New Tires are On (Darkside)

waterman · 06-09-2010, 05:39 PM

Well finally got the new tread on the bike. A dunlop E3 on the front and a Continental Vanco on the rear (darkside). So far I have about 35 miles on it. Forgot to ask the guy what pressure he put in so I called back and he put in 30 lbs. Do I pump the pressure up more??? Say to 40 lbs for the first 500 miles.

First impression. The first 10 to 15 miles down the highway I was really wondering what I did. Settled down and the last 20 miles were better. I was bucking a 20 to 30 mph crosswind and I was thinking that it wasn't as bad as with a motorcycle tire.

Cornering in town- - - Really can't tell a difference compared to the motorcycle tire. I know some people have claimed the handlebars have a heavier feel to them. I just can't see it for now.

Tomorrow will be the real test. 500 miles to Cortez.

cactusjack · 06-09-2010, 05:49 PM

According to time-tested protocol, you should inflate the rear tire to 40 pounds. When you get to Cortez, start dropping it 2 psi until you find the sweet spot. This will probably be somewhere around 30 psi.

Welcome to the Darkside!

**MAS Tequila** · 06-09-2010, 06:00 PM

Pump it up to 40 psi, after a few hundred miles drop it to 35 then 32-30-28. Find the pressure that feels the best to you.

You'll love the Vanco. Mine is 185/75/16.

Say hello to everyone at WWR4. Wish I were there. Just have to relive memories of WWR3 in KY.

MT

**Top Cat** · 06-09-2010, 07:12 PM

OK, I'm just curious. How do you guys know when you have reached the so called sweet spot on a car tire?
Don't read anything into this,I am just curious.

cactusjack · 06-09-2010, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top Cat (TC)

OK, I'm just curious. How do you guys know when you have reached the so called sweet spot on a car tire?
Don't read anything into this,I am just curious.

That secret is only revealed to those who have reached a higher state of enlightenment.

Seriously, it's a seat of the pants thing. You know it when you find it. Everything just feels "right". I can't explain it.

**MAS Tequila** · 06-09-2010, 09:11 PM

It's like trying to explain the color red to a blind person or Rock-n-Roll to a deaf person.

It almost feels like the rear tire just blends in. Like everything smooths out and curves are only for enjoyment.

If your not 'Darkside' you don't know.

MT

phred · 06-09-2010, 09:16 PM

Waterman and Dragonchaser, where did you find the Continental Vanco tire, especially the 185/75-16? Will that size fit the 1500 without rubbing?

waterman · 06-09-2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phred

Waterman and Dragonchaser, where did you find the Continental Vanco tire, especially the 185/75-16? Will that size fit the 1500 without rubbing?

Mine is a 195/65. I purchased mine from tireeasy.com

**Cajunrider** · 06-09-2010, 10:22 PM

I'd raise the pressure to 38-40 psi and ride it there for at least 300 or 400 miles before working it down a couple of pounds every 100 - 200 miles there after. 500 to Cortez should be good for the break in. Welcome to the DS.

nomad561 · 06-10-2010, 06:20 AM

Welcome to the Darkside.

**Jared** · 06-10-2010, 09:31 AM

I too would put more air in your tires. Ride safe to Cortez. See you in a few days.

waterman · 06-10-2010, 06:59 PM

Pumped the rear up to 40 lbs last night. Did just shy of 530 miles today on the tire. Had some good cross winds on part of the trip. I will say this, I think it has better standing when taking on cross winds. Didn't feel as if I had to lean as much to compensate for the winds. Finally made it into the mountains and hit some curves. If the ride gets better with lowering the pressure, I sure won't go back. Even with the pressure at 40 it is equal to or better than a motorcycle tire in feel.

cactusjack · 06-10-2010, 08:24 PM

Now that's what we like to hear....! Drink the purple Koolaid, Joel!

**Cajunrider** · 06-10-2010, 09:10 PM

Good report Joel!

waterman · 06-11-2010, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cactusjack

Drink the purple Koolaid, Joel!

Rather have Cherry. ;)

06-09-2010, 05:39 PM	#1
waterman Top Contributor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,530	New Tires are On (Darkside) Well finally got the new tread on the bike. A dunlop E3 on the front and a Continental Vanco on the rear (darkside). So far I have about 35 miles on it. Forgot to ask the guy what pressure he put in so I called back and he put in 30 lbs. Do I pump the pressure up more??? Say to 40 lbs for the first 500 miles. First impression. The first 10 to 15 miles down the highway I was really wondering what I did. Settled down and the last 20 miles were better. I was bucking a 20 to 30 mph crosswind and I was thinking that it wasn't as bad as with a motorcycle tire. Cornering in town- - - Really can't tell a difference compared to the motorcycle tire. I know some people have claimed the handlebars have a heavier feel to them. I just can't see it for now. Tomorrow will be the real test. 500 miles to Cortez. __________________ Joel "Waterman" 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra 2006 Nomad - Sold VBA 213 VROC 16913 Custer 09: Cortez 10: Crescent City 11: Kanab 12: Estes Park 13: Tahoe 14: Red Lodge 16 Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

