Going to the Dark Side

[doctorJ]

"except you got https:// in there twice"

Well if once is good, isn't twice even better . Thanks for the info. Maybe I can remember it for the next time I post a pic.

BTW, I did a scrub in run of about 40-50 miles. I am still kind of amazed that the corner turn in is not much different to me at all. It even feels pretty "flickable". I can still tell a difference in little ways but not enough to be a big deal. Man if this will double or more my mileage for the rear, I'm gonna be a happy camper. I'm already almost as agressive on sweepers as if on a new rear motorcycle tire.

doctorj

 

[Patriot]

You did fine, except you got https:// in there twice.

On Photobucket, looking at the album's thumbnail page, just hover over the picture you want to post. A drop-down opens. The fourth line is EXACTLY the code you want to post for the pic to show. No other codes or doodads. They wrote it up for you already.

Click on that fourth line, it changes to "copied." Go into your post on the forum, type CTRL-V, and the code is there.

showoff

 

[TriggerT]

I know I will adding a sticker from this place after I an official darksider:

https://www.zazzle.com/the+dark+side+stickers

Either the standard "We have Cookies" or:

https://www.zazzle.com/come_to_the_dark_side_sticker-217529267899682507

 

[Floridave]

Done Deal - Michelin Pilot Exalto

My extra pair of helping hands. This tire was NOT difficult to mount, not really any more difficult than a regular tire. My usual problem is getting the bead to seat, no issues on this one.

I made up a couple extra Brake Control Arms out of 1/4 x 3/4 steel, painted Silver... Since I had 3 feet of steel. Will post in classified if anyone needs one.

I know most have been using 3/16, but I felt better using 1/4.

 

[alchemy]

https://www.zazzle.com/come_to_the_dark_side_sticker-217529267899682507

That one works- edit it and you can put your number under or you can space it so a number on either side, hmmmmm

 

[Fred W]

Done Deal - Michelin Pilot Exalto

PM sent on control armistice.

 

[doctorJ]

Well that looks good on the bike. That looks just like the caliper control arm that I bought from Kirillian. Let us know how it feels after a few miles. When I ride now, I almost don't even think about it anymore. So you must be darksider #41 huh?

doctorj

 

[Roy Epperson]

Today, somebody by the name of Brodie brought some peanut butter cookies, a wheel witha Bridestone G019 Grid, a caliper arm, grease and tools by.... What am I suppose to do with them?

Well, I've gone to the darkside:

Did you know there is a torque spec for the ABS Sensor retainer bolt?

Since meeting Eric at WFO 09 and seeing Brodie's, FJRONAMISSION's escapes on the darkside, I've wanted to give it a try. But my PR2s wear out is just before going on a long trip. Being a CB (cheap *******) and cautious, I've not been willing either embark on a long trip or swap out a "like new MT" to give it a try. Well with the combo of Brodie trying a different CT and Brian/Brodie having a spare wheel, with great coaching from Brodie, I (really we) pulled my rear wheel and PR2, the 019 Grid and wheel, cleaned and lubed all the splines, and change the final gear oil - great to have the help of the "Master" :yahoo:

After a late lunch and Brodie needed to get home, we parted company. I was originally planning on a short ride as it was getting dark. Well 150 miles later I got home. I got a good combination of twisties, uneven surfaces,and PCH (after dark - damn it was not a full moon) from Santa Cruz back to San Mateo.

:yahoo: Am I happy :yahoo: :yahoo: Yes. Definitely different from the PR2s. I was taking the same turns just as hard or harder with the Grid and felt as good if not better. Thanks to Brodie and others posts on handling. :clapping: Three things that were instantly apparent: 1) unevenness in the pavement is more apparent - not a problem, you just notice them more, 2) more effort is needed to get into and stay in a turn - a problem?, no just different, and 3) the bike wants to "stand up" out of a turn much easier.

