how many running c/t's

[gunboat]

hi all
now have over 12,00 miles on my c/t, it's hard to catch up with lowell. i would like to ask how many ventureriders are now runing c/t's on their scoot's now. i have pulled a trailer with the scoot over 4,000 miles with no ill effect.
best reguards
don c. :97:

[pegscraper]

I have 4000 miles on mine. No perceptible wear yet. If I had a regular MT, it would be a fourth to a third gone. I'm looking forward to not buying a rear tire next year.

[BuddyRich]

I've got one on each wheel of my car... They fit real good on the car.:rotf:

[gunboat]

buddy your so funny
best reguards
don c. :255:

[BigBoyinMS]

I have about 500 miles on mine now and I can't tell any difference in the ride or handling. Lovin' it!
:smile5:

[flb_78]

car tire? :puzzled:

on a motorcycle? :think:

It'll never work...:stickpoke:

[gunboat]

forrest
you really do stir the pot. ha,ha,ha
:nanner:best reguards
don c.

[thebighop]

I have over 9000 miles on mine, and there is no noticeable wear...

I am curious as to how many are running CT's on their Ventures too....
Last spring, there were only a couple of us here that had converted to the Darkside.
I see the ranks growing, ever so slowly, but growing none the less.

Aside from a couple of riders that have tried it, and didn't like it...for whatever reasons, I haven't heard of anyone having any problems.

I have pulled into a rally or two, where people have noticed the BF Goodrich T/A Radial on my Venture, and they tell me it won't work...
I just grin and ask...'how do you think I got here?'

[wizard]

I got one, and have no issues with it.

[Carbon_One]

I have a pair of them on my bike. :stirthepot: 10k on them and they look good as new. :cool10:
Mine are BF Goodrich G-Force Sport 215-55-16 sized. :cool10:
Larry

[MAINEAC]

I'm running the Kumho Powerstar 758 165/80-R15... I do have to lean a little more than I used to and had a wobble until i increased the air to 40 lbs... I got about 3k miles so far but I'm reserving my recommendation until I do some more miles and repack my steering head bearings and check my swingarm bushings... I have over 70k on the bike and these have never been done...

[footsie]

Got 500 miles on my nexum 165/80/15, the only difference I can tell is when heavy loaded in a hard curve. No problems just a different feel.
Have 7500 on my uniroyal 205/60/16 on the valkyrie, no problems will never ever put a motorcycle tire back on the rear of it.

Gregg


Bikes in the stable. 1971 CL100 HONDA, 1974 CL360, 1996 MAGNA, 1997 VALKYRIE
1971 CB750, 2000 VENTURE

[Angus]

What size is recommended for the Tour deluxe mine is new but I know my friends go through a lot of tires.:thumbsup2:

[BigBoyinMS]

Same size on the TD. 155 or 165/80R15 (The only dangerous thing about them is mounting them. Before doing anything I would do some research here. http://forums.delphiforums.com/DarkSiding/start

Not many choices in those sizes. None are really easy to find. There are a few sources online for the Vredestein and Michelin.
BFG in the 155 (But they are raised white letter on one side)
Kumho
Federal
Vredestein (I would have gotten this one but didn't have time to order. http://www.vredesteintire.com/products/SPRIN.asp
Michelin

[eagleeye]

Bigboy,
I've got a question for you. If I run a Vredestein tire, 165R-15 on the rear of my RSTD, would I still be able to run a non radial motorcycle tire on the front? Actually anyone's comment would be welcome. I'd like to run a gangster tire on the front.
Also, will this tire lower the rear of my bike? Iv'e already got a lowering kit on.
Thanks,
Steve

[thebighop]

Eagleeye...
IfI understand your question correctly...
The answer would be , yes.
I run a BFGoodrich T/A Radial on the rear and a bias ply Dunlop Elete III on the front, and it is working fine....
In regards to the lowering issue..again,I would have to say , yes.
The CT you mention will generally be of a smaller diameter than the stock or OEM MT you would otherwise use. Although, you don't specify the profile of the CT you mentioned, as in 165/60, 70,etc...
I have the lowering links installed, and with the BFG on the rear, I can't say that the difference is really noticeable...at least not after the third or fourth ride anyway....
You will notice almost immediately, that the front will have a lighter feel, and low speed manuvers, like a right turn from a standing stop, will be much easier.

