Darksiding a Suzuki Burgman 650 

Motorcycle/Scooter Tires have Rounded Edges so that you will have Traction around Curves in the Road as you Swing them around Sharp Turns unlike Car Tires that have Square Edges...

I have about 80,000Km on two different car tires on my '05 Yamaha Majesty 400. I went back and forth between car and motorcycle tires several times because I kept getting free tires on rims (long story). The difference in feel and handling was more noticeable with car-motorcycle changes than with motorcycle-car swap, but it was never serious enough to justify the motorcycle tire price and (lack of) longevity. I regularly tour on my Majesty, from 1,000Km days to 800Km of gravel on Trans-Labrador Highway. The car tire never failed me. BTW, I found that the car tire works much better when underinflated. OEM says 30psi, but I keep mine at about 25psi. Handles considerably better that way.

I ran car tires on my Vulcan for many miles. Yes they want to run flatter, but, one mile of use you are used to it. I realized so much more wear and changed less often and it made running cruise control a dream.

Very interesting, I haven't bought a Burgman yet but I am definitely intrigued by this.

I put the same size and brand of tire on mine last fall and now have about 8K miles on it. My impression is that it works fine. No handling issues at all. No clearance issues and it is lasting far longer than the original tire. I got about 7K miles on the first rear tire so I am already way beyond that.

Great video , I've been Double DarkSide for over 1.5 years now , I feel way safer and this bike sticks to the road way better than any motorcycle tyre has ever done for me in 38 years of riding , wish I new about this sooner , the price is just a bonus , if I had to pay twice as much for ct on my ride I would gladly do it , never going back to them slippery shit motorcycle tyres again (except on the front )

I darksided mine about 3 years ago, the tire still looks new. I can't really tell a difference in handling. I did crank my shocks to the max setting for when my wife rode with me. The one thing it did do is make the speedometer read correct. With the bike tire my speedometer was exactly 10% off like all of them, now it's real close to being correct.

Excellent. In Cuba, they have been drilling 15 inch VW wheels and lacing them to a Harley hub to mount car tires on for many years, as motorcycle tires are hard to get there. It's controversial, but I know many here that have done it for decades with no problems. I will probably go to the Darkside when my 2009 Burgman needs a new tire.

I think he had the best videos on RU-vid

After running dark on my Honda PC800 and my GW1800 with total satisfaction I knew that had to give it a try on my lovely Burgman. That was like 8 years ago now and never have I regretted it. I can still corner until the floorboards scrape and I sure do love the 20K+ miles out of that less than $100 tire. Go back to a MC tire? What for? Taking a step backward on my opinion.

I bought a used Honda 350 a number of years ago. It wasd really squirreley around corners. I took it to the Honda dealer and they told me it was the back tire, it was not matched up with the front. They put a "matched" new tire on the rear and it ws perfect. So my question is with the mismatched treads and clearly different style tires, how come there was no difference for you? I think it's an interesting idea though.(I am not mechanical enough to do it myself). I can say I had a Burgman 650 and loved it. Traded it in on a Can Am Spyder RTS. I do believe thre would be no problem with car tires on the Spyder, do you?

Not sure if I commented before but I'm using the Formoza tire and it did rub long holes on each side of the wheel hump on the under seat box when loaded with panniers and other stuff.

I went Dark Side on my Goldwing for about a year. It wasn't bad but didn't have the snappy response I was use too. I see the benefits if you're traveling cross country and maybe stabbing via the Interstate, but when I'm on the back roads I just prefer the motorcycle tires.

Nice. One question can a car tire be installed in the front as well.

and no bathrooms were harmed in this video. Keep up the great videos, and hope to visit with you all when I make my trip out your way.

