Motorcycle Tire Tech Part 1 - The Darkside - Live Dunlop Q&A

[@billcarson1966]

I think the fact that Dunlop/Phil took the time to come see you was first-class all the way! I like a company that pays attention and respects the little people.

[@KevinBaxter]

Very true....if it wasnt for brick and mortar shops, dunlop wouldnt have much of a customer base. It's great they recognize that.

[@beverlyhurd8556]

Thank God someone talked me in to trying darksiding a couple of decades ago! I don't know why I waited so long to try it myself. Three bikes and 250,000 miles later and only my 200cc dirt bike has motorcycle rubber on the back.

[@waygone6657]

I'm running a Michelin 205/50R17 on the rear of my Softail. Took a little getting used to but it works. 🙂

[@martywood3648]

Sad that only one tire manufacturer responded to your request, but HUGE respect for DUNLOP for responding!!!! I run the Elites on all my bikes now......Thanks Phil!!!!

[@KevinBaxter]

Yes it is. Phil is ALWAYS a phone call away and is ALWAYS responsive to help, with concerns etc....VERY customer driven for such a large company.

[@bullast2046]

I check my pressure before my leg goes over.. every time.. enjoy your channel.. Phil is a stand-up guy to come on the show

[@tommidd8042]

Luv my dark side. A run flat winter directional with beads is the way to go. Several bikes but one in particular with 155 HP - 181 TQ, never an issue and improved traction and handling with nearly triple the mileage life just can't be beat.

[@WileyT223]

What tire do you run, I'm going darkside tire.

[@larrylong4407]

This is one of the most interesting video you have ever done. An great info on MC TIRES thanks for the safety tips and your guest 😊

[@randomlife718]

I've found accuracy of cheap tire pressure gauges to big a bag problem.

[@WitheBusiness]

Best tech programing, by far Thank you!

[@vincentmcclain9307]

I am the original owner of my 2010 Roadglide custom .I do not over think what engineers do.Dunlops were on it in 2010 the third set was installed last year I average 16000 miles per set of Dunlop’s.My front needed replacing the rear was in good shape and did I not need replacing according to the dealer.I was amazed I was offered the option of replacing one tire.Both were replaced.As I get older I pay more attention to basics.The ride quality, handling , and running wet and dry roads was profound.I had new Tires put on my wife’s 2017 Road glide S at 12000 miles even though they were in good shape.I have rode with guys with the wear strips showing ! They ride in back Do not over think this major safety issue ride safe

[@davidu1meyes]

I have ran a $40 dollar 205 60 r16 car tire on the back of my 2013 road king for 4 years now. I have 14000 miles on it and it rides better than a motorcycle tire on straight aways but doesnt corner the same as a motorcycle tire but since I'm not racing around corners it works fine for me. I'll never go back. The ride is to good.

[@KevinBaxter]

I always say....there is a reason Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors sir. Thanks for the comment. Enjoy the ride!

[@charleselkins8478]

I realize this is 3 years old. I'm very impressed. Thank you Kevin, Phil & Dunlop. .I did Subscribe and like

[@RyanSmith-ej2bc]

What an awesome and informative video. I have almost always had Dunlop motorcycle tires, mostly out of just blind brand loyalty. This video not only showed me that I have been making a good choice in supporting a great company, but also showed me that there's a lot of choices I was making in error. This video did more in just over an hour to educate me on tire choice than the last twenty five years of active riding has. I genuinely appreciate you taking the time to produce this video. Both of y'all put a lot of great information out there that a lot of folks probably would have never known otherwise. Thanks again.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you so much sir. I greatly appreciate the kind words.

[@RyanSmith-ej2bc]

@@KevinBaxter y'all need a 3X shirt btw...

[@scottryan492]

I have used Dunlop tires for over 35 years with nothing but total satisfaction. I love them and will never use anything else. Love your videos bud. Very detailed in your information. Keep up the great work!

