Another Dark side thread :)

[Jared]

I am seriously considering going to the Dark side very soon.

For those of you that have gone to the dark side, what brand of tire did you use and why? Is there one brand that is superior to another?

Also, with the 1600, is there a size 195/55,60,65?/16 that fits or is better?

Thanks in advance!

[Kawhead]

I got the 195/60-16 Dunlap SP 5000 and I am very pleased. At 33 psi it hold like glue and when you hit the rear brake d@mn it you stop! Most of all it's quiet.

That being said. I wish I would have done more research because I would have gotten a Cooper, simply because I'm brand loyal to Cooper. Go to the Darkside web site and find out which tires they don't recommend, but other than that I'll bet you'll be please with what ever you choose.

[lonewolf]

+ 1 with the sp 5000. no complaints. do your research ! look at what people are saying on the darkside forum! make a informed choice!!!!

[nomad561]

I am probably going to convert later this year so I guess I should start researching now.
Thanks guys.

[strobe]

Started installing the Dunlop SP 5000 last night in a 195/60-16. Should be riding on it tonight. Macmac and lonewolf (and itsemt I see no has it too) both have been pleased with the tire and it was one that was available locally so I took the plunge.

[Jared]

The dealer has a used 195/55/16 Bridgestone tire with 45% tread life left that they will sell for $30. Is there any unusual problems mounting a used car tire? Is that a good price? Any cheap tires you would recommend instead? Thanks!

Btw it's going on a 1600 Nomad.

[jesse]

I have been looking at this darkside dialogue. I like the theory and will probably go there this fall. What is the recommended tire size if you have a trailer hitch? I heard the question come up but have not heard what the solution was.

[Yellow Jacket]

Personally, I wouldn't bother with a used tire.

[strobe]

I would also stay away from a used tire. Also the 55 sidewall can be an issue I have read in some forums, the best option being a 65, but they are pretty much impossible to find, so the 60 is the most common from what I have read. There was some concern about the lower profile being able to 'deform' like taller ones.

[strobe]

I have been looking at this darkside dialogue. I like the theory and will probably go there this fall. What is the recommended tire size if you have a trailer hitch? I heard the question come up but have not heard what the solution was.

Can't answer that directly, but I have a Dunlop SP 5000 195/60 - 16 and there is about 1 1/4" of space between the tire and the stock rear end crossbar. Depending on how the hitch bar works, it may be close.

[rlfaubion]

I'd like to know the difference these tires make in the overall height of the bike? What is the difference in height with say a 195 60 whatever for a 1600 vs. stock stones?

Thanks as always :)

[strobe]

I'd like to know the difference these tires make in the overall height of the bike? What is the difference in height with say a 195 60 whatever for a 1600 vs. stock stones?

Check out this thread, about half way down Mac has a picture of his stock and the 195/60 side by side. They are very close to the same overall height, the CT is a bit taller though.

http://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=8497&start=0

There was another thread I read with the actual sizes listed, but could not find it, may have been on a different forum that I read it.

[lonewolf]

Imo. stay away from a used tire. i got my sp5000 delivered to my door for bout 130$. to all of you thinking about going to the darkside, do yourself a favor and go to the delphi forums and check out the darkside forum, alot of very good info there. dont make your decision on what a couple people have dun. i spent months reading everything i could. btw i pull a trailer and have no clearance issues with my 195/60., but my hitch is home made.

[Yellow Jacket]

I'd like to know the difference these tires make in the overall height of the bike? What is the difference in height with say a 195 60 whatever for a 1600 vs. stock stones?

Thanks as always :)

Go to this site. You can type in various tire sizes and it will show you the dimensions:

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/info/tmpInfoTireMath.jsp

[blowndodge]

My tire is a full 2" taller than stock and my speedo in damn near spot on now...

[dkdixie]

Speedo reading with Dunlop SP5000 195/60R-16 will be the same 10% off as stock 170 tire.
At least mine was....