Hi I have about a year on a ST 1300 with a car tire, the same tire they run on the Cooper Mini. I found no serious problems. After seating the bead remove the valve core. the tire does rub on the swing arm until fully in place with the rear axle in, then inflate. Try various pressures to find the optimum pressure. I ride single up mostly The tire runs better with around 32 psi inflation. OEM tires need 42psi. The lower pressure allows side wall flex so the tread does not lift as much in a turn. I find when running across uneven pavement I get a slight "Steer. I noticed the same thing with OEM tires. I am no longer a "Knee Slider" riding more like an older gent. Google The dark side and find a forum that covers car tire use. After hearing claims of 30,000 miles on a car tire I had to try it. Especially afte replacing front and rear oem tires a t3000 miles. Good luck

That's a great idea, but how did it handle with the car tire? Was it harder to turn, or did there feel like less traction on the turn? Road noise? Also, do you think a 2003 Burgman is a good buy now, if it's cheap with low miles, or is that too old and hard to get parts?

How does it take the turns not having the oval shape bike tire? Either way may the force be with u

I have 2 concerns: The 1st is just the accuracy of the speedometer is affected by a different diameter and the 2nd, is more serious. A bike tire is designed for leaning. Its tread grooves and profile are for that purpose. A car tire is designed for sitting straight on the road with slight grooves in the edges for cornering. Therefore I would expect to have worse traction on a leaning bike with the car tire. This could be even more severe on a wet road because of insufficient channeling of the water.

But how was driving it ? Do you feel a difference? With like corners ?

Hello, Very helpful information . I purchased the Federal Formoza 155/65R 14 75 H tire off line. I took it to the tire shop and they had issues and said they could not get it to pop the bead and seat. Have you heard of any issues? Did I get the right tire? I took it to a friend who is a motorcycle mechanic and he felt he could get it seated later this week. Can you provide any advice? Thanks...

Got some real world performance figures like stopping distances wet and dry, scooter tyre versus regular car radial?

Its Been 2years since this video so would you mind giving us a long term review

I installed the Federal tire on my Burgman per your recommendation, I like the narrower width. I had issues with some C-tires on the Goldwing using wide tires, really feeling the corner, narrower was better on it also. Have a trip to Nevada in July; 2,418 miles to Ely.

I like that old van sitting in the background you don't see very many like it anymore

There was a bump towards the plastic.it could damage the plastics.so what about using an bigger size shock absorbers

My Diablo rossa 2 ended up with a flat profile anyway so I don't see the problem. There are a lot of folks who have not tried it at all. You have to get the right car tire with the right profile . At $140 a pop I would want you to buy motorcycle tires only too if we're selling them. If it works then run it .

Any special preparation for mounting the car tire on your Burgman? I can get the same tire you mentioned for $39.25 shipped to my house. I have a Harbor Freight manual tire changer & a bubble balancer. Thanks for the tip!

You two look real professional.Show us more of your fixing the motor scooters .I want to learn.When my tires get bad I'll go to the dark side also.Do you put a car tire on the front also?

Good work,many greetings from Germany

I’ve had a car tire on my Burgman. I did rub a hole but a little modification of the box solves it

Well done guys. Now, you must prepare for the haters. You will get them. I got my share.

How bout an update on how the car tire is working and how many miles are on it now?

Cool video , I have found a 2004 burgmen 650 for sale w/ less than 1000 miles . In your opinion will I find dry rot on hoses drive belt , going to check it out this weekend ?

OK Joonya, what ever you say. However there are a lot of us riding on car tires. When the bead pops in (Use plenty of what ever soapy lube you want.) This is the key use lots of soap. Some rim bead combos will need to go to 40+ psi to seat. Look at the bead and see that it is even all the way around. Re inflate to 32 PSI and check the tread and beads are running true. I can run my ST 1300 in gear on the center stand. You masy need to do something else. Once you find the proper pressure you can ride it. My tire rim combo did not need any balancing. No extra weights at all. Your combo may need a balance weight. My brother swore by the internal BBs. Check "Riding the Dark side forum for data on your bike. Thanks

Since your car tire is a radial,could you tell me what front tire you are using ? Love your videos !

My neighbor is selling a 2014 burgman 650 not executive for 5800. What do you think it’s worth? Very clean 15k miles.