[hcdagen]

eagleye,I have a '07 RSTD with a Federal 165/80/15 on the drive.It is almost an exact match to the stock bias profile.Contrary to some others experiance,I had very little trouble mounting it.The bead was well lubed and seated nicely in stages.For the front,Avon just came out with a Cobra 150/80/16 in a radial.It's listed for "custom" applications.That is an exact replacement for the bias front tire.With this combination,there was a noticeable reduction in rolling resistance,and it lays very nicely into the turns.I'm a big guy and this is a big bike with lots of torque.At the rate I was going through tires,I could hardly afford to ride it.If I only get 10,000 miles out of the Federal,I'll consider this experiment a sucess.I expect to get many more miles than that out of it.Good luck on whatever u go with.Herb

[MAINEAC]

Herb did you have a CT rear and Bias front tire or did you switch them out at the same time? I am going with a radial front in the spring and was wondering if it's an upgrade from the bias factory front..

[Jerry W]

Eagleeye...
IfI understand your question correctly...
The answer would be , yes.
I run a BFGoodrich T/A Radial on the rear and a bias ply Dunlop Elete III on the front, and it is working fine....
In regards to the lowering issue..again,I would have to say , yes.
The CT you mention will generally be of a smaller diameter than the stock or OEM MT you would otherwise use. Although, you don't specify the profile of the CT you mentioned, as in 165/60, 70,etc...
I have the lowering links installed, and with the BFG on the rear, I can't say that the difference is really noticeable...at least not after the third or fourth ride anyway....
You will notice almost immediately, that the front will have a lighter feel, and low speed manuvers, like a right turn from a standing stop, will be much easier.



Have you lowered the front end as well? If I understand correctly, you have only lowered the rear end using the links and went with the CT and noticed improved low speed handling. I am seriously considering the CT on the rear of mine when it comes time for new tires.

[hcdagen]

Maineac,I switched out both at the same time.Went through 2 rear tires and was switching to a CT when I noticed the front OEM Bridgestone was going squirelly like the back one did.6000 miles on OEM rear tire,went to a Dunlop 404,4000 miles later it won't pass Pa. inspection.I am meticules about air pressure,and asked the local dealer about it.They said their experiance with Royals was that they ate tires.I love the bike,am just looking for a more economical way to keep the hooves shod.Herb.

[pegscraper]

If I only get 10,000 miles out of the Federal,I'll consider this experiment a sucess.I expect to get many more miles than that out of it.

I have maybe 8000 miles on my Federal rear tire installed last summer, and I can't tell any wear at all. The thing looks like it will last me three years or more. I'll be interested to hear how you like yours when you get some miles and some time on it.

Does that Cobra radial front tire come in a WW?

[flb_78]

My BFG is getting thin, I'll most likely be going with the Federal next time around. The BFG seems skinny.

[GeorgeS]

Whats the highest Milage anyone who is running a CT has gotten on the rear,
or reported on this web site? Just wondering

[MAINEAC]

Coker makes a 165 BFG that I think will work..



https://store.coker.com/images/T/BFG-165R15_thumb.jpg (javascript: void(0);) https://store.coker.com/skin1/images/zoom_image.gif (javascript: void(0);) Click to enlarge (javascript: void(0);) 165R15 BFG 3/4" WhitewallSKU579810Construction:Poly/SteelLoad Capacity:1168 @ 35 psiTube Type:TubelessOverall Diameter:25.4Cross Section:6.5Tread Width:4.6UTQG Rating:300-A-CMax Inflation:35Rec. Rim Width:4--5.5Options

[hcdagen]

Pegscraper,the Cobra isn't avaible in WWW,although there is a company that will make them so.I don't have a link,but guys on The Darkside Forum would have it.From the limited miles I've put on so far,I'm really lov'in the Cobra radial.Good luck,Herb.P.S.,now I remember u pegscraper,it was your picture of the Federal mounted on your bike that leaned me toward Federal.Thanks a bunch for the posting[& u already know about getting WWWs]

