Have watched you since I bought my 2013 F6B, just darksided it with a yokahama avid envigor run flat . Best thing to date for ride, didn`t know my ride could get better. Thanks for all of your information
Hey Chris , I love what you are about to do . I ride with a lot of goldwing riders who ride on the dark side . Cant wait to see and hear what your response will be . I will be going to the dark side soon myself . The cost as well as the mileage plus the handling is what draws me to them ! I may suggest you change the valve stem to a metal one ! Thanks a lot and keep up the good work ! Floyd the best of both worlds !
I bought the Austone taxi tire for my 1500 goldwing about 4 years ago its still on it and has plenty of tread , also put about 50,000 miles on it , handles great in the rain and have done the dragon several times .
Thanks for another great video. Can’t wait to see your darkside video. Can you go across some grated roads, bridges on and off ramps. That way we can see and hear your unbiased thoughts
Been there, came back to an MC tire and will be going back to a car tire after this tire wears down. The car tire feels more stable than the MC tire, it’s less expensive and last longer. Since I recently bought a Bushtec trailer, Chris’s research makes a lot of sense in that the car tire would be a lot better for towing a trailer. I rode highway 191 with the car tire and my wing handled well and I did some pretty aggressive riding...Just my opinion. I will say this, most people who have called me out for dark siding have never tried it, yet they consider themselves experts. The problem you will have is finding an Indy tire shop that will mount a car tire on a motorcycle wheel. Most of your reputable tire shops will not do it. Also, I use dyna beads instead of lead. No problem at all. If your thinking about doing it, think about going with a run flat tire. The side wall will be a little stiffer but still pliable enough to run the twisties. Another thing to remember is you want to run the right tire pressure. Start off with 26lbs and work your way up. I ran mine at about 28lbs. Chris, I will say that your cost analysis is a bit off in that you’ll still have to buy front tires at regular intervals. Unfortunately, I can only get about 8,000-10,000 miles out of a front tire before it starts cupping so in that sense, I bought three front tires during the time I had 1 car tire to the rear. I like the Bridgestone front tire and got my for $77 dollars through ridersdomain.com. I paid $108 for my Yokohama Envigor run flat. It lasted two years but I did a lot of riding in that time. Keep in mind, that those of you who are riding newer bikes under warranty may want to see how this will affect warranty work.
Yes Chris I would like to know more about it before I try it myself. Your video was very informant and I really liked it. I think it would take some time to get used to, but with the money you save it might be worth it. Thanks
Omw to cali from ohio my Dunlap went flat in new mexico it was 6pm no bike shops could get me a rear tire. I googled options and found darkside. I put michellin 195/55r16 Primacy runflat on and after about 200mi i got used to the square feeling of the rear. I will not got back its my preference just like people who dont where helmets. Manufacturers have to say things for legal purposes just like gun channels on TH-cam. So I say all this to say if ur ever in a bind and need an option try it as a spare tire and see for yourself YMMV. Thanks 4 video stay safe riders.
Chris I have over 100,000 miles Darksiding and I love it. I usually ride about 15,000 miles a season so a big no no to MC tire. Another positive claim i have for CT is that it handles so much better when it is raining.
You pull a trailer and to my knowledge no bike manufacturer offers a trailer towing package they are not even about to be held liable and most likely deem it unsafe. Just like towing the trailer can be done safely with the right equipment I am sure dark siding can be done safe with the right tire. Be safe and enjoy waiting for your decision either way I will still enjoy your videos.
Hi Chris. A friend of mine put a car tire on the rear of his wing a few years back. At first he liked it but the more he rode it he said the handling wasn't as good and that it broke loose easier. Also the rear tire would probably track different from the front especially when roads are wet. Also, something to think about is if there ever was an accident and you went down ( God forbid), that it could be an issue with insurance for claims of damage or injury. Just something to consider. Thanks for your video's. Ride safe.
The only way to find out is try it yourself. I might give it a go next spring when I may need a new set of tires on my Vision. I tried a friends dark side on his 16 GL1800 last summer and it was not a big deal to get used to. In all fairness I did not have his bike long enough to give advice on it. But I will be watching your results. Good luck.
thanks chris for your research. I AM RESTORING a 85 aspencade I will go with a care tire. on my bmw 1150rt I ran the cheaper contis. I would get about 4k out of the rear and the grip all the way to the tires life was amazing in all situations. so I guess some change can be good
I think you will like it Chris, I ran a car tire on my 97 honda Valkyrie for years, and ran a car tire on my 06 goldwing it rode well, handled well, I loved the extra stoping power in the rain, and yes it will last much much longer than the motorcycle tires for way less money, nothing scientific here just personal experience for me.
Yeah Chris good friend of mine in Huntsville Al did the dark siding and the main thing he like about it was the mileage he got . But eventually he went back to a motorcycle tire he has around 250,000 miles on an 2002 Wing
Not sure about this one, but I’m anxious to see your review on how it rides and handles. 1 more word....WOW!!!!! I can’t believe that you are doing this.....but awaiting the DogFather thoughts on dark siding.....who knows, I might consider.....Nahhhhh!!!!!!!
Hey Chris, Just wanted to watch this video again. I did this on my first GL 1800. Didn’t give it enough time to work out the kinks. Been watching you ride with one on the 2016 and 2021. Though I don’t ride like you do, I just may darkside my 2008. Since they don’t carry the Bridgestone anymore, what tire do you recommend? Thanks for sharing. Ride safe and stay safe.✊🏾😊
What should the tire pressure be? Great videos by the way. I'm due for new tires soon on my 2023 DCT Goldwing, so this is something I'm interested in. Thanks Chris.
I am on my way to Alaska and was worried about what kind of tires to use for my Goldwing 1800. I as my Honda dealer for their recommendation and came back with a 950$ price tag. Then I remembered this video and decided to go dark side
I agree the car tire keeps the bike more upright IF THE pavement is smooth. If the pavement is wavy at slow speeds a car tire will make the bike feel wobbly...but you get used to it. Also, I typically have gotten 24-25,000 miles out of a car tire. A car tire rides smoother and has better traction in gravel, wet roads, and tar snakes.
