Can we start a CURRENT car tire thread? What is available?

[oldmopars]

I have been looking through CT threads till I am going cross eyed. I read the threads, then look for the tire only to find out the tire no longer exists. The big one now is the Austone tire is out of production and I won't be able to snag one before they are all gone.
My preference would be for a tire that is as close to the stock size as possible. Tall, narrow like the bike tire so it is not as hard to get used to. Also, I am tall and would prefer not to lower the bike any.
Run flat options would be nice.

So, please post what you are running that can be had today.
**Yes, I have spent HOURS looking, here, Tire Rack, using tire calculators, and searching every forum I can find.**
This is not a "Is it good to run a car tire post" Save your opinion on that, just for those that are running dark, please post what you are currently running and why you like it.

[redbug]

Universal vintage tire as of 02-10-2019 had 18 left in stock and that's it. You must call 717-534-0715, tires are not listed on there site.

[oldmopars]

My problem with this is 2 fold. 1, I am not sure I have the money TODAY to call and get one of these tires before they are gone and 2, I don't want to buy a tire that I may love, and then not be able to ever get another one.
I would rather buy something that is currently available and can be had again if I happen to have a blow out, flat, etc. I might be able to get an Austone now, but if it blows out in 3 months, I am back to where I am now.
I know there are other tires that work good, and are on the market right now and being sold right now. These tires even if they are discontinued, there will be an equivalent replacement or a "better" one out right away.

Anyone run something like this:
https://fitomni.com/TireSearch/Details/ ... 4+18575R16

[Wing--Man]

I don't understand why the Austone tire is discontinued when there are 100's of taxi's that take that size tire are still in service.
UK still has a supplier but we can not ship them to the US. Motorcycle tires are shipable.

[newday777]

I don't understand why the Austone tire is discontinued when there are 100's of taxi's that take that size tire are still in service.
UK still has a supplier but we can not ship them to the US. Motorcycle tires are shipable.

Dunlop has become the go to tire for the English taxi. Finding an importer to the USA is the problem. Like all business decisions, the bottom line is what they look at to carry an item. If it doesn't sell enough numbers, they drop the product.

The 1500 swingarm width is the problem and getting a ct to fit and has been on it's way out. Until 2013 there was also the Vredestein Comtrac available in a 175/75R-16 here in the USA that I ran...now long discontinued.

The other factor on a 1500 is the suspension is not strong enough for the added stresses the ct adds. After the demise by cager pulling out in front of me on my 99SE, I bought a 99A and restored it to life with only 17,500 miles on it. I put the Comtrac on once running and as with my 105,000 mile SE, once over 85 mph there was definitely a wobble from the Comtrac, that went away putting the MC tire back on the rear. So be AWARE that you will have handling problems putting a CT on a 1500 above 80 mph.
Before the Comtrac, I ran a Bridgestone non run flat CT 195/65R16(fit was very tight 1/8" to the right side of the swingarm)on my SE and also had several tank slappers at speeds above 80 mph with it. Maybe if you could find a Run Flat in the taller/narrower series, which they don't.
I'm in no way saying that I'm anti CT, I have since run 5 CTs on my 08 1800, which has the single sided swingarm and handles superbly with a CT.
I'm just passing on a warning to you of what you will most likely encounter on your 1500 darkside experience.
Me, I much prefer the handling of the 1800 darkside over the way the 1500 darkside handled.
But then you do as you want.... The results will be your responsibility.

[AZgl1800]

I read a post elsewhere that Universal Tire is NOT going to discontinue selling the Austone Taxi Tire.

their webmaster omitted it on the last update, they told the poster, that if you call them on the phone, they still have them, and will continue to stock them.

[bellboy40]

WingAdmin posted this answer from Universal Vintage Tire about the Austone.

Bad news.

