Darkside thought

[Monkeyman]

Someone posted this Darkside question on another forum. Thought I'd ask it here. Mighty important if you're running a car tire. Ignore this if it's already been asked.

If you have a car tire mounted on the back of your bike and you get in a crash (your fault or not, not necessarily damage to anyone/anything else) will your insurance still cover you/your bike/others? Or will they say that a car tire wasn't meant to be put on a bike therefore, they aren't liable no matter who's at fault.

I sent Progressive an email with this question. Still waiting to hear back from them. Might be a good idea to pose to your insurance company (and get a WRITTEN response). Accidents can happen even with the best, stickiest, brand new tire. Hate to see someone not covered because of this.

[Loafer]

Well the cats out of the bag now. Please never give an insurance company the idea they have to look into something.....

[Todd]

(edit) my response is for your own damages....liability depends on your States liability laws ...... Coverage and legally liable are two different things....you will still have coverage but liability will need to be established (edit)
Makes no difference. That's like saying if my tires are bald with no tread and I have an accident will the insurance cover me?. Or, if my pickup is overloaded and I am in an accident will they cover me? Of course they will. There is no language in any insurance contract that says anything about improper equipment. Illegal activities, now that's another thing.................

[MAS Tequila]

That has been brought up many times. As long as the tire is DOT approved, which any CT you're going to buy is, there is no issue.

MT

[Loafer]

Thanks guys, I did not know that.

[Monkeyman]

That has been brought up many times. As long as the tire is DOT approved, which any CT you're going to buy is, there is no issue.

MT

Makes sense and a good thing to know. I'd hate to go dark just to find out (when that little old lady hits me) that I'm not covered.

Makes no difference. That's like saying if my tires are bald with no tread and I have an accident will the insurance cover me?. Or, if my pickup is overloaded and I am in an accident will they cover me? Of course they will. There is no language in any insurance contract that says anything about improper equipment. Illegal activities, now that's another thing.................

If the tires on my truck are bald and/or I'm grossly overloaded (to the point that a reasonable person should have known better), the insurance company WILL put at least part of the blame on me. Happened to my neighbor a couple years ago. His truck was way overloaded (with hay). Someone pulled out in front of him, he couldn't stop in time and the insurance company put something like 40% of the blame on him. They said if he hadn't overloaded the truck, he most likely could have stopped in time to avoid the accident.

[cactusjack]

Most insurance companies require a D.O.T. approved tire. There is no requirement for a motorcycle tire.

That doesn't mean a plaintiff can't hire an attorney to sue you in the case of wrongful death and use the fact that a car tire on your bike contributed to said death.

[trip]

IMHO, this really is a moot point.

Everyone has their steeds inspected. I realize that most moto inspections go pretty fast. They just want to get their money and get you out of the garage. But, as far as the state's concerned, part of the inspection is to check tread on your tires. It doesn't matter what type of tire you have, as long as it has tread.

If you passed your inspection, to the state, that means you have plenty of tread and if you made it to the inspection, then it must work because it got you there. Having a car tire on the back should not be an issue.

JM2CW.

[cactusjack]

IMHO, this really is a moot point.

Everyone has their steeds inspected. I realize that most moto inspections go pretty fast. They just want to get their money and get you out of the garage. But, as far as the state's concerned, part of the inspection is to check tread on your tires. It doesn't matter what type of tire you have, as long as it has tread.

If you passed your inspection, to the state, that means you have plenty of tread and if you made it to the inspection, then it must work because it got you there. Having a car tire on the back should not be an issue.

JM2CW.

Not in all states, Trip - there's no inspection in AZ for motorcycles or cages.

[trip]

I think I'm moving to AZ. Thanks for the correction Scott.

[ringadingh]

We do not have an annual inspection here either, But why would you call the insurance company and tell them or even ask them about a car tire. It may be another thing they look into somewhere down the road and start some sort of ruling about.

[ringadingh]

I think I'm moving to AZ. Thanks for the correction Scott.

I'd move to Pa, they do have annual inspections, but I could ride for about five seasons on what we pay here in one season for insurance.

[coacha]

No inspections in FL either. By the way Monkeyman, Todd is in the insurance biz, just sayin :)

[Todd]

Makes sense and a good thing to know. I'd hate to go dark just to find out (when that little old lady hits me) that I'm not covered.