[pegscraper]

Yes, I had WWs put on my Federal rear tire. It's on the expensive side, but still cheaper in the long run than MTs are. I'd rather not have to do that again to get WWs on a front radial tire. A MT won't last long enough to justify the cost. But nobody seems to make a radial WW MT. The radial rear tire does ride a lot softer than the bias ply MT. The wife really likes it. So I'm not sure what I'll do for the front next time yet. But the bottom line is that I will have WWs. This bike just doesn't look right without them. Life would be a little easier if I didn't have to have them.

And... you're welcome.

[slick97spirit]

Now I'm freaking out! Keep in mind that I'm new here. Are you guys saying that you run car tires on your RSV's? I ride a 00 RSV MM. Can I do that on it also and if so what is the recommended tire and where do you guys get them? This is awesome news if I'm hearing it right. Mileage on MT's sucks.

[hcdagen]

Slick97spirit, http://forums.delphiforums.com/DarkSiding/start this link will lead u to the "Dark Side".Lots of information,and personal experiance from others who have gone this route.Because none of this is "recommened" practice,u do so, accepting responsibility for your own actions.Speaking for myself,I've switched to a radial car tire[CT] on the back and a radial motorcycle tire[MT] on the front of my '07 RSTD.As I stated in an earlier post on this thread,I could't afford to keep MTtires on this beast.It's apparently the nature of this beast to eat tires,but I like the bike to much to pass it off for this reason alone.It is the only cloud on the Royal Star parade as far as I'm concerned.Well,anyway,go to that site and your questions will be answeared and u can make up your own mind as to what u want to do.There are good people there to help if u have any questions.Best of luck,Herb.

[OB-1]

Now I'm freaking out! Keep in mind that I'm new here. Are you guys saying that you run car tires on your RSV's? I ride a 00 RSV MM. Can I do that on it also and if so what is the recommended tire and where do you guys get them? This is awesome news if I'm hearing it right. Mileage on MT's sucks.

You might want to check out this thread: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23909 before you get too excited. Car Tires aren't always the best thing on a Venture. Can you run one? Yes, but it will change the handling and not for the better. Some folks are willing to live with the inherent instability of a Car Tire, but I'm not.

[wild hair 39]

28,800 mls on the 155-80-15,on a 1994 voyager,low speed handling[below 25 mph]uneven surfaces,is a lillle tricky,the rear tire is almost,full contact,with the road now,not mutch round left,it want to dart,left or right,at low speeds,on uneven surface still has tread left,maybe 30-40%,better on wet road,lots better on graval roads,less rain grove sway,on heavy braking,you can hear it squall before it locks up,less ground clearance,next tire will be 165-80-15,have ride-on in the tire,pulled one small nail out,don't know how long it was in there,seams to hold air pressure better,the only time i have put air in was in 30 deg weather,seams like it runs cooler than the front
lowell

[pegscraper]

Now I'm freaking out! Keep in mind that I'm new here. Are you guys saying that you run car tires on your RSV's? I ride a 00 RSV MM. Can I do that on it also and if so what is the recommended tire and where do you guys get them? This is awesome news if I'm hearing it right. Mileage on MT's sucks.

Yes, a few of us are running CTs on the back of the bike. More miles out of a tire is the reason. I don't think anyone here has worn one out yet. A couple of them here are going on 30,000 some miles.

The bike will handle a little differently, but no more different than getting on a different and unfamiliar bike. If it feels a little sloppy, tighten the steering bearings. They probably needed it anyway.

The size that most closely matches the stock size MT is 165/80R15. It's an unusual size, not all manufacturers make this size of tire, and you may have to look around a little, or just order one. Federal, Kumho, and Nexen all make one. Vredestein makes a 165HR15 that I think would be the same thing, but I don't know of anyone who has tried this one.

If you want WWs, dbtires (http://www.dbtires.com./index.htm) can put a WW on literally any tire you want, and of course they can do both sides of the same tire. I had them do me up a Federal. In the past, I've gone through a set of tires a year. At that rate, it looks like this tire will last me three or four years.

