Installed the Douglas!!!

Well ... today went great. Went to Darkshadow's, and we installed the tire. It went pretty easy. We tried using pledge to seat the tire. It did go but at 110 pounds. The pledge seemed to evaporate fast. I didn't put the dyna beads in right away, but I will tonight.

Darkshadow also helped me adjust my rear brake properly, and replaced my drive shaft fluid. It was good to get that stuff done.

Once the Douglas was on ... we went for a ride. Much to my surprise ... I didn't notice any difference. It handled the same to me as the Kumho 165 did. It looks so awesome though. I'm very happy with it. I was able to keep up with Darkshadow in the twisties with no problems at all.

One interesting thing happened. I noticed a truck on the right side of the road with a left signal on. So I was busy watching that vehicle to see if they were going to start pulling out. When I started scanning back to the left, I noticed Darkshadow was coming to a stop and had his right turn signal on. So I slammed on the brake! With the rear brake properly adjusted, I locked it up. Darkshadow saw white smoke flying out behind me. I was too busy looking forward to notice ... but what I did notice, was that if it wasn't for the screeching sound, I would not have known I locked it up. The rear end stayed completely solid, and there was no fishtailing. I went from 65 to 10 MPH in 10 feet in total control. I was in AWE!!! What a great tire!!

I'm in love. Not only does it look badass ... but it rides just the same to me as the other tires I've had. I'm very happy!

Here's some pics!!

Here's my worn out Kumho! Got 12K miles out of it. Not bad for a 50 dollar tire.


Here's the 2 tires side by side. Quite a difference!


And here's 2 of the Douglas. LOVE IT!!!

Looks good Tim...

Jerry

Had a great day Tim! Glad you came out.. That was an EASY tire change.... Glad you love the tire.. It does look bad A$$ on the back of your bike...

Enjoy!!


David W.

excellent!

Great job Tim and David , that tire looks great . The Shadow is strong with this one obi wan
Toasted said something about there rear brakes locking up recently but it was on a vtx.
https://mcdarksiders.forumotion.com/general-discussion-f6/rear-brake-issue-t1293.htm

This lock-up was all me! I hit the brakes hard! The tire didn't lock up again the rest of the day. It sure rides nice though.

I used 41 lbs, cuz that is what uncle Jerr recommended on this forum, and I'm real happy with it.

that's cool Tim, OH did Steve-O get his tire in yet????
They were going to get it to him by fri. but dropped the ball .
I tried to call them about a dozed times but the mailbox was full.
if I had gotten through I would have PMed Steve right away.
Hope he get's his soon.

Poor guy didn't get it in time. I bet he's really chomping at the bit now!

tire looks great! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You are correct about it tracking straight when you lock up the rear brake. 1st time I did it I was unaware. the guy coming at me and the guy behind me were aware of the white smoke coming from my back end..... Till then, I knew I had locked up the back when it began to come around or wiggle a bit.... Now, I use the rear brake a lot more for slowing down and am not afraid to use it on the highway.

I have 15k on my $61 tire. Still has 5-10k left on it. So, you are good for awhile with that tire.

I found a voicemail from onlinetires. They had a problem with my amex card. Amex denied the charge since it looked fraudulent. Buying one tire from an on line tire store tripped the fraud trigger. So, I'll be getting my tire next week or so. Guess I need to check my voicemail more often....;-)

Great write up and............WOW! Tire looks awesome on there.


.

Steve-O wrote:
I found a voicemail from onlinetires. They had a problem with my amex card. Amex denied the charge since it looked fraudulent. Buying one tire from an on line tire store tripped the fraud trigger. So, I'll be getting my tire next week or so. Guess I need to check my voicemail more often....;-)

Does this fall under the Oops category ?

Horse

that is a sexy tire bro ! i wonder if it will fit on my 85 1100 ? gonna need one by the end of the month.please advise,thanks !

My bike is a 1990 and it fits with room to spare. Wonder how close those years are in terms of body style. When I get home I'll check my manuals and see what years they span. I'll let you know.

thanks bro,its greatly appreciated

ttexastim wrote:This lock-up was all me! I hit the brakes hard! The tire didn't lock up again the rest of the day. It sure rides nice though.

I used 41 lbs, cuz that is what uncle Jerr recommended on this forum, and I'm real happy with it.

Dont be afraid to play with the prressure. After about 18,000 miles I noticed more ware in the center of my tire, just like a bike tire. Now that the tire is almost wore out I have foud 35 to be pretty good for a smooth 2 up ride. Enjoy your new tire.

Jerry

I'll tell you what, Tim, the more I look at that tire, the better it looks. Great choice. Let us know how it handles as you wear it out. I think my next one will stretch the fender, if ya know what I mean.

Eric

You thinking a 215???? NICE!!!! If you need me to measure how much clearance I have with the 205 and my swing arms, let me know.

Looks great! Damn I want a 205, I don't think my spoked rim is wide enough.
Doc

simpleman77 wrote:I'll tell you what, Tim, the more I look at that tire, the better it looks. Great choice. Let us know how it handles as you wear it out. I think my next one will stretch the fender, if ya know what I mean.

Eric

Eric you should try this to tell how much room you have:

https://mcdarksiders.forumotion.com/general-motorcycle-tech-information-f14/how-to-check-to-see-the-maximum-tire-size-to-fit-your-bike-t3153.htm

good luck