Chris, There is a lot of engineering that goes into the construction of a tire. What you can't see on the outside of a tire is the number and orientation of the various belts and sidewall components/layers of the tire. Given the fact that motorcycle tires are intended to lean and are subjected to forces in directions that car tires are not, it's not a good idea to use a tire that is designed for an automotive application on a motorcycle. Remember, they are not just blobs of rubber... there are actually many different pieces that are assembled in a very specific way to make that tire what it is.
I the three bikes I have run car tires since 2007, I have logged over 80,000 miles in all types if conditions, Never an issue. People I generally ride with are not only excellent riders, they come from Yamaha FJR1300, Sport bikes of all makes and dirt bikes. Most of them run car tires and can drag pegs in the turns never a issue. If you compare the contact patch between a bike tire and a car tire, the car tire has three or more area that remains in contact with the road even in the sharpest of turns regardless if speed. People with absolutely no knowledge of using a car tire tend to make up stories or false opinions. Honestly, whom ever runs a CT or not has absolutely no barring on what I use in my bike. Whether or not you use a CT is a personal opinion.
Look up yellow wolf on the tail. He rides a gl1800 and is double dark ( car tire rear, and rear bike tire on front) . And is easily one of the quickest wings I have ever seen. ( There is tons of rider skill at play here, but to see what he can make the machine do is short of amazing)
A non-run flat will feel more like a motorcycle tire than a run flat with very stiff sidewalls. A co-worker used a Kumho run flat and did not care for it. Its sidewalls were very stiff and correcting for crosswinds made the bike feel unbalanced. He switched to a Michelin non-run flat car tire and loves it. A non-run flat tire will still act somewhat like a run flat compared to a motorcycle tire. Unfortunately, I've experienced this a couple times.
Can't wait to see n hear the results of the car tire, need a new rear n front for my 1985 1200 Aspencade, Dunlops r on now. I'm only the 2nd owner, just over 4 years now n want to put on new tires b4 I sell it. Don't want to sell but need a new roof on the house.
Hey Chris I ride a 08 Gl1800 and between my self and my wife we go about 500 pounds. My wife says that she much prefers the car tire to the motorcycle tire because to her it is a smother ride which I also find it to be smoother for me also. I do not agree that it takes more effort to turn for me it turns just like the Dunlop's. I have been using the Bridge stone drive gaurs run flat for about 2000 miles and I love it. I wish I would have went with it the first time I ever put a tire on the bike. It does handle much better on groved pavement as well as on gravel. I will never ever go back to a motorcycle tire on the rear.
I would be interested in knowing if there has ever been a reported crash, wreck, loss of traction, or mishap do to someone using car tires on a Goldwing? Also does using a dark side tire void your warranty, or insurance in anyway? Is it true that car tires have different sized beads, and don't seat to motorcycle rims as they should? I will be very interested in following this test. Particularly when it comes to wet, and curvy roads.
Chris what is the size and make of the tire in your video i run a Michelin now and i love the ride but they discontinued it and the one you show looks good is it a run flat great videos
Chris thanks for posting we are listening to a man that actually rides put smiles on have not gone dark sided yet as myself but will in the future we are being ripped off by MC tower companies high high prices low miles just do the math
I've been using a car tire on the back of my wing for over 60,000 kms. I'll never go back. Better handling,ride,much better in the wet,it lasts far longer, and the load capacity is far greater than a MC tire. An added bonus is that both tires have been run flats.
Back when Honda first came up with radial tires for the gold wing, right away people were complaining about just how few miles they were getting out of these $ expensive tires. This was some years ago. Now my question is, why didn't Honda do something about this problem? Very few gold wing riders get over on the side of their tread, as do sport bike riders, so why didn't Honda change the rear tires? Grooved pavement will affect your front tire more than the rear, some that point is moot, but when you consider cost and tire wear, I believe the dark side is the way to go.
I checked Led Schwab Tires here in NW an found a racing tire with more rounded sidewalls closer to motorcycle tire! Question might be the "Right" car tire rather than just car vs bike tires? (Tire guy talked about sidewall belt construction being more suited to bikes on various tires too)
Hey Chris. If you are curious about it, and you have the tire, I would do it. Of course being the type of man that you are, you would test it out first for awhile before planning a major trip. Most guys who pull trailers a lot do buy more tires, keep all of us posted. This subject could cause the tire manufacturers to make better tires for trailer pulling and for touring.
Chris, I want to double darkside my 2008 Goldwing GL-1800; did you use the original factory rims or did you have to buy something different?.... What size tire did you use for the front, or what size tire and type did (your friend in the video double dark siding) use?.... I would appreciate any information, thank you
Hey Chris I've been watching a lot of your videos and i would like to say thanks. As for the dark side. I have a CT on my Kawi zx14 I did it because I loved to do burn outs. I bought a 16' F6B last year and I'm getting close to my first tire change out. I don't see a video on why the tires you chose and why do you change the direction on the front. Please help
Hi, james wright. I also have a ZX14 (ZZR1400 here) and am considering going to the darkside. What CT size and pressure are you running? Thanks. Antonio
I just don't know about putting one on my F6B i run Metzelers ME888 they handle great in wet weather or dry that last set i got 16.559 miles out of those. My cousin has a car tire on his Vulcan Vaquero he just put his second tire on he said would never go back to a motorcycle tire. I ridden his Vaquero before and coming into a corner i can feel that car tire trying too stand that bike up!! I'll stick with my Metzelers for now I'm just not real convinced about the safety of using a car tire? And just to save a few dollars over safety I'm just not feeling it. But thank you for doing this i value your opinion. I'm looking forward to what you have to say about this use of a car?
