The Darkside Car Tire Experiment

[roadiemort]

[D-Fresh]

Great video Mort. I've tried to do some research on this in the past but didn't find this video which has technical merit not just an anecdotal recount from someone who's been darksiding "forever" with no ill effects. I've got my flame retardant suit on...

[Questcap]

Much appreciate it! Almost, kinda, makes a case for the Goldwing tourer-types that go long trips on super-slabs, but for all the rest of us... Not near so much! Again, thanks!

[Jaybo]

Got my darkside tire on my new rim ready to be installed. I will see how it works out, Was impressed with Tykes ride, following him on a very twisty paved forest road 3 years ago, We were both pushing it in the corners and I have been wanting to try it out for myself. If I hate it, I'll replace it, but going to give it a chance

[Chromepony]

You will not hate it !

[Brad_G]

I have no experience nor skin in this. I had read a few threads on another site and it did seem interesting and most that have done it swear by it. And for many of their reasons it seemed like it worked for them.

As much as I wanted to hit 5K miles last summer I fell short of that goal. So if I look at it objectively for myself, going darkside to get the longer life before needing to change rears doesn't make much sense. I'd be riding on an OLD tire before it's a worn out tire. So for me personally, sticking with a MC tire and replacing it every 3-5 years is probably the best option.

[roadiemort]

I'm probably in the same boat but will try it since I will be mostly local city riding since my wreck ( hope to start again this summer ) and will help with wet stopping distances, like you said if it sucks back I go.

[Jaybo]

I also have 4 miles of gravel every time I ride so I'm hard on tires and being able to more easily plug a tire if needed will be a nice bonus.

[Shores]

I also have 4 miles of gravel every time I ride so I'm hard on tires and being able to more easily plug a tire if needed will be a nice bonus.

Hey Jay, did you seal your spokes or did you install a tube with your car tire?

[Jaybo]

Steve, I have a new cast rear wheel to go with the new Invader wheel up front.

[Tykes_Place]

I can't wait to see that Invader. I bet it looks sharp!

[Jaybo]

Darrel, it really sets it off nicely! so much better than the spoke wheels. Changed the whole look. Now I kind of want to do a different fender though! one thing leads to another, Eh?

[Shores]

Steve, I have a new cast rear wheel to go with the new Invader wheel up front.

That’s right! I forgot. I have two in the garage also waiting for my next tire change.

[Spydr]

Haaa Haaa Haaa Haaa! You guys are Funny.
Do it or don't do it... But quit forcing your opinion
on the rest of us!

[D-Fresh]

I think its like the video said he was stating the facts of darksiding and its up to the rider to decide if they want to do it or not. I thought it was a great video because it discussed the engineering of all the components and had diagrams as to what is actually going on in both MC and car tires when in motion. Most "discussions" on this subject talk about individual experiences not the science behind it, a better way to make a decision IMO.

[Father Pobasturd]

I think with a sidecar rig Darkside might be the way to go. A sidecar rig can grind down the best of rear tires in 3000 miles because it subjects the tire to scrubbing forces it is not designed to deal with. Straight up 2 wheeler I think I'll stick with the M/C tires. I have no problems with those who choose to do otherwise.

[Questcap]

FPB, you make an interesting point... about using one on the rear of a bike with sidecar rig! I'd definitely go with one under that circumstance! Now, how would a wheelmaker do, if they actually made automobile-lipped rims to be relaced onto bike hubs... Or, whole bike wheels with auto wheel rim lips on them... for "sidecar purposes only"? Just a thought.........

[erizo]

back in the 80´s they were still making sidecar specific tyres over this side of the pond with a square section and `sidecar use only´ on the sidewalls.

by the time i got my first outfit, they were no longer being made, so i went for trail tyres front and rear with a normal tyre on the chair what would let it drift when i wanted it to.