2011 Vaquero...What Darkside Tire....

[razwrld]

Hello. I see all of the tire sizes, but they are for other bikes. What exact size do I need for my 2011 Vaquero ? I have had car tires on my Honda Goldwings, VTX and my wife's 1300 VStar.

What is the largest rear car tire I can put on the Vaquero? Appreciate the help....

[Tynker]

205/60/16 is the tire for you. There is just enough room for it with no problems.

[ctc6698]

What's the advantage of using a car tire?

[razwrld]

Many will not agree and that is ok. I have used car tires for my rear tire for years on 2 Goldwings, VTX 1800 and currently my wife has a car tire on her 2007 1300 VStar.

The tire lasts a lot longer. Hers currently has 22,000 miles on it and it looks new.
Much "softer" ride, at parking lot speeds is more stable, may because it is flat. Handles better in the rain. We keep the air pressure at 35lbs.

Negative.....at first, you have to lean it into a curve. After about a week, you do not even notice yourself doing it.

We have been in the Arkansas Mountains , and all over the Smokies including the "Dragon"(there are a lot more challenging roads). The car tires have preformed flawlessly.

On the other hand when a more closed mined biker sees the tire, you will have to listen to them until you crank the bike up and leave the "noise"...lol !!!!

[jmesser]

I would figure the only advantage would be durability and cost. Many more miles could be had with a car tire on a motorcycle. I wouldn't think the handling and corners would be as smooth but others that run them disagree. Most 16in car tires are pretty cheap compared to a quality motorcycle tire. Never tried one but most that do like it from what all I've read. But mileage and cost would be only advantage I could think of.

[cactusjack]

I put 22,000 on a car tire on my 2007 Nomad. It still had a lot of tread left, but it picked up a screw somewhere along the road. I was going to sell or trade the bike, so I just took the car tire off and put a motorcycle tire back on it. It rode great, though and improved the braking like you wouldn't believe with that much tread on the ground. Razwrld is right, increased mileage = reduced cost when one tire outlasts 3 motorcycle tires.

[kc_voyager]

I tried one on my Voyager for about 3000 miles. I knew I was sacrificing handling for tread life. When my riding buddies said what's wrong with you? Did you forget how to ride? I put a MT back on and whipped their butts again. Felt like a Weeble but i didnt fall down!
Didnt work for me but may for you.

[dmyers]

I notice the cartire more on the interstate at high speed than any other time. It gets a little squirrly above 85 or so
It never bothers me carving up turns though
I am going to get a commander ll for my vaquero though.

[mzg718]

I put 22,000 on a car tire on my 2007 Nomad. It still had a lot of tread left, but it picked up a screw somewhere along the road. I was going to sell or trade the bike, so I just took the car tire off and put a motorcycle tire back on it. It rode great, though and improved the braking like you wouldn't believe with that much tread on the ground. Razwrld is right, increased mileage = reduced cost when one tire outlasts 3 motorcycle tires.

What tire did you run up front Bias or Radial?

[mzg718]

Hello. I see all of the tire sizes, but they are for other bikes. What exact size do I need for my 2011 Vaquero ? I have had car tires on my Honda Goldwings, VTX and my wife's 1300 VStar.

What is the largest rear car tire I can put on the Vaquero? Appreciate the help....
I have a 2011 Vaquero as well and as you I am also thinking of a car tire, just want to know what would be good out front. Currently run Michelin Commander II.

[koga]

I've put 30,000 on my car tire on my nomad and will probably go that way on the vaquero when it comes time to swap it out. I think it shines in cornering but does requires more handlebar input to lay into the corners. They are very sensitive to pressure. I run about 35 to 38 psi

[kawvoy]

I've put 30,000 on my car tire on my nomad and will probably go that way on the vaquero when it comes time to swap it out. I think it shines in cornering but does requires more handlebar input to lay into the corners. They are very sensitive to pressure. I run about 35 to 38 psi

Great mileage. It would be helpful if you guys with high miles on those car tires would include in your posts what car tire you are using...???

[koga]

Great mileage. It would be helpful if you guys with high miles on those car tires would include in your posts what car tire you are using...???


Sorry memory's not what it used to be, had to crawl around on the garage floor and look. 205/60-16 Goodyear assurance. It's on the 2007 nomad not much clearance had to let the air out to install it. I'm going back to a MT tire only because I'm selling the nomad. Need to appeal to a wider audience. 5812

[koga]

Here is a better pic. The tire has a lot of tread left but I probably wouldn't have run it much longer. Been on there since 2009. 5813

[HwyRider]

Interesting article on running dark side.

http://trafficsafe.org/index.php/trafficsafe-investigates-riding-on-the-dark-side-1683/

[koga]

I always love how a non profit runs out to a the insurance companies to make them aware of people doing this. A. The tire retailer was crazy to suggest it. Liability and all. B. yes there is a huge difference in design between the two and they don't function the same. Doesn't mean they don't perform similarly . C. I think the side wall issue is moot due to the difference in weight between the car and bike. D. I have run the nomad through water and looked at the tire patterns after cornering in a parking lot. It leaves a wider foot print than a stock tire because of the side wall flex. I would love to see a real study"not opinions" and would also like to know the catastrophic failure rate between the two. Just my two cents so now I will crawl into my bunker and await the verbal RPGs ;)

[Yellow Jacket]

Interesting article on running dark side.

http://trafficsafe.org/index.php/trafficsafe-investigates-riding-on-the-dark-side-1683/


Definitely interesting, as in very short on facts and long on BS unsubstantiated opinions. :bs:

Disclaimer: This is my unsubstantiated opinion. Others are welcome to their opinion. :D

[RVR]

I'm running a general altimax 205/60/16. Fits nice. 5820

[vulcanic]

+1:tup:

[Skip13]

It's amazing a 205 car tire will fit in the space that originally had a 170. I'm looking to put one on my '13. Paying $200 for a new bike tire and mounting every year is a hard pill to swallow. Had one on my previous Mean Streak and loved it.