Hey I have a question for you , after putting the car tire on your bike , how much space do you have on each side of tire near the top or did you have to modify anything, I just went dark side and looking at top underneath I have about a 1/4 inch or so on the right side is that about normal, thanks for responding to me
I know I commented on this the last time you videoed on darksiding. I don't have any data so the only thing I would have reservations about is using a car tire on a bike set up with a single swing arm like the GW. Again, no data but I wonder if anyone has done any stress measurements on the swing arm using both types of tires.
Just had a new set of Dunlap Elite 4 stalled on my motorcycle about a week ago. It would be interesting to know what you think about car tire on back of the wing.
I was looking for a car tire for my Harley a couple of years ago but nobody made the size that would fit. I just inherited my brother's Goldwing. It is a first gen 2010. I'm just now watching all the GW videos I can. I have never been able to get a15,000 out of tire no matter how well I take care of em. So I will use your math for the nerd part. The other factor to look at with your math is the how many miles per dollar is it? Therefore by taking the mileage and dividing the cost into it, you get the miles per dollar. It is 30 miles /dollar vs. 400 miles/dollar.
Chris everything has its advantages and disadvantage , My buddy brought a Goldwing with a darkside tire on it and he loves it at this point he is scared to try a motorcycle tire on the rear,, crazy I know right , and at this point he will probably never know how a motorcycle Feel, I know you know what I’m getting at ,, I would definitely be trying it ,, It leaves me to believe if a bridge stone is going flat in the middle of the motorcycle tire day and maybe Solution is a flat tire in the back, I drive a 18 wheeler I went to a set a tires hauling heavy loads of pipe the expert at Goodyear and Bridge stone suggested that used more of an aggressive tire, Because of the type of heavy hauling I do , So to me doing the math a car tire would be more aggressive for pulling a trailer and the Heavy bike , an older guy told me that has been riding gold wings for years years years even when my rear tire get flat spot in it ,, How did Taylor that I want to keep it and bring it home he told me once I get it home cut the tire and see how much more rubber that I have on it after it has warned a flat spot on ,,, and he was right even after the flat spot I could have Road more but We freaks out when we see a flat spot ,, so ask the Question why do we change the rear tire What it has become flat just a question to ask and see what answers u would get,, we could go on and on and on about this but the real answer is try it yourself ,,,,, Let me ask you this, How many people have you seen Wreck On motorcycle and had motorcycle tires on them and how many people have you seen Wrecked with a car tire on the motorcycle,,, Again it’s still up to you I know that I’m all over the place but sometimes you have to to get to where you going
Hi Chris I have a 2013 F6B deluxe I wondered about grip. I have Bridgestones love them and the grip is better than the dunlops.I have thought about Darkseid but wondered about the grip. Steve Miller from Iowa.
After watching numerous videos about darksiding, the only downside seems to be that it takes more air pressure to seat the bead between the tire and the rim due to the shape of the rims. Again while watching numerous videos, the contact patch is no less, if not more in a turn. I would specify a speed rated tire, and want it to be speed balanced, as opposed to a static balance of the tire. The dealers it seems have been ripping off the consumer for years on these motorcycle tires. If you race and need sticky tires, that is one thing, but having to buy new tires every eight to ten thousand miles is rediculous on a heavy weight cruiser. I still don't know about double dark siding, but I am willing to buy a speed rated tire for the rear tire on my Valkyrie when it is time to change.
chris what size tire you useing on rear im going to try car tire on rear i just broke my leg and going to grand caynon in 3 weeks wanting to see if it helps me keep bike upright at stops signs an lights
Something with the math doesn’t add up...... $500 US for a set of motorcycle tires (front and rear). Which I find expensive because I bought new Dunlop E4s (front and rear) and had them installed on my rims for $400 CDN. When Chris compares the cost of MC tires to go 60,000 miles via the dark side, he only factors in the cost of the rear tire. To go that 60,000 miles you will also require 4 front tires (unless you’re double-dark siding). You could probably add another $800 for the 4 front tires. Therefore to go 60,000 miles without the sun, would run you somewhere between $900-$1000. Still cheaper than MC tires front and rear, but certainly not $150 vs $2000. Also, when you were taking the tread measurements, I think the car tire had 1 cm (centimetre) of depth and the MC tire had .5 cm (or 5 millimetres) of depth. Good video though, keep the rubber side down!
My brother I need to go darkside but the bridgestone 195 55r-16 road guards I can't find them anywhere. Is there something else you or your friends can recommend for me to try ?🤔
I had a car tire on a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 because of the torque it produced and rode the the dragon with my wife on the back. I loved it. One thing that I believe is important is tire pressure. I ran car tire pressure in it and some guys run motorcycle tire pressure in it and I believe that’s issue. I believe you want the tire to flex and not be on the edge in curves. I may be wrong but motorcycle tire pressure is 40psi on the back, but car tire pressure can be as low as 28psi. I think if you run dark side you should run the pressure the tire recommends, maybe a little less to soften the ride. Good luck dude, enjoy your videos...
I darkside myself James and 28 psi is too low darksiding. To me it just doesn't feel natural. 38 thur 40 psi seems perfectly comfortable especially in curves.
Great video Chris let use know how it feel to ride with a car tire . I will be changing mine soon . So l will be watching and listening. Thanks again Chris
I was totally against it but I didn't want to be one of those people talking bad with no experience or ever trying it. I double Darksided my 17. Bridgestone driveguard run flat and a bt45 mounted backwards on the front. My experience was.. the first 30 miles I thought what did I do... After 90 I forgot it was on there. Now, I'll never change back. I tow a camper with mine. Handles great. I didnt do it for the money savings. I put a lot of miles on and I dont want the inconvenience of finding someplace to change a tire when I travel or have to change a tire early because of a trip.
You also for got that a car tire is made to set on a car or even a SUV and the Weights of the car is a lot more than a goldwing so the car tire may even last even longer when it’s on a bike than a car just because of the Weight
You forgot the front tire! 500 buys a set of front and back. 150 buys the rear tire only. So about 800 needs to be added to the 150 coming to 950 vs 2000
One of the things you might consider is insurance. If you are in an accident you may be liable for modifying the motorcycle in a way that would be considered dangerous. I would check with your insurance company.
