Okay, so, I’ve been seeing this “darkside” thing pop up on motorcycle forums and groups. Basically, it’s putting a car tire on the rear wheel of a motorcycle. Sounds crazy, right? But people swear it gives you tons of mileage and a smoother ride. I had to try it myself.
First, I scoured the internet for info. I found a bunch of forums, read through endless threads, and watched a few videos. It seemed like everyone had a different opinion on which tire to use, what pressure to run, and even if it was safe at all. Classic internet.
After a couple of days of this information overload, I decided on a tire – a General Altimax Arctic 175/55R16. I figured it was a popular choice, so at least there’d be some community support if I messed something up.
Next up: finding the tire. Local shops? Nope. Online? Bingo! I ordered it, and a few days later, this huge, beefy car tire showed up on my doorstep.
The Installation
This is where things got interesting. I’m no mechanic, but I’m comfortable with basic tools. I watched a few more videos, took a deep breath, and started disassembling the rear end of my bike. I followed the service manual for this, no point in making things harder than they needed to be.
- I removed the rear wheel, which was surprisingly easy.
- Then I deflated the old motorcycle tire and wrestled it off the rim. It was a pain, but I eventually got it.
Mounting the car tire was… an experience. It took a lot of wiggling, some soapy water, and a few choice words. But I finally managed to get it seated on the rim. I inflated it and was amazed. It actually looked pretty good!
Putting everything back together was the reverse of taking it apart. I made sure to torque everything to the correct specs. No shortcuts here.
First Ride
This was the moment of truth. I suited up, started the bike, and very, very slowly rolled out of the garage. The first few feet felt…weird. The bike definitely handled differently. It felt heavier, and it took more effort to lean into turns.
But as I got used to it, I started to understand the hype. The ride was noticeably smoother, especially over bumps. And the bike felt incredibly stable, even at higher speeds.
I took it for a longer ride, about 100 miles, and I was really impressed. I could feel a different cornering technique, but by the time I was home again I felt I understood it.
So, is the darkside for everyone? Probably not. It definitely changes the way the bike handles. But for me, the increased comfort and stability are worth it. Plus, I’m looking forward to not having to change my rear tire every few thousand miles.
If you’re thinking about doing this, do your research, take your time, and be prepared for a different riding experience. It’s not a plug-and-play modification, but it’s definitely a cool one.
