It varies, probably pretty close to 50/50 around-town-country to 70mph interstate. We have some rough potholes in town, but the interstate is good. How hard is hard - at times I lean it over, but I try to keep it reasonably over the speed limit.
ST1300 Double Dark Side
- Thread starter ST-V4ever
- Start date
It varies, probably pretty close to 50/50 around-town-country to 70mph interstate. We have some rough potholes in town, but the interstate is good. How hard is hard - at times I lean it over, but I try to keep it reasonably over the speed limit.
OP
OP
Took it for a high-speed spin and I could tell it was out of balance due to the grinding off rubber. (the dealer balanced it when it was mounted)
So, a little RideOn (16 oz for this tire) and another 12-ish mile freeway run and she's smooth as silk now. [emoji16]
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I finally went double dark, I am on my second rear CT which now has 28k miles. The front MC tire only lasts about 10k. Tried to get a BT-45 but ended up with a Kenda 130-70-18 bias tire at 41 psi. I am still running and liking 28 psi in the rear. I have about 600 miles on the new front tire and I definitely noticed that it is much smoother going over those nasty parallel grooves and slab offsets. It does have a slight whine at medium speeds caused by the tire groove pattern.
Dave.David
Rider
500 miles on CT and loving it. Thank you all for your advice.
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What tire did you go with? How many miles do you have on it now? Did you have to sand or file anything down to make it fit?
Hi Tom.
I've removed my rear wheel off my 2008 ST and have my 205/50/17 car tire ready to mount tomorrow. I cannot imagine this tire fitting this bike! How was it to install back on the bike?
I've removed my rear wheel off my 2008 ST and have my 205/50/17 car tire ready to mount tomorrow. I cannot imagine this tire fitting this bike! How was it to install back on the bike?
greg_in_npvl
V65 Rider
Twas a little snug getting it past the pumpkin. I gently pushed forward and got it to pass. Once past the pumpkin, I had no rubbing on either side of my tire. Bear in mind my tire is the General Altimax. YMMV.
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I went with the Hankook Ventus V12 Evo K120. ZR rated. Should be interesting.
Hey Doug
I'm ready to have my 205/50/17 Hankook Ventus v12 Evo K120 car tire installed on my 2008 ST. Is that the same tire you went with? I sure hope so, cuz this one looks WAY too big to fit.
I'm ready to have my 205/50/17 Hankook Ventus v12 Evo K120 car tire installed on my 2008 ST. Is that the same tire you went with? I sure hope so, cuz this one looks WAY too big to fit.
BF Goodrich G-force Comp-2 tire. After 40,400 miles it was time to get a new one. Went on tight but NO rubbing. Running at 28 psi.
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Looking at those two pictures, was the first one mounted the wrong direction?
Yes, you are correct. I did not worry about it too much since I never ride in the rain. In So Cal it would be suicide to do that with all the cages that have no treads. Can not do anything about a hydroplaning cage.... If you look at google maps of LA during a rain storm there are a lot of red dots where people had unexpected meetings. I just have to drive my truck on the 10 days that it rains here.... But when I had the new tire mounted I pointed out that the previous was mounted in the wrong direction.. So the new one is correct....
Hey everybody-- I'm bumping this thread, which is mostly from 2017 with a few of the last posts in 2018, because I need new tires now in 2024.
I need a new rear tire on my 2007 ST 1300 and I really think I should go "darkside" with a long-lasting automobile tire because
(1) I'm a heavy guy, similar weight to a couple of fit healthy adults riding 2- up,
and
(2) I Live in the deep south near Atlanta Georgia where it can get very hot and I would like a tire that withstands the heat well, and
(3) I am a cruiser / tourer at heart --
I don't do much of the "sport" riding on my ST bike, although I like the sport touring bikes generally for their upright riding position and ergonomics. And the quietness-- less engine noise, less exhaust noise, less wind noise at speed. And I like the better power to weight ratio than my V-twin cruisers had, when it comes to accelerating through the gears and up to about 80 mph.
If and when I go fast, it's not in the corners--it's pretty much in a straight line on big roads where I might want to cruise at 85 mph if I think the cops will leave me alone.
So, in 2024 can anybody recommend some specific tires in specific sizes that a local metric bike wrench or independent shop might be willing to wrestle onto my rims?