[@skydude426]

I’ve been using Ride-On to balance my tires because I find it much easier to install through my 90 degree valve stems. I even made a tool that makes it super easy. It also is designed to plug a puncture, so far I haven’t had to test it. It’s water soluble and a lot less of a mess than a person would think. Most of it stays in the tire. I rinse the rim with a hose and your good to go with a new tire.

[@KevinBaxter]

Hate we lost internet connectivity toward the end. Be sure to check out part 2 where we finish the details of Darksiding. Thanks for watching!

[@paulhorvath9784]

Check out Alberto Naska ,, Never do this to your Tires..I think He has a Great Understanding Coming from a Racing Perspective and Explains some Myths etc Regarding Various Tires and such Facts..

[@kevine300]

Excellent topic, I have a 2009 Ultra, 170,000 kms, first 2 sets were Dunlop O.E. averaged around 30k on them, tried a set of Pirelli Night dragons, were fine for about 10k then junk, put on Michelin Commander II, got 45,000 kms on the rear, in that time around 20 k or so switched to a 21" on front with a 130/60 21 Dunlop, had an odd wobbly feeling though and obviously the tire had some belt issues but tread still oooked Ok. went back to the OE Dunlops. Have ridden with a guy who had a car tire on a Shadow in the rain he was way behind, and couldn't keep pace in corners. You guys did an excellent job touching on all the points and liked the positives on balance beads. Ride safe brothers!

[@michaelpascual2731]

I was once on a kz650 Kawasaki in NY on the Pelham pky. at 65 mph and the front tire blow out it was air up to the proper level and was a very difficult experience to handle but was lucky enough to have a truck block traffic for me so I was able to get it off the hwy but I will say that I don't take the tire lightly that I choose to run on my FLSTC.

[@bobvedder2451]

I have a Kawasaki 1600 Nomad with a DMC sidecar on so the bike doesn't lean at all. I want to put a car tire on the rear position, but so far two shops have refused to do it for me.

[@destarruction]

I've been riding a car tire on my Honda VTX for over the last 5,000 miles and I haven't had any issues works fine and it doesn't even look like it's worn

[@kerrylewis2581]

I am happy that you asked the question regarding how the D407 wears. I check my tire pressure three to four times a season and easily hit 20,000 miles on the front and rear tires before I replace them but... the cupping on the rear happens no matter what I've tried starting between 8,000 and 10,000 and gradually gets worse and the noise drives me crazy. I have always run what comes with the motorcycle but I think it might be worth trying the american elite based on your opinion. Thanks again for flooding my brain with motorcycle knowledge.

[@GawgaCracka]

I've always run Dunlops if I was on a rocket as a younger man, cruiser like my Ole Nightrain, and now Baggers, the only other skins I've run to any degree would be Michelin's...but I was always of the thought that Harley Put Dunlop's on our bikes for a reason...Thank You Kevin for all the absolutely great knowledge you share on this channel, you are appreciated Mr. Kevin...and thank you to Mr.Phil, we know if a rep comes out to answer questions, or otherwise educate their customers they care for the end user of said product, also this was so informative, and a nice refresher, as they did teach us this at MMI but many people just put whatever will hold air on their bikes, then cry when they hit 60mph and catch a tank slapper or a speed wobble, then turn around and blame it on the bike, or worse their mechanic, or their attorney for telling them they can't sue someone...😂kinda like the car tire on a motorcyle thing, much like kissin your best friends sister, just cause it feels good and fits, doesn't mean it won't get your ass kicked if caught doing it 😏

[@rooster3019]

There are darksider selectons that are not flat like the sample demonstrated. Selection the proper ones is key to success.

[@kevincamilleri1695]

I lived through the Firestone 721 steel belts sticking out of the tire. It happened without high millage and pretty often.