I am wondering if someone out there has looked at the weight rateing difference of the two tires would be. I have recently went to an Voyager trike kit so I am really thinking of darksideing. What is the size tire?
Kevin Thornton the weight rating on the Bridgestones Drivegard 195 55 16 Runflat tire is 1200 lbs, but take in consideration that the weight of the motorcycle is shared between both front and back wheels, not just the rear.
Chris, I run a 195-65/R16 Car Tire on my 2015 F6B. I ran a 205-50/R17 on my 2008 Yamaha FJR1300. I get at least 35,000 on my rear car tire. I can probably run past most any other rider in the mountain curves with my car tire. I cannot exceed 8500 miles on my stock Bridgestone.
Dan Compton , damn the miles. I'm running what's safe. Honda makes automobiles and motorcycles. I think if they intended for the motorcycles to have car tires installed on them and motorcycle tires installed on their cars, they'd install them on each for us. I'm sticking with the Bridgestones
dlos1987 I live in Arizona, I was on my way home from Santa Fe, NM and it poured down rain from Taos, NM to Flagstaff. My car tire was shooting a Rooster tail 50ft into the air behind me. No vehicle of any type wanted to be behind my bike, which I like. My friend and I were running 85-90mph in pouring rain, never worried about my car tire losing grip. In the mountains, people say to me, I want to ride behind you so I can see what that car tire does. I tell them, better look fast because in two turns I will be gone and you will not be able to see me any more. I can take corners on my F6B almost as fast as I can on my FJR. I have been running a CT since 2008, I pull a trailer on my F6B. Never had any incident what so ever. Tire manufacturers want to sell you a tire for almost $300. My CT cost under $100. Also the weight capacity is double than the bike tire. Around home, I run 32psi, on a trip I run 45psi. But, it to each it's own.
I just watched a guy with a gl1800 on a track with a kumho sport car tire on the rear with other touring bikes and the guy with the car tire just about lap’ed everybody. which I find pretty impressive. I think if you do a lot of highway miles especially if you’re loaded down and pulling a trailer plus a passenger a good quality car tire is a good option. I don’t care what the haters say I haven’t heard one bad thing happening to anyone that does it and people have been doing it for many years. The only downside is it will take a little more effort to flick it. kinda like you have a flat wore out back tire. so you won’t be able to flick it back and forth as quickly but it’s not like we’re talking about riding Ducati‘s either and let’s face it that car tire can handle more weight and stress than any motorcycle tire ever thought of doing. depending on the tire it might even be able to deal with the weight of the entire bike by itself. so If I can go 30K + on 1 one tire,get better traction wet or dry i can run heavy and it doesn’t faze it at all. why not. it’s a two wheeled Cadillac not a sport bike.
Chris a motorcycle tire have a sticky substance that grips the road when it heats up to hold you on the road without sliding on 2 wheels. A car tire does not because it doesn't need it,why,because a car have 4 wheels. That car tire not gonna stick to the road like you need for it to do. Think about it?
DjTwon40 I am sorry sir but you are wrong I live and ride in Alabama and have risen when it was 100 degrees and my car tire handled great no slipping at all.
TERRY Glisson Cool bro but motorcycle tires have a sticky substance for traction. Maybe a car tire is a good thing. I don't know bro. I'm just assuming fam.
Car tires also have a special compound when they get warm they grip better. I'm switching to the dark side this year because I went through 2 rear tires last season alone I need more ride time mileage
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I went to the darkside almost ten years ago. Love it!
neredeyse on yıl önce darkside'a gittim. Sevdim
Have watched you since I bought my 2013 F6B, just darksided it with a yokahama avid envigor run flat . Best thing to date for ride, didn`t know my ride could get better. Thanks for all of your information
Hey Chris , I love what you are about to do . I ride with a lot of goldwing riders who ride on the dark side . Cant wait to see and hear what your response will be . I will be going to the dark side soon myself . The cost as well as the mileage plus the handling is what draws me to them ! I may suggest you change the valve stem to a metal one ! Thanks a lot and keep up the good work !
Floyd the best of both worlds !
I love your video probably one of the most informational videos I've seen on this so far and
Hey Chris, I went to the Dark side on my Goldwing because of you. And I am so thankful. Keep the rubber side down my Goldwing brother.
Great test and video. Looking forward to your objective results.
chris love your vids,keep up the good work. i have a gl1500 and plan on selling to get a nice used gl1800 and plan on darksiding . stay safe brother
I bought the Austone taxi tire for my 1500 goldwing about 4 years ago its still on it and has plenty of tread , also put about 50,000 miles on it , handles great in the rain and have done the dragon several times .
Thanks for another great video. Can’t wait to see your darkside video. Can you go across some grated roads, bridges on and off ramps. That way we can see and hear your unbiased thoughts
Very smart to do the comparison. I will put on a car tire this winter.
Been there, came back to an MC tire and will be going back to a car tire after this tire wears down.
The car tire feels more stable than the MC tire, it’s less expensive and last longer. Since I recently bought a Bushtec trailer, Chris’s research makes a lot of sense in that the car tire would be a lot better for towing a trailer.
I rode highway 191 with the car tire and my wing handled well and I did some pretty aggressive riding...Just my opinion.
I will say this, most people who have called me out for dark siding have never tried it, yet they consider themselves experts.
The problem you will have is finding an Indy tire shop that will mount a car tire on a motorcycle wheel. Most of your reputable tire shops will not do it.
Also, I use dyna beads instead of lead. No problem at all.
If your thinking about doing it, think about going with a run flat tire. The side wall will be a little stiffer but still pliable enough to run the twisties.
Another thing to remember is you want to run the right tire pressure. Start off with 26lbs and work your way up. I ran mine at about 28lbs.
Chris, I will say that your cost analysis is a bit off in that you’ll still have to buy front tires at regular intervals.
