Started down the path of the "DarkSide"

[VulcanE]

Well, I finally went over to the Darkside. I was in need of a new tire, and I wanted it NOW. I had been running the Avon Cobra (and was really impressed with it), but it started cupping really bad after 6800 miles and was giving me a heck of a vibration. I decided "now's the time to go "DarkSide". I decided on the Goodyear Assurance TripleTred 205/60HR-16. Ran it the 500 miles with 40 psi, then started playing with pressures. I believe I've found the "sweet spot" at 35 psi. It may be because I've gotten used to it, but now it handles as good as the Cobra ever thought about doing, and (according to my wife) the ride is SOOOOOOOO much smoother. There's still a few things I'm getting used to, like elevation changes in the asphalt, but it'll come with practice.
Like everyone else has said, "I wonder why I waited so long"

[Yellow Jacket]

Amem brother! Don't underestimate the power of the DARKSIDE!

[dogdoc]

Good fer you Cliff. Who did you get to install that beefy tire? Why that one and not the 5000 everybody has gone with, just currious. Thx

[cactusjack]

Welcome to the club! Are those the ultimate baffles in the pic? Man, those look good.

[Cajunrider]

Welcome to the DS. Nice looking tire. I went back and forth between the Good Year TT and the SP 5000. Finally gave in to the Dunlop because of so many good reviews on them. I've heard that the TT is 50% heavier than the SP 5000 and also have heard how it sheds water very well. I only got 6,000 miles on my rear Cobra but I really blame towing the trailer for over 90% of those miles on the early demise of the back tire. It was heavily worn in the center with the sides looking very beefy. No cupping that I could see. The Avon rep recommended 50 psi while towing the trailer and riding 2 up on the long trips. That may have been too much air pressure hence the early wear out. Good luck with your new CT.

[VulcanE]

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Welcome to the club! Are those the ultimate baffles in the pic? Man, those look good.

Scott, yes those are the "original", first ever, Ultimate Baffles ever made. I do run with just the pin, but I have installed a set of "torque cones" in the head pipes to give back the back-pressure that was lost, and it works very well.

Dennis, there's several reasons I went with the 205 GY TT instead of the Dunlop SP 5000, they are : 1) everybody (tire dealers) I spoke with told me the SP 5000 in the 195/60-16 is being discontinued, so I was leery of getting an old tire. 2) The only other tires I could find in that size were Brickstones, 3) I was wanting a directional rotation tire, & 4) I was wanting a speed rating of at least "H".
The Goodyear Assurance Triple Tread has been getting good reviews by the "Darksiders", is a 1 direction tire, and has a speed rating of "H".

The tire fits, but there is only .090" (about 3 credit card thicknesses) clearance between the tire and swing arm tube the drive shaft fits through. It does not rub, and the way I see it, there's less of a chance of something getting caught in the gap with so little clearance.

[isaiahsdad]

Welcome to the Darkside. At this rate, we will have the DeathStar finished in no time!! :)
Thats no moon, it's a space station!!!! (Star Wars....and Twister)

[strobe]

Glad you could join us! Almost 6k miles on mine now this year and still happy with it....

[Jared]

Welcome to the DardSide. I've been running the Donlop for 7.5K now and I love it! I've had absolutely no problems with it.

[pablo]

Where did you get that neat "Darkside" decal on the fender? Is that real or did you photoshop this?

[VulcanE]

Originally Posted by pablo

Where did you get that neat "Darkside" decal on the fender? Is that real or did you photoshop this?

Pablo, my good friend DK Dixie, turned me on to it. I sent his contact an email, and here's a copy of the reply email, BTW, DK's and mine are the small ones.

"I have them in Silver, Gold,& Black They now come in 2 sizes. Large=8x1.5in. Small=2.25x1in. Please specify which you want.
They fit the Rear fender perfectly, or anywhere else you might want them.
Cost is $5 each and that includes shipping in the USA. Canadian and other please add 50 cents for postage.
Stickers are made from 9 year vinyl and the material is thin enough to look like paint.
Payment can be sent thru Pay-Pal to: VS1600@sbcglobal.net
Or Check/ money order to:
Lou Falzarano
10699 Deborah Dr.
Parma Ohio 44130
Thanks "

And here's a shot of DK's

[cactusjack]

I bought the large Darkside sticker but it's a little too large. It wraps around the fender some. I then ordered a small one, but haven't gotten around to removing the large one yet.

See for yourself (it looks off-center here, it really isn't. it's just the angle of the camera):

[Jared]

I'm glad you mentioned that the large is a little too big for the nomad fender. I wasn't sure what size to get.

[blowndodge]

Looks ok to me Scott?