Dunlop SP5000 195/60-16 or the Altimax 205/60-16

[tbmmbt]

Which one of these two tires are being run on the back by guys here and what are the impressions of the tires. I have heard some say the Dunlop is short enough to bring the scraping in to play but others have said the General brings the width into play for tightness and some even rubbing. I have a friend that works at the General plant that is going to get me one if I want but it seems that it could be awhile before they run that tire again so I am starting to look at the Dunlop or any other tire that has proven to do a good job. Any thoughts about any tires would be appreciated.

Thanks
Butch

[ringadingh]

They are both popular choices, take a look here and you will be able to check some sizes. thttp://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=16076

[cactusjack]

I had the Dunlop on mine and would have easily gotten 25,000 miles on it if it hadn't met a premature demise due to a sheet metal screw it picked up at 21k. I had to be very cautious when going out of my driveway because I could scrape my pipes if I dropped quickly. I never scraped the pipes on a turn, but I don't ride my Nomad like I would a Ninja, either.

[Cajunrider]

My SP 5000 is holding up well with over 15k on it. I was scraping the baffle screws on my V&H pipes riding 2 up with 26# of air. Doing much better with 32#. Haven't scraped them in a while since uping the pressure. Doesn't ride as smooth as before but I'm not sitting on the pillion.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I think more people here on the forum use the Dunlop.

[tbmmbt]

Yes I am getting the feeling that more use the Dunlop as well. I am need of a back tire and thought what the hey might as well try a CT and see what I think. If I don't like the CT I could always go with another MT but I haven't heard much bad about using a CT. I have heard more complaints about the MT because of the premature wear that seems to always happen. I've got right at 9k on my rear tire now. Don't know what I would think if I got more than 20k out of a rear tire.

[Jared]

I had just a little over 30K miles on my Dunlop when I sold it on my bike. I was looking pretty warn and wouldn't have lasted much longer.

[mikeyger]

Could you post where you get the 195-60-16 tire.

[Cajunrider]

Got mine online at treaddepot.com
They have always been available at Tirerack.com and another site that I can't remember the name. This site was the cheapest. Just remembered, Tireseasy.com

[mikeyger]

What brand would you guys recommened or do you run?Thanks

[nomad561]

I have the Altimax on mine. It has about 10,000 miles on it now and doesn't any worse for wear. The Dunlops are more popular but I wanted the tread pattern on the Altimax.
http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/Hemi4X4_ModSquad/Ricks%20Toys/th_Darksidepics003.jpg (http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd115/Hemi4X4_ModSquad/Ricks%20Toys/?action=view&current=Darksidepics003.jpg)

[tbmmbt]

Have you any problems with any kind of rubbing with the Altimax? I have heard from some that has a minor rub but have also read that you have to tighten up certain things after the tire is installed. Can't remember what those things were but someone here should know. How does the 205 handle and is there any feeling differences between the 195 and 205 tire size? Any help from anyone is appreciated.

Butch

[mikeyger]

What about bridgestone? Found them in a few places in the 195-60-16 size.

[nomad561]

No rubbing on mine,but it is close.
As far as handling,I can still drag the floorboards in the twisties. It is different,especially at slow speeds,but you get used to it fairly quickly and don't notice it after a while.

[VulcanE]

Hey Mike (and others with a 1500 considering going "DarkSide"), The 195 series tire is the largest (widest) tire that will fit on a 1500. I run the Goodyear TripleTred on my 1600 and love it. It is a tight fit, only have .090" (thickness of 3 credit cards) clearance between the drive shaft cover and the tire, but have had no rubbing. The Altimax in the photo above and the TripleTred were the two tires I was considering for 2 reasons, 1) they have the one direction tread, and 2) they have round shoulders. I went with the GYTT because I needed a tire right now, and I couldn't find the Altimax. The Altimax is a little softer compound, but I have no complaints with the GYTT. It rides exceedingly smooth, and handles great, but what impresses me most, is how well it handles rain and wet pavement.

[mobandy78]

What about bridgestone? Found them in a few places in the 195-60-16 size.

