The 2025 Calendar Voting is now live! Click here to vote!

Dark Side Advice Needed

Talk about issues and questions specific to the FJR here.
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 20438
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 43769
x 18949

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by wheatonFJR »

raYzerman wrote: Thu Jun 04, 2020 1:29 pm Option if you want..... cut down your existing one..... you won't need the original even if you take the CT off... but, some Canadian dick has a spare one in his stash if ya talk nice one day.
That sounds like there is kissing involved. If so, that's right up NTX' alley so he should be in good shape. :stickpoke:
Bust loved this
boatanchor, 3rd class.
User avatar
NTXFJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1814
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016 FJR1300A
Location: Midlothian, Tx
x 2889
x 1511

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by NTXFJR »

I got the toe of my boot that's good at kissing, c'mon over buddy... :lol:
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Image

IBA # 65427
User avatar
NTXFJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1814
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016 FJR1300A
Location: Midlothian, Tx
x 2889
x 1511

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by NTXFJR »

raYzerman wrote: Thu Jun 04, 2020 1:29 pm Option if you want..... cut down your existing one..... you won't need the original even if you take the CT off... but, some Canadian dick has a spare one in his stash if ya talk nice one day.
Coolio, I might have to talk nice about you for a few days not just one, and maybe get your lunch too for that offer. Thanks Ray
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Image

IBA # 65427
User avatar
FJRPittsburgh
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1899
Joined: Thu Jun 15, 2017 1:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013 A, 2008 AE has been sold.
Location: Canonsburg, PA
x 8630
x 3641

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by FJRPittsburgh »

And Brodie came through with the answer. He's the man! Well, he's the man when Ray's not around.
Uncle Hud loved this
2013 Yamaha FJR1300A
2013 Honda CRF250L
2018 Yamaha FZ-07
2019 Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
User avatar
NTXFJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1814
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016 FJR1300A
Location: Midlothian, Tx
x 2889
x 1511

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by NTXFJR »

So I finished up the install today along with speed bleeders and a much needed system flush of front, back, and clutch, including the abs flush. It was really quite simple once I got into it, many thanks to Ray for making the abs flush test harness, and to Wayne and Co. for making them available to us forum jokers.

The shake down run revealed that it's going to take some time to get used to this tire but it's not as awkward as I half expected it to be. It feels to me a bit wallowy at first lean going into a turn but once in it the tire seemed to grip just fine. I won't be trying to keep up with Oface or Jwilly anytime soon, not that I would try to anyway, but I can definitely see the shine that the dark siders like about these. I'm going to enjoy the 30K+ mileage they give. It only took .25 oz to balance which surprised me, I've had some mc tires take as much as 2.5 oz.

Check out the girth on that baby. I measured around 1.25" at widest point from the 180 mc tire to this 205 ct.

Image

I copied Brodie's image when milling mine out

Image

Not a whole lot of clearance up there, but it's enough

Image
Last edited by NTXFJR on Sun Jun 07, 2020 11:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Brodie, gixxerjasen, Bust and 1 others loved this
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Image

IBA # 65427
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 9678
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 3131
x 11592

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by raYzerman »

You can experiment with pressures, lower will allow greater flexibility, not sure how stiff your sidewall is. I ran 28-30 psi and found that was the sweet spot. You can run it up to 35 or more and see how stiffer it gets, along with different turn-in. So, your next rear tire is in like 50k miles!
NTXFJR loved this
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
Canadian FJR
Veteran
Posts: 578
Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2014 8:31 am
FJRModel: 2018 FJR-1300ES, 2010 Ural Gear Up, 2003
Yamaha FJR-1300, 2001 Kawasaki KLR-650 (Gone to a new home), 1997 Suzuki TL-1000s (Gone but not forgotten), 1976 Honda 400 Four, 1968 Honda C-50 Step-thru
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
x 47
x 543

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by Canadian FJR »

After the first ride it will seem like the new normal.

Canadian FJR
rbentnail and NTXFJR loved this
User avatar
natehawk750
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 811
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:07 pm
FJRModel: 2015 FJR1300A, 2001 zrx1200r, 2001 XR650R
x 2061
x 2139

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by natehawk750 »

I like to run mine at about 28psi. I can't even feel the difference anymore.
Brodie and NTXFJR loved this
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

#69272
User avatar
NTXFJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1814
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016 FJR1300A
Location: Midlothian, Tx
x 2889
x 1511

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by NTXFJR »

I set mine at 31 to start. I may try 28 just to see, thanks for the tips. I will be checking the tread wear as time goes on. The tire should wear decently since it will be carrying quite a bit less weight than a car would have, but that's a double edged sword because that flat profile needs to shed water in a deluge and less weight is an enemy in this case. I don't think I'll be pushing the tire to it's wear bars because of this, decent sipes are your friend.
Last edited by NTXFJR on Mon Jun 08, 2020 1:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Image

IBA # 65427
rbentnail
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1180
Joined: Sun Jan 20, 2013 4:54 am
FJRModel: 2007A, 2013A
Location: Asheboro, NC
x 425
x 1192

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by rbentnail »

Mess around with the pressure some. I like mine up around 33. I've noticed with FOBO tpms the rear heats quickly and the pressure rises about 4 psi on a sunny 85*F+ day so be sure to base decisions on miles, not cold pressure.

