Better suggestion for front tire size? Radial vs. bias ply?

[Boxcar01]

2000 F6C.  OEM 150/80R-17 on it now.  Would like to know if there’s a better 17” rim size option to improve handling without compromising safety/mileage/etc. too much.  Plus it’s a bitch to even find this size tire in stock.
Secondly, are we better off with radial or bias ply tires?  A lot of posts state that running bias ply actually improves both handling and tire life, but I’d like to get some more opinions on that.

[98valk]

IMHO
this rear tire size 130-90/17 is what should be used on the front in reverse rotation.
the better rounded profile provides better handling and quicker transitions due to the reduced trail number from the slightly smaller diameter. Rear tires have deeper tread for longer life. 
This size makes the ODO spot on, I've verified it via mile markers in four different states.
makes the speedo run 5 mph fast. so see 75mph and I know I'm doing 70mph.
I don't see a downside to this tire size and the price is in the 70-170 dollar range.
I did use a Contigo which is V-rated and it lasted almost 29k miles.
right now I have a Dunlop D404, I won't be using it again, even though its a good tire, I just don't feel its best for the valkyrie, for a few reasons. when it wears out I'll either go back to the conti-go or try another brand/s such as bridgestone or avon in that size.

this size is usually bias.   bias on front and radial on rear is safe, unsafe is radial on front and bias on rear.

[MarkT]

I run 130/90-17 back tires on the fronts in bias, have for years.  They last longer and steering is lighter with the slightly narrower tire.  Running Batlax BT45 now, looked and found the size in Michelin Pilot Activ, bias ply so it's on hand for the next tire change.  Have seen good reviews for that tire plus I'm a Michelin fan for car tires.

[Boxcar01]

I run 130/90-17 back tires on the fronts in bias, have for years.  They last longer and steering is lighter with the slightly narrower tire.  Running Batlax BT45 now, looked and found the size in Michelin Pilot Activ, bias ply so it's on hand for the next tire change.  Have seen good reviews for that tire plus I'm a Michelin fan for car tires.

Sticking with standard 180/70 x 16 on the rear?  Radial ok on rear?  TIA

[MarkT]

No.  Austone Taxi Tire in rear which is radial.  It's taller than the OEM tire so it drops RPMs and ups mileage.  With 3500rpm I get 85mph indicated = 80 on the GPS.  Still get 34mpg at that speed as long as I'm not pull a trailer.  Behaves very much like a bike tire as it's about the same width and has rounded corners.  Out of production - at least in the US - but the Firestone Transforce has almost identical specs (measurements) except is a bit taller, is made in Costa Rica, not China, costs $141 delivered.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Transforce%20CV&partnum=975R6TCV&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&fbclid=IwAR2eOBvHQ8iKtWzeBLbQV5Qp42nJaQgi8-Bq1OzLL3E2gk70Y-sb4Di7ihU

[Boxcar01]

No.  Austone Taxi Tire in rear which is radial.  It's taller than the OEM tire so it drops RPMs and ups mileage.  With 3500rpm I get 85mph indicated = 80 on the GPS.  Still get 34mpg at that speed as long as I'm not pull a trailer.  Behaves very much like a bike tire as it's about the same width and has rounded corners.  Out of production - at least in the US - but the Firestone Transforce has almost identical specs (measurements) except is a bit taller, is made in Costa Rica, not China, costs $141 delivered.

Thanks, does that Firestone fit with no modifications?

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Transforce%20CV&partnum=975R6TCV&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&fbclid=IwAR2eOBvHQ8iKtWzeBLbQV5Qp42nJaQgi8-Bq1OzLL3E2gk70Y-sb4Di7ihU

[98valk]

No.  Austone Taxi Tire in rear which is radial.  It's taller than the OEM tire so it drops RPMs and ups mileage.  With 3500rpm I get 85mph indicated = 80 on the GPS.  Still get 34mpg at that speed as long as I'm not pull a trailer.  Behaves very much like a bike tire as it's about the same width and has rounded corners.  Out of production - at least in the US - but the Firestone Transforce has almost identical specs (measurements) except is a bit taller, is made in Costa Rica, not China, costs $141 delivered.

Thanks, does that Firestone fit with no modifications?

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Transforce%20CV&partnum=975R6TCV&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&fbclid=IwAR2eOBvHQ8iKtWzeBLbQV5Qp42nJaQgi8-Bq1OzLL3E2gk70Y-sb4Di7ihU

with Austone and any one larger with extreme suspension compression the tire will hit the bump in the fender which provides clearance for the support crossbar btwn the shock towers. if u take the seat off u can see the cross bar.
I run a 205-65/16 on the rear rpms 200 lower and there are mild marks on the fender from mild hitting that area.

[spurliner]

No.  Austone Taxi Tire in rear which is radial.  It's taller than the OEM tire so it drops RPMs and ups mileage.  With 3500rpm I get 85mph indicated = 80 on the GPS.  Still get 34mpg at that speed as long as I'm not pull a trailer.  Behaves very much like a bike tire as it's about the same width and has rounded corners.  Out of production - at least in the US - but the Firestone Transforce has almost identical specs (measurements) except is a bit taller, is made in Costa Rica, not China, costs $141 delivered.

Isn't that tire too tall?  any fender height clearance issues?


https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Firestone&tireModel=Transforce%20CV&partnum=975R6TCV&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes&fbclid=IwAR2eOBvHQ8iKtWzeBLbQV5Qp42nJaQgi8-Bq1OzLL3E2gk70Y-sb4Di7ihU

[MarkT]

As I mentioned in another thread on this forum today, other considerations for hitting the fender are weight on the back, which model shocks specifically spring strength, and preload setting.  I run 444-4057 progressives which are 140/200 springs & 13" height (same as OEM), set at full preload.  Not a lightweight but rarely ride 2-up, do tow trailers including a heavy Timeout camper.  It can be 600# with included camping equip (A/C, cooking gear) so tongue load close to 100#.  I adjust the latter with a large cooler and load it up to provide plenty of tongue weight to prevent sway.  I equipped the Timeout with electric brakes.  Some come with that; mine didn't.