If the tires on my truck are bald and/or I'm grossly overloaded (to the point that a reasonable person should have known better), the insurance company WILL put at least part of the blame on me. Happened to my neighbor a couple years ago. His truck was way overloaded (with hay). Someone pulled out in front of him, he couldn't stop in time and the insurance company put something like 40% of the blame on him. They said if he hadn't overloaded the truck, he most likely could have stopped in time to avoid the accident.

I read your question to mean damage to your own bike only and you asked if it would "cover" you.....the question of liability would still remain to be determined. Covered vs liability are two different things


If you would like to discuss comparative vs contributory negligence vs no-fault we can but 1st part coverage it will make no difference. Your own bike will be covered if you have Phys Dmg coverage

[Monkeyman]

Sorry, mate. I don't know anything about insurance but I was referring to any kind of accident. All I know is from personal experience (or at least those of my buddies). My hay buddy wasn't sued. The insurance company assigned some fault to my buddy and paid out less than 100% for something (don't remember if it was for his truck or what they were paying out to the other person). I suppose I should ask him before I stick my foot in my mouth, eh?

TBH, I actually think a short talk about insurance would probably help me get better (or at least smarter) coverage. Certainly couldn't hurt.

Trip --- We don't have any inspections in Indiana, either. Probably a good thing as some of the mods I've made to various vehicles while safe, probably wouldn't have let me pass an inspection.

[Todd]

Your buddy had coverage .....but liability was shared. I am doing this via mobile so probably too many typos.

Tapatalk works though

[blowndodge]

Thoses aren't "typos" Your just illiterate... :lmao:

[recumbentbob]

My insurance company says any tire just so it is DOT approved.

I run a CT on the rear.

[Monkeyman]

PM sent.

[markclark57]

:bs: Even if there were a case where someone got sued for being Darkside. I doubt that any judge or jury (not on the take) would rule against you for having "more than stock traction". :tehe:

[Sin City Stan]

We went down and totaled our 2009 Nomad last August. The insurance company took possesion of the bike and the dardside tire was never an issue. The only mention of the CT was from one of the HD riders that stopped to help us. :D

[dyetube]

Not to hijack the post but, what's the advantage to using a car tire and if I decided to use one, what's the recommended tire?

[markclark57]

Not to hijack the post but, what's the advantage to using a car tire and if I decided to use one, what's the recommended tire?

Recommended depends on who you ask. I run a 205/60-16 Goodyear Triple Tread (aka: GYTT) on my 1600. I'm not sure what tires fit what bike, but there's another thread that has all the sizes/models listed.

Massive extra traction was what sold me on this tire. My personal experience is that it improves handling and looks nicer too.

Most of the folks that are against CT's say that it's all about the cost. :lmao: That's just one of the benefits.

Manufacturing runs that are larger lower overhead cost of production. Also CT's are considered a necessity. Motorcycle anything is considered to be luxury. So yes the CT is less money. Try to ignore that and look at what the tire does before you make your decission. :tup:

[mobandy78]

Not to hijack the post but, what's the advantage to using a car tire and if I decided to use one, what's the recommended tire?

In my opinion, the advantage of a c/t over a m/t is everything. Better handling, better traction, better mileage, smoother ride, oh, and cheaper costs. :) But, that's just my opinion.

Now, recommended is a whole other perspective. You'll get all kinds of answers. If you go to the "instructions, tutorials" section on the forum, you'll find the "tires/wheels" threads... all kinds of info on darkside tires there.

BTW, I'm running a Bridgestone Turanza 195/60-16 and I absolutely love it! :D

[dyetube]

Do i have to get a different rim as well or will they work with the stock rims?

[dyetube]

One other thing, do ct's last longer as well? I'm really thinking I might go darkside. My tire is pretty close to where it needs to be replaced and this sounds like a MUCH better option than a mt! Anyone with an 01 nomad have a ct on their bike?

[markclark57]

Do i have to get a different rim as well or will they work with the stock rims?

Stock rim is a 16". If you change it's by choice not necessity. I'm still running my OEM rims.

[coacha]

One other thing, do ct's last longer as well? I'm really thinking I might go darkside. My tire is pretty close to where it needs to be replaced and this sounds like a MUCH better option than a mt! Anyone with an 01 nomad have a ct on their bike?

