The Lure of the Darkside

[Brookester]

Well actually I know of 2 people that have the car tyre listed on their insurance policies as modifications. There is also nowhere stated in any State or Territory that you make a vehicle unroadworthy, only states tyre is in acceptable condition. Also the ADR you refer to does not specifically state it either. So yeah have a bit of experience with it, and Oh, thats right, I work for the relevant State Department concerning the so called issue.

[Brookester]

Wheels and tyresOn all wheels (including any side-car wheel), the tyre size must be suitable for the rim. Each tyre and rim must be strong enough to support the machine when it is fully loaded. A tyre fitted to a motorcycle must be free of any apparent defect that could make the vehicle unsafe.A tyre fitted to a motor vehicle must, when first manufactured, have been rated by the tyre manufacturer as suitable for road use at the vehicle’s top speed.Most tyre specialists can tell you the right tyre and rim for your motorcycle and the appropriate tyre speed rating.All tyres must have a clearly visible tread pattern and a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm across the entire primary tread pattern.

[ruSTynutz]

A tyre fitted to a motorcycle must be free of any apparent defect that could make the vehicle unsafe.

So you don't think that the completely different profile of a car tyre compared to a motorcycle tyre would not be seen as a "defect" that could make a motorcycle unsafe?

Then there's also the fact that there's quite a difference between a car tyre bead and a motorcycle tyre bead, and the differences in rim profiles (see pic below)...



It's worth downloading the following:

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/-/media/Safety/Vehicle-standards-and-modifications/Vehicle-modifications/QLVIM_Sep21.pdf?la=en

QLVIM Overview
 
This Queensland Light Vehicle Inspection Manual (QLVIM) provides an assessment framework for the detection of vehicle defects or unsafe vehicle conditions. This QLVIM aligns with nationally harmonised vehicle standards and provides a framework with practical, easy to understand information for identifying and managing defects in light vehicles, light trailers and L-Group Vehicles.

The QLVIM was formerly titled Code of Practice – Light Vehicle Inspection Guidelines.

Under Section 7. Wheels and tyres
The following reasons for rejection for wheels and tyres are to ensure that road wheels and tyres are of a suitable type and condition and they provide the necessary load carrying capacity, speed rating, and control of the vehicle.

7.3 Tyres

a) Tyres are not compatible with the rim to which they are fitted. LV LG T

 

[ruSTynutz]

Just an update:

I decided to contact my motorcycle insurance company (Swann Insurance) regarding whether you would void your insurance by fitting a car tyre and they came back with this:

We do not accept any motorcycle where a car tyre has been fitted. Unfortunately, it is outside our Underwriting criteria and your cover would not be honored.

So, I guess you run a car tyre on your motorcycle at your own risk...

[West Aussie Glen]

Just an update:

I decided to contact my motorcycle insurance company (Swann Insurance) regarding whether you would void your insurance by fitting a car tyre and they came back with this:

We do not accept any motorcycle where a car tyre has been fitted. Unfortunately, it is outside our Underwriting criteria and your cover would not be honored.

So, I guess you run a car tyre on your motorcycle at your own risk...

So just like riding a motorbike 

[ruSTynutz]

Yep! Fortunately doing that doesn't void my motorcycle insurance...yet! 

[Dragonstaff]

In spite of Rusty's mis-givings, I went ahead with this last month.

It rides no differently to the bike tyre that I can feel, but is much happier on dirt, even loose dirt.

[West Aussie Glen]

In spite of Rusty's mis-givings, I went ahead with this last month.

It rides no differently to the bike tyre that I can feel, but is much happier on dirt, even loose dirt.

Details please.

[ruSTynutz]

In spite of Rusty's mis-givings, I went ahead with this last month.

It rides no differently to the bike tyre that I can feel, but is much happier on dirt, even loose dirt.

Goodo! 

It wasn't so much misgivings on my part though, it was more about just ensuring that riders considering going to the "darkside" were aware of the potential risks...
If riders are happy to accept that, then I say go for it!

[Dragonstaff]

In spite of Rusty's mis-givings, I went ahead with this last month.

It rides no differently to the bike tyre that I can feel, but is much happier on dirt, even loose dirt.

Details please.

Glen, I put a 195/45-17 Bridgestone Dayton DT30 on it. I bought a static balancer, and the tyre place gave me some nice black stick-on wheel weights, and it took 15g or so. The 195/45 is about 25mm smaller in diameter, but the speedo difference is only a k or two. I use my GPS as a speedo/odometer anyway.

When I took it out to test the cruise control yesterday, I found that it was much better on the dirt that was graded last week, in that it was much less 'sqirrely' when a loose patch came up or had to be crossed. She used to give a good head shake on a bike tyre in the same conditions, to the point that a fresh grade would keep me in the car for a good three weeks.

