Dunlop SP5000 195/60-16 or the Altimax 205/60-16

[tbmmbt]

Which one of these two tires are being run on the back by guys here and what are the impressions of the tires. I have heard some say the Dunlop is short enough to bring the scraping in to play but others have said the General brings the width into play for tightness and some even rubbing. I have a friend that works at the General plant that is going to get me one if I want but it seems that it could be awhile before they run that tire again so I am starting to look at the Dunlop or any other tire that has proven to do a good job. Any thoughts about any tires would be appreciated.

Thanks
Butch

[ringadingh]

They are both popular choices, take a look here and you will be able to check some sizes. thttp://www.vulcanbagger.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=16076

[cactusjack]

I had the Dunlop on mine and would have easily gotten 25,000 miles on it if it hadn't met a premature demise due to a sheet metal screw it picked up at 21k. I had to be very cautious when going out of my driveway because I could scrape my pipes if I dropped quickly. I never scraped the pipes on a turn, but I don't ride my Nomad like I would a Ninja, either.

[Cajunrider]

My SP 5000 is holding up well with over 15k on it. I was scraping the baffle screws on my V&H pipes riding 2 up with 26# of air. Doing much better with 32#. Haven't scraped them in a while since uping the pressure. Doesn't ride as smooth as before but I'm not sitting on the pillion.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I think more people here on the forum use the Dunlop.

[tbmmbt]

Yes I am getting the feeling that more use the Dunlop as well. I am need of a back tire and thought what the hey might as well try a CT and see what I think. If I don't like the CT I could always go with another MT but I haven't heard much bad about using a CT. I have heard more complaints about the MT because of the premature wear that seems to always happen. I've got right at 9k on my rear tire now. Don't know what I would think if I got more than 20k out of a rear tire.

[Jared]

I had just a little over 30K miles on my Dunlop when I sold it on my bike. I was looking pretty warn and wouldn't have lasted much longer.

[mikeyger]

Could you post where you get the 195-60-16 tire.

[Cajunrider]

Got mine online at treaddepot.com
They have always been available at Tirerack.com and another site that I can't remember the name. This site was the cheapest. Just remembered, Tireseasy.com

[mikeyger]

What brand would you guys recommened or do you run?Thanks

[nomad561]

I have the Altimax on mine. It has about 10,000 miles on it now and doesn't any worse for wear. The Dunlops are more popular but I wanted the tread pattern on the Altimax.

[tbmmbt]

Have you any problems with any kind of rubbing with the Altimax? I have heard from some that has a minor rub but have also read that you have to tighten up certain things after the tire is installed. Can't remember what those things were but someone here should know. How does the 205 handle and is there any feeling differences between the 195 and 205 tire size? Any help from anyone is appreciated.

Butch

[mikeyger]

What about bridgestone? Found them in a few places in the 195-60-16 size.

[nomad561]

No rubbing on mine,but it is close.
As far as handling,I can still drag the floorboards in the twisties. It is different,especially at slow speeds,but you get used to it fairly quickly and don't notice it after a while.

[VulcanE]

Hey Mike (and others with a 1500 considering going "DarkSide"), The 195 series tire is the largest (widest) tire that will fit on a 1500. I run the Goodyear TripleTred on my 1600 and love it. It is a tight fit, only have .090" (thickness of 3 credit cards) clearance between the drive shaft cover and the tire, but have had no rubbing. The Altimax in the photo above and the TripleTred were the two tires I was considering for 2 reasons, 1) they have the one direction tread, and 2) they have round shoulders. I went with the GYTT because I needed a tire right now, and I couldn't find the Altimax. The Altimax is a little softer compound, but I have no complaints with the GYTT. It rides exceedingly smooth, and handles great, but what impresses me most, is how well it handles rain and wet pavement.