Biggest tire you can use is a 195/60-16 on a 1500 from what I have researched. Two primary options out there are the Bridgestone Turanza 400EL and the Dunlop SP5000. If you feel like modding your swing arm, you can go to a 65.

Best site two sites for information on DS tires are the Delphi forums Riding the Darkside forum http://forums.delphiforums.com/DarkSiding/start and Riding the Darkside web site http://mcdarksiders.forumotion.com/ Both of these sites have a wealth of information to digest. :cheers:

[Todd]

:bs: Even if there were a case where someone got sued for being Darkside. I doubt that any judge or jury (not on the take) would rule against you for having "more than stock traction". :tehe:

When the head of Kawasaki USA is called to the stand along with their engineers to say that they do not recommend car tires due to safety issues and the motorcyclist are disallowed to get up on the stand to say "I done it for years and it ain't caused me no problems".......it will not be BS...

Everyday accident, that would never happen....fatality or permanent disablement in a comparative negligence State...you betcha. Maybe even a Contributory negligence State.

I don't care what you run...I am not even personally against the CT thing.

I've been in the courtroom with this kind of stuff and will leave it at that.


You would have your "coverage" but the potential to argue liability would exist.

Continue on with the cornerstore legal counsel session.... :lol:

[MAS Tequila]

Biggest tire you can use is a 195/60-16 on a 1500 from what I have researched. Two primary options out there are the Bridgestone Turanza 400EL and the Dunlop SP5000. If you feel like modding your swing arm, you can go to a 65.

Best site two sites for information on DS tires are the Delphi forums Riding the Darkside forum http://forums.delphiforums.com/DarkSiding/start and Riding the Darkside web site http://mcdarksiders.forumotion.com/ Both of these sites have a wealth of information to digest. :cheers:

I have ran a 195/65/16 on a 1500 Nomad (03) with no mods necessary. But they are becoming scarce. A 175/75/16 will also fit, I once ran a 185/75/16 Continental Vanco, but it did require a small amount of grinding.

MT

[coacha]

I have never come across a 65. 175/75 are also very difficult to find.

[sharps45100]

Vredestein makes a 175/75/16 tire. Thats what I currently run on my bike.

[markclark57]

Vredestein makes a 175/75/16 tire. Thats what I currently run on my bike.

Sharps, What is "Your bike"? No clues on your avitar or Sig. :shrug:

[coacha]

Vredestein is very difficult to find in the states.

[ringadingh]

Vredestein makes a 175/75/16 tire. Thats what I currently run on my bike.

Thats the same one I use as well. Its especially good on the 1500's as they have a 3 1/2" rim width. Mine went on with no cutting or grinding of the swingarm at all.

[ringadingh]

Vredestein is very difficult to find in the states.

I ordered mine from Tire Factory in Michigan, they have five locations and were very easy to deal with. The fella I spoke with knew it was going on a bike, as he said that he has never sold a set of four tires only one at a time.

[ponch]

IMHO, this really is a moot point.

Everyone has their steeds inspected. I realize that most moto inspections go pretty fast. They just want to get their money and get you out of the garage. But, as far as the state's concerned, part of the inspection is to check tread on your tires. It doesn't matter what type of tire you have, as long as it has tread.

If you passed your inspection, to the state, that means you have plenty of tread and if you made it to the inspection, then it must work because it got you there. Having a car tire on the back should not be an issue.

JM2CW.

No inspections in Iowa.

[ponch]

I read your question to mean damage to your own bike only and you asked if it would "cover" you.....the question of liability would still remain to be determined. Covered vs liability are two different things


If you would like to discuss comparative vs contributory negligence vs no-fault we can but 1st part coverage it will make no difference. Your own bike will be covered if you have Phys Dmg coverage

What if a police officer cited the rider for something that wasn't up to snuff, like a bald tire as you said earlier. Would the insurance look at it differently?

[ponch]

:bs: Even if there were a case where someone got sued for being Darkside. I doubt that any judge or jury (not on the take) would rule against you for having "more than stock traction". :tehe:

only going straight.

[ponch]

In my opinion, the advantage of a c/t over a m/t is everything. Better handling, better traction, better mileage, smoother ride, oh, and cheaper costs. :) But, that's just my opinion.