I just got off the phone with one of the sales reps at Universal Vintage Tire. The news is not good. He said they have 19 tires left in stock, and once they're gone, they're gone for good. He said the factory is no longer making them, and a quick check on the Austone (manufacturer) web site seems to bear this out, as the Taxi Tire (Austone CSR 81) is no longer listed there, either. I sent an email to Austone asking about them a couple days ago, but did not receive a reply.

With this in mind, even though my current tire is fresh, I bought another Austone Taxi Tire from Universal - so now they have 18 left. The only way you can buy them is to call and place an order on the phone, because it no longer shows on their web site.

If you're considering an Austone Taxi Tire for your 1500, or if yours might need replacing in the near future, I suggest you buy one NOW before they're gone. I was unable to find ANY other vendors in the US still selling them.

[oldmopars]

Well, after WAY too much research, debating, and hours on the the tire size conversion calculator I finally ordered a tire. I wanted a 185/75-16 and found a Nokian C-Line that seems like it will work good for me. It has a load rating of 1900lbs and is a 6 ply. I am tall and I did not want a tire any smaller than the stock size, but there are very few that are taller without getting too wide to fit in the space provided. I have found several that have run this size, and even this tire, so it should work just fine. It was more expensive at $140, but I wanted a good quality tire and did not want to skimp on my first foray into the Dark Side.
The tire arrived yesterday and looks good. I am rebuilding the Progressive shocks this week and hope to get the tire installed at the same time.

[Mugmarine]

Well, after WAY too much research, debating, and hours on the the tire size conversion calculator I finally ordered a tire. I wanted a 185/75-16 and found a Nokian C-Line that seems like it will work good for me. It has a load rating of 1900lbs and is a 6 ply. I am tall and I did not want a tire any smaller than the stock size, but there are very few that are taller without getting too wide to fit in the space provided. I have found several that have run this size, and even this tire, so it should work just fine. It was more expensive at $140, but I wanted a good quality tire and did not want to skimp on my first foray into the Dark Side.
The tire arrived yesterday and looks good. I am rebuilding the Progressive shocks this week and hope to get the tire installed at the same time.
57766579274-85798-BBD-2-B3-B-4967-B89-D-72-E89471-F0-B5.jpg

Looking forward to your review of the tire. Thanks

[bigsteveswing]

I hope this isn't causing trouble, but has anyone here heard of or run this tire? I am looking to setup my sidecar rig this year and have been going back and forth darkside or mc tire. Just looking around right now.

https://www.vulcantire.com/tire_detail/ ... gLhKPD_BwE

Thanx,
Steve

[oldmopars]

I have heard good things about that tire and I wanted to try it, but I could not find it when I went looking. I am using the same size, but in the Nokian brand.

I just looked, and they only have 3 left. Also the shipping to my house from Utah was going to be $30. The tire I got was $135, but had free shipping, so about the same in the end.

[bigsteveswing]

I have heard good things about that tire and I wanted to try it, but I could not find it when I went looking. I am using the same size, but in the Nokian brand.

I was following your posts then just googled that size. How is the Nokian treating you...?

[oldmopars]

I have heard good things about that tire and I wanted to try it, but I could not find it when I went looking. I am using the same size, but in the Nokian brand.

I was following your posts then just googled that size. How is the Nokian treating you...?

So far so good. It took a lot of messing around to stop it from rubbing, but nothing to major. I have less than 200 miles on it as of now and so far it rides great and handles like a MC tire. I can't feel any real differences. Only thing I have found was one time, leaving a stop sign, turning right and hitting it hard, I did feel a slight squirm from the tread. It was only slight and for a 1/10 second. I have not felt it again.
Due to it being narrower than other options, there is no lift when transitioning to the sides in corners. it "feels" round like a MC tire. I live on a great country 2 lane twisty road and I have rode up and down it a few times and I just feel no lift from it. Very solid tire in my opinion.

[bigsteveswing]

I just checked and the website shows the tire would come from a PA warehouse, totsl for shipping and everything is like $113. I won't have to worry about the "lift" in the corners with the sidecar setup. The rubbing would be something to deal with as the time comes. Thanx for the info.