that much different when I went from MT to CT, I just knew I liked it and felt safe with it. I won't feel safe again till I get another CT, may not even wait till I wear the MT out. I'm a cheapskate I will wait. |
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Central Wisconsin | Rick ... Good to hear your alright after that CT flat. Your CT testament is reassuring on how well the CT held up, under extreme conditions. Just wondering were you 2up?
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Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | Great/influencing testimony, Rick. And that was not even a Run Flat, right?
I had a similar experience with an E3 a couple of years ago; probably rode ten miles on a rear flat wondering why the bike did not feel quite right.
Somebody please kick me if I don' go darkside next tire change! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm glad to hear you are okay after your little mishap. While I comtemplate many, many times to go C/T on my Vision, there is always a compelling reason I do not. I appreciate the longevity of a car tire, and the cost, a saving of somewhere in the range of 300%. I appreciate the time saved in removing and having the tire changed out, for me, about every 6 months. Your comments reinforces my reason why I have not gone to a car tire to date. You even add to the list another reason that finally settles it for me and I am going to lay down my pursuit and research of the potential benefits of a car tire on a motorcycle. I've now added to my short list of benefits of a car tire, 1) you won't go up in flames, 2) it save you lots of money, and 3) and it saves you time. The rest is just a placebo...
I bow out of any further discussion of the darkside (do I hear a <sigh> of relief?) and will only muse myself in lurking at the wonderful world you all have found. Ride hard, ride long, ride safe.... |
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Cruiser
Posts: 244
| I was one up with light luggage, bags & trunk were full though, with clothes. It was just a plain Tire. " Varyder", I'd be curious what remarks made you commit to not being a Darksider? |
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Central Wisconsin | Rick Farrar - 2012-04-26 9:47 AM I was one up with light luggage, bags & trunk were full though, with clothes. It was just a plain Tire....
I was curious what load you had because I ride the Vision almost 100% of the time 2up. I feel very confident with the Dunlop run-flat holding up if it were to get a flat. I'm thinking of cautiously testing it out by taking out the valve stem core sometime before the CT needs to be replaced. Sure is GREAT to hear how well your CT held up and in your words " The tire stayed seated to the rim all the way around. Never got any side to side movement from the tire. The hole in the tire was on the left side." Equally GREAT to hear on how well the E3 held up for the BSG There's always going to be CT naysayers especially from the ones that never tried it.
Edited by Thomas 2012-04-26 10:29 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | I'm 2up, 100% also. With encouragement from my wife, UPS shows Thursday to deliver my Michelin Primacy Alpin 195/55/16.
Also going with a Stone G709 front tire.
At 7400 miles, my rear OEM E3 is cupped so badly I can't stand riding due to the HOWL. I'm a freak about tire pressures, run a tire-safeguard system and check them before every ride. I've adjusted from 42-40 lbs throughout the 7400 miles and couldn't control the cupping. The front E3 looks pretty good but I'm replacing it with the BStone anyway.
I have 2 weekender trips in May and will add around 1500 miles to the bike and will honestly report my impressions, good or bad, after our trips. I am NOT an aggressive rider and will restrain my thoughts about those of you who are, outside of a racetrack environment, lol. I'm stoked about running a zero pressure tire from a safety standpoint and hopefully it will fit the bill for us and our laid back style of old man riding. If you've ever been behind us on some twisties, you've probably cussed me and I don't give a rats azz  I've personally witnessed over the years, several horrible, BAD scenes from riders thinking they were racers on public twisty roads so when I hear the naysayer argument about "you'll never keep up on the twisties", you can bank on it that I think you're an idiot, but each to their own. I probably was a lot like that......25 or 30 years ago.
Keep it safe and enjoy. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| Okie, I get a Alpin on thursday too. Actually ordered 2. Sounds like a great tire. Ive steered clear of the run flats, but after riding a buddies bike with a Alpin on it it handles the turns much better than other run flats... Cant wait. im gonna start at 34 psi and see how she feels let me know what you think |
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Tourer
Posts: 329
scotts valley, California | Where did you order that Alpin from, Okie? And is that G19 rated? |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | Ordered mine from Tireteam.com
http://www.tireteam.com/Tires/Michelin/Primacy+Alpin+PA3...
It's the winter version of the tire. They also make a summer version. Concensus agrees the winter compound is a tad stickier and preferred by darksiders.
The Bridgestone G709 is a radial , speed rated H, most commonly used as standard replacement on Goldwings. Same 63 load rating as the Elite 3's.