[BoomerCPO]

As soon as I wear out the new Dunlop I have on the rear of my 06 Venture I will be putting a new rear CT on my scoot. With all the miles I travel doing Patriot Guard Missions I can't afford to go through 2 new rear tires in a riding season.

I still can't figure out why the MC tire manufacturer's can't give us a MC tire that equals the mileage on a CT..........:think:

[pegscraper]

Of course they can make MT tires get better mileage. But they have a good little thing going for themselves here. Why would they wreck it and reduce their sales? If they ever do make tires to last longer, they will increase the price to where it offsets their income loss. They could never do without.

There is the issue too, of contact patch size. It has been proven with a durometer that CTs have a softer rubber compound than MTs do. I was surprised at this myself, but I have to believe the meter results. So why do CTs wear better? The scrubbing action of the road is spread out over a much larger area on a CT than it is on a MT.

[BoomerCPO]

I ride with a local MC Club and to date there are 16 members who have put CT's on their bikes. Every one of them swears they'll never go back to MC tires on the rears.

I have seen no definitive proof that CT's are hazardous to a bike's handling or safety. I have ridden behind many of these guys in both the twisties and when it has been raining with no detrimental effects noted to the bikes or their road capabilities.

Too bad there is not one MC tire producer who could give us a tire that has the endurance of a CT. IMHO they would make a killing and perhaps the rest of the tire companies would fall into line as well.

[GeorgeS]

The 47 Harley that I owned back in 1958 thru 1961 had a tire on it when I bought it that was basicly shaped just like a Car Tire, front and rear.

At the time I bought a tire from Sears and Roebuck ( motorcycle tire) that was shaped more like current day bike tires.

Would be interesting to check suppliers of tires for Restoreing OLD bikes, and take a look at what was being used before around the years of 1953 on U.S. made motorcycles.

[gunboat]

hi all
i now have over 22,000 miles on my c/t ( bf goodrich t/a radial p155/80r 15). still using a metzeler me880 130/90-16 on the front. have pulled a fully loaded trailer (4,438 miles) behind the scoot, no issuses to report. can't say who has the most miles now.
best reguards
don c.

[mm482]

I have a Federal 165/80/15 CT on the rear of my bike. I have a little over 4,000 miles on it and I am very happy with it. I like the ride and handling better than the 404.

Earl

[ckies]

will the c/t work for a 1st gen.? I have a 87.

[gunboat]

i have not read or seen any post about a c/t on a 1'st gen. but i could be wrong some one may chime in on it.
best reguards
don c.

[BigBoyinMS]

You might want to check out this thread: http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23909 before you get too excited. Car Tires aren't always the best thing on a Venture. Can you run one? Yes, but it will change the handling and not for the better. Some folks are willing to live with the inherent instability of a Car Tire, but I'm not.

All I can speak of is my experience but I can't tell any difference in the handling. I still ride it exactly the same and don't even think about it. And that is a comment that I have heard some others make on the Darksiders forum. FYI, I'm running 40lbs where most start adjusting it down after a break-in period. As long as it keeps riding and handling as it does, I'll keep it there.
As I like to say... My Kumho was 1/3 the price of a M/T, should get three times the mileage and has about 25% higher weight rating. And no change of handling in my case. Can't beat that!
The ONLY negative was the high pressure to seat it. It took 110lbs on one side and 112 lbs on the other. Our bike wheels have a bead on the rim lip that, I guess, is a retaining bead to keep the tire from unseating if you loose pressure. Again, I guess that's what it's for. The tire has to jump that before it seats. I tried to find an inexpensive spare wheel when I decided to mount the CT. I was going to have the bead machined off to see if that helped. But I wasn't willing to spend another $250-$300 just to experiment. :no-no-no:

[pegscraper]

Someone asked quite a while back about putting a CT on a 1st gen. I don't think he ever did it. It seems like there was a problem with swing arm clearance or a too narrow rim width or something.