Unfortunately, I can only get about 8,000-10,000 miles out of a front tire before it starts cupping so in that sense, I bought three front tires during the time I had 1 car tire to the rear.
I like the Bridgestone front tire and got my for $77 dollars through ridersdomain.com.
I paid $108 for my Yokohama Envigor run flat. It lasted two years but I did a lot of riding in that time.
Keep in mind, that those of you who are riding newer bikes under warranty may want to see how this will affect warranty work.
Yes Chris I would like to know more about it before I try it myself. Your video was very informant and I really liked it. I think it would take some time to get used to, but with the money you save it might be worth it. Thanks
BlackJack I got used to mine within 10 miles no downside to it
Omw to cali from ohio my Dunlap went flat in new mexico it was 6pm no bike shops could get me a rear tire. I googled options and found darkside. I put michellin 195/55r16 Primacy runflat on and after about 200mi i got used to the square feeling of the rear. I will not got back its my preference just like people who dont where helmets. Manufacturers have to say things for legal purposes just like gun channels on TH-cam. So I say all this to say if ur ever in a bind and need an option try it as a spare tire and see for yourself YMMV. Thanks 4 video stay safe riders.
Good answer,, my bro, the only real way to know is to try it ,,
Hey Chris thanks for the comparison of the 2 tires. I will be trying out my 1st set, changing over to the dark side, on my ‘90 Goldwing 1500.
What size tire on the 1500 I hit a brighstone 195-55 16 and that place I took it to said it’s to big ?
Ive been running the dark side on my Victory Cross Country Tour for about 15000 miles and love it I don’t have to worry about my tire it’s awesome
Chris I have over 100,000 miles Darksiding and I love it. I usually ride about 15,000 miles a season so a big no no to MC tire. Another positive claim i have for CT is that it handles so much better when it is raining.
You pull a trailer and to my knowledge no bike manufacturer offers a trailer towing package they are not even about to be held liable and most likely deem it unsafe. Just like towing the trailer can be done safely with the right equipment I am sure dark siding can be done safe with the right tire. Be safe and enjoy waiting for your decision either way I will still enjoy your videos.
Hi Chris. A friend of mine put a car tire on the rear of his wing a few years back. At first he liked it but the more he rode it he said the handling wasn't as good and that it broke loose easier. Also the rear tire would probably track different from the front especially when roads are wet. Also, something to think about is if there ever was an accident and you went down ( God forbid), that it could be an issue with insurance for claims of damage or injury. Just something to consider. Thanks for your video's. Ride safe.
Beautiful video
The only way to find out is try it yourself. I might give it a go next spring when I may need a new set of tires on my Vision. I tried a friends dark side on his 16 GL1800 last summer and it was not a big deal to get used to. In all fairness I did not have his bike long enough to give advice on it. But I will be watching your results. Good luck.
I just went DARKSIDE, and I ain't NEVER going back CHRIS.
thanks chris for your research. I AM RESTORING a 85 aspencade I will go with a care tire. on my bmw 1150rt I ran the cheaper contis. I would get about 4k out of the rear and the grip all the way to the tires life was amazing in all situations. so I guess some change can be good
I think you will like it Chris, I ran a car tire on my 97 honda Valkyrie for years, and ran a car tire on my 06 goldwing it rode well, handled well, I loved the extra stoping power in the rain, and yes it will last much much longer than the motorcycle tires for way less money, nothing scientific here just personal experience for me.
Yeah Chris good friend of mine in Huntsville Al did the dark siding and the main thing he like about it was the mileage he got . But eventually he went back to a motorcycle tire he has around 250,000 miles on an 2002 Wing
Not sure about this one, but I’m anxious to see your review on how it rides and handles. 1 more word....WOW!!!!! I can’t believe that you are doing this.....but awaiting the DogFather thoughts on dark siding.....who knows, I might consider.....Nahhhhh!!!!!!!
I have approximately 15,000 miles on my car tire and it still looks brand new.
Hey Chris,
Just wanted to watch this video again. I did this on my first GL 1800. Didn’t give it enough time to work out the kinks. Been watching you ride with one on the 2016 and 2021. Though I don’t ride like you do, I just may darkside my 2008. Since they don’t carry the Bridgestone anymore, what tire do you recommend? Thanks for sharing. Ride safe and stay safe.✊🏾😊
What should the tire pressure be? Great videos by the way. I'm due for new tires soon on my 2023 DCT Goldwing, so this is something I'm interested in. Thanks Chris.
Rider magazine did a very good article on this topic in 2012. Good read and food for thought!
Randy
Randy Hickman kinda difficult to find a copy to read?
I am on my way to Alaska and was worried about what kind of tires to use for my Goldwing 1800. I as my Honda dealer for their recommendation and came back with a 950$ price tag. Then I remembered this video and decided to go dark side
I agree the car tire keeps the bike more upright IF THE pavement is smooth. If the pavement is wavy at slow speeds a car tire will make the bike feel wobbly...but you get used to it.
Also, I typically have gotten 24-25,000 miles out of a car tire.
A car tire rides smoother and has better traction in gravel, wet roads, and tar snakes.
Chris, There is a lot of engineering that goes into the construction of a tire. What you can't see on the outside of a tire is the number and orientation of the various belts and sidewall components/layers of the tire. Given the fact that motorcycle tires are intended to lean and are subjected to forces in directions that car tires are not, it's not a good idea to use a tire that is designed for an automotive application on a motorcycle. Remember, they are not just blobs of rubber... there are actually many different pieces that are assembled in a very specific way to make that tire what it is.
I the three bikes I have run car tires since 2007, I have logged over 80,000 miles in all types if conditions, Never an issue. People I generally ride with are not only excellent riders, they come from Yamaha FJR1300, Sport bikes of all makes and dirt bikes. Most of them run car tires and can drag pegs in the turns never a issue. If you compare the contact patch between a bike tire and a car tire, the car tire has three or more area that remains in contact with the road even in the sharpest of turns regardless if speed.