Now, recommended is a whole other perspective. You'll get all kinds of answers. If you go to the "instructions, tutorials" section on the forum, you'll find the "tires/wheels" threads... all kinds of info on darkside tires there.

BTW, I'm running a Bridgestone Turanza 195/60-16 and I absolutely love it! :D

Better handling?

[bigdave]

I agree much better handling

[ponch]

If you use a car tire because it's cheaper and lasts longer, that makes sense. Past this is self-talk to justify your decision and it really isn't necessary. All I ask for is intellectual honesty. Next thing we'll read is that chrome adds 10 HP, seafoam is a good deglazer when making béchamel sauce, or like taking a pee and calling it rain...

[REDWIND]

I have been running GYTT all summer. I can't tell you it handles better. But I can tell you it don't handle worse. With the MC tire I would drag a pipe from time to time. Just this last weekend I dragged my right floorboard coming down a set of switch backs. On VA 608 coming down the mountain heading towards Mt Airy,NC I'm just saying for me they both handle well. I switched for the extended mileage. And the cool factor ain't bad either.

[coacha]

Seafoam cures all. :)

[ponch]

Seafoam cures all. :)

If only it did, it would be a cheap fix.

[markclark57]

only going straight.

:shrug: "Only going straight", or in turns (especially hard ones), or speeding up, or slowing down, or going fast, or going slow. Other than that they are pretty much the same. :D

I was on the same bike ('06 Nomad), on the same (50 mile a day) commute in various weather and traffic for months on a motorcycle tire and on the GYTT car tire. That's more than a test drive. BTW I wasn't really convinced until after I had the tire on for a while. Now I wouldn't own anything without one. I was impressed enough to put a whole set on our Blazer too. Same story there; better stops, better go, better corner. The difference is that on the Blazer they are $50 more per tire than the ones we were running. There went any savings.

I'm not quoting a book or something I read on the forum. I base my info on thousands of miles on the same machine before and after switching to the CT. It's going to be really hard for anyone to convince me that my own personal experience is incorrect. :tup:

[Todd]

What if a police officer cited the rider for something that wasn't up to snuff, like a bald tire as you said earlier. Would the insurance look at it differently?

Citations are criminal liablility. Insurance deals with civil liability. Two separate things. Police do not determine civil liablility..they do preserve and/or record the evidence such as statements made by each party/witnesses, skid marks before they are washed away, exact positions of the vehicles, etc etc. They are witnesses after-the-fact (unless they see the actual accident)

Citations and police reports are only one piece of the evidence in a civil matter. So if the tire is bald it could make a difference in the liability investigation (how much depends on the liability law applicable to the given State) but just the citation in itself, not so much.

[ponch]

My question had more to do in the context of an insurance company asking for the police report etc, so you answered my question.

[mobandy78]

Better handling?

Yep, I will say my bike handles better with a c/t than a m/t. That's my opinion anyway... others may say different.

[ponch]

Yep, I will say my bike handles better with a c/t than a m/t. That's my opinion anyway... others may say different.

I think I understand now. Thanks.

[deacon]

I had a "pucker" moment this past October (a van came around the turn in my lane). All I could do was hit the brakes and head for the shoulder. I have a GYTT on my 06 Nomad and I defiantly noticed significantly better stopping power. I was dragging the rear tire and the bike didn't slide right or left. Most likely due to the wider tire (more rubber on the road). My wife rides with me and she says it rides much smoother. I rode it at 35psi for about 300 miles, then dropped it down to 32psi and have never done anything other then check the psi occasionally.

[VulcanE]

I'm not quoting a book or something I read on the forum. I base my info on thousands of miles on the same machine before and after switching to the CT. It's going to be really hard for anyone to convince me that my own personal experience is incorrect. :tup:


I try real hard to stay out of the MT vs CT debates because most folks already have their mind made up on whether or not they're going to accept it , but Mark, you hit the nail on the head with that statement! I have to agree with it 100% :tup: :tup:

[markclark57]

Cliff, I don't mind spouting off about pretty much anything. If it were not for a couple of threads that I read on this forum (Original KawaNOW). I would have never researched or purchased my GYTT. So I really like to keep the Dark Side stuff going. Maybe some other "Newbe" will soon "KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE". . . :tup::yep::tup:

[blowndodge]

No No No No!! the earth is flat and so are car tires Mark!!! :bs:

