My Darkside "walk" ..

[sgn]

As has been said many times ….

The following is just my impressions and thoughts on the subject of riding on the Dark side. No arguments about science, physics, math or legality.

When I purchased my new to me 1999 RSV it had been used by another member as a sidecar rig and a Kumo Radial was installed on the rear. A “spare” rear wheel was included in the deal so I knew I could mount a motorcycle tire with very little problems or downtime.

I adjusted air pressure on the bike and tires until I had a very good ride for me and rode for last summer on the Dark side.

Let me begin by saying the Kumo performed very well. Handling my style of riding very well. Dry pavement traction, straight or twisty, was very good. Braking excellent and predictable. Wet weather traction and braking was beyond anything I have ever experienced on a motorcycle. The ride was quiet and air pressure checks very consistent.

Is riding on the Dark side the way to go? Maybe I will see for myself.

Now another riding season is here and time for a change and examination.

We all “know” that the best tire for the RSV is the one each of us likes the best through use and experience so I will not “go there”.

Having gone from my 83 Blondie to this Red/White RSV I went with the tire of choice for me as replacement of the Kumo. My choice was the Kendra, these performed great on the 83 so why not a try on a Second Gen.

Of course the tires have a stiff sidewall so mounting is a little hard. Balancing was easy and very little weight used.

After attempting to get the disk brake rotor off and on the spare wheel I chose the get a new rotor and move on preferring to not “sweat” the removal.

Usual maintenance of the splines, check brake pads and such the new tire is on and time to ride.

Well it’s raining so tomorrow ….

Helmet, gloves, boots, jacket …. Bike is running and warming up….. Driver on, kickstand up …. And on the road.

Slow speed handling better, slow speed braking still smooth has ever, now to ride some and scuff in the new tire. Combination of asphalt, concrete and even some small gravel at slow speed, now it’s time to get and a nice road and get the operating temperature up on the tire. Several run ups from stop to 60 mph…. now time for the empty parking lot for some practice and braking runs. After a while I thought it time to try some real braking…. My thoughts, Wow this Kendra can stop as good as the Kumo.

Back on the road the ride is quiet and smooth. Still too early in this tire’s short life to try the twisty roads needs a few more miles of wear before pushing that issue.

If you have read all of this you are saying cut to the chase Dark side yes or no …. For me the answer is no.

My concern is a matter of the mind and what ifs. The largest being if the proverbial canine fecal matter hit the fan would my insurance pay? I don’t know and really don’t want to find out; if that is no concern for you then maybe riding the Dark side is okay. For some reason I just could not pick up the phone and call my agent to ask the question.

I will say for those of you choosing to ride on the Dark side I know it works and seems to do it very well and I would never say a word of negative about your choice.

Thanks for reading and let us all ride safe…..

[gunboat]

hi steve

thanks for posting your thoughts & experience on riding the darkside. as I have stated from the start. this is a mod that has worked for me, but not everyone. thanks again

regards

don c.

[1rooster]

Hope you are enjoying the red and white 99.I had one just like it.I sure do miss that bike.

[sgn]

Oh Rooster! We are enjoying it very much. Sorry you miss yours but ride over and you can sit on mine and make motorcycle noises ...

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[SilvrT]

would my insurance pay? I don’t know and really don’t want to find out; ............ For some reason I just could not pick up the phone and call my agent to ask the question.

 

Why Not? Wouldn't it be better to know the answer than making a decision based on the unknown? If that was all that is holding you back from staying with the C/T ... I don't get it. What are those "matters of the mind" and "what ifs" other than the insurance issue ... c'mon ... spill it ... don't leave us wondering...

[Blinker]

Me as well.... 06 RSTD ridin on the darkside for around a year...got approx 10K on the tire now....cant tell the difference between a MC tire and this one except improved traction in the rain. My guess is I'll be changing it because of age before tread wear and I'm not shy about the twisties either. Yep, not for everyone but I'll be using it again when the time comes.

 

Had a difficult time getting someone to mount it....the smaller shops wouldn't touch it and the one that did and said they do it all the time is the major all brand dealer in our area which is the one that I thought wouldn't do it. ha

 

Only con would be the high pressure rate that is required to seat it...think mine was around 80lbs...