18 inch Rear Tire Choices

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Well I really want to get a set of custom rims for my bike.  The rims that Biker Images has is an 18 inch rear wheel.  I really love my Yoko A048 car tire.  I would hate to give that up.  They have it in an 18, but a 225/40 is the smallest they have.  I dont think that will work. Minimum recommended rim width for that size is 7.5.  Plus its about 3/4 of inch wider.  Looking at bike tires, I cant even find a good rear tire for the Valk in an 18 inch size. Anyone got some suggestions?  If I had to go back to a bike tire, I would want the biggest size that would fit.

[Ricky-D]

I completely doubt you will find an eighteen inch wheel for the Valkyrie!

That is where you should concentrate your efforts.

If and when you do find an eighteen inch wheel for the Valkyrie there will be a LANDSLIDE of requests from this forum for the same wheel!

Guaranteed!

***

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Ok. Wish granted. All these wheels can be made for the Valkyrie.  21 inch for the front, 18 for the rear.  I already called and talked to them.  
http://www.bikersimage.com/Biker%27s%20Image%20Metric%20Cruisers.html
This was talked about here.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21469.0.html

[BF]

Are those works shocks on your black Valk?  What size are they?

[roboto65]

Oops Ricky he is the HERO LOL

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Are those works shocks on your black Valk?  What size are they?

No they are Progressive 430's in 11.5 inch length.

[dago mooserider]

I'm going to be hitting these guys up about rims also. Not sure about ct's but metzeler has several 18 inch rears listed on their web site that should work on our valks.

[Ricky-D]

The thread was started with the subject being a rear wheel.

There is nothing yet!

All the hype has been about an 18" front wheel which is much easier to attain.

Lets see a rear wheel.

I expect a custom 18" rear wheel will be in the neighborhood of multiple thousands of dollars.

It would be easier to take a stock Valkyrie wheel and modify it with the addition of an 18" rim.

Like I previously said:

Show me!!!

***

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Ricky, call the place up if you dont believe me.  They make any of the wheels at the link I showed you in an 18 inch size for the Valk for the rear, 21 inch for the front.  Im not sure what part I am not clear about.  Cost for the rear is $1050, front is $995. 

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

BTW, if enough people are interested in the wheels, maybe we can get a group buy discount? 

[BigEagle]

Here's a pic of one of their front wheels on a Valkyrie.



Motor Trike offers these as an upgrade to their trike kits.  The rear wheels are a different story...

[BigEagle]

BTW, this winter's project is my front end... triple tree, VTX headlight & fender, etc.  I'll be finally getting around to polishing everything and my wheels are a disgusting mess.  I'd replace them in a heartbeat if I had the option.  This thread has my attention so if someone can show me that these guys can indeed provide custom rear wheel choices for our Valks... I'M IN!!!

[BigEagle]

Just got replied...

From: BikersIMAGEcom@aol.com
Date: 27 October, 2010 11:43:39 AM PDT
To: brillo2@telus.net
Subject: Re: Biker's Image™ - Contact Request


I read the forum discussion you sent and yes, it's true. I do have them.
 
Wesley Hill
www.bikersimage.com
817-599-7500
 
Price Quote Info:

Manufacturer:      BikersImage
Model:      Honda Valkyrie
Year:      2000-2002
Finish Preference:      Chrome
Style:      Duece 3
Front Wheel Size:      21x3.5.................995.00
Rear Wheel Size:      18x5.5..................1150.00
Part Types:      Wheels
Braking System:      Dual Disc Front

[Ricky-D]

Ok, can he not send any pictures?

That place is a parts supplier, they make nothing!

A few pictures of both sides will sure convince me.

I think he is just giving BS.

***

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I called them today also to ask more questions.  Hopefully this clears up any question about the fact that these wheels are made for the Valk.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Yes Rick, he is a supplier.  He gets them from a company that makes them.  The same company also make the wheels for Motor Trike which is what the other picture above is of.  He told me he is the only licensed seller of these wheels for the Valk.  Seems to be a nice honest guy.  Since you are doubting everything I say, maybe you should do you own leg work and give the guy a call instead of just calling BS to everything.  I really have no interest in trying to convince you of anything.

[BigEagle]

Hey Ricky... If this guy is the "only licensed seller of these wheels for the Valk" it's not going to do us any good to call BS.  Maybe he truely thinks he can sell us these wheels.  Let's sit tight until he gets back to us.  I agree, pictures would help get him a handfull of solid orders.  Myself included.

[Ricky-D]

The only BS I am talking about is what is coming from Bikers Image.

There are no accusations coming from me towards anyone (on this thread) and if you still maintain I am making a personal attack towards you, well paranoia runs rampant, I can see!

***

[BigEagle]

The only BS I am talking about is what is coming from Bikers Image.

There are no accusations coming from me towards anyone (on this thread) and if you still maintain I am making a personal attack towards you, well paranoia runs rampant, I can see!

***

ah chihuahua hombre... tranquilo!!!

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

The only BS I am talking about is what is coming from Bikers Image.

There are no accusations coming from me towards anyone (on this thread) and if you still maintain I am making a personal attack towards you, well paranoia runs rampant, I can see!

