[toby]

Yes still digging up info on the dark side. This guy claims 30,000 miles and still going on a $70 tire I think it was. What do you guys think?
http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/f.../140542-30k-miles-darkside-how-many-more.html

 

[Frag]

It must REALLY feel weird while leaning...

 

[szabla]

I don’t know if the General tire will work that well for you. I think it is just the width and how hard the tire is.
On the pavement, I have no problem dragging floorboards in a corner.
The only place it wants to pull the bike is when on dirt roads with ruts. I am not talking small ruts either; the ones left by trucks become a challenge.
I always play around with it on the street in the paved ruts and transitioning from pavement to gravel on the road is not a problem.
I say look for a high performance soft sticky tire.
I felt a similar thing with a Mickey Thomson front drag radial on my Beemer. When I took it off and went to the BFGoodrich Radial TA. It was the difference between night and day. The drag radial was 2 ply and the TA was 1 ply.

 

[kraaazymike]

As "controversial" as car tires are, LOTS of those guys from the Kawi forum run dark side and not one of them has ever had a problem (I used to be a member there). I just don't personally like the look of car tires on a motorcycle.

 

[dreadly]

I just don't personally like the look of car tires on a motorcycle.

Agreed

Toby ... do what you need to do. I don't believe there is any definitive information either way on whether car tires are safe. For $70, give it a shot. If you ride on it and don't like or doesn't measure up to your expectations, you are only out $70

 

[toby]

I just don't personally like the look of car tires on a motorcycle.

Agreed

Toby ... do what you need to do. I don't believe there is any definitive information either way on whether car tires are safe. For $70, give it a shot. If you ride on it and don't like or doesn't measure up to your expectations, you are only out $70

That's what I'm talking about. Don't think i could go wrong with a $70 experiment. If it lasted only twice the miles I would still come out ahead. ;D I know these bikes are all about looks for most but I want to ride. I'm willing to give up a little in the looks to be able to afford 2 or 3 trips in the riding season rather than just on. See you guys in Carson 8)

 

[dreadly]

That's what I'm talking about. Don't think i could go wrong with a $70 experiment. If it lasted only twice the miles I would still come out ahead. ;D I know these bikes are all about looks for most but I want to ride. I'm willing to give up a little in the looks to be able to afford 2 or 3 trips in the riding season rather than just on. See you guys in Carson 8)

You bet ... starting to get excited!!

 

[szabla]

The general Altimax he used doesn't come in a 245/45-18, only the G-Max AS-03 that I put on does, and it is not $70.00, But it is still a lot cheaper than the MC tire.

 

[toby]

The general Altimax he used doesn't come in a 245/45-18, only the G-Max AS-03 that I put on does, and it is not $70.00, But it is still a lot cheaper than the MC tire.

szabla,
I'm looking at the G Max 245/40.18 for $150.00. Wondering why you went with the 245/45 instead of the 245/40. Do you not have your bike lowered? And you are talking about the Stryker? How much taller is the 45 than the 40?

 

[christopher]

According to tire rack they don't offer a 245/45ZR18. The 245/40ZR18's overall diameter is 25.7". They have a 255/35ZR18 which is 25" and a 255/45ZR18 which is 27". But I don't think a 255 would work would it?

 

[szabla]

The 40 did not fit width wise and rubbed the front swing arm and belt guards, the 45 just barely fit. The sidewalls of the 40 car tire are 1 5/8" wider and extends out from the rims side. If you look at the mc tire, it is flush with the rim.
My bike is stock when it comes to the suspension.
Go back to the pics I put on the Dark side Page you can see how close the 45 is.

 

[11Stryker]

If you change out your 31 tooth front pulley with the 30 tooth- your belt adjustment will be very near the back like mine and may give you more room forward near the swingarm.

 

[toby]

The 40 did not fit width wise and rubbed the front swing arm and belt guards, the 45 just barely fit. The sidewalls of the 40 car tire are 1 5/8" wider and extends out from the rims side. If you look at the mc tire, it is flush with the rim.
My bike is stock when it comes to the suspension.
Go back to the pics I put on the Dark side Page you can see how close the 45 is.

Thanks szabla. So the 45 being a taller tire 40 actually pulls the width in? Where dose that put the height? I have pretty much decided on a CT but would like to keep my bike lowered So the 245/45-18 I'm thinking/hoping will work. Any more help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

 

[szabla]

My bike is stock and I can’t get my hand under the fender. Ok went out used a tape measure and laid it flat as I could against the brake disk. Then I took a reference point on the tire. I subtracted the 1 inch I could see from that point. Sorry, my best estimate is 3 ½- 4 in on the kick stand, stock suspension.
11stryker, I think if the 40 is used the belt guard would have to be cut or removed also.
With the 45 I have only about 1 in clearance to the rear of the plastic fender as it is.
I also have to drop to 3rd when driving in town because it lugs the engine too much.

 

[szabla]

The picture is of the bottom guard and it has about 1/6-3/32” clearance.
I know I can take the back plastic plate fender off, but I am leaving it on because I don't stop for rain like a lot of Harley riders do. I don't need extra back spray from the rear tire.

 

[11Stryker]

I have the 250/40/18 Avon and I had to trim alot of the lower belt guard away and upper belt guard I used a few 1/8" spacers to keep it away from tire. A 35 profile tire might be better and just eliminate the belt guards. At least the height o tire will be better for you.

 

[szabla]

How wide is the 250? The 245/40-18 is 9 7/8" wide. With the 30-tooth pulley and no guards, it may fit. It would give the bike one **** of an Overdrive. The 45 I am using is about 8 ¼” wide.

 

[11Stryker]

My 250 is 9-5/8", that is on a 8" PM wheel.