[@chchchscott1]

Beads question: As a trucker I use them and love them. But we accelerate slowly. As you accelerate you go into place to naturally balance then centrifugal force keeps them in place. I heard quick acceleration causes the beads to go into place quickly before they are in the properly balanced causing a vibration. Then when stopped and slowly accelerated work properly again. Have you seen that issue?

[@mikehernandez1511]

I use Centramatics for my wheel balancing. they are perfect.

[@thomascampbell2624]

I came here for the dark side discussion, but watched most of the rest. I fast forwarded a bit, but this was an excellent discussion.

[@markpontesr.9383]

Great discussion I have learned so much about Ty is just listening to you two guys and I have a have a have I will always run Dunlops on my Harley now!!!!!

[@miketodd8640]

Kevin - great video. At :58, "Cost is a factor", so is living. Before you buy all the fancy bits for your bike, "Buy a good tire gauge and use it. Set the first of the month as the day to check tire pressure, ON ALL YOUR VEHICLES! Your life is attached to earth with a contact patch the size of a pack of cigarettes!!! Let's all live for tomorrow. Thanks again for all your videos.

[@KevinBaxter]

Great point! Absolutely....

[@chuckstrickland2027]

I'm very pleased with my Dunlop. Great information as always Kevin

[@KevinBaxter]

Thanks again!

[@fogit4668]

Really good video. I have been using the beads since I think 2006. I have an advantage in that I have tubes so I don't have to worry about them touching the inside of the tire.. Plus I have to agree with you Kevin that it improves the total balance and handling of the bike.

[@KevinBaxter]

Thank you very much for the comment. Good stuff!

[@TBSWORLD77]

Darkside starts 59:25

[@cb750k1974]

The tires on my 1974 cb750k are maybe 20 years old......they just keep going. On my VT1100 I have a Michelin on the back and a Dunlop on the front. I wanted a matched set but no Michelin was available for the front.. The Dunlop has a hard compound in the middle and a softer compound on the outsides. On this being a long video......I thought that too at first but I turned it on anyway and surfed other tabs while this played in the background......like a radio show. Good show!

[@Donfleebie1]

I’ve been running Dunlop Elites since the early 80’s. The few times I’ve run a different brand, I’ve had problems. My last was with Michelin Commander III’s. The front tread was defective and the bike vibrated running straight, but would smooth out in turns. To Michelins credit, they did replace the cost of both tires, and I put back American Elites.

[@brucecycles464]

Dunlop/Phil great job thank you.

[@markmcintosh7095]

When I used to road race 90 percent of the people used Dunlop . Great product.

[@Carmichael5898]

Good information. Thanks!

[@miketodd8640]

It's interesting that other manufactures didn't respond to your request. He did a great job. His body language on a few of the challenging questions was telling : )

[@KevinBaxter]

I agree! Phil, as you heard, has over 30 years experience in the tire industry, with the same company, 15 of it in motorcycle. He is an authority on the subject. That's why I wanted him here. He is a great fella, always willing to help, and sincerely has the customers best interest at heart. When I asked, there wasn't a moments hesitation. Absolutely Kevin, I'd be happy to help you! I'm sure you can appreciate he's speaking for a very large company and has to be on point. I actually tried to throw him off a bit. He stayed true, honest, factual, without marketing hype...exactly what I try my best to do with all the videos. Thanks for following and for your comment.

[@miketodd8640]

@@KevinBaxter His experience in the business showed and I know it was very informative to me. Thanks again.

[@gerardsalmon4960]

I like your comparison of a 2 inch piece of a passenger tire compaired to that at least 18inch long motorcycle tire , it was obviously that 2 inch piece is from a standard car tire , & not from a run flat tire with much stiffer side wall (try & mount one on a rim some day)

[@roaddirttv]

This was good stuff, Kevin. Thanks for sharing.

[@KevinBaxter]

My pleasure!