[coacha]

I try real hard to stay out of the MT vs CT debates because most folks already have their mind made up on whether or not they're going to accept it , but Mark, you hit the nail on the head with that statement! I have to agree with it 100% :tup: :tup:

I put one on mine cause Cliff, Dick and Goose pressured me into it. :lmao:

[dank]

No No No No!! the earth is flat and so are car tires Mark!!! :bs:

Brad, we all understand your rear tire looks that way, flat on one side matching the earth on which it rests, but if you would just ride more it would round back out and be circular again. Trust me on this one. :yep:

[Cajunrider]

Cliff, I don't mind spouting off about pretty much anything. If it were not for a couple of threads that I read on this forum (Original KawaNOW). I would have never researched or purchased my GYTT. So I really like to keep the Dark Side stuff going. Maybe some other "Newbe" will soon "KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE". . . :tup::yep::tup:


Same here Mark. I was very skeptical about going Darkside. Scott and BD were a big help in making my decision along with months of research. I'm happy with my decision and will replace it with another CT. Just not sure which one yet. The 195/60 is a little too short IMO. It's better for pulling the trailer with the somewhat lower ratio but I have scraped my pipes instead of the floorboards. My choice would be a 195/65 if I could find one.

[dyetube]

Cliff, I don't mind spouting off about pretty much anything. If it were not for a couple of threads that I read on this forum (Original KawaNOW). I would have never researched or purchased my GYTT. So I really like to keep the Dark Side stuff going. Maybe some other "Newbe" will soon "KNOW THE POWER OF THE DARK SIDE". . . :tup::yep::tup:

This "newbie" (To ct's anyways) will most likely go darkside in a week or 2! What is the gytt anyway's? I know it's GoodYear, but what model?

[mobandy78]

This "newbie" (To ct's anyways) will most likely go darkside in a week or 2! What is the gytt anyway's? I know it's GoodYear, but what model?

GYTT = GoodYear Triple Tread

[blowndodge]

Same here Mark. I was very skeptical about going Darkside. Scott and BD were a big help in making my decision along with months of research. I'm happy with my decision and will replace it with another CT. Just not sure which one yet. The 195/60 is a little too short IMO. It's better for pulling the trailer with the somewhat lower ratio but I have scraped my pipes instead of the floorboards. My choice would be a 195/65 if I could find one.

Mitch,, if it were me I'd stay with the shorter tire anyway. My 185/75/16 raised my gearing enough that without a trailer and packing double with luggage I must down shift going up the long passes. It does make highway cruising nice.

You and Darlene and your trailer need all the gearing help you can get..

[waterman]

Same here Mark. I was very skeptical about going Darkside. Scott and BD were a big help in making my decision along with months of research. I'm happy with my decision and will replace it with another CT. Just not sure which one yet. The 195/60 is a little too short IMO. It's better for pulling the trailer with the somewhat lower ratio but I have scraped my pipes instead of the floorboards. My choice would be a 195/65 if I could find one.

Continental Vanco 2. Have one on the bike.

[michael costin]

Actually, in the state of Oklahoma...there are no vehicle inspections of cars, trucks motorcycles, etc...just to let 'ya know. I lived in Texas for 50 years and was surprised by this when I moved to Oklahoma!

[mobandy78]

Actually, in the state of Oklahoma...there are no vehicle inspections of cars, trucks motorcycles, etc...just to let 'ya know. I lived in Texas for 50 years and was surprised by this when I moved to Oklahoma!

Hey Michael, where do reside in OK? Oklahoma did away with inspections probably 8-10 years ago. It may even be longer than that.

[ponch]

Hey Michael, where do reside in OK? Oklahoma did away with inspections probably 8-10 years ago. It may even be longer than that.

Iowa doesn't inspect, but NY surely did and emissions for cars too. If Iowa did start inspections, I suspect I'd see fewer cars on the road. We have a bad problem with people driving without insurance too. In NY, if your insurance lapsed, the insurance company notified DMV and your registration would be cancelled and probably some other penalty. The systems the government uses in Iowa aren't that sophisticated. For instance, vanity plates are a mail in or in person deal and an applicant has to wait to find out if the plate is available. In NY, it's all online and one can find out immediately if something is already taken. Anyway, as usual, YMMV, so check with your DMV.