WHAT ABOUT A TRAILER TIRE? PLEASE COMMENT ALSO I THOUGHT ABOUT A "SPARE TIRE DOUNUT" THERE "ROUNDED" BUT THERES A RECOMMENDED MILEAGE?

So is there a fix for the front tire as well.

Buenos dias, te escribo desde Uruguay en Sud America tengo que cambiar neumatico trasero en mi Burgman 650 y quiero saber si continuas rodando con la medida 155/65 R14, y no has tenido problemas de roce en el guardabarro. Desde ya muchas gracias.

Hi Mancave....Where in CA are you? I am outside of Eureka, CA...place called McKinleyville.

Can you use a longer shock?

Wish you guys could determine the difference between a wheel and tyre

Thanks for the kind words and support🤣👍

Would like to have an update, on your riding on the darkside. Enjoy your videos.

hi i vant to do this to, i think my tyre are getting hot when i am going fast maby it just old but is the cartyre cooler ?i have 42 psi i the rear on my burg 650 what do you have with the cartyre ?

Well do you still like that tire. Iam working on getting one myself and I think I will try it as well.

Gentlemen...I live in N. Calif....Who does the installation of the tire on the rim? I have heard that none of the car tire stores will install a car tire on a motorcycle rim by citing liability..

I just love it. I just love stupid ideas, we all dream of, being executed :-)

Brilliant! 🙏

people forget that tires are made out of rubber not steel so it does flex .

I run motorcycles tires on my Mazda MX5/Miata, gained 125Hp

As far as dark siding goes this is probably the safest kind of way to do it.

tire size of that car tire ? possible to do on 2006 burgman 400 ?

This is cool

did that tire bead pop on the rim without trouble

looks good, that will be my next tire, 12k a year in florida should be just right

But how it handles remains a bit unclear to me, in terms of grip in the corners.

Burgmans are cool scooters.

Evil, evil men! 😁😂😂 But what about the front tire? Still have to change it out with stock tire wear.

From the Motorcycle Industry Council's *tire* *guide* : And never mount a passenger car tire on a motorcycle rim; the flat profile of a car tire is incompatible with the dynamics of a vehicle that leans as it corners, and the section of the tire in contact with the rim (the “bead”) is incompatible with motorcycle rims. As can be clearly seen in the test ride when cornering the car tire is leaned in such a way that only the far tread block on the outer edge of the tire is in contact with the road SO much so that daylight is visible under the rest of the tread.

Great video brother 👍

What tire size is it?

a proper motorcycle or scooter tire is way less of a hassle(and less painful) than a skin graft, car tires have an entirely different profile, casing sidewall flex etc, there is a reason insurance companies wont cover you in a crash with car tires on your bike/scoot,if you want to save money do it elsewhere, these two clowns are a joke, yes you may get away with the swap but on the corners this scoot with two different profile/types of tires would potentially be dangerous and handling would be like holding a bag of pissedoff snakes,comeon folks, you have two tiny little contact patches on bikes,scoots,you want the best possible traction and tires that were designed for the vehicle.

Wanted one clear view of how it looked on the bike

I've never put a car tire on my motorcycle/scooter nor have I ridden one with a car tire which makes expressly qualified to vehemently state that you are wrong and have done a terrible, inexcusable deed. Thx

Based on the size of your "chicken-stripe" on your real tire, your going to be just fine. I'll stick with OEM tires because I need to lean it as far as it can go and still have traction.

Would of been nice to see the finished product, cool video though.

Купил Suzuki , буду смотреть и вас . Как обслуживание и что делаете ) ! Good luck !

Fuck! I can tell when my bike starts to square off it’s rear, it’s a horrible feeling. I’ll stick to the right profile 👍😀 Oh and in the uk it’s illegal to put the wrong type of tyre on too. Ace vid tho, keep em coming 👍👍

that same car tire does not fit on older 2003 burgmann 650 rims. I bought same car tire and is too small for the rim even tried overinflated to 120psi and NO LUCK. Had to get it off and destroyed the car tire and knicked my rim all up as well. Not saying it will not work for newer burgmanns, but buyer beware.

