What Tire Size Will Work

I have a 2006 Honda VTX 1300C,the stock tire size is 170/80R15,I keep seeing people talk about the Darkside and using a 205/65 or 70R15,is that going to cause any problems hitting the fender or anything? I ride solo and 2 up and I was curious about both.If so does anybody have any suggestions on tire size? I just thought that the 205/65 or 70R15 was quite a difference from the stock 170/80/15.

Bump

zanidoy wrote:I have a 2006 Honda VTX 1300C,the stock tire size is 170/80R15,I keep seeing people talk about the Darkside and using a 205/65 or 70R15,is that going to cause any problems hitting the fender or anything? I ride solo and 2 up and I was curious about both.If so does anybody have any suggestions on tire size? I just thought that the 205/65 or 70R15 was quite a difference from the stock 170/80/15.

Sorry for the delay on the a reply. Didn't see the post of yours.

Most of us run the 205/65 or the 205/70 car tire, but we recommend certain brands because the are tried and true and we know whether they are hard to bead and how they handle. If you use a brand we don't recommend in those sizes, you are are a test pilot of us...LOL Most of these handle just fine! The 205/65 matches your 170/80/15 in height but is a wider tire. No mods necessary with 65 series but looks sick it's so wide. The 70 series is taller and brings your speedo more in correction calibration and handles great also. No mods necessary unless because of two up and loaded down for travel you might rub the inner fender brackets, but none have been reported on 1300's. 1800's have more issues than we do.

Now...do you want a directional tire on non-directional tire and then we can give you recommendations on a brand?


........................bobby

Thanx for the info,what all differnces do u get between the directional vs the non directional, does it matter much which one u go with?

zanidoy wrote:Thanx for the info,what all differnces do u get between the directional vs the non directional, does it matter much which one u go with?

Nope....we have plenty of guys that ride both...not one issue. I have been on the non-directional since I converted to the darkside over 4 years ago.

Directional has the same grooves or thread patterns that wick water out away from the middle. Non-directionals have the same pattern all the way across and don't matter which way you mount them.


.....................bobby

Well thanx again for all the info,I have a little while longer till I wear out my Avon Venom but I'm about 99% convinced! I just wanna get all the info before I do,I wanna make sure I don't have ne problems with it rubbin when my wife rides with me and all that good stuff,that was the biggest thing I was worried about is it not fitting right and havin problems with it rubbin at all.

My 08 1300T has no issues with rub, running a 205/70r/15 and it handles the wife an I just fine...no issues, Im 210 lbs and shes about 130.

I have an 04 c and run the mich hydroedge 205-70-15. 2 up never had a rub, ride some pretty rough roads at times. Shocks bottom out before the tire rubs, I have plenty of clearance all the way around too.

See you out there
Smokey

Dude wrote:I have an 04 c and run the mich hydroedge 205-70-15. 2 up never had a rub, ride some pretty rough roads at times. Shocks bottom out before the tire rubs, I have plenty of clearance all the way around too.

See you out there
Smokey

Guess I need to see which one of us is logged in before I post huh.

See you out there
Smokey

I was going to post on a new thread a question on Michelin HYDROEDGE Tire - P205/70R15 95T BSW, and riding two up...
I think this thread answered it for me - all but how much beads should I use?


Thanks
Dave

Davemack wrote:I was going to post on a new thread a question on Michelin HYDROEDGE Tire - P205/70R15 95T BSW, and riding two up...
I think this thread answered it for me - all but how much beads should I use?


Thanks
Dave

3 oz's

Jerry

Thanks Jerry,
one mo question though,
PSI in tire?

Dave, PSI is a matter of preference. I run my hydroedge anywhere from 18-34 psi. I like the lower pressure for one up hard riding and the higher pressure for 2 up. But I can tell you that at 34, 2 up hard riding is totally doable. I was running 34 for the darkside rally and had my adrenilin junky son on the P pad and the bike took everything we threw at it. I like the lower pressure 1 up because I can feel the tire squat into the twisties.

I tried 32 in my wing after darksiding it yesterday and oh hell no. Jacked it up to 44 and still not high enough. Think I will have to rethink the tire I am using. This one is not going to work out.

Good luck and enjoy.

See you out there
Smokey

Smokey, which tire is not going to work?
I've tried to find a GYTT Kumho, not to be found anymore.
Hydraedge is 130.00 in my area, OUCH! So this is going to be a money saver for me in the long run,
could you point me towards a tire that will fit and is still made that has been tested for the 1300c,anyone?

Davemack wrote:Smokey, which tire is not going to work?
I've tried to find a GYTT Kumho, not to be found anymore.
Hydraedge is 130.00 in my area, OUCH! So this is going to be a money saver for me in the long run,
could you point my towards a tire that will fit and is still made that has been tested for the 1300c,anyone?

I have used the Douglas X-trac from wally world and the Yokohama Avid on my 1300R both work fine with 3 oz's of dynabeads.

Jerry

The GYTT is a goodyear triple tread, I have used the toyo proxxes tpt1, the kuhmo powerstar, and the mich hydroedge. They all stick like glue.
The tire I mounted on my wing is running a pack of 250 count BB's in it for the weights. Twin uses airsoft pellets in his, some on here use lead shot, dyna beads, just about any small round mass will do for the weights internally.
Good luck
See you out there
Smokey

Thanks for all the help, I just picked up a Douglas 205/70/15 under $50. bucks wally world.
Got my beads in hand and heading out the door to install now. wanted to keep things cheap till I find out if I like it or not..
I'll let you all know what I think in a day or two...

Dave

Update,,

The tire is getting a lot better as it breaks in, no joke. today I replaced the shock bushings and OMG its like riding a new bike so much that I forgot the CT was even on the rear. This tire is getting better IMO. I don't know if its the tire breaking in or the bushings but wow what a ride tonight and I can't wait for tomorrow to really push it around..


I'll hang in there with it longer....

Will give another review in two more weeks....

Dave, I doubt it is the tire getting better, I would bet it is that little smidgen of doubt that you had floating around in your brain being pushed back letting you think about the ride instead of thinking OMG I AM RIDING ON A CAR TIRE. Everyone of us has taken that same ride, most learn to trust the tire those that can't go back to a mc tire. Enjoy the ride.

See you out there
Smokey

Yep mostly mental say 95% the other 5% is wearing the mold release off.

Jerry

jedishon wrote:Yep mostly mental say 95% the other 5% is wearing the mold release off.

Jerry

What do you know my doctors? lol