Anyone darkside a Buell?

Maybe this will be a first.
I've just about worn out the rear tire on my Buell Ulysses. Has anyone tried to darkside a Buell before?
I am happy with PR2's on my Firebolt but I use the Uly for a mix of trips, slabs, and country roads but not aggressive twisties so I've been researching the possibility of running a CT. I've ridden a V-star 1100 with a CT and was very impressed and am planning to go darkside with my 1100 when I wear out the rear tire but most of my time is on the Buells so the miles are just not adding up too quickly on the V-star so I'm dying to give it a go on the Uly.
The FJR forum discussion was what made me finally decide that the darkside isn't just for cruisers anymore. I actually read every post-wow!

Problem is, the section width must be under 8" because the current tire is 7.25"wide and there is .375" between the tire and the drive belt. Ive read that that sect. width decreases .2" for each .5" narrower the rim (the tire will be mounted on) than the rim size tested, so the Yokohama ADVAN S.4 looks like it may fit with .2" of clearance.
The questions I have are: 1)Is the information about decreasing sect. width correct in the real world? 2)How much does the sidewall deflect at points other than the bottom near the road surface, e.g. where the belt passes? and 3)Has anyone tried darksiding a Buell yet? I could probably use 1/8" spacers at the front and rear sprockets and at the tensioning pulley but unless the spacers were perfect it could spell disaster for the belt so I don't really want to go there.
I get hard time for using dynabeads on the Buell forum so if the darkside works out I'll get crucified over there!!! Should be fun.

None that I know of... a quick internet search didn't yield much either... sounds like you have the right idea and a good plan. Might as well go for it and see how it works out!

Not sure about the tire size for you. Just what size comes stock on you Buell? Remember, you do this at your own risk as well as us because I think you can get over too far in extreme cases and maybe get off the tread.


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

170/55-17 comes stock, although others have used 190 widths without clearance issues. The tread widths of most 205 width tires will clear just fine but most section widths (at least according to the specs) will either rub or are right on the edge. I don't ride the bike that aggressively so I'm not worried about the lean angle, I ride the Firebolt when I want to have fun.
I'll definitely ride very cautiously until I get a feel for how the CT handles though. That is if one will fit.

170/55-17 comes stock, although others have used 190 widths without clearance issues. The tread widths of most 205 width tires will clear just fine but most section widths (at least according to the specs) will either rub or are right on the edge. I don't ride the bike that aggressively so I'm not worried about the lean angle, I ride the Firebolt when I want to have fun.
I'll definitely ride very cautiously until I get a feel for how the CT handles though. That is if one will fit.

OK. Just ordered a BFG g-force tire from flee bay so the experiment can begin. By my measurements it should just fit but I'm working out of town so it may take a few weeks to actually get it mounted and tested.It's a good used one so if my measurements (or the specs) are wrong or it's just plain dissapointing I won't have wasted a lot of money.
Funny thing - somebody on the Buell forum brought the subject up yesterday. Of course some guys said how stupid and dangerous it is but there were a few that were more open to the idea.

I'll be watching to see how it goes!!

The bike's in the shop waiting for a new rear wheel. The bearings went bad so the dealer is ordering the improved 2010 wheel, bearings, and axle. It will be at least a few weeks until the parts come in. Some guys have waited over 6 weeks.
I have the tire but it looks a lot wider than the specs for it. Hopefully when it is mounted and aired up it will fit.

Ive run a 195/45/17 for about 12,000 miles and i cant even tell there is a car tire on the back, i was putting a 180/55/17 on every 3500 miles. or about every 2 or 3 months. the top speed was off a bit but for the savings it hasnt been a problem, ive gotten about 90% out of the tire and am going to a 205/55/17 next to get my top end back and drop the rpms a little on the highway. anyone who says it cant be done shouldnt interupt someone who is doing it. once you ride a new tire enough to break the corners off some its all good, ive got more contact patch now than I did with a bike tire.

As long as it will not rub, just expect about 100 miles to adjust your feel for it, then you can go nutz. I did, as the apparently first darksider on a softail, I did have misgivings,
but they were unfounded. I ride it every day like I done stole it! Get you a grippy front skin: you're gonna want to try and match the rear traction.