How Much PSI for my new "darkside" Sumitomo?

Scooter Rider Number of posts: 47 Points: 730 Registration date: 2010-07-19

Took the leap today - my mechanic installed (with much hassle) my Sumitomo tire on my 03 Swing (ended up putting a tube in it to press it onto the rim, then removed the tube and presto! The tire then mounted itself to the rim). I took a 30-mile jaunt home with 40 psi, but it feels squirrely - like it's overinflated. I plan to decrease in 2-lb increments to find a "feel-good" PSI. Any suggestions?

Hi Slick. From the tire shop, my Sumi was handed to me with 34lbs. I have since reduced that to 30lbs and she feels great. I hope you hear from Bill on this, as he has mucho miles on his Sumi. I'm happy with 30.......and I'd be happy to "BE" 30 again! Take care....Jeff.

I usually have 40-42 on my Pirelli Diablo rear, but already have a Sumitomo ordered when the Diablo says sayonara. I've heard that typically most folks have lower psi in the front than the back -- I wonder if the same holds true for a darkside tire?

Slick-Tenn wrote:

Took the leap today - my mechanic installed (with much hassle) my Sumitomo tire on my 03 Swing (ended up putting a tube in it to press it onto the rim, then removed the tube and presto! The tire then mounted itself to the rim).

That is a simple non-destructive solution.

Do you have any more details on the mechanic's "hassle"??

Slick-Tenn wrote:

I took a 30-mile jaunt home with 40 psi, but it feels squirrely - like it's overinflated.

When did it feel squirrley ... straight or on curves.

Remember for the first 250-300 miles, until the Sumitomo has scrub the mold compound ... the darkside tire should not be pushed or tested in curves especially when wet.

Slick-Tenn wrote:

I plan to decrease in 2-lb increments to find a "feel-good" PSI.

If I want a very responsive counter-steering in twisties, I will run the darkside Sumitomo at a higher pressure 45 PSI ... though the tire will not absorb as much shock.

For the majority of times, I will run the darkside Sumitomo at a lower pressure 32 PSI ... the tire will absorb a significant amount of shock.

_________________
Bill - Georgetown TX 07 Silver Wing ABS

Clearview w/vent, Givi E96/TB19/E52 with Admore Lighting, Alaskan Leather, Wrist Rests, 3M Solas tape, K&N air, Hyperpro spring, Grip Puppies, Airhawk, Utopia backrest, Stebel, Apexcone HIDs, StingerZ LEDs (w/Backoff WigWag), Knight Rider Sequential LED, NGK Iridium, Power Commander III, Manic Salamander, Saeng mirrors, Garmin Zumo 660, Dark-Side Sumitomo Tire

Scooter Rider Number of posts: 47 Points: 730 Registration date: 2010-07-19

honda_silver wrote:

Slick-Tenn wrote:

Took the leap today - my mechanic installed (with much hassle) my Sumitomo tire on my 03 Swing (ended up putting a tube in it to press it onto the rim, then removed the tube and presto! The tire then mounted itself to the rim).

That is a simple non-destructive solution.

Do you have any more details on the mechanic's "hassle"??

Slick-Tenn wrote:

I took a 30-mile jaunt home with 40 psi, but it feels squirrely - like it's overinflated.

When did it feel squirrley ... straight or on curves.

Remember for the first 250-300 miles, until the Sumitomo has scrub the mold compound ... the darkside tire should not be pushed or tested in curves especially when wet.

Slick-Tenn wrote:

I plan to decrease in 2-lb increments to find a "feel-good" PSI.

If I want a very responsive counter-steering in twisties, I will run the darkside Sumitomo at a higher pressure 45 PSI ... though the tire will not absorb as much shock.

For the majority of times, I will run the darkside Sumitomo at a lower pressure 32 PSI ... the tire will absorb a significant amount of shock.

The motorcycle tire (IRC) he took off is wider rim-to-rim. The Sumi is quite a bit narrower (around the rim). It was simply impossible to get both inside beads up against the rim to catch the air. He tried wrapping around the tire with a strap, but the tread wouldn't cooperate. So, he ended up putting in a tube and the tire seated great. The plan was to drive it around for a week or two and then remove the tube. But, we rolled the dice and removed it before putting the wheel back on and VOILA! it seated. About a 90-minute process.