[@5FWS5]

Hey Kevin Has anybody asked what brand/type tire beads you prefer yet? I've been thinking about these for a while but hesitant to try. New bike new thinking maybe - 2020 RK 107. I have ALWAYS run DUNLOP for 30 years and never one tire related issue - American Elite lately. Oh yeah - I DO live in Buffalo but really good tires. I trust them completely. Thanks again

[@KevinBaxter]

They havent but since you did, I use Dyna Beads. Have for years and love them. I've also never seem them damage the inside of a tire.

[@GPgman]

Hey Kevin, I live in Buffalo and work at the Dunlop plant.

[@mickc4633]

I bought a brand new 20 11 1/2 Harley CVO limited the front tire was cracked all the way around the bed. Interesting one dealership would not have anything to do with it but my dealership got it taken care of. This is good stuff

[@KevinBaxter]

A rare situation for sure...but glad you got it taken care of.

[@kellynichols7078]

@@KevinBaxter same happened on 17 street glide cvo

[@tombentley887]

Keep up on your pressure and wheel bearings will help with the life of your tires.

[@donaldpruett852]

If you have spoked wheels you have an inner tube inside the tire. Any puncture requires replacement or patching of the inner tube. How does this effect the tire itself, if at all?

[@davidholbrook1118]

I have a 2013 limited with Harley-Davidson OEM tires. Can I use the Dunlop Elites when replacing them with new ones

[@jesusacovarrubias1390]

You couldn’t have hit the nail on the head any harder. Not enough riders check their air pressure enough. Personally, I added a tire pressure monitor to each air valve, Fobo, to both my tires. An app gives you a reading whenever you need it. I check my tire pressures every single ride. Excellent subject matter.

[@billflixtone6684]

I live in 30c+ and i only recently read that i should add 2 psi to recommended pressure because of the high ambient temp ie tires pressures are measured at 20c (cold) my cold is at 30c

[@benkrom2737]

I've been riding since 1970 so I've ridden on a bunch of different tires. I liked Avon's but they wear fairly quick . I never had a Dunlap tire I liked. My riding has always been a little spirited so I always found the limits of my tires. During normal riding, Dunlaps are fine and wear like iron but in emergencies and or spirited riding fall off terribly. I have found that Metzler tires handle much like the Avon's and you'll get more mileage out of them. So yeah, I don't feel comfortable unless I have my Metzlers !

[@SteelHorseRKC]

Hey Kevin, great channel. My ‘06 RKC had Dunlop’s that were harder than my ex wife’s head. Felt every bump and tar snake on the road. They did last forever, but I didn’t feel like I’d last forever on them. I ran Metzler 880, changed to 888, made in Germany not Brazil. Fast forward to my 2018 Road Glide Special, the Dunlop’s that came on it are a vast improvement on both wet and dry roads. I wouldn’t have given ten cents for a Harley Dunlop, they’ve changed my mind.

[@KevinBaxter]

Often, you cant judge the tire brand by what comes OE on a bike. Manufacturers sometimes spec tires that are a bit different than you would get aftermarket. But yes...HD realized the need for better OE tires...and the modern Dunlops are better.

[@corykeeton8404]

I bought a new 2019 road glide special last september, my bike has 5600 miles on it and i noticed my dunlop d407 rear tire has 1 inch long splits on both sides of the tread all the way around the tire. i check my air pressure every ride and im not carrying any weight other than myself. after looking into it, it appears about every d407 tire is doing this. so whats up with these tires.

[@KevinBaxter]

i have not heard of or seen this yet. Call Dunlop...they are a good company and respond well with issues from what I've always experienced.

[@corykeeton8404]

Ok ill give it a shot

[@sendit4021]

Same issue. Dealer replaced under warranty but definitely has me looking for a new brand or American Elite next time. It separates at the compound lines.

[@colinm1325]

​@@corykeeton8404 Hey Cory, how did you go with the tire issue?

