Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions and statements I have been most asked and hit with.

 

1. Why would anyone want to put a car tire on the back of a motorcycle? 
   Cost, tire lasts longer, larger contact patch, increased mpg on fuel, and last but not least, it looks really cool
2. You can't run a car tire on the side wall. 
   True. You cannot run a car tire on the sidewall. Oddly enough a motorcycle tire cannot run on its sidewall either. 
3. Can I mount a car tire on my sport bike?
   Sure, you can do what you like.  I wouldn't though.  The placement of the foot pegs on a sport bike enable it to lean way over in the turns.  So much so, that with a car tire you would really break over the edge of the tread and end up on the sidewall.  Shortly thereafter, you would see how well your leathers and CE Armor work.
4. What is the best type of CT to use? 
   A high performance directional CT is the best.  The rubber is softer than a regular CT, the tread pattern most closely mimics the MT, and they shed water really good if you find yourself in the wet. 
5. What kind of tire did you go with? 
   Goodyear Eagle GT UltraGrip, size 195/65HR-15.  BTW I ride a V-Star 1100 Silverado.
6. MT 's are round, and CT's are flat, there is no way that they can handle the twisties. 
   Unfortunately the evidence does not support this argument.  I have not ridden the Dragon's Tail, but many have, with a CT mounted on their rear end.  These guys are not immortalized on the "Tree of Shame" either.  See the Article on Bias vs Radial tires on the home page for details on how tires operate.  

The following comments are from one of the contributors to the "Ride the Dark Side" Forum

  

We expect products to be safe.

That is the exact reason some have chosen the DS tire over the MC tire.  Longer mileage than a MC tire.  Better wet and dry traction than a MC tire on a cruiser.  Better stopping power wet or dry than a MC tire.  More traction in the curves and twisites than cruiser MC tires.  Beter durability on rough nasty roads the the Alcan Highway than a MC tire.

  

The DOT sets safety regulations for motorized vehicles.  From headlights to tires, there are standards to be met.  We may not agree with them but for the most part they have made life safer.

The traction, wear characteristics, and weight load capacities on the DS tire supercede the MC tire.

  

A car tire in not rated for a motorcycle.

Funny thing, I couldn't find one place where the tires thery were calling "car" tires were actually called "car" tires.  Are "car" tires only then for cars?  How about wagons, trailers, trucks and motorcycles.  I also couldn't find any place that said the "car" tires couldn't be used on motorcycles (not even in small print).  In fact I couldn't find anyplace that said that you couldn't run a MC tire on a car if you so pleased (that would be really funny).  Actually the only rating a MC tire carries is weight load.  There should be a traction rating, since some MC tires are really scary in the wet.

  

Insurance won't cover your bike with a DS tire.

Well mine does.  Unless you have a wreck that is caused by a particular accessory, your insurance is valid.  It's like you adding power accessories to make the bike go faster invalidating your warranty.  The warranty is invalid only if it causes a problem, otherwise you are home free.

  

DS tire is not good in curves and backwoods roads.

Yes, a DS tire dows work very well on a cruiser (i've been using DS tires since 1973).  I have always loved the twisty's and the DS tire in the twisty's.  With the added traction of the DS tire you can come out of a curve harder that can be imagined on a MC tire.  The DS tire would definitely be a better choice in one was going on a 599 mile or better trip through the backwoods. For those of you who are not informed:  After 20k miles on the back of a motorcycle all those little rubber "tits" are still on the sidewalls.  A DS tire does not ride on the sidewall.  Due to the design of a ridial tire, the tire tread stays on the pavement (or ground) not the sidewall.  (There are 2 directions to go with the DS tire - The heavyweight with the stiff sidewalls for long mileage, 40K+ or the lightweight high performance with a more flexible sidewall for cornering, mileage around 25K.  Again it is your choice.  For my liner there is a 9lb difference in the weight between my Goodyear Assurance and the long mileage Goodyear Triple Tread.)

  

I don't like DS tires because...

The big problem that I have with people disliking the use of a DS tire is, bad information.  i do believe that we are all entitled to our opinions.  However, when people start making statements that have nothing to back them up, or have never tested a DS tire for any period of time, it is upsetting to those who have gone to the "Darkside" and loved it.

Yes, I love it, BUT it is not for everyone.  Make your own choice.  Some of my best friends use MC tires and change out the rear 2 or 3 times a year. LOL

Ride Safe, and use whatever tire You feel safe on.