Durometer Test on 205 and Dunnie...(Pics Added)

Alright guys, here it is. I have been attempting to do this for a while, just never made it a priority!

I got my durometer out and took durometer readings this weekend on my Douglas 205 with over a 1000 + miles on it and compared it to a stock Dunnie with approx. 3500 miles on it. I got the results and will post pics of the test Monday. I also did my Bridgestone S11 Spitfire with 10,000+ on the front of my C also. I also did the rear of a HD Nightster with 1700 miles on it. (Don't forget that front tires are usually made with softer rubber than the rear motorcycles tires.)

For any of the guys who have doubts, I will let the pics do the talking.


Here is a close up of my durometer. Very accurate instrument for testing rubber.


My Douglas 205 car tire with a reading of (50). I got over a 1000 miles on it.


Dunnie tested (71) in the center of the tread wear with 3700 miles on it.


I did the "chicken strips" to see what un-used rubber would read....(72)


When my brother-n-law got home, went over and tested his HD nightster with 1700 miles on his stock Dunnie and got the lowest reading of (68 )


Here's my Bridgestone S11 Spitfire and the lowest reading I found of (62) on a motorcycle tire and they are always the front tires...the manufactures put softer rubber on front motorcycle tires because they don't have the acceleration of the motor tearing them up and they will last longer. Helps with handling too.



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

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" RUST IS NOT YOUR FRIEND " ....I copied this from the Valkyrie " Shop Talk " ....
#6 Final drive spline lubrication. There have been instances of final drive spline failure due to no lubrication from the factory and failure of the Dealer to lubricate the splines during tire replacement. If you hear strange sounds coming from the final drive, either check for proper lubrication or have your Dealer inspect it. When disassembled, the splines should be thoroughly cleaned and Molly 60 paste applied to all parts recommended by the shop manual. Anytime you are having tires replaced, if possible, watch the procedure to insure this is accomplished. Just because Management insists that it will be done, does not insure that it will be done...........
I do all my own work on my bikes but I've seen so many people post on the VRCC over the years about the spline failure and it just was'nt dark side folks . You " HAVE " to do this on the Valks or you'll be standing on the side of the road wishing you did.

I've read all about this and I re-lubed after each tire change. Even when I changed from the 165 to the 205 I made sure there was plenty of Moly on the splines, etc...

Smokin'.....Great information for those who did not know. thanks for sharing.

A picture is worth a 1000 words.


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twin1300 wrote:A picture is worth a 1000 words.


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And that aint no photoshop job Guys ..... its the real deal. WTG Twin.....er.....or whatever your nickname is today

So I guess what your trying to prove is my douglas 205 is softer than a stock dunflop.
Softer = better grip and smother ride....

The only downside I see is I will crash and burn with a ct............yall know I'm kidding......

Jerry

Hmmmm....mind if I "borrow" (read, swipe) a couple of those pics to add to my online saga of car-tire stuff?

Daniel Meyer wrote:Hmmmm....mind if I "borrow" (read, swipe) a couple of those pics to add to my online saga of car-tire stuff?

I'm sure Twin will be flattered.

Daniel Meyer wrote:Hmmmm....mind if I "borrow" (read, swipe) a couple of those pics to add to my online saga of car-tire stuff?

Heck NO Daniel,

As much as you have helped us....Go for it. You can use anything you need that I post. Just glad I could help!


I also left you a PM!


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

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Thanks!

Thanks Bobby! great info! I was right.... Our CT's are soft!

Muntz wrote:

twin1300 wrote:A picture is worth a 1000 words.


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And that aint no photoshop job Guys ..... its the real deal. WTG Twin.....er.....or whatever your nickname is today

Muntz, have you seen that bike in person??

DarkSide-Shadow wrote:

Muntz wrote:

twin1300 wrote:A picture is worth a 1000 words.


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And that aint no photoshop job Guys ..... its the real deal. WTG Twin.....er.....or whatever your nickname is today

Muntz, have you seen that bike in person??

Well if memory serves me right that stock dunnie with 3700 miles is mine. Tanglefoot took it to Bobbys the day I put on my 165. The night Smokey and I went over to Twins house for a tech session. He tested mine, Smokey, Tanglefoots and his 165. His neighbor had his HD out but I dont remember if he tested that one for us or not. I know I flipped out when I saw the numbers on the durometer for myself. I even made Twin show me how to use the gauge so I could be sure he wasn't tricking me. I thought there was no way his tire was going to be softer than a MCT. Seeing is believing. After our tech session we went on a midnite ride with Twin on his local twisties. We passed a cop at 115, he didnt even budge. If you go back to the original DS thread on the OB you will see how impressed Smokey was. As soon as he got home he posted pics of him picking up two 165's.

Heres "Ebony" my bike on 165 the left & Twins "Lo-J" on 205 on the right



Stock dunnie and new 165 side by side


Stock dunnie and new 165 top view

I was a bit curious and came up with this idea, especially for any naysayers who want to argue:
Get an ink pen and push it into the tires. It will sink much farther into the CT than the MT, and
you can do this anywhere.
I released some pressure in the second pic: it was deeper than that - try it yourself.

That's the Pirelli Night Dragon, half worn down at 3000 miles.

That's the new Vredestein.

Durometer doesn't lie and now I find out that the pen is mightier than the durometer!!


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