People with absolutely no knowledge of using a car tire tend to make up stories or false opinions. Honestly, whom ever runs a CT or not has absolutely no barring on what I use in my bike. Whether or not you use a CT is a personal opinion.
There is almost no difference in the way car tires and motorcycle tires are assembled! They are both designed to roll down the road!!!!
Waiting to hear your review on this one. Can't imagine it would be safe to do the Dragon on a car tire!
Look up yellow wolf on the tail. He rides a gl1800 and is double dark ( car tire rear, and rear bike tire on front) . And is easily one of the quickest wings I have ever seen. ( There is tons of rider skill at play here, but to see what he can make the machine do is short of amazing)
A non-run flat will feel more like a motorcycle tire than a run flat with very stiff sidewalls. A co-worker used a Kumho run flat and did not care for it. Its sidewalls were very stiff and correcting for crosswinds made the bike feel unbalanced. He switched to a Michelin non-run flat car tire and loves it.
A non-run flat tire will still act somewhat like a run flat compared to a motorcycle tire. Unfortunately, I've experienced this a couple times.
Exactly right on money!! lots of constant use = dark side / little use = regular tire
I feel like in a couple of your Video's where Aunt Ester said "What Chu Say Nigga!!!" LOL. Never thought I'd see you do this Brother. Be Safe Wit It.
Can't wait to see n hear the results of the car tire, need a new rear n front for my 1985 1200 Aspencade, Dunlops r on now. I'm only the 2nd owner, just over 4 years now n want to put on new tires b4 I sell it. Don't want to sell but need a new roof on the house.
Hey Chris I ride a 08 Gl1800 and between my self and my wife we go about 500 pounds. My wife says that she much prefers the car tire to the motorcycle tire because to her it is a smother ride which I also find it to be smoother for me also. I do not agree that it takes more effort to turn for me it turns just like the Dunlop's. I have been using the Bridge stone drive gaurs run flat for about 2000 miles and I love it. I wish I would have went with it the first time I ever put a tire on the bike. It does handle much better on groved pavement as well as on gravel. I will never ever go back to a motorcycle tire on the rear.
Looking forward to see the results. I would just question the warranty. The motorcycle warranty is not cover with the dark side tire.
I was wondering about the leaning into a turn and what tire pressure to use on the car tire? Have a great day Sir....
This intro is awesome.
I would be interested in knowing if there has ever been a reported crash, wreck, loss of traction, or mishap do to someone using car tires on a Goldwing? Also does using a dark side tire void your warranty, or insurance in anyway? Is it true that car tires have different sized beads, and don't seat to motorcycle rims as they should? I will be very interested in following this test. Particularly when it comes to wet, and curvy roads.
Chris what is the size and make of the tire in your video i run a Michelin now and i love the ride but they discontinued it
and the one you show looks good is it a run flat great videos
chris . been there done that , Wow never go back to a bike tire . Honda goldwing 1500 . rides like
a new bike
Chris thanks for posting we are listening to a man that actually rides put smiles on have not gone dark sided yet as myself but will in the future we are being ripped off by MC tower companies high high prices low miles just do the math
I've been using a car tire on the back of my wing for over 60,000 kms. I'll never go back. Better handling,ride,much better in the wet,it lasts far longer, and the load capacity is far greater than a MC tire. An added bonus is that both tires have been run flats.
Back when Honda first came up with radial tires for the gold wing, right away people were complaining about just how few miles they were getting out of these $ expensive tires. This was some years ago. Now my question is, why didn't Honda do something about this problem? Very few gold wing riders get over on the side of their tread, as do sport bike riders, so why didn't Honda change the rear tires? Grooved pavement will affect your front tire more than the rear, some that point is moot, but when you consider cost and tire wear, I believe the dark side is the way to go.
I checked Led Schwab Tires here in NW an found a racing tire with more rounded sidewalls closer to motorcycle tire! Question might be the "Right" car tire rather than just car vs bike tires? (Tire guy talked about sidewall belt construction being more suited to bikes on various tires too)
Hey Chris. If you are curious about it, and you have the tire, I would do it. Of course being the type of man that you are, you would test it out first for awhile before planning a major trip. Most guys who pull trailers a lot do buy more tires, keep all of us posted. This subject could cause the tire manufacturers to make better tires for trailer pulling and for touring.
Chris, I want to double darkside my 2008 Goldwing GL-1800; did you use the original factory rims or did you have to buy something different?....
What size tire did you use for the front, or what size tire and type did (your friend in the video double dark siding) use?.... I would appreciate any information, thank you
Hey Chris I've been watching a lot of your videos and i would like to say thanks.
As for the dark side. I have a CT on my Kawi zx14 I did it because I loved to do burn outs. I bought a 16' F6B last year and I'm getting close to my first tire change out. I don't see a video on why the tires you chose and why do you change the direction on the front. Please help
Hi, james wright. I also have a ZX14 (ZZR1400 here) and am considering going to the darkside. What CT size and pressure are you running? Thanks. Antonio
I'd also love to know gas mileage difference with the flat contact patch.
I just don't know about putting one on my F6B i run Metzelers ME888 they handle great in wet weather or dry that last set i got 16.559 miles out of those.
My cousin has a car tire on his Vulcan Vaquero he just put his second tire on he said would never go back to a motorcycle tire.
I ridden his Vaquero before and coming into a corner i can feel that car tire trying too stand that bike up!! I'll stick with my Metzelers for now I'm just not real convinced about the safety of using a car tire? And just to save a few dollars over safety I'm just not feeling it.
But thank you for doing this i value your opinion.
I'm looking forward to what you have to say about this use of a car?
Hey I have a question for you , after putting the car tire on your bike , how much space do you have on each side of tire near the top or did you have to modify anything, I just went dark side and looking at top underneath I have about a 1/4 inch or so on the right side is that about normal, thanks for responding to me
I know I commented on this the last time you videoed on darksiding. I don't have any data so the only thing I would have reservations about is using a car tire on a bike set up with a single swing arm like the GW. Again, no data but I wonder if anyone has done any stress measurements on the swing arm using both types of tires.
