TIRE BEADS

[GRAPEAPE94]

Just experienced a problem with COUNTERACT balancing beads. Let me start by saying that until yesterday I loved them. My '06 never rode so smooth.
The problem was that when I changed the rear tire there was nothing but dust inside the tire. These beads are glass and I wonder if the ones that I have seen that are ceramic would last longer.
Aside from that issue while I was talking with my mechanic about tires he stated that he refuses to install a car tire on a bike because of the potential for liability issues in case of an accident and the insurance company could come after him for installing a tire not approved for a motorcycle on one.

[minimac]

I've been using ceramic beads for years and never had a problem. I have heard of troubles with BBs, and soft pellets and such. As far as liability for mounting a tire, that's just plain BS. The tires are D.O.T. approved- there is no law anywhere(at least in the U.S.) against using a car tire on a motorcycle. Ask for proof of an insurance company ever doing that. All you'll get is a lot of hearsay.

[flogger]

The tires are D.O.T. approved- there is no law anywhere(at least in the U.S.) against using a car tire on a motorcycle.

Not arguing the car tire issue just the fact that NOTHING has to be against the law for a lawyer to sue someone over it... Then it's up to the jury and like I said, it doesn't need to be illegal... The facts of the case then don't even to be scientific, the lawyer just needs to convince the jury... Happens all the time in accident cases...

[WingAdmin]

When I had the ceramic Dynabeads in my tires, they were 100% intact after 12,000 miles, with no dust:

Dynabeads after 12,000 miles

The last set of tires I put on, I used the glass Counteract beads, just to see how they worked. I've got several more thousand miles to go on them before I change tires again, but I'll definitely let everyone know how they faired in comparison to the Dynabeads.

Regarding car tires - the universal consensus is that of all the people who have asked their insurance companies about this and reported it online, every single one said their insurance company didn't care: as long as the tire is DOT certified for highway use, they're OK with it.

[flogger]

Regarding car tires - the universal consensus is that of all the people who have asked their insurance companies about this and reported it online, every single one said their insurance company didn't care: as long as the tire is DOT certified for highway use, they're OK with it.

That might be helpful for a defense lawyer but often times suits are setting new case law and overturn the accepted norm... A lawyer just needs to convince the jury and he will hire his own experts to show cause, his theory... If the shop or mechanic in question as reported by the original poster feels a fear of this, then that is his fear and it's his prerogative to refuse to put them on... If a court case were to come out then against this, I bet the insurance companies would review their policy... Just saying it's possible and plausible...

Like I originally said, I am not passing judgement either on the practice of putting car tires on cycles or saying it's bad in any way...

I should apologize too, I don't mean to hijack the thread but all the posts do refer to or include the tires issue, but sorry...

[raven41951]

Here's one for both threads touched upon.

Tire Beads: I bought some to use on the new tires but my truck had such a bad vibration in the front end I used them there. No more vibration! Can't tell you of any wear as I sold the truck. After reading the threads here, I opted for ceramic. From what I am hearing here, they at least may be reusable. I never ordered more for my bike and now after several years I have developed a slight howl in the rear. May be pressure (I run 37-38) and/or balance. If winter ever starts here in NE, I'll wait til spring to address that one (60 F today).

Using a CT on a bike: After reading the article posted by WA showing the differences in design of the beads and the seats, I will never, ever put a CT on the back of my wing or any other bike. I don't care what both sides say, it is just not safe. Sort of like using O-Rings in place of Piston Rings. Just my take but it looks to me like a disaster waiting to happen.

[flogger]

After reading the article posted by WA showing the differences in design of the beads and the seats, I will never, ever put a CT on the back of my wing or any other bike. I don't care what both sides say, it is just not safe.

What article is that?

[keithg64]

I have used dynabeads on several sets of tires and am very happy with them. I have 20k miles on this set of E3's with several thousand miles left on them. I put this up to checking tire pressure kinda often and the beads. They are reusable.
I'm not gonna say anything about the CT.

[flogger]

If it's not a mortal sin to cross post from another forum, this is a rather in depth article regarding CT's on a bike. It was enough to convince me. You may need a pot of coffee to make it through, as it's a long one.

Wow, compelling reading... with so much controversy, why is it so appealing? Love to find WingAdmin's post that was referred to...

[bntyhntr6975]

Good info about the beads. It'd be interesting to know of others' experience with them.

I'll take it as 1 more reason to stick with Ride-On.

[Bluewaterhooker0]

Good info about the beads. It'd be interesting to know of others' experience with them.

I'll take it as 1 more reason to stick with Ride-On.

I've mentioned that article to guys I know who run CT's, and their response (experience) is that they've been running car tires for xxxxxK's of miles with no problems. That seems to be the general consensus.
I know guys who make a habit of driving over the speed limit on a regular basis. When I ask them if they fear getting a ticket, or causing an accident due to their speed, their answer is usually the same. I've been driving like that for xxxxxK's of miles and had no problems.
My response is always the same. You just haven't been caught......YET.

[robb]

Have tried many beads and had no problems, even air soft pellets went 60k only loosing 3 of 113 grams of beads (4 oz).

As for the tire issue, don't believe everything you read. The motorcycle rim in the diagram is a newer low profile wheel for a sport bike, nice match with Hayabusa. My 89 wheel looks like the car wheel and when placed side by side look identical. I have a profile tool and checked both type wheels, too close to question. The pictures show a tire bead but not what they look like once air is applied, the rubber will conform with very little pressure. I give less thought to a car tire than the fear of some idiot taking me out on the road.
A Boss Hoss has a bike wheel and a car tire and no reports of failure.

