Went Darkside Today

[biscuitsngravy]

I got the not-so-old Metzler 880 rear tire replaced with the new Dunlop SF5000 today. I installed it on my Nomad myself, and was surprised it slipped right in under the fender where it should be. I torqued it to specs, took the following photo, and went for a short drive. I temporarily left it at 41 lbs pressure just to see how it handled. It is a smooth ride, but the steering felt a bit light. I didn't take any corners fast as I was cautious of the release agent on the new tire. I'll experiment with tire pressure to find the sweet spot. All in all, I really like the look and feel of this SF5000.

Oh yeah, I've got a patch on my vest that says, "Come to the darkside.... we have cookies." BnG

[bigdave]

Welcome to the darkside

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Good job Dave and good luck with it.

[dkdixie]

Welcome to the Darkside Dave!!

[Cajunrider]

Welcome to the DS Dave.

[flavor]

Obviously you're going to vary in lbs pressure. Some run it as low as 28lbs. I like mine at 34. I feel a little more pressure helps the tire track better since the side walls don't seem to be as heavy on c/t's so with more pressure there's less flex in turns.

Let us know what you feel works best for you.

I think you'l like the darkside......welcome.

[Idaho]

Hey Dave, welcome. There is a lot of talk about varying tire pressure but I have not gone that route. I put a Continental Vanco 8 on and left it at 41 pounds ever since. Rides great.

[Kawhead]

Welcome to the Darkside B&G! Yes we do have cookies like sales tax that NEVER end "Up in Here". Now you have the privilege to know the Darkside as you bask in the warm, glowing beams of light it provides.

I love the Darkside, when I ride I have the same feeling I get after I've won an argument with my wife, and I do a blood boiling victory dance!

Now with all that money you gonna save from buying rear tires every 8 to 10k miles, you can invest it in worthwhile things like liquor, cigars and loose women.

[chainsaw]

I'd like to know where you got the patch, Dave?

[dabull]

silly @ss question from non-darksider ....why would you not run it at 32 LBs (or whatever the tire is marketed at for cars? Not as much weight on the tire>??

[Sin City Stan]

Welcome to the darkside.

This is the picture of my brand new CT 6000 miles ago. Still looks the same. The MC tire it replaced was shot at less than 6500 miles. Rock solid.

[Yellow Jacket]

Welcome to the Darkside.
If you leave the pressure too high you will end up wearing out the center of the tire pre-maturely. I ran my first one at 42 and only got 11,000 out of it. Of course, that was still better than the 7,000 the original 'Stone got.
Currently, I'm running 28 in my Dunlop SP5000. Love it.

[flavor]

Originally Posted by DaBull

silly @ss question from non-darksider ....why would you not run it at 32 LBs (or whatever the tire is marketed at for cars? Not as much weight on the tire>??

Different cars run at different optimum pressures and weight of the vehicle isn't the only factor. Tire compound, whether the tire is a front tire or rear are only two other factors. I'm not an engineer but I think there might be one that's a member that could answer better than I.

I've been running about 34 lbs and have minimal and even wear after 15,000 miles.

[Kawhead]

Originally Posted by DaBull

silly @ss question from non-darksider ....why would you not run it at 32 LBs (or whatever the tire is marketed at for cars? Not as much weight on the tire>??

Don't sugar coat it Dabull Give 'im the ol' horn to the rib cage and shake vigorously.

[dabull]

Originally Posted by Kawhead

Don't sugar coat it Dabull Give 'im the ol' horn to the rib cage and shake vigorously.

LOL ;) As I am considering a CT in the future (when the Avon wears out [8K and still looks good but w/cupping]) I am interested in all darkside conversations....to include the air pressure...seems to me you run at 32 like any other CT to ensure even wear....i just sayin... ;)