06-09-2010, 05:49 PM	#2
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	New Tires are On (Darkside) According to time-tested protocol, you should inflate the rear tire to 40 pounds. When you get to Cortez, start dropping it 2 psi until you find the sweet spot. This will probably be somewhere around 30 psi. Welcome to the Darkside! __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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06-09-2010, 06:00 PM	#3
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	New Tires are On (Darkside) Pump it up to 40 psi, after a few hundred miles drop it to 35 then 32-30-28. Find the pressure that feels the best to you. You'll love the Vanco. Mine is 185/75/16. Say hello to everyone at WWR4. Wish I were there. Just have to relive memories of WWR3 in KY. MT __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
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06-09-2010, 07:12 PM	#4
Top Cat Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Peoples Republic of New York State Posts: 15,154	New Tires are On (Darkside) OK, I'm just curious. How do you guys know when you have reached the so called sweet spot on a car tire? Don't read anything into this,I am just curious. __________________ Tim "TC" Conley VBA #9 2011 Victory Kingpin mine 2013 Victory Boardwalk -hers [LEFT][COLOR=#000000] [SIZE=4]
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06-09-2010, 09:11 PM	#6
MAS Tequila Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Psychiatric Ward FL Posts: 3,429	New Tires are On (Darkside) It's like trying to explain the color red to a blind person or Rock-n-Roll to a deaf person. It almost feels like the rear tire just blends in. Like everything smooths out and curves are only for enjoyment. If your not 'Darkside' you don't know. MT __________________ MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936
	0

06-09-2010, 09:16 PM	#7
phred Advanced Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Upstate S.C. Posts: 567	New Tires are On (Darkside) Waterman and Dragonchaser, where did you find the Continental Vanco tire, especially the 185/75-16? Will that size fit the 1500 without rubbing?
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06-09-2010, 10:22 PM	#9
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	New Tires are On (Darkside) I'd raise the pressure to 38-40 psi and ride it there for at least 300 or 400 miles before working it down a couple of pounds every 100 - 200 miles there after. 500 to Cortez should be good for the break in. Welcome to the DS. __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
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06-10-2010, 06:20 AM	#10
nomad561 Sr. Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pasco , Wa Posts: 1,445	New Tires are On (Darkside) Welcome to the Darkside.
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06-10-2010, 09:31 AM	#11
Jared Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Greeley, Colorado Posts: 6,772	New Tires are On (Darkside) I too would put more air in your tires. Ride safe to Cortez. See you in a few days. __________________ Jared VBA #1051 (Former President)
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06-10-2010, 06:59 PM	#12
waterman Top Contributor Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,530	New Tires are On (Darkside) Pumped the rear up to 40 lbs last night. Did just shy of 530 miles today on the tire. Had some good cross winds on part of the trip. I will say this, I think it has better standing when taking on cross winds. Didn't feel as if I had to lean as much to compensate for the winds. Finally made it into the mountains and hit some curves. If the ride gets better with lowering the pressure, I sure won't go back. Even with the pressure at 40 it is equal to or better than a motorcycle tire in feel. __________________ Joel "Waterman" 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra 2006 Nomad - Sold VBA 213 VROC 16913 Custer 09: Cortez 10: Crescent City 11: Kanab 12: Estes Park 13: Tahoe 14: Red Lodge 16
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06-10-2010, 08:24 PM	#13
cactusjack Mega-Contributor Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Where it doesn't snow...ever! Posts: 21,926	New Tires are On (Darkside) Now that's what we like to hear....! Drink the purple Koolaid, Joel! __________________ Scott "Cactusjack" Hanks VBA #00105 H.O.G. #4250060 2011 H-D Ultra Limited 103ci :: 2011 HD Electra Glide Ultra Limited w/Stage 1 :: Rallies: Mesquite '08\|Custer '09\|Cortez '10\|Crescent City '11\|Kanab '12\|Antlers '12\|Estes Park '13\|Antlers '13\|Orofino '14\|The Dalles '17
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06-10-2010, 09:10 PM	#14
Cajunrider Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: (SE Louisiana) Posts: 8,340	New Tires are On (Darkside) Good report Joel! __________________ 2016 Electra Glide Ultra Limited CVO Palladium Silver / Phantom Blue 110 cu in SE 2012 Electra Glide Ultra Limited (Traded 6/22/16) Tequila Sunrise / HD Orange Vance & Hines true dual headers Rinehart 4" slip ons Screamin Eagle Super Tuner Screamin Eagle Stage 1 intake Dyno tuned H.O.G.# 4514015 2007 Nomad 1600 (Traded 6/23/12) VBA #482
	0

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