I run my wifes spare tire on mine, ;)

There appears to be a big difference twixt a 'Car' tire and bike tire..............to wit , a car tire is basically made to run Flat , i.e. very little leaning side to side ! VS , a bike tire is designed with much more curvature because scooters are designed to 'lean' into the curves .......not run flat ! Personally I would not put a car tire on a bike because of the above considerations .

Guys, get more on windy roads. Your tyres are square !

Fingers crossed is pagan believe

i have friends like him. they always ass holes to me. but i love them all and wouldn't know what i would do with out them.

Do they not see why you should not use a car tyre on a bike. Is the profile radius not a big enough clue to these guys? All together now "I am working on a skin graft all the scabby day."

Just wondrin. What of the insurance implications should there be a claim against you. My only concern this far??!!

illegal in most of Europe. insurance void, bike impounded, 6 point on licence, £300 fine. MOT test fail. and no banking around corners .... shame bike tyres are not made to last

Rubbage?

Be safe in the corners

If motorcycles Were Meant to have car tires on them it would have come that way from the factory however I do agree that motorcycle tires wear out faster than a car tire however a car tire does not have the rounded edges for traction like a motorcycle tire that is why they are designed the way they are. They are designed but go ahead put the car tire on the rear of your motorcycle and when you're in traction in the hospital wondering why and what happened now you know play stupid games Win stupid prizes this should be illegal

Did your partner go back to the darkness.

Here in Japan you would be ordered to remove the tire by the first police officer to notice it. As the UK guy said, there would be no insurance cover either. Hell, bike insurance here does not even include the bike, if you can believe it. My bike insurance covers injuries to rider, 3rd party, and 3rd party's vehicle damage. Bike insurance here does not include theft, either, ever! That 's a separate policy, and pricey, too. Being a 2-wheeler and within the law here, oh and well maintained, is NOT a cheap option.

Viel Spaß beim Kurvenfahren😂😢😮

Interesting. I am not qualified to judge if a car tyre will work safely on a scooter but here, in the UK, you would have other problems. We have what's known as a MOT test. This is an annual safety and raodworthiness test. You will fail the test if you have tyres not specified by the scooter manufacturer. Also, if you have an accident and the insurance company sees that you have gone 'darkside' they may refuse to pay up on the claim. This could be expensive if you ran into a Ferrari, bounced off and then injured some pedestrians. You could be out of pocket by £200,000. Not worth it to save a few bucks on a tyre.

To All the nay sayers, When a bike has a sidecar mounted to it, the original motorcycle tire gets replaced by a car tire when possible. I darksided my scooter a long time ago,and wish I did it sooner

Just no I like corners

Your sisters scooter is nice......lol

Darksiding is the worst idea in cycling period! motorcycle tires are designed to roll over as the bike leans flat or nearly flat tires are not thus giving up traction. NEVER DARKSIDE!!!

If the vast majority of riding is on straight flat land, and or you're too broke to afford proper tires for a motorcycle, go right ahead put a car tire on a motorcycle.

Hope you have excellent liability insurance.

Fuck .. We have in Ukraine these Burgman and so not so many, and even less spare parts. When I started looking for new tires, I found it on the rear wheel in only two online stores, and only Michelin and Metzeller. There were still some Chinese ones, but well, fuck them. Now, at least I will know what kind of automobiles I can deliver, sort of. And how do they behave in corners, does the wheel off the track in corners? Tall tourist glass cannot be found in this country either, the closest to me is fucking Poland, can you help with this? ))) Thanks for the answer))

I am using a tire from a small plane. Now i can fly.

Grown men driving scooters makes me laugh lol.

Here is the link for tire conversion...darkside.nwff.info/?p=tires

Lol.....it’s a scooter nothing Dark about it, that 400cc monster burning the tires up that fast.

Is no one concerned about the dangers of tight cornering with significant leans?

you will have a hard time to lean the bike now.

Show video take it off front wheel