[@chrisccatania]

learning so much from this video

[@Gmatt113]

i have a 2019 FLHX with 1700 miles on it. My question is the tires are now 4 years old. i know mileage is a factor when replacing but what about age.

[@LayneSteighlee]

I have a 2016 goldwing and the stock tire is 180/60R16M/C 74H...what car tire and size of car tire should I buy? I can't seem to find car tires in that size? Thank you!

[@brentvonaschen7064]

Boy could certainly use help selecting a tire that will pass tech at TX mile with my custom trike and goalbof 168 MPH in the standing start mile

[@kylemoore9626]

I’m on my 3rd set of AE’s, outstanding tire.

[@KevinBaxter]

Agreed! Thanks for the comment!

[@jimdiavastes]

Question for Harley Touring - mixing Dunlop tread patterns a sin? ie American Elite mixed with the D407T or D408 (mix one style on front / other style on back wheel) Does it really matter?

[@donaldpruett852]

Should the liquid sealer such as "Green Slime" that is used in the Quads and off-road vehicles be considered for emergency use or just prevention in MC tires?

[@jimstenlund6017]

There’s definitely better choices out there.

[@keithmacris2182]

What is the balance beads and are they actually worth the effort. Are the tires when mounted correct not balanced for the life of the tire

[@rjuarez4913]

I’ve had five different tire pressure tools even digital all measure different!

[@mickc4633]

We should’ve talked about plugs. I run Dunlop tires I also carry a small compressor and a plug kit. I do ride long distances and I find it’s really nice not having to call And try to get my motorcycle towed or trailered. I never leave them in or usually replace the tire. But I do know a lot of people running motorcycle tires that are plugged. Maybe on the lighter bikes but I ride a big CVO limited .

[@KevinBaxter]

We did talk about tire repair...plugs, patches, etc...somewhere in the middle. Thanks.

[@carsyoungtimerfreak1149]

Two things... I use a TPMS, I check pressure all the time, very handy. On the darkside... What is often used on a Wing is Bridgestone Driveguard. Which is the Run Flat tyre from Bridgestone. And like all run flat tyres they are pretty heavy and inflexible. Yes, the cross section is very different to a motorcycle type, yet they are not nearly as flexible as the example shown in this video...

[@michaelbradshaw6145]

I understand him saying to weigh yourself in full riding gear, but I like to tell my passenger that SHE needs to be weighed wearing as little as possible so we can get an accurate read. :)

[@scottdeeslcutusa8117]

I learned more in this video, Thank you..

[@KevinBaxter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SnifftyDugan]

@@KevinBaxter Keep it up, love your content.

[@aaronhughey2134]

Hey Kevin who makes the harley-davidson tires that come on new bikes?

[@sinx2200]

Dunlop

[@psalm2forliberty577]

59:20 is where the Darkside talk begins. Click that blue time-stamp to go there. What they discuss earlier is also worthwhile !

[@jimstenlund6017]

Thanks, everything except for the subject of the video was time-stamped !

[@RockAnAhardSpot]

