Skinny Darkside?

I've been researching what will fit my Suzuki bike and the tire on the rear now is a 130/90-17. I measured a maximum of 6 inches between the frame which is about 152mm maximum. I only found one 145/70-17 overseas in europe but kinda scared as there is no price and they show a picture of the tire with two different aspect ratios (two different heights). ''
http://www.ityre.com/en/tyres/catalog/vredestein/size/65740/

That leaves my options of darkside to mainly temporary spare tires of T135/70-17 and T125/80 R17 (Space Saver Spare). And I had to do a LOT of searching to even find those in existence, still haven't found anyplace that sells them outside of a dealer (dealer price over $200?). I figure since temporary tires are rated for lower speeds, would it be okay since I'm putting lower weight on it at higher speeds? Or would you recommend that I not go the darkside route for this bike?

I would NOT go over the recomended speed of the tire. You have a tough one there.....
here is what the chart says...
http://ejelta.com/tiresize/index.html?tiresize=130%2F90-17&minwidth=&maxwidth=&minratio=&maxratio=&minwheel=&maxwheel=&maxdelta=2


Jerry

Keep looking , but they only make car tires soooo small. an ebay search might be in order....sometimes you can find odd stuff there. But don't go over a tires rated speed for sure.

I found a page (outside the US unfortunately) of Continental temporary tires. Looking at them they are all rated 90M to 125M. According to everything I've found on the web, the number is load rating (weight) and the M is the speed rating and M is listed at 81mph. I have rarely ever gone over 81mph in my cars. I'm thinking about the tire 9th up from the bottom of the list (135/90R17 Continental CST17 104M tyre.) Wouldn't this make a good candidate again for my bike? Would a Continental dealer in the states be able to order this?

http://www.tyresite.com/product.asp?numPageStartPosition=1&P_ID=336&strPageHistory=cat&strKeywords=&strSearchCriteria=&PT_ID=5

I found a picture of this same tire at another site. Is this a good tread pattern for darkside?
http://www.tyres4u.com.au/t4utyreselector/passenger_Fitment_ID-15670_show.aspx

My .02 (which is worth even less) is I would never use one of those temporary spare tires as a main tire on anything, let alone my motorcycle. If you find a regular tire in your size that's great, otherwise if it was me (and it's not) I would stick with the M/C tire.

I was first inclined to agree with Dave, but I have no experience with it. And, Hey, MY car tire was supposed to explode if I used it on my bike.

There are some cautions listed about these temporary tires on their website. I don't think they were designed to be permanent tires. Not sure what the engineers did different when they designed and built them. I DO see some cars that ride around on these quite a bit. Haven't seen one blow yet.

These tires actually LOOK like a motorcycle tire.

My advice would be to determine how many miles you ride your bike a year. If it's a lot, you might want to try this out (after some diligent examination). If you just putz around town, I'd be inclined to stay with a motorcycle tire.

Here's a quick lowdown on some temporary spare tires in existence that might fit that I've come across:
T125/70/D17 Mitsubishi Lancer
T135/90R17 104M Continental brand, Ford Escape
T145/90R17 Mazda Tribute

I actually ride very little right now but wanted to ride to work regularly as soon as I get more armor. I've been thinking some more about the issue. All tires are rated at least M (which is 81mph). So maybe the only reason a temporary tire (T125, etc) is not recommended for daily use is because of the tread wear. I've read a few messages of them blowing. Maybe the tread isn't designed to last beyond 100 miles. That is why they have no warranty on mileage, but then again, a lot of the big names don't warranty their car tires either (like Bridgestone). Maybe temporary tires are 1 or 2 ply at most? Maybe different temporary tire treads aren't designed or tested under harsher than sunny weather conditions? At any rate, I think I'll agree with the majority on this one and forego using any tire listed as temporary spare for the tread reasons (pending better research).

sidenote: The Vredestein spare tire I mentioned is rated 89P (93mph). It is used as the spare on some Audi and Porsche. It may come with a canister to inflate it at the time of use (which explains the two different aspect ratios in the picture). I called a bicycle shop that sells Vredestein bicycle tires but they said their car tires are a different division and they couldn't order them. They may not be DOT approved here in the states anyhow since nobody here sells them (that I've found).