My final verdict is still out, need more miles to double and triple check - What's my number??

 

[doctorJ]

Congrats and hope your "experiment" continues to go well. I've seen a lot of criticism of running a car tire on the FJR and have just wondered this thought. How many of the nay sayers speak from experience with a car tire on their own bike? I bet it is small to nil. If that is true, I certainly think they have a right to an "uneducated" opinion, but with no experience, it would seem the opinion is biased without a firm basis (OK, editorial over--back to normal programming ).

doctorj

 

[fljab]

OK, I've been following this rather long thread and I'm kinda getting to the point of wanting to try going darkside. I've pulled up all 205/50-17 tires on www.tirerack.com (82) but I have to ask: What's the consensus on the type to look for? High performance (or ultra high) all season? Any favorites among you?

 

[alchemy]

I'm running the General Exclaim UHP $118 to the door from https://www.discounttiredirect.com

900 miles on it since Jan 1, and it did just fine in the winding backcountry in solid rain yesterday

 

[Longrider]

https://www.zazzle.com/come_to_the_dark_side_sticker-217529267899682507

That one works- edit it and you can put your number under or you can space it so a number on either side, hmmmmm

As one very seriously challenged by computers, it would be a BIG help if someone would set up and post a sticker. I think something like Darth Vader as an image, with space for a number would be great. Any takers?

Longrider

 

[Fred W]

OK, I've been following this rather long thread and I'm kinda getting to the point of wanting to try going darkside. I've pulled up all 205/50-17 tires on www.tirerack.com (82) but I have to ask: What's the consensus on the type to look for? High performance (or ultra high) all season? Any favorites among you?

I'll be shopping for one soon, and have considered the same question. I am going to stay away from the ultra high performance tires as they are likely to have stiffer sidewalls, which is not what we want. The softer the sidewalls, the better they will flex to keep the tread on the road. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Michelin Pilot Exalto AS (not the PE2). Most folks that have used one say this is a good tire, and I am generally fond of Michelins for cars.

 

[doctorJ]

OK, I've been following this rather long thread and I'm kinda getting to the point of wanting to try going darkside. I've pulled up all 205/50-17 tires on www.tirerack.com (82) but I have to ask: What's the consensus on the type to look for? High performance (or ultra high) all season? Any favorites among you?

I'll be shopping for one soon, and have considered the same question. I am going to stay away from the ultra high performance tires as they are likely to have stiffer sidewalls, which is not what we want. The softer the sidewalls, the better they will flex to keep the tread on the road. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Michelin Pilot Exalto AS (not the PE2). Most folks that have used one say this is a good tire, and I am generally fond of Michelins for cars.

AFter reading of the good reports on the Michelin Exalto A/S, that is what I went with and am pleased with it. I used onlinetires.com for the best price I could find with free shipping ($152).

doctorj

 

[fljab]

I'll be shopping for one soon, and have considered the same question. I am going to stay away from the ultra high performance tires as they are likely to have stiffer sidewalls, which is not what we want. The softer the sidewalls, the better they will flex to keep the tread on the road. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Michelin Pilot Exalto AS (not the PE2). Most folks that have used one say this is a good tire, and I am generally fond of Michelins for cars.

AFter reading of the good reports on the Michelin Exalto A/S, that is what I went with and am pleased with it. I used onlinetires.com for the best price I could find with free shipping ($152).

Great tip, thanks! Tirerack doesn't even list the Exalto A/S, just the PE2. Sure enough onlinetires.com has the A/S with free shipping. My PR2 still has some good tread but maybe I'll send off for the CT and have it ready.

I know this is a highly debated issue whether to run a CT or not; the way I think about it is that I can't judge it until I've put some miles in the setup, so that's just what I'm gonna do...

 

[Fred W]

Great tip, thanks! Tirerack doesn't even list the Exalto A/S, just the PE2. Sure enough onlinetires.com has the A/S with free shipping.