I need a new rear tire on my 2007 ST 1300 and I really think I should go "darkside" with a long-lasting automobile tire because
(1) I'm a heavy guy, similar weight to a couple of fit healthy adults riding 2- up,
and
(2) I Live in the deep south near Atlanta Georgia where it can get very hot and I would like a tire that withstands the heat well, and
(3) I am a cruiser / tourer at heart --
I don't do much of the "sport" riding on my ST bike, although I like the sport touring bikes generally for their upright riding position and ergonomics. And the quietness-- less engine noise, less exhaust noise, less wind noise at speed. And I like the better power to weight ratio than my V-twin cruisers had, when it comes to accelerating through the gears and up to about 80 mph.
If and when I go fast, it's not in the corners--it's pretty much in a straight line on big roads where I might want to cruise at 85 mph if I think the cops will leave me alone.
So, in 2024 can anybody recommend some specific tires in specific sizes that a local metric bike wrench or independent shop might be willing to wrestle onto my rims?
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Latest discussed rear is the Vredestein Hypertrac A/S in 205/50R17. @970mike & @Sadlsor run these.
I have a 205/50R17 BFG G force comp2 A/S+ yet to install (the one most discussed pre Vred), but others who've had both say the Vred above is better.
@spiderman302 & @Willsmotorcycle run the BFG. @970mike used to run it, pre Vred.
From what I recall, neither of these rears required grinding of the swingarm. Install on the bike was tight, but some milk jugs cut into 6x6 flat squares, slid between the tire and swingarm, made the install easier. Install of the DS tire on the rim varied, with some being ale to do it with hand tools, while others needed a machine. I think technique plays a huge part in that, as does warming up the tires in a hot car on a Summer's day.
Front is a Bridgestone BT46 120/80R18. The 130/70R18 will crack the front fender because it rubs.
I have a 205/50R17 BFG G force comp2 A/S+ yet to install (the one most discussed pre Vred), but others who've had both say the Vred above is better.
@spiderman302 & @Willsmotorcycle run the BFG. @970mike used to run it, pre Vred.
From what I recall, neither of these rears required grinding of the swingarm. Install on the bike was tight, but some milk jugs cut into 6x6 flat squares, slid between the tire and swingarm, made the install easier. Install of the DS tire on the rim varied, with some being ale to do it with hand tools, while others needed a machine. I think technique plays a huge part in that, as does warming up the tires in a hot car on a Summer's day.
Front is a Bridgestone BT46 120/80R18. The 130/70R18 will crack the front fender because it rubs.
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Did you read this thread?
www.st-owners.com
Vredestein Hypertrac All Season Tire | Darksiders
I did a lot of investigating the lastest brands of Dark side tires looking for the thinnest and roundest tire that would work on an ST1300 that would not rub the swingarm. I think that this tire maybe a winner, it is very round on the sides not flat like most dark side tires. I have about 1/2"...
Sadlsor
Site Supporter
At 10:11CT / Post#95, @Obo pretty much summed it up. Else, you can read 7 pages of a nearly 2yo thread linked just above.
Still loving the Vredestein and NO swingarm grinding required in my case. It is a snug fit to wiggle in there at the swingarm, but a couple plastic grocery bags draped on the sides of the tire made it easy and quick.
I failed attempting to mount it myself, so took it to an indie discount tire dealer and they slapped it on the rim in less than 10 minutes.
Is the correct size front tire dimensions, to save your fender. Obo have you the details of you don't want to reread the original thread... but read it anyway if you like details.
I happy I found an up to date thread! I recently moved an additional 20 miles from my job and will be doing mostly highway for commuting. I am contemplating going dark. I have read many threads and people's experiences. I'm curious if there is anyone in the Northern NJ / Pocono PA area that is a darksider that I can meet up with. Thanks for the help!
WIllsmotorcycle is sort of that way... 100 miles-ish ~ 2hrs South of you.
Close for him, given how he likes to eat miles.
I'm also running the Vred and I'm a big fan. Had to grind down the weld on the swing arm a bit to stop a very slight rub but now it's fine. There is slight changes you feel when riding but nothing that would stop me from recommending it based on all the cost and longevity upside.