Here is the Sumitomo specifications

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Sumitomo&tireModel=HTR+T4&partnum=67TR3HTRT4&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes

Service Description: 165/70R13
Load Range: 78T SL
UTQG: 560 A B
Speed Rating “T” = 118mph (190kph)
Max Load: 937 lbs.
Max. Inflation Press.: 51 psi
Tread Depth: 9/32"
Tire Weight: 14lbs.
Rim Width Range: 4-5.5"
Meas. Rim Width: 5"
Sect. Width: 6.5"
Tread Width: 5"
Overall Diam.: 22.2"
Revs Per Mile: 949
Country of Origin*: "CN" = CHINACN

_________________
Bill - Georgetown TX 07 Silver Wing ABS

Clearview w/vent, Givi E96/TB19/E52 with Admore Lighting, Alaskan Leather, Wrist Rests, 3M Solas tape, K&N air, Hyperpro spring, Grip Puppies, Airhawk, Utopia backrest, Stebel, Apexcone HIDs, StingerZ LEDs (w/Backoff WigWag), Knight Rider Sequential LED, NGK Iridium, Power Commander III, Manic Salamander, Saeng mirrors, Garmin Zumo 660, Dark-Side Sumitomo Tire

Scooter Rider Number of posts: 47 Points: 730 Registration date: 2010-07-19

Slick-Tenn wrote:

Took the leap today - my mechanic installed (with much hassle) my Sumitomo tire on my 03 Swing (ended up putting a tube in it to press it onto the rim, then removed the tube and presto! The tire then mounted itself to the rim). I took a 30-mile jaunt home with 40 psi, but it feels squirrely - like it's overinflated. I plan to decrease in 2-lb increments to find a "feel-good" PSI. Any suggestions?

THANKS TO ALL WHO REPLIED! I'VE PUT IN 32 PSI AND THE TIRE SEEMS TO BE RUNNING AND FEELING AS IT SHOULD. OF COURSE, GETTING USED TO THE SIDEWALLS FLEXING WILL TAKE SOME GETTING USED TO, BUT I AM THRILLED AT THIS POINT! THANKS AGAIN!

THERE IS NO HANDLING DIFFERENCE, or so we're constantly told, so there is nothing to get used to

.

Enjoy the ride of that car tire.

Scooter Rider Number of posts: 12 Points: 756 Registration date: 2010-05-11

Hi! can anyone put some photos with darkside tires for we can see?

Hi Armelao. I have a pic of my 03 in " Silverwing Topics'. Darkside....yes or no. page two. The pic of your scoot....tell us about it. Thanks...Jeff

Jeff, I still have the picture you sent me do you need it now?

Jeff Rosenkranz wrote:

Hi Armelao. I have a pic of my 03 in " Silverwing Topics'. Darkside....yes or no. page two.

http://www.silverwing600.com/silver-wing-topics-f3/darksideyes-or-no-t1576-15.htm?highlight=darkside#16485

_________________
Bill - Georgetown TX 07 Silver Wing ABS

Clearview w/vent, Givi E96/TB19/E52 with Admore Lighting, Alaskan Leather, Wrist Rests, 3M Solas tape, K&N air, Hyperpro spring, Grip Puppies, Airhawk, Utopia backrest, Stebel, Apexcone HIDs, StingerZ LEDs (w/Backoff WigWag), Knight Rider Sequential LED, NGK Iridium, Power Commander III, Manic Salamander, Saeng mirrors, Garmin Zumo 660, Dark-Side Sumitomo Tire

Scooter Rider Number of posts: 12 Points: 756 Registration date: 2010-05-11

thank´s,i have seen,here in portugal,we don´t practice dark side.

» Runnin double Darkside
» "Dark Side" Huh?
» How Much PSI for my new "darkside" Sumitomo?
» Darkside Tire Q & A
» Darkside Tire Poll

How Much PSI for my new "darkside" Sumitomo?

How Much PSI for my new "darkside" Sumitomo?

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