I bought a 98 gl1500 over a year ago, I had not had a bike rolling in a long time and I was just deliriously happy to be cruizing around here , IDAHO is amazing, I didnt bother with anything at all, I slapped plates on it and checked the oil, filled my left compartment up front with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led zepplin, Creedance, and J Tull and hit the road every chance I got. i didn't look at the tires. I mean, I could see the tread, i didn't closely inspect or read anything. they were however elite 3 dunlops. this year i was pulling parts off and thinking it might be cool to actually clean this bike LOL as i was riding a dust ball. i do not know anyone really, i dont go out in groups, I have never had a cell phone. anywho.. I checked my tires and they are 2009 tires, they have tread but I could tear peices off my front tire if I wanted to. my back tire is mostly hidden because of its goldwing blanket. i dont feel like getting in a wreck because i cheaped out. I am getting stressed out looking for tires however. this dark side crap I keep trying to believe in is getting ridiculous. everyone seems to know everything better than the last guy. all seems fantastic and then you keep gathering info and Bam! heart stopping BS news just derails everything you thought you learned. most of the disheartening " I give up" stuff is teh actual Videos of the tires in action and also that most folks that hear GOLDWING aint imagining 1500s anymore! WTF? aint everyone on a 1800 folks! The 1500's and lower are still kicking like mad! anyway. so I was thinking these old e 3's lasted a long time, I will see what i can do to find e4's. I admit I got a deal on this bike, it only has 75k on it and I paid less than 1.00 per CC LOL what the hell is going on with these tires? Holy crap! dang near 500 bucks! makes me sick. I built tire molds in the 80's. I blue printed and vented and repairs Tire molds In North Carolina. I know what goes into building tires, I didnt build Bike tire molds but just about every other ones you can think of Huge and small, I knocked them out. I know how tires are made. These fkin prices are outrageous. im 6ft 3 and 280 and my bikes well over 800 pounds. whats a low budget dude to do these days? I AM FIXING MY SEAT NOW , i need a set before that seat goes on. i gotta compressor ON BOARD lol dunlops? Shinkos? run flat centurion ? hancook optimo. idk what to do yet and im getting close to fireing this up. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! Low budget man rides again. full coverage though, I aint that crazy.

[@davesaunders5247]

Back in the 80’s I ran a 15 inch Volkswagen tire on my 59 pan head worked fine for me

[@fiveoaksfarmofgeorgia7605]

I got 8 months (15,000 miles) out of my OE Dunlop rear tire. Front still has about 50%.

[@robertpulliam9973]

=I had triked my Yamaha Roadliner and put a car tire on the rear and and a rear tire on the front because it had 3/16” more tread depth, but the dealer insisted on installing the front tire backwards, if the tire s supposed to rotate in the direction of the arrow why do they insist on mounting it in reverse rotation?

[@danjones9007]

Are the deep cracks in bottom of Dunlop tread dangerous? My 03 Softail came new with Dunlops and deep cracks developed in tread bottoms at 3000 miles. The new Dunlops I put on lasted 5000 miles, same cracking. Bike is always kept inside. Metzlers went 11,000 miles. Avons on now.

[@KevinBaxter]

i would reach out to dunlop on that. minor isnt an issue...but i dont know how bad yours are.

[@robertbencze4660]

I have a severe issue with traction, sometimes I'm still spinning in third gear... Do you have a recommendation for a 150-80/16 rear tire that will really hook up.. Preferably with a minimum of a W rating.. I don't care about mileage.. thanks..

[@colinm1325]

Hey, the Darkside crew seem to get better straight line traction and as you sound experienced, then once you're used to it, the corners/bends prob b ok also. Let me know how u go. Thanks

[@The1s2a3r]

I bought a set Bridgestone BattleCruz tires for my 2009 Fatbob About a year or so ago, They are OEM size for the bike. Im having them installed in the spring of 2021 I was told they were made for the Cruisers metric & Harley Davidson.

[@mickc4633]

So Harley Davison has their little logo stamped in their tires I can go right up the street and buy the same tire without the logo. I guess I was stupid today which ones better? From my understanding when I heard that Non-logoed tire is probably better or it’s made overseas? I’m sorry I just didn’t follow that very good

[@KevinBaxter]

Quite often, the non OE "branded" tire is better than the OE. So correct, you do not have to buy an HD branded tire to get one as good or better.

[@HellfighterPreacherman]

Wondering if your dunlop guy has done any work with stopping differences with different tread depth on dry conditions and wet. A friend of mine who does a lot of ABATE classes and demonstrations would like to see some studies. They have them for car tires but nothing for motorcycle tires.

[@KevinBaxter]

Im sure they have. I'd suggest hitting their website or calling them. They are very responsive and will provide any information you'd like.

[@michaeleisenhardt8802]

I have used michelins on most of my bike. Have them on my fatboy and love them. But yes tons of good info!