Yes they do, here. But it's $158 plus shipping.

 

[doctorJ]

I'll be shopping for one soon, and have considered the same question. I am going to stay away from the ultra high performance tires as they are likely to have stiffer sidewalls, which is not what we want. The softer the sidewalls, the better they will flex to keep the tread on the road. I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Michelin Pilot Exalto AS (not the PE2). Most folks that have used one say this is a good tire, and I am generally fond of Michelins for cars.

AFter reading of the good reports on the Michelin Exalto A/S, that is what I went with and am pleased with it. I used onlinetires.com for the best price I could find with free shipping ($152).

Great tip, thanks! Tirerack doesn't even list the Exalto A/S, just the PE2. Sure enough onlinetires.com has the A/S with free shipping. My PR2 still has some good tread but maybe I'll send off for the CT and have it ready.

I know this is a highly debated issue whether to run a CT or not; the way I think about it is that I can't judge it until I've put some miles in the setup, so that's just what I'm gonna do...

I guess the price has gone up a few bucks since I got mine. I do have a new rear PR2 in the garage so I could change to it if I wasn't happy with the Exalto A/S. But if the experience continues as now, I'll be looking to sell the PR2 to some local FJR people.

doctorj

 

[TriggerT]

Just to make sure I am on the right page, is this the tire you are talking about:

https://www.onlinetires.com/products/vehicle/tires/michelin/205%252F50-17+michelin+pilot+exalto+a%252Fs+vr+++89v.html

I didn't see any of you use the "Pilot" in the description, so I want to make sure.

Thanks.

 

[garyahouse]

I've read a good portion of this thread, and I'm considering the darker path. I read somewhere that the CT outweighs a MT by about 10 pounds. I know that unsprung weight affects acceleration and handling, but the question is how much? Anybody ever dyno test a FJR with a CT? Another thought: how does this affect the lifespan of the rear shock?

Gary in Tampa

 

[FJRONAMISSION]

Today, somebody by the name of Brodie brought some peanut butter cookies, a wheel witha Bridestone G019 Grid, a caliper arm, grease and tools by.... What am I suppose to do with them?

Well, I've gone to the darkside:

Did you know there is a torque spec for the ABS Sensor retainer bolt?

Since meeting Eric at WFO 09 and seeing Brodie's, FJRONAMISSION's escapes on the darkside, I've wanted to give it a try. But my PR2s wear out is just before going on a long trip. Being a CB (cheap *******) and cautious, I've not been willing either embark on a long trip or swap out a "like new MT" to give it a try. Well with the combo of Brodie trying a different CT and Brian/Brodie having a spare wheel, with great coaching from Brodie, I (really we) pulled my rear wheel and PR2, the 019 Grid and wheel, cleaned and lubed all the splines, and change the final gear oil - great to have the help of the "Master" :yahoo:

After a late lunch and Brodie needed to get home, we parted company. I was originally planning on a short ride as it was getting dark. Well 150 miles later I got home. I got a good combination of twisties, uneven surfaces,and PCH (after dark - damn it was not a full moon) from Santa Cruz back to San Mateo.

:yahoo: Am I happy :yahoo: :yahoo: Yes. Definitely different from the PR2s. I was taking the same turns just as hard or harder with the Grid and felt as good if not better. Thanks to Brodie and others posts on handling. :clapping: Three things that were instantly apparent: 1) unevenness in the pavement is more apparent - not a problem, you just notice them more, 2) more effort is needed to get into and stay in a turn - a problem?, no just different, and 3) the bike wants to "stand up" out of a turn much easier.

My final verdict is still out, need more miles to double and triple check - What's my number??

************

Roy I noticed the same results when I rode Brodies bike..... uneven pavement... sure it is different, but always predictable. Before you make your final report on the square tire experience ... you need to ride the Pilot... its different in that you don't need any effort to get into a turn and hold it there!!

Enjoy!.....

B