Just had a new set of Dunlap Elite 4 stalled on my motorcycle about a week ago. It would be interesting to know what you think about car tire on back of the wing.
John Donahue best thing I ever did
I was looking for a car tire for my Harley a couple of years ago but nobody made the size that would fit. I just inherited my brother's Goldwing. It is a first gen 2010. I'm just now watching all the GW videos I can. I have never been able to get a15,000 out of tire no matter how well I take care of em. So I will use your math for the nerd part. The other factor to look at with your math is the how many miles per dollar is it? Therefore by taking the mileage and dividing the cost into it, you get the miles per dollar. It is 30 miles /dollar vs. 400 miles/dollar.
Chris everything has its advantages and disadvantage , My buddy brought a Goldwing with a darkside tire on it and he loves it at this point he is scared to try a motorcycle tire on the rear,, crazy I know right , and at this point he will probably never know how a motorcycle Feel, I know you know what I’m getting at ,, I would definitely be trying it ,, It leaves me to believe if a bridge stone is going flat in the middle of the motorcycle tire day and maybe Solution is a flat tire in the back, I drive a 18 wheeler I went to a set a tires hauling heavy loads of pipe the expert at Goodyear and Bridge stone suggested that used more of an aggressive tire, Because of the type of heavy hauling I do , So to me doing the math a car tire would be more aggressive for pulling a trailer and the Heavy bike , an older guy told me that has been riding gold wings for years years years even when my rear tire get flat spot in it ,, How did Taylor that I want to keep it and bring it home he told me once I get it home cut the tire and see how much more rubber that I have on it after it has warned a flat spot on ,,, and he was right even after the flat spot I could have Road more but We freaks out when we see a flat spot ,, so ask the Question why do we change the rear tire What it has become flat just a question to ask and see what answers u would get,, we could go on and on and on about this but the real answer is try it yourself
,,,,, Let me ask you this, How many people have you seen Wreck On motorcycle and had motorcycle tires on them and how many people have you seen Wrecked with a car tire on the motorcycle,,, Again it’s still up to you I know that I’m all over the place but sometimes you have to to get to where you going
Hi Chris I have a 2013 F6B deluxe I wondered about grip. I have Bridgestones love them and the grip is better than the dunlops.I have thought about Darkseid but wondered about the grip. Steve Miller from Iowa.
I'm wanting to try this myself but how do you know what size car tire to get versus the bike tire that is on your bike?
car tire is good,im used,tanks chris
After watching numerous videos about darksiding, the only downside seems to be that it takes more air pressure to seat the bead between the tire and the rim due to the shape of the rims. Again while watching numerous videos, the contact patch is no less, if not more in a turn. I would specify a speed rated tire, and want it to be speed balanced, as opposed to a static balance of the tire. The dealers it seems have been ripping off the consumer for years on these motorcycle tires. If you race and need sticky tires, that is one thing, but having to buy new tires every eight to ten thousand miles is rediculous on a heavy weight cruiser. I still don't know about double dark siding, but I am willing to buy a speed rated tire for the rear tire on my Valkyrie when it is time to change.
chris what size tire you useing on rear im going to try car tire on rear i just broke my leg and going to grand caynon in 3 weeks wanting to see if it helps me keep bike upright at stops signs an lights
Chris i,m replacing my bridgestone 180 60 16 mc tire with a 195 55 16 drive guard run flat. Did i choose the right size for this swap
What size tire do i use just bought my goldwing 1500 to pull a small trailer last week Gary K
Something with the math doesn’t add up......
$500 US for a set of motorcycle tires (front and rear). Which I find expensive because I bought new Dunlop E4s (front and rear) and had them installed on my rims for $400 CDN.
When Chris compares the cost of MC tires to go 60,000 miles via the dark side, he only factors in the cost of the rear tire. To go that 60,000 miles you will also require 4 front tires (unless you’re double-dark siding). You could probably add another $800 for the 4 front tires.
Therefore to go 60,000 miles without the sun, would run you somewhere between $900-$1000.
Still cheaper than MC tires front and rear, but certainly not $150 vs $2000.
Also, when you were taking the tread measurements, I think the car tire had 1 cm (centimetre) of depth and the MC tire had .5 cm (or 5 millimetres) of depth.
Good video though, keep the rubber side down!
My brother I need to go darkside but the bridgestone 195 55r-16 road guards I can't find them anywhere.
Is there something else you or your friends can recommend for me to try ?🤔
Good afternoon, I was interested in putting a car tire on the back of my Goldwing what size tire do you use?
What rear make and size tire do you currently run on your goldwing?
I had a car tire on a Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 because of the torque it produced and rode the the dragon with my wife on the back. I loved it. One thing that I believe is important is tire pressure. I ran car tire pressure in it and some guys run motorcycle tire pressure in it and I believe that’s issue. I believe you want the tire to flex and not be on the edge in curves. I may be wrong but motorcycle tire pressure is 40psi on the back, but car tire pressure can be as low as 28psi. I think if you run dark side you should run the pressure the tire recommends, maybe a little less to soften the ride. Good luck dude, enjoy your videos...
I darkside myself James and 28 psi is too low darksiding. To me it just doesn't feel natural. 38 thur 40 psi seems perfectly comfortable especially in curves.
Specific tires will feel different to you, try different pressures and find what works for you
Great video Chris let use know how it feel to ride with a car tire . I will be changing mine soon . So l will be watching and listening. Thanks again Chris
Question is it a safe tire for your bike saving money is not as important as it is to save in your life
It's safer than a MC tire.
You do the front as well sir?
chris I have 2008 Goldwing does the car tire on your 16 fit my 2008 & what size is it im going dark side thanks.