[@KevinBaxter]

Right on!

[@viclunaanthc3274]

I did some research, m/c tires load rating is roughly 750/800lbs. For a bike that weighs 800+ lbs without rider and gear then add the extreme temps of the desert makes me think 🤔 Car tires are 1,100/1,500lbs load rated. 95% of my riding is on the super slab going from place to place. I haven’t tried dark siding yet but for long distance touring it seems to make sense. Plus if you get the run flats there’s that safety margin. For the guys that have had a blowout at freeway speeds you know the pucker factor is way up there. Millions of miles prove that they work. To each his own.

[@rogerc7560]

I am running darkside with my 2015 FLHTK

[@kennethperian4370]

Dunlop good tires good good rubber love that good rubber keep up the good work on them Dunlop tires. Don’t last as long but mush safer love tires they stick to the road every good as long that you don’t get in sand that’s not good cause you well lay it down no fun your turning in to work lot your not awake good and there sand right when you turn in and you go down not good makes starting a working morning bad but I get over it it just don’t happen all the time maybe a 2 year’s or 3or 4 years so watch the sands if your in FLA or where there sand but love those Dunlop see ya next time see ya bye be safe.

[@welderdude6065]

Thanks for the vid a lot of good info

[@jeffreyengle2762]

Here’s a question I’ve had for literally years. The air pressure varies so greatly with every degree of outside temperature how in the world do you keep air pressures at optimum levels when every degree of air temperature raises or lowers that air pressure? And does it quite drastically? 40 pounds of pressure recommended for ambient temperature? Ambient temperature on a summer day might be 80° but ambient temperature in the winter time might be 40°? I have seen pressure increases while riding, to be in excess of 15 to 20 pounds over recommended tire pressures. Along with pressures going 5 to 10 pounds lower with the outside temperature variance....

[@tombentley887]

Touring Harley rear tires are very hard to check pressure, but still check it.

[@lorettadenardo9648]

whats the deal put psi recommended and than you ride tire heats up and is above what is called for. ??? thanks

[@richardalvis4695]

Lol at the goldwing joke. Reminds of another one. Whats the difference between a vacuum cleaner and a Harley rider? The placement of the dirtbag. Lmao! Im a Harley guy and thats funny!😆

[@dennytuma]

i have an 05 yamaha venture they recommend dunlop 404.. 4 to 5 thousand miles if lucky.. so who is at fault for this bad recommendation yamaha or dunlop?

[@KevinBaxter]

so much depends on riding style, maintenance, tire pressures, etc. however the 404 is a good tire...but not the best in the line up. its kind of there mid level economy tire. look at the american elites for more mileage or the E4.

[@dennytuma]

@@KevinBaxter your guest said it was made for a lighter bike my bike is not light so someone made a mistake

[@KevinBaxter]

That is true. Many would consider a metric cruiser to be a "lighter weight" cruiser and use the 40. Not sure what your bike weighs...but i tend to only put a 404 on something like a shadow, intruder, smaller vulcan, etc. Call Dunlop. Ask for Phil. He's a good fella. He will advise you properly. Tell him I sent ya. He will take care of your questions and get you in the right tire for sure.

[@anthonylambert6787]

I have G852 Bridgestone tire with 2000 miles on it and I picked up a small diameter nail can I plug it, it's a radial tire

[@KevinBaxter]

If i were on the side of the road...sure, id plug it and roll, finish my trip, etc. However...we only have 2 tires. a flat presents new challenges on a bike vs a car. For me, its not worth a potential leak on a trip.

[@mikehernandez1511]

And to be fair the example of the car tire used as a display has twice the size of the sidewall that is actually being used on a bike. To use what was shown your bike would be 2 inches taller on the rear. Most darksiders tend to use Bridgestone DriveGuard RF or Run Flat tires which are very thick and are more ridged than that of a MC tire.

