Darkside tire is on!

[deacon]

My Goodyear triple tread (GYTT) is on the bike! There is room for about two credit cards to snuggly fit past the driveshaft tube. The bike shop initially put 32 psi in the tire but it felt mushy, brought it up to 35 psi and it feels much better. I haven't been far with it yet. I had plans to take it for a nice long ride but it's not registered yet, major "oops". I've been riding for about five weeks! I wouldn't have noticed except I had to get it inspected and couldn't find my 2011registration, then I realized I never registered it :-[ I plan to get it registered first thing in the morning and put some miles on it.

[cactusjack]

There's a tried and true break-in process for a car tire on a motorcycle. Inflate the tire to 40 psi and ride on it for 500 miles. Then, start dropping pressure in 1-2 psi increments until you find the "sweet spot", usually around 28-32 psi for most people. Deviation from this process may have unexpected results. ::)

[blowndodge]

And you could end up buying a Harley!!

[Kawhead]

Here we go........................

[AlabamaNomadRider]

I would do as CactusJack says and once you find the sweet spot it should be fine.

[deacon]

I went for a 130 mile ride at 35 psi :-[, am I gonna die! Seriously, why do I need to break the tire in that way? I am going on a four day trip this weekend and will be riding two up (total weight will be around 500lbs with gear). It feels good where it is now. I am really liking the way the bike rides and handles with this tire (GYTT)

[cactusjack]

I hate to say it, but because someone figured out a long time ago that's how you break in a car tire on a motorcycle. You're free to do what you like, but unless you are an experienced "dark sider", I'd follow the recommendations below.

This is from the "Riding the Dark Side Forum" on Delphi:

Let me explain. The 40# PSI for the 1st 500 miles is suggested because some tires are down right squirrely at lower pressures in the beginning.

(We must protect the newbies going DS. With so many riding styles, different brands, different models, different tires, plus riding conditions it is sometimes difficult to determine something that will work for all. Once you have used a tire and have become familar with it you may at your own decretion decide what is best for you, and your favorite tire. Please remember that what is best for you may not necessarily be good for some one riding a different bike who weighs a 150# more or less than you do. I just want to be on the safe side)



"Breaking In Your Tires " FROM TIRE RACK TECH

Tires are comprised of many layers of rubber, steel and fabric. Due to these different components, your new tires require a break-in period to ensure that they deliver their normal ride quality and maximum performance. As tires are cured, a release lubricant is applied to prevent them from sticking in their mold. Some of the lubricant stays on the surface of your tires, reducing traction until it is worn away. Five hundred miles of easy acceleration, cornering and braking will allow the mold release lubricant to wear off, allowing the other tire components to begin working together. It is also important to note that your old tires probably had very little tread depth remaining when you felt it was time to replace them. As any autocrosser or racer who has tread rubber shaved off of his tires will tell you, low tread depth tires respond quicker."Don't be surprised if your new tires are a little slower to respond (even if you use the exact same tire as before). Their new, full depth brings with it a little more tread squirm until they wear down.


Note: Be careful when you explore the capabilities of your new tires. Remember that every tire requires a break-in period for optimum performance"

[deacon]

Thanks Cactus! I don't have any previous experience with c/t, but feel very comfortable with it. It really feels good at 35 psi. I don't ride aggressively so I'm not to concerned with the tire sliding on me. I'm going to ride it some more tomorrow. Thanks again for the in-put

[blowndodge]

Originally Posted by AlabamaNomadRider

I would do as CactusJack says and once you find the sweet spot it should be fine.

I love you man!!!!! ;)

[dkdixie]

Deacon, To add to Scotts good advise, if you have too much air pressure you'll end up wearing out the center thread prematurely. That happened to me on my 1st ct, Dunlop SP5000 and to a lesser degree on my 2nd, Vredestein Quatrac 2.
But, for whatever reason, I'm hard on tires! 28-32lbs seems to be the norm.
You might want to check with Kawhead and/or VulcanE both of which are running the GYTT. I know Cliff, VulcanE, is under 30lbs on his.

[deacon]

Thanks DK, as I stated in one of posts I'm going on a 4 day trip up the coast of Maine with my son (passenger). I may not mess with the pressure to much then but I will experiment more when I don't have a passenger. Thanks for the help!

[markclark57]

The first 500 on my GYTT was at 35 psi. I thought that it was me that was getting broke in. Going from the wet street to the dry garage I noticed more center tread in the "foot print". Got used to how the tire rides, then dropped to 30 psi. The wet "foot print" looks better and the ride is better than any MT that I ever had.

[blowndodge]

I run 28-30 on my Vanco 8 LT tire and it's wearing very evenly across Mark.

[markclark57]

Originally Posted by Blowndodge "Darksider"

I run 28-30 on my Vanco 8 LT tire and it's wearing very evenly across Mark.

Are you calling me abrasive???

[Kawhead]

35#'s is gonna be fine. Just take it easy for a couple hundred miles at least.

I only wish that others could know the warmth in the blanket of security that the GYTT provides. :-[