Even the 2nd gens are tough to fit because of these reasons. We have to run narrower tires than anyone else doing this. Most other cruiser riders have room for a 195 or 205 sized tire. But the 165 is about all we have room for.

[LSupina]

15K miles on the BF Goodrich 155, wish it would wear faster so I could put the 165 on, but dang it, it refuses to show any wear at all. Had two tail wagging events at lower air pressure, run at 40 PSI now and never a wobble. Both of the events where in cross-winds (40 MPH plus) while passing a semi truck. Neither was scary or uncontrollable, the frame just went harmonic but steady throttle and it cleared. I also had the same thing happen with a motorcycle tire on the rear once, the big bagger just doesn't like the sudden cross wind changes much.

I have since ran the CT up past 100 mph on less windy days (20 MPH) with no issues at all. I also love the ability to launch this big beast. My son runs a BMW K100, we found a back road last weekend and he just had to prove the big tour bike couldn't hang. Sad day for the youngster, he had to back out of the throttle when his rear broke loose and went sideways, I just kept chirping rubber in a straight line.

For my daily commute of 70 miles, my Iron Butt runs, and pulling a trailer, the CT is the only rear tire for me.

[chrisboggsfmc]

Greetings Gentlemen
Out of the various brands of car tires mentioned, which one seems to have the roundest tread pattern simular to the mc tire?

[wild hair 39]

hav a fedraid 165-80-15 0n the way will tell what it looks like when i get it mounted,pictures also

[pegscraper]

Here's a picture of my old worn out Avon compared to the new Federal. Both tires are mounted and inflated. The Federal CT is a little more rounded than the old worn out Avon, but won't be as rounded as a new MT.

I'm not going to know how the Federal compares to other CTs. This is the only one I've ever done.

[thebighop]

Howdy...
Just wanted to acknowledge your Iron Butt membership...
I am Iron Butt Association member number 31124
Steve

15K miles on the BF Goodrich 155, wish it would wear faster so I could put the 165 on, but dang it, it refuses to show any wear at all. Had two tail wagging events at lower air pressure, run at 40 PSI now and never a wobble. Both of the events where in cross-winds (40 MPH plus) while passing a semi truck. Neither was scary or uncontrollable, the frame just went harmonic but steady throttle and it cleared. I also had the same thing happen with a motorcycle tire on the rear once, the big bagger just doesn't like the sudden cross wind changes much.

I have since ran the CT up past 100 mph on less windy days (20 MPH) with no issues at all. I also love the ability to launch this big beast. My son runs a BMW K100, we found a back road last weekend and he just had to prove the big tour bike couldn't hang. Sad day for the youngster, he had to back out of the throttle when his rear broke loose and went sideways, I just kept chirping rubber in a straight line.

For my daily commute of 70 miles, my Iron Butt runs, and pulling a trailer, the CT is the only rear tire for me.

[ctraylor]

The first gen bikes have 16 inch tires and I don't think they make a ct to fit it. Will the rims of a second gen fit a first gen?

[pegscraper]

I have no idea. Anyone?

[wild hair 39]

must have clicked on the wrong tire,a KUMHO,showed up last evening,good looking tire more round,than to BFG,BUT i don't care for the spects on this tire,1 ply side,2 steel belts,the side wall is vary soft,1100#load,max air #44,can't seam to find spect on the other tires,BFG, FEDERAL
the BFG,has alot stronger side wall,don't know about any other tires:thumbdown::think:

[thebighop]

I found the specs for the BFG T/A Radial...below.
I can look at my BFG and get the ply ratings if you want them...
You can check this link for the Federal specs.... federaltyres.com.au/ss657
at the bottom of the Federal page there is a pdf link that displays a spec chart the 165/80/15 is second from the bottom on that chart.




http://www.customwheelsdirect.com/html/images/tires/BFGoodrich/goodrich.jpg
Radial T/A byBFGoodrich Tires



Specifications for tire
size: 155/80/15

UTQG: 400
Max Load:
Max Inflation Pressure: 35 psi
Tread Depth: Nov-32"
Rim Width Range: 4.5-5.5"
Meas. Rim Width: 4.5"
Section Width: 6.1"
Tread Width: "
Overall Height: 24.7"
Revolutions per Mile: 842


http://www.customwheelsdirect.com/html/images/tires/BFGoodrich/RadTa.jpg

[tim44]

Yesterday I put on a federal c/t on my bike. I went for a 40 mile ride and so far so good.:thumbsup2:

[1sttenor]

I have about 500 miles on mine now and I can't tell any difference in the ride or handling. Lovin' it!
:smile5:

I've been mostly watching from a distance, but what is the preferred c/t for our 2nd gens? I've been seeing that the softer the tire the better.