Chris just talked to my friend he said he is on his 3rd car tire now and average about 29,000 miles per tire
I was totally against it but I didn't want to be one of those people talking bad with no experience or ever trying it. I double Darksided my 17. Bridgestone driveguard run flat and a bt45 mounted backwards on the front.
My experience was.. the first 30 miles I thought what did I do... After 90 I forgot it was on there. Now, I'll never change back. I tow a camper with mine. Handles great. I didnt do it for the money savings. I put a lot of miles on and I dont want the inconvenience of finding someplace to change a tire when I travel or have to change a tire early because of a trip.
just got a Goldwing can you give me more info on you experience what kind of bike you put the car tire on the front
Psi???
You also for got that a car tire is made to set on a car or even a SUV and the Weights of the car is a lot more than a goldwing so the car tire may even last even longer when it’s on a bike than a car just because of the Weight
You forgot the front tire! 500 buys a set of front and back. 150 buys the rear tire only. So about 800 needs to be added to the 150 coming to 950 vs 2000
Hello from metric country. 10mm and 5mm. :)
I was just thinking the same thing.
What size Bridgestone drivegaurd do I put on a 03 gl1800?
One of the things you might consider is insurance. If you are in an accident you may be liable for modifying the motorcycle in a way that would be considered dangerous. I would check with your insurance company.
I darksided my 98 valkyrie and I love it
Think is good idea
What size tire was the tire in the video
which is the best tire brand and size for the goldwing
Is that millimeters or centimeters?
could you tell me the compatible front tire size for 2006 Yamaha Roadliner car tire
I am wondering if someone out there has looked at the weight rateing difference of the two tires would be. I have recently went to an Voyager trike kit so I am really thinking of darksideing. What is the size tire?
Kevin Thornton the weight rating on the Bridgestones Drivegard 195 55 16 Runflat tire is 1200 lbs, but take in consideration that the weight of the motorcycle is shared between both front and back wheels, not just the rear.
Why dd you go with a tire so much wider than the stock tire. Clearance wouldn't be an issue if you had gone with the same width as stock.
Chris, I run a 195-65/R16 Car Tire on my 2015 F6B. I ran a 205-50/R17 on my 2008 Yamaha FJR1300. I get at least 35,000 on my rear car tire. I can probably run past most any other rider in the mountain curves with my car tire. I cannot exceed 8500 miles on my stock Bridgestone.
Dan Compton , damn the miles. I'm running what's safe. Honda makes automobiles and motorcycles. I think if they intended for the motorcycles to have car tires installed on them and motorcycle tires installed on their cars, they'd install them on each for us. I'm sticking with the Bridgestones
dlos1987 I live in Arizona, I was on my way home from Santa Fe, NM and it poured down rain from Taos, NM to Flagstaff. My car tire was shooting a Rooster tail 50ft into the air behind me. No vehicle of any type wanted to be behind my bike, which I like. My friend and I were running 85-90mph in pouring rain, never worried about my car tire losing grip. In the mountains, people say to me, I want to ride behind you so I can see what that car tire does. I tell them, better look fast because in two turns I will be gone and you will not be able to see me any more. I can take corners on my F6B almost as fast as I can on my FJR. I have been running a CT since 2008, I pull a trailer on my F6B. Never had any incident what so ever. Tire manufacturers want to sell you a tire for almost $300. My CT cost under $100. Also the weight capacity is double than the bike tire. Around home, I run 32psi, on a trip I run 45psi. But, it to each it's own.
Dan Compton I agree, they're raping us with the price vs mileage. I guess if we all go darkside, they'll bring down the prices on MC tires
What size is the car tire?
I pay under $100 for my car tire on the rear. I also pull a trailer behind my f6b
Dan Compton yes pulling a trailer does wear the rear bike down faster & when on a trip it can lead to a possible blowout on a long trip!
Dan Compton what size CT did you mount on F6B?
Always good info......try it & if you don't like it take it off & replace it CHRIS!💪
I'm darksider myself, just want to say that there's no way a car tire can last 60,000 miles, I would be lucky if it can last 30 - 40,000
I just watched a guy with a gl1800 on a track with a kumho sport car tire on the rear with other touring bikes and the guy with the car tire just about lap’ed everybody. which I find pretty impressive. I think if you do a lot of highway miles especially if you’re loaded down and pulling a trailer plus a passenger a good quality car tire is a good option. I don’t care what the haters say I haven’t heard one bad thing happening to anyone that does it and people have been doing it for many years. The only downside is it will take a little more effort to flick it. kinda like you have a flat wore out back tire. so you won’t be able to flick it back and forth as quickly but it’s not like we’re talking about riding Ducati‘s either and let’s face it that car tire can handle more weight and stress than any motorcycle tire ever thought of doing. depending on the tire it might even be able to deal with the weight of the entire bike by itself. so If I can go 30K + on 1 one tire,get better traction wet or dry i can run heavy and it doesn’t faze it at all. why not. it’s a two wheeled Cadillac not a sport bike.
Will you be riding the car tire to WingDing?
Cruiseman's Garage not sure if I will ride it to Knoxville as of yet.
Centimeter.
Once I had to ride on the bike that had car rubber under it. Have to admit that it was not such a big difference for a heavy bike.
I'm interested in your opinion, i will design my tvs 150cc😂😂😂
Chris a motorcycle tire have a sticky substance that grips the road when it heats up to hold you on the road without sliding on 2 wheels. A car tire does not because it doesn't need it,why,because a car have 4 wheels. That car tire not gonna stick to the road like you need for it to do. Think about it?
DjTwon40 I am sorry sir but you are wrong I live and ride in Alabama and have risen when it was 100 degrees and my car tire handled great no slipping at all.
TERRY Glisson Cool bro but motorcycle tires have a sticky substance for traction. Maybe a car tire is a good thing. I don't know bro. I'm just assuming fam.
Car tires also have a special compound when they get warm they grip better. I'm switching to the dark side this year because I went through 2 rear tires last season alone I need more ride time mileage
I watched a video of a guy darksiding on a track and getting hella lean as well as just straight gettin it on the track.