First 500 miles, "Darkside"

Just got back from Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally, Ruidoso, New Mexico. New to "Darkside". Put on a GYTT 205/60/16 on a 2007 1800T VTX. Rode over 500 miles, winding paved roads all the way up the mountain to Ruidoso. Going up had to put slight pressure on the handlebars. hit one turn a little fast and felt the bike bounce a lil'. Got a hard rain on the way up, and the tire grabbed the road much better that my MT. On the way back down had over 500 miles on the CT, and I definitely felt the difference in handling. not having to push the handlebars around the curves, speed was faster and felt the tire grab the road . Traveling 2 up with about 50 lbs of gear. Total weight was about 375 lbs. PSI on tires front and rear was 40. I think I will keep it there, it handled real well and felt good about the way the bike rode. hit about 80 mph on the interstate with no wobbling. Anyone feel that pressure maybe to high, and may promote faster tire wear. I figger with the amount of weight that I carry on the bike the higher the pressure should be, Rite?

I'd personally run a little lower pressure in the rear, maybe 36 - 38psi.
I think you are going to notice premature wear in the center at 40 psi.

Congrats on your choice to choose the darkside!



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

I've found that once my sweet spot was hit, it doesn't matter if I'm solo or 2up loaded for camping and pulling the trailer. Same 36 lbs. for all of it.

I agree, I found that 35 lbs works seems to be right pressure for my set up whether it is me, me and the wife or me and my camping gear. Find the sweet spot and enjoy.

Thanks, guess I'll start bringin' 'er down at 2psi increments and see what happens. Thanks again.

That's what I did. Started at 38 and settled in at 35. FYI, 2008 Victory Vision one up only, but at 280 lbs, might as well be two up.

I'm also on a 2008 Vision with the Potenza G019 and I started at 32psi which at the time is what I read was recommended but later put 40psi in and it seems to be better there but haven't tried any pressures in between.

I have maybe 1000 miles on the tire and so far have a good impression of it except for rutted or broken type surfaces. I get in town with some broken pavement and it want's to toss the bike back and forth a little. I'm building a house down a dirt path that hasn't been graded out well yet and it was a bit scary the first time I went down it after putting on the CT vs the way the MC tire handled it. I just make sure to hold the bars tight now when going down that path as the square edges really take control of the direction of the bike on the edges of the ruts, which they aren't real bad ruts but will get your attention I also find this problem when catching the edge of the driveway when going around the vehicles to get into the garage, square edge tire rolling on or off an edgy height transistion, be careful.

Made another run to Tombstone "Helldorado Days" this weekend. Have found my "Sweet Spot" at 36 PSI. Ran two-up, with cargo, interstate riding, twisties on state roads, (ruts, tar snakes, etc.) and the riding was great. Some additions since going "Darkside", 4" Pullback Risers, Dunlop Elite 3 in front. Memphis Shade Wind Deflectors. Rounding the turns really easy no countersteering, the risers helped me feel good going into the turns and the traction was wonderful. Love the way the bike feels now around turns and turning around the parking lot, feel more confident making my tight turns.

It just keeps getting better!

00 Doc wrote: It just keeps getting better!

ltrmc02 wrote:I'm also on a 2008 Vision with the Potenza G019 and I started at 32psi which at the time is what I read was recommended but later put 40psi in and it seems to be better there but haven't tried any pressures in between.

I have maybe 1000 miles on the tire and so far have a good impression of it except for rutted or broken type surfaces. I get in town with some broken pavement and it want's to toss the bike back and forth a little. I'm building a house down a dirt path that hasn't been graded out well yet and it was a bit scary the first time I went down it after putting on the CT vs the way the MC tire handled it. I just make sure to hold the bars tight now when going down that path as the square edges really take control of the direction of the bike on the edges of the ruts, which they aren't real bad ruts but will get your attention I also find this problem when catching the edge of the driveway when going around the vehicles to get into the garage, square edge tire rolling on or off an edgy height transistion, be careful.

I also noticed the problem with uneven surface and gravel at 36-37 lbs and lowered mine to 32lbs. It felt so good I went to 31 solo and found the sweet spot.
On gavel it was a diferent machine and high spots do not exist at this pressure,turn ins on corners is 80%better and the ride is great! Best thing I ever did to a bike! Darkside for ever