[Gregory Gill]

Here's a picture of my old worn out Avon compared to the new Federal. Both tires are mounted and inflated. The Federal CT is a little more rounded than the old worn out Avon, but won't be as rounded as a new MT.

I'm not going to know how the Federal compares to other CTs. This is the only one I've ever done.

That doesn't look that bad...:think:

My 18 mile one way commute is 100% twisties. So when I wear out my current tire I will give it an honest try.

The only thing is... when I pull a used tire off of my bike, it doesn't look anything like yours. I can show you a set from my 750 where the tread is gone all the way to the side wall.

[Grey Ghost]

I've been mostly watching from a distance, but what is the preferred c/t for our 2nd gens? I've been seeing that the softer the tire the better.

There are three (BF Goodrich, Khumo & Federal) that I know of that different people are running now. I don't think any of us have been running one long enough to have changed brands yet. I know that I haven't so I can't compare the different makes.

Personally, I chose the Federal because my research showed that it was the closest (almost identical) in overall height to the original motorcycle tire, thus keeping the speedometer the same.

Jeff

[Grey Ghost]

That doesn't look that bad...:think:

My 18 mile one way commute is 100% twisties. So when I wear out my current tire I will give it an honest try.

The only thing is... when I pull a used tire off of my bike, it doesn't look anything like yours. I can show you a set from my 750 where the tread is gone all the way to the side wall.

Possibly, you have been running a lower psi than pegscraper, thus a wider wear pattern. My m/c tire wear was very similar to his.

Jeff

[Gregory Gill]

Possibly, you have been running a lower psi than pegscraper, thus a wider wear pattern. My m/c tire wear was very similar to his.

Jeff

I run my dunlop tires at max rated sidewall pressure.

[Grey Ghost]

I run my dunlop tires at max rated sidewall pressure.
Then the fact that his was an Avon and yours was a Dunlop may have something to do with it. Also different road surfaces and conditions can contribute.

I don't know, just guessing. :think: My degree is in lumber, not rubber. LOL

Jeff

[pegscraper]

Maybe you have curvier roads in IA than we do in northern IN. We just don't get much sidewall time around here.

[Gregory Gill]

Maybe you have curvier roads in IA than we do in northern IN. We just don't get much sidewall time around here.

0 stop signs, 0 traffic lights, and plenty of opportunity to pass cages. Nothing but 2 lane curvy blacktop with about 800' of elevation change. Ride down the hill to work. Ride up to go home. It aint the dragon, but I arrive to work on sunny monday monrings with a smile on my face.

Some mornings are sunny when I leave, and I actually ride down through the fog until it's cloudy. Like flying a plane. :)

My Commute

[Cougar]

I will be running (TWO) Brand New 15" Michelin All Weather Radials Soon!

Guess I am with the Dark Side Now! *yippy*:happy65:

[1sttenor]

There are three (BF Goodrich, Khumo & Federal) that I know of that different people are running now. I don't think any of us have been running one long enough to have changed brands yet. I know that I haven't so I can't compare the different makes.

Personally, I chose the Federal because my research showed that it was the closest (almost identical) in overall height to the original motorcycle tire, thus keeping the speedometer the same.

Jeff

Since the speedo is slow by about 9% we could use a tall tire, but then I suppose we dont have the room for them?

[Grey Ghost]

I will be running (TWO) Brand New 15" Michelin All Weather Radials Soon!