I just put this tire on mine last week. I'm loving it so far! Put about 200 miles on this weekend and it's far superior than a m/t, in my opinion. Much smoother ride and I can't tell any difference in handling. Some say that slow speeds are different, but I haven't noticed anything yet. I'm running 36 PSI right now.

[pearsom]

Cliff

Thanks for recommending the GYear Triple Tread. I have a 07 VN1600
do you recommend the 195-60 or 205-60 GYear?

Mike

[tbmmbt]

Well after doing some reading from all of you I have decided to give the Dunlop a try and see what I think of it on the bike. I need a rear tire now so I ordered one from tirebuyer. It was the cheapest I could find and they even had free shipping. Had to pay the state tax plus a dollar but all in all cheaper than anywhere I could find. If the Altimax comes through to me from the other guy I will keep it for the next change if and when that time comes. Now what pressure should I be running in it. When the bike starts the rear seat driver is always on so 2 up constantly. I've heard as low as 26 and as high as 38-40 so there seems to be quite a difference so not really sure where to start. I feel as I will end up at around 32 but didn't know if I should just start there and if I like leave it there.

[mobandy78]

Well after doing some reading from all of you I have decided to give the Dunlop a try and see what I think of it on the bike. I need a rear tire now so I ordered one from tirebuyer. It was the cheapest I could find and they even had free shipping. Had to pay the state tax plus a dollar but all in all cheaper than anywhere I could find. If the Altimax comes through to me from the other guy I will keep it for the next change if and when that time comes. Now what pressure should I be running in it. When the bike starts the rear seat driver is always on so 2 up constantly. I've heard as low as 26 and as high as 38-40 so there seems to be quite a difference so not really sure where to start. I feel as I will end up at around 32 but didn't know if I should just start there and if I like leave it there.

I would start it out around 38-40. Leave it there for a couple hundred miles or so to get the tire broke in. After that, you can start dropping the psi a couple pounds to find the spot that works best for you. I just put my c/t on last week and ran it at 38 psi over the weekend, dropped it to 36 on Sunday and went for another ride. It was much better, even though it's only 2psi difference. Your final psi will basically be your judgement of what you like. If you're always riding 2-up, then you'll like more psi than I will (I'm usually 1-up).

[VulcanE]

Cliff

Thanks for recommending the GYear Triple Tread. I have a 07 VN1600
do you recommend the 195-60 or 205-60 GYear?

Mike

Mike, the smallest the GYTT comes is in the 205 size. The 195 is only put out by 3 or 4 manufactures. The very limited # of 195s (none with a one directional tread) is the main reason I went with the 205 (lots of choices there). Then if your wanting a one direction tire, that comes into play. I prefer the look of a directional tire, so me personally, I would recommend the GYTT, the Altimax HP, or the Falken Ziex ZE-512. Bridgestone also makes a Potenza G019 that is a very good looking tire, but the shoulders aren't quiet as rounded. If your just wanting to try out the DarkSide to see if you'll like it, then the Falken is the less expensive to try. Don't take just my word for it, do some research, then you'll be able to make the best choice for you. I have ridden a 1600 with the SP 195, and mine with the 205, and they are different. The "getting used to" part is different, the 195 behaves a little more like a MT (probably because it's a little narrower) but since I'm "used" to the 205, I prefer the 205.

[lonewolf]

Well after doing some reading from all of you I have decided to give the Dunlop a try and see what I think of it on the bike. I need a rear tire now so I ordered one from tirebuyer. It was the cheapest I could find and they even had free shipping. Had to pay the state tax plus a dollar but all in all cheaper than anywhere I could find. If the Altimax comes through to me from the other guy I will keep it for the next change if and when that time comes. Now what pressure should I be running in it. When the bike starts the rear seat driver is always on so 2 up constantly. I've heard as low as 26 and as high as 38-40 so there seems to be quite a difference so not really sure where to start. I feel as I will end up at around 32 but didn't know if I should just start there and if I like leave it there.
My first dunlop i ran at 32-34, i bumped it up to 36 riding to sturgis and pulling my trailer. big mistake, i took the center out of my tire. i replaced it with only 12k on it. i run my new dunlop at 28 now. but it is to each their own as to finding the sweet spot. i just wont run mine with that much air again. im 6'2" and 250, and dont leave anything at home when i camp.