I have a spare rim I keep a bike tire on, picked it up cheap. Rarely use it anymore.
NTXFJR loved this
User avatar
raYzerman
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 9678
Joined: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:49 am
FJRModel: 2010 Honda CBF1000FA
Location: Millgrove, Ontario, CA
x 3131
x 11592

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by raYzerman »

It will mostly depend on the tire being used. If overinflated the center will wear more, and it may anyway. CT's usually have softer compounds than bike tires, but larger tread depth and wear spread over a much larger area.
Keep yer stick on the ice........... (Red Green)
Duct tape can't fix stupid, but it can sure muffle the sound.
User avatar
Uncle Hud
Veteran
Posts: 3575
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 1:52 pm
FJRModel: 2015 ES, with new fairings!
Location: Smyrna, metro Atlanta
x 7246
x 2758

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by Uncle Hud »

Sipes are built for a car’s weight. Don’t know now, but you were a lot lighter than that a few years ago at SFO. 8-)
*** You can't get into trouble in second gear. ***
IBA 62517
User avatar
NTXFJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1814
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016 FJR1300A
Location: Midlothian, Tx
x 2889
x 1511

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by NTXFJR »

Uncle Hud wrote: Mon Jun 08, 2020 1:09 pm Sipes are built for a car’s weight. Don’t know now, but you were a lot lighter than that a few years ago at SFO. 8-)
No so much now...
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Image

IBA # 65427
User avatar
NTXFJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1814
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016 FJR1300A
Location: Midlothian, Tx
x 2889
x 1511

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by NTXFJR »

Went to 28 psi and this BFG GForce tire seems a bit easier to lean over. Still getting used to things but it seems quite manageable.
natehawk750 loved this
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Image

IBA # 65427
User avatar
natehawk750
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 811
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:07 pm
FJRModel: 2015 FJR1300A, 2001 zrx1200r, 2001 XR650R
x 2061
x 2139

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by natehawk750 »

You'll get use to it the more you ride with it. I love the Darkside for LDriding when I'm just burning tires on the hwy. I'm not so sold on that I'd ride with it when I'm riding with the intent to carve up the twisties. I'll swap back to a pr5gt for that.
NTXFJR loved this
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

#69272
wheatonFJR
Contributor
I post more than I ride
Posts: 20438
Joined: Wed Jan 16, 2013 6:10 pm
FJRModel: 2013-Jwilly Special LD Delivery
Location: Travelers Rest
x 43769
x 18949

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by wheatonFJR »

NTXFJR wrote: Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:46 pm Went to 28 psi and this BFG GForce tire seems a bit easier to lean over. Still getting used to things but it seems quite manageable.
Arkansas baby!
NTXFJR loved this
boatanchor, 3rd class.
User avatar
NTXFJR
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 1814
Joined: Sat Oct 22, 2016 7:17 pm
FJRModel: 2016 FJR1300A
Location: Midlothian, Tx
x 2889
x 1511

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by NTXFJR »

rbentnail wrote: Mon Jun 08, 2020 6:37 am Mess around with the pressure some. I like mine up around 33. I've noticed with FOBO tpms the rear heats quickly and the pressure rises about 4 psi on a sunny 85*F+ day so be sure to base decisions on miles, not cold pressure.

I have a spare rim I keep a bike tire on, picked it up cheap. Rarely use it anymore.
I put tpms on when the bike was new and was surprised at the rise in pressure as the tires heat up. 42 psi is easily replaced with 48 psi on hot pavement, 104f temps in Arizona 3 yrs ago made things really interesting on the back tire especially. I'll keep an eye on this ct next week to see what it does.
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.

Image

IBA # 65427
User avatar
gixxerjasen
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6023
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
Location: DFW
x 5594
x 9260

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by gixxerjasen »

NTXFJR wrote: Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:46 pm Went to 28 psi and this BFG GForce tire seems a bit easier to lean over. Still getting used to things but it seems quite manageable.
I'm quite surprised you aren't dead yet. I was told that going darkside would make the bike spontaneously burst into flames within the first few miles. Surely I haven't been misled.
NTXFJR and wheatonFJR loved this
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L

I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
User avatar
natehawk750
Contributor
Veteran
Posts: 811
Joined: Mon Feb 19, 2018 1:07 pm
FJRModel: 2015 FJR1300A, 2001 zrx1200r, 2001 XR650R
x 2061
x 2139

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by natehawk750 »

:threadjack:
gixxerjasen wrote: Wed Jun 10, 2020 3:02 pm
NTXFJR wrote: Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:46 pm Went to 28 psi and this BFG GForce tire seems a bit easier to lean over. Still getting used to things but it seems quite manageable.
I'm quite surprised you aren't dead yet. I was told that going darkside would make the bike spontaneously burst into flames within the first few miles. Surely I haven't been misled.
I'm doomed I've been running darkside with and Aux tank for a few months now!
gixxerjasen and NTXFJR loved this
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

#69272
User avatar
gixxerjasen
I post more than I ride
Posts: 6023
Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2013 5:50 pm
FJRModel: 2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE
Location: DFW
x 5594
x 9260

Re: Dark Side Advice Needed

Post by gixxerjasen »

natehawk750 wrote: Wed Jun 10, 2020 3:36 pm :threadjack:
gixxerjasen wrote: Wed Jun 10, 2020 3:02 pm
NTXFJR wrote: Tue Jun 09, 2020 11:46 pm Went to 28 psi and this BFG GForce tire seems a bit easier to lean over. Still getting used to things but it seems quite manageable.
I'm quite surprised you aren't dead yet. I was told that going darkside would make the bike spontaneously burst into flames within the first few miles. Surely I haven't been misled.
I'm doomed I've been running darkside with and Aux tank for a few months now!
:shock: :o
YouTube Channel | My Blog
Current Bikes:2007 Yamaha FJR1300AE | 2016 KTM 1190 Adventure R | 2001 Suzuki DRZ-400E | 2020 KTM 500 XCF-W
Son's Bike:2019 Honda CRF250L

I'm here to serve as an example of what NOT to do.
Post Reply