Guess I am with the Dark Side Now! *yippy*:happy65:
Hey, that's not fair running two at the same time,:no-no-no: but that is a great looking
trike.:thumbsup2:

Jeff

[Cougar]

Thee above Pic is temporary. (same manufacture of the kit though)

Mine will be finished in about 3 weeks. on my 2000 MM RSV.. the
body is being painted today! I will post
pics if it when it is all finished.

It is made by Hannigan!

(then change my avatar) *lol*
Jeff

[Grey Ghost]

Since the speedo is slow by about 9% we could use a tall tire, but then I suppose we dont have the room for them?
As I recall, the other tires were shorter, but I'm not sure. I'm really not even sure what I had for lunch today. Oldtimers began setting in a few years ago.... or maybe it was last week.:think:

Jeff

[1sttenor]

As I recall, the other tires were shorter, but I'm not sure. I'm really not even sure what I had for lunch today. Oldtimers began setting in a few years ago.... or maybe it was last week.:think:

Jeff

I hear that. What was it you said again?:bang head:

[Grey Ghost]

Be sure to post some pics when you get your trike back.

I would love to have one someday. My wife might be more willing to ride with me on three wheels. She's not so comfortable with two.

Jeff

[Cougar]

Will do Jeff!

[pegscraper]

0 stop signs, 0 traffic lights, and plenty of opportunity to pass cages. Nothing but 2 lane curvy blacktop with about 800' of elevation change. Ride down the hill to work. Ride up to go home. It aint the dragon, but I arrive to work on sunny monday monrings with a smile on my face.

Some mornings are sunny when I leave, and I actually ride down through the fog until it's cloudy. Like flying a plane. :)

My Commute

Yeah, there's why, right there. An arial view of our roads, you would think you're looking at a piece of graph paper.

[pegscraper]

Since the speedo is slow by about 9% we could use a tall tire, but then I suppose we dont have the room for them?


You'd have to have a tire 9% larger, or about 2 1/2" larger, to correct for the speedometer. That size tire wouldn't fit, and it wouldn't look good even if it did.

[wild hair 39]

the fedral 165 80 15 compaired to a 155 80 15 bfg,the bfg has 2 ply sidewalls,the fed has 1 ply,started to install fed,every thing went great,[using my harber tire changer]till started to beed it up,used soap,first,no go,went to rubber lube no go,poly grease,one side beeded up,bleed pressure off,tryed again,90# air,cleaned the work bench off,unbutten my shirt,blew off my glasses,---steel beed broke,no more federal for me

will get out in the sunlite for better pictures

[Ponch]

You be careful there LA. :yikes: Something gonna break.

[tim44]

Wild Hair,
Good thing you didn't get hurt. I just put a federal on my bike. I can relate to your frustration. What a pain in the a** to mount. I wonder if the chinese have changed the tire slightly. I had to use over 110 psi to get it to pop into place. Has anyone else needed that kind of pressure?

[pegscraper]

Wow, that blows.

[flb_78]

I just ordered a new Federal tire this weekend. I also purchased a used wheel with a brake rotor on it off ebay for $142 shipped. I'll be sure to leave the tire in the sun to heat it up to make the mounting easier.

[wild hair 39]

here is sume better pictures

[mm482]

I tried to air up my Federal tire with it standing up. The wheel would drop down into the tire (not centered) and it would not seat to the wheel. I laid the wheel and tire on a barrel (horizontal) pushed the lower side of the tire down onto the wheel. This centered the tire on the wheel. I then used a band around the tire to help to get it to bead to the wheel. It only took about 75 PSI to seat the tire to the wheel.

Earl
:thumbsup:

[gunboat]

wow lowell
thats kinda scarey, glad you are ok. amazing this hasen't happened to anyone else. now i was going to install a federal tire next when i have to replace my bfg. but with the fed only being 1ply compared to the bfg 2ply. i wonder about the Kumho, Nexum,Vredestein & Coker, would like to use a 165 this time. i realy going to find out how to add pictures to my post.
best reguards
don c. :think:

