Bike up on lift ready for major change!!!

[Ghost Rider 2]

   Well my C14 is up on lift and getting ready to be transformed.  This summer I have been riding very hard on my Goldwing. I have over 15,000 miles on a car tire on my wing and I love it.  Never had a bike that responded as well.  Handling is unbelievable.  I have a Pirelli 205 50 17 that will be on the Connie tomorrow. I think it will be great but only time will tell.  Will post back here in a couple of days as to how well or not it works on this bike.  I have looked around and have found that most Connie riders do not believe in a CT.  I was that way for years on the same opinion with a Goldwing until I tried it for myself.  I just cant wait to ride the Connie on a Wonky tire.

[Conniesaki]

You, sir, are mad whack! ... just like your car tire brethren!

[maxtog]

No comment...

(Well, I guess saying "no comment" is, itself, a comment)

[Freddy]

I think a 205/45-17 would give a tad more clearance while maintain other requirements.   

[mikeyw64]

they're called car tyres for a  reason

[sanmo]

Tip of the hat to the OP. Am looking forward to a detailed report on his experience doing this. I have gone to the darkside for the past few years on my other bike (a middle-weight V-twin) which admittedly is used for more leisurely rides than the C14. No problems with the handling and love not having to change tires every year. Are those run-flat Pirelli that you are using? I'm wondering if the stiffer sidewalls are better or worse for a motorcycle.

[Pilgrim]

      Can you provide pictures?

[gPink]

Once you join the Darkside who knows what's next.....
http://youtu.be/cnVjkE87FDY

[sanmo]

Dammit, you've gone and uncovered my daily morning ritual. 

[philipintexas]

A a Wing owner, I've been considering a car tire also. Just wore out a pair of B-stones in one 4+ week trip. What did you have on the wing?? The size mentioned is, I assume, for the C-14?

[Ghost Rider 2]

  It is on.  I just went out made a 10 mile shake down, came back and checked things over all looked good.  Went back out and ran 50 miles.  did not push bike real hard just enjoying the ride.  Did a combination of country roads, state highways, and Interstate.  YES  I like it.  I figure right now I have 1 of the dozen best riding and handling Connies in the country. The others have a car tire too!  It rides smooth and handles better than any Connie I have owned.  This is my third 1400 and I had 3 1000's.  I will say this is not for everyone.  It is different especially at slow speeds. Rear tire will chase grooves and risers in roads at slow to stopping speeds.  I might be a CVRAZY old man.  But I sure have a big smile on my face right now!  Pics very soon.

[Ghost Rider 2]

  It is on.  I just went out made a 10 mile shake down, came back and checked things over all looked good.  Went back out and ran 50 miles.  did not push bike real hard just enjoying the ride.  Did a combination of country roads, state highways, and Interstate.  YES  I like it.  I figure right now I have 1 of the dozen best riding and handling Connies in the country. The others have a car tire too!  It rides smooth and handles better than any Connie I have owned.  This is my third 1400 and I had 3 1000's.  I will say this is not for everyone.  It is different especially at slow speeds. Rear tire will chase grooves and risers in roads at slow to stopping speeds.  I might be a CVRAZY old man.  But I sure have a big smile on my face right now!  Pics very soon.

 On wing I run a Pirelli P1 195 55 16 run flat.  On the Connie I cant get a P1 in the size.  So I went with a Perelli P7 205 50 17. it is summer performance not a run flat.  Spoke to another Connie rider on a car tire.  He said he had never used a run flat and was happy. Time will tell I may step up to some run flat next time but not sure.  Just look for rounded edge.  I don't like the square cut edge tires.

[Ghost Rider 2]

pics,

[gPink]

looks like you might need a wider mudflap

[Ghost Rider 2]

It is BIG  for sure.

[gPink]

Check with .... Blue One.... he makes a rear extender that looks like it would work...
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=128.msg850#msg850

[maxtog]

Here is the previous thread:  http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=6116  has some noise, but an interesting re-read.

[Ghost Rider 2]

  Just to let my thoughts known I posted this.  I in no way am trying to or will ever try to talk someone into running a car tire.  That is a personal choice. I was dead set against it a couple years ago on the Goldwing boards. I rode several times with guys that ran them and one day I decided to just give one a try.  At first I did not care much for it.  After the first 500 miles I started to like it.  The Connie is nothing like the Goldwing but so far it feels OK to me.  Time will tell.

[Tree]

So, the initial post was made on Friday the 13th. That alone took guts. Running a CT on a "Sport bike with bags" also takes some intestinal fortitude.

That being writ, I say bravo to you! Experience is the only way to truly prove any theory/idea.  What I am trying to say is that when there is a genuine need to try something different it must be done or you will never know for sure if it was a good/bad idea in the first place. (My opinion) There are many arguments for and against running a CT on this, or any, motorcycle.  Considering that many riders have crossed over to the Dark Side and haven't returned says something.  Doesn't it?

Since I am a potential convert to a CT I would like to know about the process of making the switch.  Stuff like difficulty with mounting, balancing, tire choices, side clearances, and speed rating to name a few.  Anyone?

[Pilgrim]

What air pressure are you using?    TPS system functions the same, right?