I should add, some folks have found this tire at Sam's clubs and are getting them shipped to their stores.
Edited by okie vision 2012-05-02 6:50 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 752
Broken Arrow, OK | jeffmack - 2012-05-01 8:13 PM
Okie, I get a Alpin on thursday too. Actually ordered 2. Sounds like a great tire. Ive steered clear of the run flats, but after riding a buddies bike with a Alpin on it it handles the turns much better than other run flats... Cant wait. im gonna start at 34 psi and see how she feels let me know what you thinkIt would be nice to find this tire enjoyable to ride on. I too will try a 32 to 35 psi range to figure it out. Also look forward to comparing the pressure/temp difference on my TPMS compared to the Dunlop. I'll report back but not until we've put some substantial good/or bad, lol, miles on it. For me, this isn't about some "darksider" thing. It's about being safe on our trips. Where I live, we've recently had 2 separate accidents involving 2 up couples where a rear tire blowout caused fatalities in both accidents.
I will set my lo pressure alarm on the monitor for 29 lbs and ride confidently knowing that should I begin to lose sudden air in the rear tire, I'll know it and with run flat technology, should be able to bring this big beast to a safe stop. Hope you enjoy yours too Jeff. |
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Central Wisconsin | jeffmack - 2012-05-01 8:13 PM...Ive steered clear of the run flats, but after riding a buddies bike with a Alpin on it it handles the turns much better than other run flats... Jeff, I'm curious what brand and width of run-flat CT you had before and if it was mounted on the Vision?
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Iron Butt
Posts: 623
| I have ridden on a Kumho RF on a Vision and a Dunlop wintersportRF on a goldwing. I thought the wintersport was better then the Kumho as far as turning and turn transitions, but neither was quite as good as a non run flat that ive tried. on a goldwing darkside tire forum i read scores of good posts about the Alpin and how it handles, found a guy on the forum that lives less than 20 miles form me. he was kind enough to meet me and let me try. The Alpin transitioned very well for a RF and the ride was great, I was sold then and there. BTW, he enjoyed the Vision, he said he has ridden one before, but not one that was Kevin X'd, and couldnt believe how it pulled....loved hearing that |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 13
Saint George, Utah | With all the pages to this thread, I most likely missed an answer to this question. And since I didnt see it I will ask......
Where do you guys get CT's installed? I mean I cant see a motor cycle dealer doing it without a "liability claus speach" and same from an auto tire dealer.
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Cruiser
Posts: 258
Akron, Ohio | BigEd - 2012-05-02 11:32 AM
With all the pages to this thread, I most likely missed an answer to this question. And since I didnt see it I will ask......
Where do you guys get CT's installed? I mean I cant see a motor cycle dealer doing it without a "liability claus speach" and same from an auto tire dealer.
There is a tire dealer down the street from me that charges $20 to dismount the MT, mount the CT, balance the CT tire and dispose of the old tire. He is not a chain tire store but an independent. My guess is that chain stores will not mount one as there insurance is strict. Try the local place that sells used tires and is privately owned. |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | It's all perception - where is the liability? I would venture to say it is more concern about messing up your rim by doing something they are not familiar with then it is about liability after you leave the place. One dealer I know, one guy will not do the car tire on a motorcycle rim, but the other guy will with no problem. It's not a big deal... |
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Central Wisconsin | jeffmack - 2012-05-02 9:34 AM I have ridden on a Kumho RF on a Vision and a Dunlop wintersportRF on a goldwing. I thought the wintersport was better then the Kumho as far as turning and turn transitions, but neither was quite as good as a non run flat that ive tried. on a goldwing darkside tire forum i read scores of good posts about the Alpin and how it handles, found a guy on the forum that lives less than 20 miles form me. he was kind enough to meet me and let me try. The Alpin transitioned very well for a RF and the ride was great, I was sold then and there. BTW, he enjoyed the Vision, he said he has ridden one before, but not one that was Kevin X'd, and couldnt believe how it pulled....loved hearing that Good information... the 195mm Michelin primacy Alpin PA3 GRN looks like a good CT choice for not having a trailer hitch and has the 3D sipes like the 175mm Dunlop Winter RF. I have yet to ride a Vision with the cams, been trying to convince my wife it's necessary to have the extra power when pulling a trailer...lol!
Edited by Thomas 2012-05-02 2:52 PM
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All Dark Siders (car tire) please step inside
