BMW K1600 Forum banner

Is it wrong to base your darkside choice on...

7.8K views 65 replies 21 participants last post by  Fnridera Bubblehead  
#1 · (Edited)
... how the tire looks?

It is not the only factor, but an asymmetrical tire just does not look right on a bike.
I know there is no real difference for most tires being symmetrical vs asymmetrical, but since it is on a bike and each side will be ridden on when cornering, different blocks and compounds could theoretically cause handling differences.
I know it probably is not something I would ever tell, but still.
This will be my 4th darkside tire, and only 1 was asymetrical, and it just bugged the heck out of me every time I saw it.

I am in process of deciding what tire to get (a 205/50/17 V or W speed rated), and while I would like a run-flat, none that are available are truly symmetrical treads (I am buying from Discount Tire, my son works there and I get to use his employee discount, like 30% off).
The closest is a Pirelli Cinturato P7, but not quite symmetrical.

So I have kind of narrowed it down to these tires in no particular order:

Kumho Ecsta PS31:
Image


BFGoodrichG-Force Sport Comp 2:
Image


Toyo Extensa HP II:
Image


HankookVentus V2 Concept 2 H457 (I went with this one):
Image



These are all 45,000 miles tires. Not sure if it will make a difference (edit: I think it does, looking at 60,000 mile tires next time)
I have seen some review here on some of these tires here, but a few have no reviews on a bike.

The other issue I know I am going to have is that with a spacer the wheel will be slightly offset, and I hope that does not bug me too much.

edit: this is just a spot for me to put other symetrical 60,000 mile tires I am considering for future use.
KumhoSolus 4S HA32
FirestoneWeathergrip
HankookKinergy 4S2 H750
GeneralAltimax 365AW
 
#5 ·
I just went thru a Perelli Centurato P7 and replaced it with the Hankook V2. I chose the Hankook for symmetry and a bit more of a rounded profile. First tire I sought when I purchased the Perelli was the BFG Sport Comp 2. Sometimes, I get paralysis of analysis and just need to pick one and move fwd. So far so good.
 
#19 ·
I don't have a CT on the 1600 yet, so no pics of my bike.
But I have had it on other bikes in the past.
1994 Honda VT 1100 Shadow, even this tire bugged me some, but almost symmetrical, about 7,000 miles on this tire, still looks new:
Image

1994 Honda Goldwing:
Image


Front tires have varied, but my plan is to go double dark on the 1600 when I get to that point.
The Shadow had a Pirelli MT 66 on the front, and looked fine when I sold the bike with 9,000 miles on the tire. The previous tire was a Dunop D4 that was dry rotted when I go the bike. Unknown mileage, but had good tread depth.
The '94 Goldwing I had tried a Kenda Kruse Rear tire (poor choice, lasted < 4,000 miles) the previous Dunlop E4 had 13,000 miles on it. Tried something different than other double darksiders and made a poor choice.

Looks would be the last thing I would consider when buying a tire. My first concern would be handling, my second concern would be longevity followed by cost and those would be the three criteria I would use to decide which tire to buy.
It is not really about the look per se, it is a symmetrical vs asymmetrical issue.
Symetrical vs asymmetrical is a design choice by the maker, and affects handling and longevity.
Asymmetrical tires tend to have different compounds across the tire than can wear differently. The tread block design also affects grip, heat and wear.
Having a tire that is same on each half may improve handling and wear. I have no proof of this, but in my mind makes sense.
Also, if handling is a primary concern, I would not be getting a CT. You take a hit with handling when you go with a CT regardless of what tire you choose.
There can be handling differences between CT on a bike as well, but hard to use that as a factor because everyone's opinion and expectations are different.
Price is not a huge issue, the cheapest tire I am looking at is $108, the most expensive is $170.
All are much cheaper than something like the Pilot 4.
 
#17 ·
I’m reaching the point where darkside thread = oil thread.
 
#25 ·
What dimension of car tire has been used or can be used on the front of the K1600 ?
Look at the Avon AM26 Roadrider or their Roadrider MKII (both 130 x 70) ... I forget which I have, but they're both on my comparison list.

The downside is that it'll wear into the top of the mudguard (not immediately, but eventually), but I fixed that with some shaped Kydex. And unless you know what you're looking at, you won't know it's not part of the OEM design.
 
#30 ·
There's a reason you don't see any car tires on the bike running the Isle of Man tt.

Yes you're saving money but you are giving up performance using them. I know the way I ride, I'd not give up the better performance of a m/c tire to save a few $$. I have more $$ than I can spend already. Health and safety is a priority to me. My hobbies are dangerous enough properly fitted. ymmv

 
#31 · (Edited)
Have you all accepted Christ as you Lord and Savior? I have documents that plainly state there is only one way to heaven, and motorcycles ain’t it.

What about your political candidate? I heard that he or she ain’t fit for office. Yep, they’re real scoundrels.

Now that we’ve found indisputable common ground, let’s move forward with these discussions. What’s that? We don’t agree on these things?? How can that be? I’ve examined these matters deeply and between expert opinions and common sense I believe you should be convinced. If you aren’t yet, by golly, when you’re done seeing it my way, you will be. It’s as plain as day if you’ll just see what I see.

Or, maybe we just live and let live. We live our lives as testimonies to the things we believe and hold dear and if that makes an impression and people ask how or why we do it, we share our experiences and let folks decide for themselves. Nahhhhh! That’s not nearly as much fun as belittling and arguing on the internet. What was I thinking?

Now that’s settled…these vaccines and the policies around them……

Sorry fellas, I’ve just been in bit of a mood lately. Back to the important stuff.
 
#44 ·
I used to have 3 rear wheels. 1 had always had a motorcycle tire on it with <50% thread for commuting and day-trips. Then I had a spare wheel with another motorcycle tire that was always ready for a long trip with > 80% thread, then I had a spare wheel with a car tire just to try since so many said it was great. It wasn’t. I hated it. Handled like a Harley. I sold that wheel and now just have the 1 spare wheel with a motorcycle tire always ready to go.
 
#54 ·
Did a search here and seems to be a common issue.
Something to do with the TPMS is set for sea level and 70°F.
If higher elevation or ambient temp, it will be off.
While I am near sea level (I am like 140 feet), temp, even "cold" is over 90°F.

I can live with being a few PSI off, so long as it alerts when I am low that is fine.
I do periodic manual checks regardless.
I don't keep it on that screen anyway, was just messing with it to make sure sensor was still working.
 
#59 ·
so to be clear, even if I am not on the TPMS pressure screen, I will get a TPMS alert somehow that my pressure is low (and what pressure does that turn on at if there is one)?
 
  • Haha
Reactions: coyotek
#60 ·
That happened to me in the Yukon when a small arrow shaped rock sliced through my tire. Scared the crap out of me. I didn't know what the warning meant until I saw the lower right tire pressure then my mind went bingo. Out in the middle of nowhere ...
Image