At this point I'll plan on getting regular MT. I am sad to unable to join the darkside. But on a lighter note, my bike is equipped with a wheelbarrow tire as a seat! Nice and comfy. Mabye I'll start a new movement known as the grayside. '' (I really wanted to have 3 tires on my non-trike and only one approved for motorcycle use, heh). Could anyone suggest a cheap 16 inch rim and darkside tire that might be easier to find? (Remember that 152mm width is my max to touch the frame)

I'd go with a Continental M/T and call it good. I have been very happy and quite impressed with my Milestones and they make tires in your size
Don't be soo drawn to the car tire thing that you sacrifice safety and common sense. I like my car tire, but I'd be happy running a good quality M/T as well as the milage is the main difference I have found. I'd not even consider a temp spare tire as they have none of the construction benefits that make the Car tire thing a good choice.

Just my thoguhts,
George

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/product_family.asp?family%5Fid=15446&gift=False&0=assets%2Fhtml%2Fd%5Fstreet%2Easp%2CnavId%3Dd%5Fstreet%2A0%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D%2CStreet&1=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D456%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D0%2CStreet%20Tires%2C%20Wheels&2=dept%2Easp%2Cdept%5Fid%3D5233%26menu%5Fid%3D%26Tree%3D1%2CContinental%20Street%20Tires&mscssid=A48684D65A674614BDE0DE8CDFE6F988

Thorn wrote:Here's a quick lowdown on some temporary spare tires in existence that might fit that I've come across:
T125/70/D17 Mitsubishi Lancer
T135/90R17 104M Continental brand, Ford Escape
T145/90R17 Mazda Tribute

I actually ride very little right now but wanted to ride to work regularly as soon as I get more armor. I've been thinking some more about the issue. All tires are rated at least M (which is 81mph). So maybe the only reason a temporary tire (T125, etc) is not recommended for daily use is because of the tread wear. I've read a few messages of them blowing. Maybe the tread isn't designed to last beyond 100 miles. That is why they have no warranty on mileage, but then again, a lot of the big names don't warranty their car tires either (like Bridgestone). Maybe temporary tires are 1 or 2 ply at most? Maybe different temporary tire treads aren't designed or tested under harsher than sunny weather conditions? At any rate, I think I'll agree with the majority on this one and forego using any tire listed as temporary spare for the tread reasons (pending better research).

sidenote: The Vredestein spare tire I mentioned is rated 89P (93mph). It is used as the spare on some Audi and Porsche. It may come with a canister to inflate it at the time of use (which explains the two different aspect ratios in the picture). I called a bicycle shop that sells Vredestein bicycle tires but they said their car tires are a different division and they couldn't order them. They may not be DOT approved here in the states anyhow since nobody here sells them (that I've found).

At this point I'll plan on getting regular MT. I am sad to unable to join the darkside. But on a lighter note, my bike is equipped with a wheelbarrow tire as a seat! Nice and comfy. Mabye I'll start a new movement known as the grayside. '' (I really wanted to have 3 tires on my non-trike and only one approved for motorcycle use, heh). Could anyone suggest a cheap 16 inch rim and darkside tire that might be easier to find? (Remember that 152mm width is my max to touch the frame)

Wow, what he said. Good stuff, I did not know that.
Thanks

Moon

I've gone this far, why stop now? (why can't we just let some things go). Some more thinking and searching '' led me to this link by Continental Tires. It basically states that temporary spare tires only have less tread on them. (Unable to find any spare tire info at other brand sites.)
http://continentaltire.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/continentaltire.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=573&p_created=1199820667&p_sid=tR6QNyhj&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPSZwX3NvcnRfYnk9JnBfZ3JpZHNvcnQ9JnBfcm93X2NudD0xMDQsMTA0JnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0mcF9wdj0mcF9jdj0mcF9wYWdlPTY*&p_li=&p_topview=1

