If you're prejudiced against bias tires, listen up: sport tires are often bias-belted because the criss-cross pattern gives the tire a more consistent flex when cornering to handle a variety of surfaces. As comparison, radials have "slip-flex," or softer sidewalls which keep more of the center tread on the road. Usually thrown around much harder than cruisers, sport bike tires need to be able to instantly respond to and grip variations in asphalt, concrete, various surface hazards, and weather factors such as rain.
Dunlop says the GT501 series has an increased tread-to-void ratio to increase traction in general, but also to give it more stick on a wet road. The tread-to-void ratio is the relationship of how much rubber is hitting the road as compared to the grooves, or voids, in the tire. How these grooves are lined up is important, too. The Transportation Research Board (TRB.org) states that straight rib patterns are superior to zig-zag patterns when it comes to traction on wet surfaces. After a certain depth, of course, it doesn't make any difference what tire you have, because it may hydroplane. And other factors (see first paragraph) will certainly have an influence on how well the tire holds the road. Dunlop recommends a 100-mile "run-in" period for their tires. This recommendation is specifically intended for the rider to become accustomed to the handling of the new tire.
This tire has a "V" speed rating, meaning up to 149mph.
The GT501 is Dunlop's mid-range sport tire. Price, performance and wear factors all point toward more average use. User opinion is generally high, with the occasional and typical exceptions.
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DUNLOP HARLEY TIRE GT501 REAR BLACKWALL 130 80 18 US $115.00   Auction Ends: 29d 8h 3m Make it yours... |
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Dunlop GT501 120 90V18 Rear Tire US $127.99 Auction Ends: 29d 3h 23m Make it yours... |
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Dunlop GT501 150 80VB16 Rear Tire US $154.99 Auction Ends: 29d 3h 20m Make it yours... |
I have come to believe that you either run a bike with no bags of any kind, or you run a bike with as much as you can get on it. This is from years of observing my buddies and from riding many of my own bikes, and finding that if I even put one little handlebar bag on it -- the tiniest, daintiest little leather toolbag -- it's all over. The SaddleBag Alien has me in its claws and I'm screaming "Game over, man!" This is why I run absolutely no bags of any kind on my bike and make myself a huge pain in the patootie to all of my friends whining "Can you get my coat in your bag? It's warm now!"
I fell in love one summer with a guy (his name rhymed with "Bill") and he had a chopper. It had a Corbin seat on it with a pea-pod back end on it for the passenger. Those were younger days and my heinie was smaller then, but boy, no one has a tush that tiny. His own friends gave him crap about it: "You make her ride on THAT?"
Alpinestars makes clothing and accessories for race car drivers, motorcyclists (including off-road), scooterists (oh, you mad, mad Vespa riders you), and... um... hipsters? In any case they are known for quality, and their coats are especially well made with the kind of attention to detail that you don't think about until, say, you have a
Fewer and fewer bikes have center stands these days. The sport bikes, specifically, tend to have only side stands. Even the bikes that used to have center stands have had them removed for custom exhaust systems or to reduce the overall weight of the machine.
Having your motorcycle stolen is a serious issue. And parking where the bike is visible is sometimes difficult or impossible. Since secure and portable garages are a bit unrealistic at the moment due to the lag in current nanotechnology development, the next best things are locks of some sort, and maybe a pager alarm.
I used to date a guy who shall remain un-named (his name rhymed with "Bill") and he would spend hours -- and I mean hours -- detailing his chopper. Now, I really loved that chopper, and I actually became legendary at the dealership where he sold it as "the girl who cried when that guy sold his bike". But I digress. So "Bill" would get out the warm, sudsy water, and he would wash his bike, lovingly caressing every curve and corner, every bit of chrome and paint and metal. And then he would gently rinse it. But then the real time-intensive part came. He would dry the bike, using several towels, and making sure to get every last drop of water off -- no water spots on that chopper!
I always used to giggle at the guys on sport bikes wearing the mono-suit. Is it Ultra Man? If so, where are Godzilla, Mothra and Ghidorah? Now that I've identified myself as a consummate geek of a certain age, I'll also admit that as I've gotten older and ridden more miles through harsher weather -- and lived to tell about it -- I cast a wondering and slightly envious eye at the mono-suited boys (and girls, but not in this particular suit, as it is molded for men).
Goggles are a highly personal choice. And there is a mountain of choices out there. Many riders buy a new set (or two) every season, while others will replace lenses on a favorite pair until they can no longer get new lenses for them. Typically, most of us have more than one pair on hand as spares. It's all about fit, feel, and the question: do I want to be seen with this thing on my face? The best method for figuring this out is about as tactile as it gets -- go try them on.
Saddlebags and fender racks aren't everybody's cup of tea. A lot of riders prefer the look and convenience of being able to just strap on a nice backpack, saddle up, and go. Finding a bag that looks good and works well is the challenge. Axio's Hybrid Black XL Hardpack is an attempt to find that sweet spot between fashion and functionality.
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