[Dragonstaff]

I got caught in the rain today, and found no difference on either the bitumen or the dirt, which is not in good repair and is quite muddy in spots. It felt solid and secure in corners and on loose stuff and mud.

So I am very happy with it, but am not going to go double darkside when the front needs replacing.

[ruSTynutz]

That's good to hear, Dave!

I'm curious, have you noticed how much your speedo is now over reading?

By my calculations I reckon your real speed at an indicated 100 would probably be closer to 90, have you checked it with a gps?

If that is indeed the case you can always correct your speedo with a "Speedo Healer", they cost around $120 - $130... 

Cheers 

[StinkyPete]

I got caught in the rain today, and found no difference on either the bitumen or the dirt, which is not in good repair and is quite muddy in spots. It felt solid and secure in corners and on loose stuff and mud.

So I am very happy with it, but am not going to go double darkside when the front needs replacing.

What pressure are you running?

[Dragonstaff]

Rusty: The speedo was always slow, and is now a little slower-about the ten ks that you thought. I use my GPS as a speedo to set the cruise, and as a fuel guage because the odometer is also reading high, of course.

Pete: I am running it at 36psi or so, give or take a pound or two. I have to admit that it feels and rides nicely so I haven't played around with it much.

[ruSTynutz]

Rusty: The speedo was always slow, and is now a little slower-about the ten ks that you thought. I use my GPS as a speedo to set the cruise, and as a fuel guage because the odometer is also reading high, of course.

So you'll be running up the k's quicker than you actually are, not too much of an issue I guess, until it comes time to sell.

If you did fit a speedo healer, besides correcting the speedo, it will slow the speed that your odometer clicks over...

https://www.healtech-electronics.com/products/sh/

And no, I'm not involved with the company...lol...just a satisfied customer! 

[Dragonstaff]

So you'll be running up the k's quicker than you actually are, not too much of an issue I guess, until it comes time to sell.

The only reason I would sell is either it is beyond repair, or I physically can't ride it anymore. I don't think odometer readings will matter much in either case.

If you did fit a speedo healer, besides correcting the speedo, it will slow the speed that your odometer clicks over...

https://www.healtech-electronics.com/products/sh/

Maybe when I have a few spare dollars, or I might look at the Mc Cruise one instead. Keep it local if I can.

And no, I'm not involved with the company...lol...just a satisfied customer! 

 

[ruSTynutz]

Fairy nuff, Dave...

Re their speedometer correction add-on, there doesn't seem to be any info (besides a pic) on their site and not even an installation manual that I could see so I'm curious to know what it can (or can't) do and what you get for your money.

I'm all for buying Aussie made too but I also like to know what I'm buying... 

[West Aussie Glen]

Fairy nuff, Dave...

Re their speedometer correction add-on, there doesn't seem to be any info (besides a pic) on their site and not even an installation manual that I could see so I'm curious to know what it can (or can't) do and what you get for your money.

I'm all for buying Aussie made too but I also like to know what I'm buying... 

I think you will find MC just do the same thing as Speedohealer, take the signal from the pulse generater and increase or decrease the frequency.  Will let you know in a month or so when I finally install mine.

[Dragonstaff]

Will let you know in a month or so when I finally install mine.

We will hold you to that Glen. A full report, with all the details, and photos of the process to go with it. (Please?)

Or just a single line-'I did this, it works'.

Whichever you prefer.

[ruSTynutz]

I'm curious as to whether this is a standalone "speedo healer" or does it only work in conjunction with the cruise control... 

[Dragonstaff]

I'm curious as to whether this is a standalone "speedo healer" or does it only work in conjunction with the cruise control... 

From looking at their website, it appears to be an 'add-on' to the cruise control rather than a stand-alone unit. Understandable for $83.00. If it was stand-alone for that price, they wouldn't keep up with demand.

[Brock]

The speedo alters the signal from the speed sensor to the speedo basically, allowing for corrected speed display.. It makes the trip meter in accurate but.

This is for the 1300, the 1100 is driven directly from the front wheel..

[ruSTynutz]

I'm curious as to whether this is a standalone "speedo healer" or does it only work in conjunction with the cruise control... 

From looking at their website, it appears to be an 'add-on' to the cruise control rather than a stand-alone unit. Understandable for $83.00. If it was stand-alone for that price, they wouldn't keep up with demand.

It's pretty much clear as mud...lol

It makes the trip meter in accurate but.

It's already inaccurate with the smaller diameter tyre on Dave's bike...using the speedo healer would probably help bring it back closer to normal...