[ringadingh]

The main reason I ordered the Vredestein Comtrac tire is that it comes in a 175/70/16 size. So far for me its been an excellent choice, especially on the 1500's with the narrower rim width..

[Jared]

The main reason I ordered the Vredestein Comtrac tire is that it comes in a 175/70/16 size. So far for me its been an excellent choice, especially on the 1500's with the narrower rim width..

Does it lift the rear up a little more?

[ringadingh]

It does raise it about an inch higher, and it corrects the speedo error to almost right on as well. I like that because I use to drive over an annoying parking lot entrance and scrape the pipes a lot. Doesn't happen anymore.

[mikeyger]

Vulcan E I ordered a 195-60-16 dunlop sp5000 last night for my 99 nomad. It does not matter which direction this one goes dopes it? Mike Thanks ringdingh !

[ringadingh]

It will have an arrow on the sidewall if the direction makes a difference.

[mikeyger]

Thanks again steve

[VulcanE]

Like Steve said, it'll have an arrow if it is directional, but I think that on the SP it doesn't matter which way it's mounted.

[mikeyger]

any one here already run 195-60-16 on a 99 nomad.

[mobandy78]

any one here already run 195-60-16 on a 99 nomad.

I have one on my '05 Nomad. http://s2.images.proboards.com/cheesy.gif

[VulcanE]

Wompus has one on his green Nomad, and I don't know the model of CoachA's but it is a 1500, and he has one.

[mikeyger]

Vukcan e what air pressure shold I run in the 195-60-16 on my nad Thanks. mike

[tbmmbt]

Well I got the Stone off the back. Had a heck of a time getting it off the rim. Took the new Dunlop and although it was cold when we started mounting it on the rim, it popped right on without any trouble at all. Started airing up the tire, it popped twice and was seated. Took somewhere around 50 lbs to seat it. Put the Dynabeads in, and put it back on the back. Didn't have the bags and such put on as I was going to be installing a new set of Cobra True Duals but slapped the old mufflers on because I had to try it out. It rides smoother than what we had. About the only thing I can say about the CT is that it feels like the steering is stiffer. It takes more countersteer but so little more that it isn't work. Put on the Cobras after a fight, cleaned and waxed the pipes, buttoned everything else up and the wife and I went for a little ride. Wanted to see what she would say. She was pleased with the feel back in her seat. Said it was smoother and the bumps we hit was way softer to her than what she was used to. Granted we have to put several more miles on to get a true reading but if the first impression means anything I think we like. They tell us that after the breaking period that the new tire will go through that it will be even better. Time will tell. As of now I think its a keeper. The Altimax may have been a better choice but this ones good. I put the pressure at 32-33 lbs from the start. Should I increase it to 38-40 lbs and ride it for a couple hundred miles and start tweeking it down to what the seat of the pants feels best or just ride it at where I have it? It does feel good at the 32-33 lbs. I can't imagine it feeling better but some here might have some different ideas.

[VulcanE]

Vukcan e what air pressure shold I run in the 195-60-16 on my nad Thanks. mike


Mike, it is recommended by the goo-rue's to run it at 38-40 psi for at least a couple hundred miles. This lets the tire situate itself to the bike and rim, and run off the slickness from when it was cast in a mold. It will ride like a 2-horse wagon, but tough it out. After the break in, and with the tire at operating temperature, find yourself a long sweeping curve that you are familiar with and take it as fast as you think you safely can. Go both directions. After the first run, drop the psi by 2 lbs, make the run again, drop it 2 more psi. Do this until you think it can't get any better. Each time you drop the psi, it will get better, and different riders have a different feel for what they like. This is the best way I know to find what is called the "Sweet Spot". When you find your "Sweet Spot", ride all you want, and next morning check your pressure, this should be your "cold" pressure you want. It will be less than when you were finding your "Sweet Spot" because everything has cooled down. It will probably be anywhere from 25-30 psi. My "Sweet Spot" is at 32 psi when the tire is heated up, and the cold pressure is around 26-27 psi.
Hope this helps..........
Cliff

[ruruson1]

Hey guys. wondering on the Dunlop SP5000 do you all have them balanced and if so how?
Thanks ruruson...

[mikeyger]

I used dyna beads!