It is my opinion that spare tires may also be softer and wear quicker. It is my opinion that manufacturers all say to drive under 50mph and less than 100 miles on a spare before replacing due to the fact that most spare tires are stuck in a trunk or outside the vehicle enduring weather for many years. It is a known fact that all tires are in danger after a life of 5 years in existence, whether they have been used or not. This is what most spare tires are, used once or twice in a vehicles complete lifetime and may not be up to optimum functionality if pushed to the limit. They may also not have the proper amount of air (usually somewhat more than regular tires) when called upon for duty.

Now with that being said, I'll probably go actually check tread depth of some spare tires. It would be appreciated if you could post your spare tire brand, size, rating (T120/70D17) and tread depth as visually seen with a penny/quarter. tirerack suggest quarter test (July 2007) to stay within tire warranties: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=85

An epinions author wrote (I couldn't find any info on this at Car and Driver):
http://www.epinions.com/auto-review-638E-540A166-3912419E-prod3
"How can this be? After all, they're so small. The fact of the matter is, few people really come close to the limits of regular tires in normal driving, or even in emergency maneuvers. And temporary spares don't reduce these limits much to begin with. A few years ago Car & Driver magazine performed all of their regular tests on a car equipped with a temporary spare. I think it was a Corvette, but I'm not sure of this (can anyone dig up this article?). The upshot was that the tire did not fail, and the test results were not even that far off those with four normal tires. I think they even tested the car with four temp spares on it. Again, no problems, even with these strenuous tests."

I was unable to find information on the construction (# of plys, stiffness) '' of temporary spare tires aside from what is written on the sidewalls. Any opinions on whether Radial or Diagnal construction is better for darkside?

PS: Get a free Continental Tire poster here! '' http://66.83.176.73/continental/ContiPosterOffer.php

The skinny darkside research is nearing an end. Aside from temporary spare tires, research will lead you to the following sites which carry antique and vintage tires. It is not readily posted on websites as to the speed rating of these antique or vintage tires but to meet DOT specs, they should be rated at least M(81mph), plus lots of car people drive on these already. Some of these tires are listed to be used with tubes. I have learned to be sure the tires on a vehicle are all radial or all bias. Temporary spare tires may be rated for 60 psi whereas these reproduction antique and vintage will require about half of that (be sure to follow the sidewall recommendations).

http://www.cokertire.com/
http://www.universaltire.com
http://www.performanceplustire.com

The following two sites sell the same tire in 135, 145, 165 (15 inch):
http://www.vwparts.net/145tire.html
http://www.dansperformanceparts.com/buggy/wheel/buggytire2.htm

And antique/vintage for Australia:
http://www.antiquetyres.com.au

I did come across one website in europe but forgot the link. (But at least you know what to search for now: motorcycle classic vintage antique tires)

And speaking of skinnies, here's two from Kustom House Oy in Holland. Difficult to determine actual size . Other closeup pictures did not reveal any specs at all and they have not responded to my email.

Here's another bike that appears to have a thin car tire on it. I emailed them twice but have not received any response on tire specs from http://www.madjapkustoms.com in Canada. This is their "Lucky Charm" production bike.

When I first started reading about going to the darkside, the reasoning included the thoughts that motorcycle tires were not as well made as automobile tires resulting in some safety benefits in darksiding. Additionally, car tires appeared to wear better. The car tired being considered had a speed rating of 149 mph.

Now you guys are full grown and know your own mind, but it seems to me that you have kind of stepped away from the benefits that I am aware that darksiding brings. If it is not an especially safer tire that is not recommended for high speeds nor long distances....what is the motivation for going dark here?

I only have about 4000 miles darksiding, but I am convinced. But that 4000 miles was on a safer more capable tire.

You might want to look into finding a different rim. That might let you find an appropriate size tire to use.