[dingdong]

2 comments. 1) If the mechanic refuses to install a car tire it just means he won't install a car tire. He doesn't need a reason. Find another installer or do it yourself. 2) Regarding the negative car tire article. We hear of motorcycle tire failures all the time. I have never heard of even one car tire failure or an accident related to fitment or contour design. Wonder why that is???? I don't have a ct at present. I tried one on my 1500 but didn't like the ride feel. Took it off after 300 miles.

I am using the same Dyna Beads thru now the third set of tires.

[flogger]

As for the tire issue, don't believe everything you read. The motorcycle rim in the diagram is a newer low profile wheel for a sport bike, nice match with Hayabusa. My 89 wheel looks like the car wheel and when placed side by side look identical. I have a profile tool and checked both type wheels, too close to question. The pictures show a tire bead but not what they look like once air is applied, the rubber will conform with very little pressure. I give less thought to a car tire than the fear of some idiot taking me out on the road.
A Boss Hoss has a bike wheel and a car tire and no reports of failure.

Please, Isn't that what they say about not wearing a helmet? Also- been doing it many years/miles without any issues, does that change the facts or make it safer? Is it wise to use something in a way that it was not designed?... and then answer that nothing has happened, yet...?

[robb]

Please, Isn't that what they say about not wearing a helmet? Also- been doing it many years/miles without any issues, does that change the facts or make it safer? Is it wise to use something in a way that it was not designed?... and then answer that nothing has happened, yet...?

And every chance I get to ride without a helmet I'll take it. If it don't feel safe don't do it, just don't condemn those who do. For years we were told the world was flat then someone tried to go over. Now it's a yearning for what's over the horizon, the difference between a ride and an adventure. I raced dirt bikes in my teens and the road is not as scarey.

[flogger]

every chance I get to ride without a helmet I'll take it. If it don't feel safe don't do it, just don't condemn those who do. For years we were told the world was flat then someone tried to go over. Now it's a yearning for what's over the horizon, the difference between a ride and an adventure. I raced dirt bikes in my teens and the road is not as scarey.

I don't condemn anyone for their choice, I just disagree with it... In your own words of, "if it don't feel safe don't do it..." says it better than I can... Actual accident results, statistics, and the potential for massive injury speak volumes to your argument. And the bottom line, is the risk worth it? Yearning for what's over the horizon is not a motorcycle ride. Yearning for what's over the horizon is exploration, advancement, pushing the edge for a worthwhile cause... For instance, as a fighter pilot- I pushed the edge, I got an adventure, I did unimaginable things but in all, I had a helmet, I was strapped onto a rocket (the ejection seat), with so many safety redundancies it was almost crazy... Told the world was flat? Explorers do not pursue anything at a total disregard for themselves or their peers. Explorers were bold and took chances but they tried to be safe and to minimize risks... The road not so scary? No, it's not but why do you wear a seat belt? Accidents happen. I lost a brother on a motorcycle due to a head jury that he would not have gotten had he wore a helmet... My life has been one of risk be it in my career or in my leisurely pursuits... But I minimize the risks in all the endeavors... Lastly, helmets do not hurt you in anyway, there is not reason not to wear one. They do not restrict you in anyway, today's helmets are very light weight... I have never heard one valid reason as to why not to wear a helmet... I won't be caught dead on a motorcycle without my helmet, ride with it all the time no matter how short or local the ride

[julimike54]

Someone asked for the long winded post by WingAdmin, this is post viewtopic.php?t=15560#p80927

This post will stir up the CT vs MT battle

[robb]

To Flogger
I love my old cars because they do not require seatbelts. A bike ride is never planned, the path is chosen at to where my attention is drawn. Skydiving is one of the biggest thrills of my life, yes dangerous but safely enjoyed. My dear friend was a pilot who flew us up for years, thought we were all crazy for leaving a perfectly good plane. He died landing a plane that four of us had left 20 minutes earlier. I stand by one rule, I'm prayed up before leaving the house and it has worked for nearly 61 years. Don't let the fear of what could happen make nothing happen. I have never questioned "What If" and accept every decision that I make, good or bad.
Like the car tire on the bike and the beads make for a long smooth ride.

[flogger]

Someone asked for the long winded post by WingAdmin, this is post viewtopic.php?t=15560#p80927

This post will stir up the CT vs MT battle

I have read the OP article and the author's post as well as every post in that thread... Thanks for the link. I will spend the extra money on motorcycle tires just like I spend the extra money on motorcycle helmets. I don't trust an insurance agent (i.e. salesman) whose sole purpose in life is to tell you what you want to hear so as to make you happy while he renews your policy. I would be concerned about folks on the phone saying they don't have any concerns when they are not educated on the issue nor in a policy making function of the insurance company. I would worry about what their lawyers would do after the fact or as a knee jerking reaction to an issue that pops up... Most today are not concerned about seat belts in buses. Insurance companies were not concerned in the sixties over installing or removing seat belts then in any vehicle... People before that were not concerned about smoking... The thing is, we get smarter... The bottom line seems to be that they are cheaper... Wow... Thanks again for the link, the earlier post in this thread is the same...

Maybe no big debate will get started, most should be tired of it, no pun intended... I'm a late comer

[flogger]

To Flogger...

It's all OK man! This is a forum and I respect and support your choices to do as you like... I will not try to convert you or put you down. Hey, we are all Goldwing people! Look at what we have in common!