Best Darkside Tire

[1mackdog]

Ok I've looked at all the old threads about going to the darkside and am thinking about going that way myself. I need to know what the best tire and size would be for a 2005 nomad. I know everyone has their own opinion but can you tell me why you think yours is the best. I really need to get more out of my tires I'm replaceing them it seems like all the time. I like to roll on the throttle abit but I need more mileage out of my tires. Your help would be appreciated..

[recumbentbob]

195-60-16 Bridgestone touranza handles great.

I have 22,000 on it and looks like it will go 35,000 easy.

[markclark57]

How about a little more information about yourself? . . . Where do you live? What weather conditions do you ride in? Different locations and riding conditions will change which tire will be best for those conditions.

A Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread Radial 205/60-16 is good for "Max Traction" in wet areas with occasional ice/snow possibilities. That's as wide as you can go without swing arm mods. It takes a little more getting used to the difference in ride dynamics than some of the others. This is the tire I use on my '06. I got it when I still lived in the Seattle area. Its got over 12K miles on it and still looks nearly new.

A 185/75-16 bias ply acts a little more like a motorcycle tire and will correct your speedometer and add a little to your fuel mileage due to the larger diameter. When I need another rear tire I'll probably get a radial 185/75-16. I haven't really decided which brand yet. The way the 205 is wearing I have lots of time to choose.

[1mackdog]

I live in Chattanooga Tennessee and ride all year long. I don't or try not to ride in the rain. We ride alot in the mountains.

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by 1mackdog

I live in Chattanooga Tennessee and ride all year long. I don't or try not to ride in the rain. We ride alot in the mountains.

My 205/60-16 GYTT is low and "Sticky". That one would be better if you want quick off the line and fast in the corners. A taller tire would be more comfortable for slower turns and have lower RPM's at the top end.

Most folks that I've talked to who have tried the Dark Side will never go back. Some people don't even want to try it at all. Others who have tried it didn't like it. It's really up to you and what you want your motorcycle to do.

If you ride with other owners of '04-'08 Nomad's you might ask around and see who's on the Dark Side and what tire they use. There's a chance they would be willing to swap motorcycles for a short ride so you could "test ride" the Dark Side.

[dewey405]

Why would you go darkside...YOU ARE GOING TO DIE!!!!! Ok, not really I ride the General Altimax HP, I have the 205 only because it would have been 5 days for the 195.

What I was told was slightly rounded corners and a uni-directional are the best.

Look at this

[markclark57]

Here is a look at the GYTT

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...n=MSN_Cashback

[ccmjr77]

I have the hankook 195/60/16 on a 2007 1600 Nomad and currently have about 12K on it with no problems and the tire still looks new.

[vulcanic]

.205/60/16. General Altimax HP. LOVE IT! Nothing quirky about it. All differences in handling were very subtle. I ride the twisties in Central and Northern Arkansas very often and tire does wonderfully.

[kingpin]

1mackdog - be warned, there is no guarentee that a 205 width tire will fit your bike. I have a 2007 1600, and tried a 205, but it was too wide, and rubbed the drive shaft tube. Most fellas who use the 205 width tires have hardly any room between their tire and the drive shaft tube.

You wont know if it fits until you mount it air it up and put it on, so spend your money wisely.

Also, the difference between the 195 and 205's is so small it's not distinguishable.

[dewey405]

My next tire if I stay DS will be 195, had to notch my belt guard for it to fit

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by kingpin

1mackdog - be warned, there is no guarentee that a 205 width tire will fit your bike. I have a 2007 1600, and tried a 205, but it was too wide, and rubbed the drive shaft tube. Most fellas who use the 205 width tires have hardly any room between their tire and the drive shaft tube.

You wont know if it fits until you mount it air it up and put it on, so spend your money wisely.

Also, the difference between the 195 and 205's is so small it's not distinguishable.

There was an earlier thread on here about that. It amounts to installation error. If the rear axle isn't properly aligned with the shaft the tire will rub. Yes it's close, but there is room. On mine a single credit card placed between the shaft and tire (parked) will fall out. 2 credit cards in that spot stay put.

[Monkeyman]

I'd have to borrow a credit card to see if it worked. If I keep the Nomad long enough to swap out rubber, I'll put a CAR TIRE on the back with a motorcycle REAR TIRE ON THE FRONT. It's called "double darkside". The tread patterns/handling characteristics (damn, that's a long word) are the same but there's generally deeper tread on a rear tire.

[mobandy78]

[QUOTE=recumbentbob;439525]195-60-16 Bridgestone turanza handles great.[QUOTE]


I'll this tire also! It handles great and is very smooth! I will put another one on my bike when this one eventually wears out. I'm running it at 32 psi and it handles like a dream! I will venture to say that it rides/handles better than the stock m/c tire did. I've had it on the bike for about a year and a half and it still looks like a new tire.

[traveler]

I have the Dunlop 195/60/16 . Its my first DS tire so my opinion is limited to it .That said it rides great In Mountain curves and Interstate . It handled the Dragon with ease.Also got me back home safe .