[@brucevernon5827]

I have been riding since 17 now 67 so used many different brands and personally prefer for my type of riding is Brighton's 'Car tyres are OK for trikes and sidecar riding only but for a 2 wheel bike use a proper motorcycle tyre and in some cases insurance companies can refuse your accident insurance claim and can be rejected because you have a non motorcycle component this also applies to light truck tyres for work men units wich are 8 ply some people use 4 ply radials on them and can be refused by insurance companies if involved in an accident, depending also on the country you are in

[@jamesscott5073]

Kevin, when we have to park our bikes for 5-6months during the winter, should we jack the bike to keep the weight of the tires, or park tires on a piece of plywood.

[@KevinBaxter]

ive never went thru that trouble...but i will roll the bike a few inches every couple weeks. modern tires dont develop flat spots quite as bad.

[@Kolsch221]

Not a fan of Dunlap street bike tires. I got elite 4 front and back on my 13 F6B gold wing. Front tire has a wobble at 35-40mph. Took it back to the dealer whom I bought them from an Dunlap said they wouldn’t warranty them. Just my two cents.

[@joshrandall5297]

I ride Michelin Commander III. Main reason is tread life.

[@paulson9616]

How do you like C III?

[@bobkinney2430]

I have to ride the C II's as no C III 's in my tire size. But love my Michelins.....they last!!

[@Gizaalkemy]

I only got a little over 12k on the Mciii. I'm going to the dark side.

[@janyoung1633]

@@Gizaalkemy Just replaced my Mc Commander 2's for the 3's.. 20K on the front and the rear. 2017 Road glide Special.. Good in the rain also. Dunflops never gave me more than 6 or 7k...

[@williambalyx1053]

i tried a set but found they are noy very good in the rain

[@waygone6657]

At 65K miles on my Softail the American Elite are the best tires I have used.

[@mmurphy2005]

Hi Kevin, SUPER INFORMATIVE video!. My question is, I just put new tires on my bike, now I want to buy polished wheels , I was told that while removing the new tires there is a great chance of damaging/tearing the bead of the new tires, and I should buy another set of new tires for the polished wheel set, is this true? Thank You very much for your time, I thoroughly enjoy your videos!

[@tombentley887]

I have switched back to Dunlop for lots of reasons.

[@bamabiker]

i don't check tread depth.....when i see steel belt i get a new tire

[@DanielBODell]

I’ve had front and rear go away at speed not fun AT ALL!!,what about run flat tires

[@fredkunc3517]

Great video agree totally. The only exception on the dark side stuff I think would be a trike since it doesn't lean could benefit from a auto front tire. But I wouldn't want to be the test pilot.

[@williamirwin4154]

Yes the vast majority of people who go darkside love it and have absolutely no problems. You won't be able to find a single example of a motorcycle accident caused by having a car tire on a motorcycle. People who ride darkside know the profiles of car and motorcycle tires are different. They know the tires are different. It seems counterintuitive, but it seems to work. It's not recommended for all kinds of bikes. It's pretty exclusive to heavy cruisers and some heavy adventure bikes that don't go offroad much if ever.

[@scottdeeslcutusa8117]

Question to ask, if motorcycle is from the 90's or older. Tires now adays are a lot different now do you still go by owners manual tire pressure?

[@KevinBaxter]

This is a great question. I would go by the tire manuf recommended pressure myself but i would be surprised if you saw a significant variance between the two (being MC manuf vs tire manuf.

[@gallumbucket4131]

this is a you tube commercial for dunlop mc tires

[@MrJones1369]

Hi Kevin. I’ve often heard that you should run a bias ply tire on a hard tail. What are your thoughts on this?

[@KevinBaxter]

I've never heard that specifically. You can call Dunlop and ask to speak to Phil...the guy in the video. He's a wealth of knowledge and will be straight up with you.

[@tri-glideron9862]

What about trike tires?