[wild hair 39]

wow lowell
thats kinda scarey, glad you are ok. amazing this hasen't happened to anyone else. now i was going to install a federal tire next when i have to replace my bfg. but with the fed only being 1ply compared to the bfg 2ply. i wonder about the Kumho, Nexum,Vredestein & Coker, would like to use a 165 this time. i realy going to find out how to add pictures to my post.
best reguards
don c. :think:

got a kumho my mistake,it only had 1 ply sidewall,vary soft tire,sent it back,where are you guys getting your BFG tires

[BigBoyinMS]

must have clicked on the wrong tire,a KUMHO,showed up last evening,good looking tire more round,than to BFG,BUT i don't care for the spects on this tire,1 ply side,2 steel belts,the side wall is vary soft,1100#load,max air #44,can't seam to find spect on the other tires,BFG, FEDERAL
the BFG,has alot stronger side wall,don't know about any other tires:thumbdown::think:

Hey, wild hair 39.... Where did you find the specs on your Kumho? And what model was it you got?
I've never found the specs for the side or tread plys on mine. I'm running the Kumho Power Star 758 which is the same diameter (25.4") as the M/C tire and has a load rating of 1199-1202 lbs. The 758 does have a fairly soft sidewall but it doesn't seem to affect the handling.

[gunboat]

lowell got my bfg at northwest tire & battery, was / is a co-company of sears. the local mall sears close to me said they didn't keep the bfg in stock. would be a couple of days before it came in. went to nt&b ( now this all to place on a sunday ) they ordered it and had it tuesday morning.
don c.

[wild hair 39]

Hey, wild hair 39.... Where did you find the specs on your Kumho? And what model was it you got?
I've never found the specs for the side or tread plys on mine. I'm running the Kumho Power Star 758 which is the same diameter (25.4") as the M/C tire and has a load rating of 1199-1202 lbs. The 758 does have a fairly soft sidewall but it doesn't seem to affect the handling.

off the tires,it's self,as for raised white letters,don't know any one that can look at both sides at the same time,that goes fo hub caps,on my old 59 buick also
:buttkick:

[flb_78]

I picked up my BFG off eBay.

[pegscraper]

I do know of one other Federal that let go on installation. A friend of mine had bought the same tire as me and was going to do this. But it let go when the installer put the air on it to seat the beads and walked away from it. Why in the world a guy would walk away from the tire when there's air blowing into it, I don't know. But I call this an installer problem.

[Silver Bullet]

please don't tell me the kuhmo is not a good tire [ I just put one on mine]:bang head:

[eagleeye]

Have any of you guys actually measured precisely how much a CT lowers your bike? Before I put one on, I'd like to know.
Thanks,
Steve

[flb_78]

Have any of you guys actually measured precisely how much a CT lowers your bike? Before I put one on, I'd like to know.
Thanks,
Steve

The 155/80R15 drops the rear end about an inch. The 165/80R15 does not drop the bike.

[eagleeye]

Thanks,
The reason that I was asking was that last summer I put a lowering kit on the back of my 05 RSTD, and really can't afford to have it any lower.
So I will have to go with the federal 165.

Steve

[BigBoyinMS]

Just remember, eagleeye... there are more choices than just the Federal out there.
Vredestein, Nexen, Kumho, Mickey Thompson and others. I'm running the Kumho with no handling difference that I can tell. I was going to try the Vredestein next time but may go with the Mickey Thompson now.
Good Luck!

[eagleeye]

I see that Lowell ordered up a nexen tire.

I called the Nexen rep in Cal, and got the specs: 165/80-15
6.5 width
25.5 height
2 ply sidewall
Made in Korea--Oldest tire company in Korea

I'm thinking real hard on this one. I need a tire before the riding season, which is about here. I really wanted two WW, but might just have to give in here. new tire every year doesn't cut it.

Steve

[pegscraper]

DBTires (http://www.dbtires.com./index.htm) can put WWs on literally any tire, which means they can put them on both sides of the same tire too. I had them do up my Federal. It's not inexpensive, but given the mileage I expect out of this tire, it's still cheaper than buying MTs. The WW material gets vulcanized right to the tire rubber. The tire looks just like it was made with them from the factory. Get the WWs wide enough and they cover up all the lettering on the tire too. It looks real smooth.