***

My original post was about tire sizes that would fit an 18 inch wheel.  Not to get into a debate with someone whether or not the wheels are available.  I know the wheels can be had.  You not believing that fact and making your posts werent needed.  I was just trying to do you and others that may be interested in them a favor by listing who sells them.  Dont feel like hearing someone tell me I dont know what Im talking about.  Like I said, if in doubt, call them yourself instead of calling BS on the guy. 

[BigEagle]

Well, it's not looking very promising is it.  Bummer.
What the heck is the problem anyway?  I mean I understand there's a very small market for such a thing, but surely someone should be able to take a custom wheel made for another bike... say a VTX for instance... and mod the hub to fit a Valkyrie.  Or take the hub from a Valk and meld it to another wheel... or something... WHY NOT???

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Not sure what you mean by not very promising.  Call the guy up.  He has both rear and front wheels for the Valkyrie.

[BigEagle]

Not sure what you mean by not very promising.  Call the guy up.  He has both rear and front wheels for the Valkyrie.

I emailed him and asked if these wheels were "in stock" or if they were made on an order basis.  Was there a core exchange involved, etc?  He didn't reply.  Add that to the fact that there are no known Valkyries running around with his custom rear wheels... no pictures and precious little info available... I'm beginning to think Ricky may have a point here (even though I didn't care for his delivery).

I'd like to see some proof that these wheels are not vaporware.  Talking to a salesman on the phone is not proof enough for me.  Show me the merchandise.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I dont know what else to tell you guys.  Call him up and talk to him.  Maybe he can put your concerns to rest.  He told me the wheels have to be made which is about a 4 week turnaround.  Just because you havent seen a Valk with them doesnt mean they cant be made or aren't out there.  Our bike isnt exactly new so custom wheels on them is rare.  If you want custom you have to be willing to do the leg work. 

[f6john]

     If this guy is the sole supplier and I have no doubt that he is, if I were him, I would be a supporting sponsor of this forum.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Yea that would be a good idea, but based on the fact that guys say hes full of Sh*t without reason I could see why he wouldnt also.  Just my 2 cents.

[GOOSE]

steelers... i don't understand why you want to change from a 16" to a 18" wheel.  your ride looks about as good as it could possibly ever look.  just an observation.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

I just like the custom look that I would have.  Thanks though.  My biggest concern is not being able to use the Yokohama A048 tire.

[olddog1946]

Steelers
What is the tire you currently have on your bike??  Just out of curiousity, wouldn't an 18" tire, but down rpm and increase mpg for a given speed and have some effect on handling??

[R J]

Ok. Wish granted. All these wheels can be made for the Valkyrie.  21 inch for the front, 18 for the rear.  I already called and talked to them.  
http://www.bikersimage.com/Biker%27s%20Image%20Metric%20Cruisers.html
This was talked about here.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21469.0.html

Jez Louise, at that price you could buy 3 or 4 sets from JP (Hard6) and he stands behind his stuff.

In 97 I bought aftermarket chrome wheels.    Biggest mistake I ever made on MGM.

Couldn't keep the disc brake dust off of them so, yup, you got it, they pitted and rusted real bad.

IF, I should do it over, I'd just powder coat one of the set of wheels.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

The tire Im running now is the Yokohama A048 205/55 in the medium hard compound.  To offset the rpm changes with the 18 inch wheel, you would use a lower profile tire.

Steelers
What is the tire you currently have on your bike??  Just out of curiousity, wouldn't an 18" tire, but down rpm and increase mpg for a given speed and have some effect on handling??

[96valk]

A quick google comes up with 3 sizes  all Dunlop   #D408/5018   #D207ZR 18  which is the V-Rod tire and D419 240/40R18  Anybody who doesn't want to take the time to go to your supplied link and look at the pictures or your pic of the trike with the front wheel doesn't deserve custom wheel anyway, I have RC components on one of my Valks and would like custom wheels on my other one finances permitting. No matter how much you polish or chrome a stock Valk wheel it is still a stock ugly wheel.  The reason that R C Components destoryed their molds that not enough other Valk owner think as I do and there was no demand for their product.   Bob

[PharmBoy]

About 5 years ago, I bought a couple of chromed billet rims for a Kawasaki 1500 F.I. from Bikers Image.  At that time they were made to order and took 4-6 weeks as i remember.  The wheels were beautiful then and remain so to this day.  As for the Valk Wheels, I haven't a clue, but they were fine folks at the time I was dealing with them...JTL

[Mr Steve]

Ok. Wish granted. All these wheels can be made for the Valkyrie.  21 inch for the front, 18 for the rear.  I already called and talked to them.  
http://www.bikersimage.com/Biker%27s%20Image%20Metric%20Cruisers.html
This was talked about here.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,21469.0.html

Jez Louise, at that price you could buy 3 or 4 sets from JP (Hard6) and he stands behind his stuff.

In 97 I bought aftermarket chrome wheels.    Biggest mistake I ever made on MGM.

Couldn't keep the disc brake dust off of them so, yup, you got it, they pitted and rusted real bad.

IF, I should do it over, I'd just powder coat one of the set of wheels.

What do you mean by 3 or 4 sets from JP?  I'm in the market for rims for my valk.  I don't need custom, just polished.  Does he sell polished rims?  If so, point me to him 

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

About 5 years ago, I bought a couple of chromed billet rims for a Kawasaki 1500 F.I. from Bikers Image.  At that time they were made to order and took 4-6 weeks as i remember.  The wheels were beautiful then and remain so to this day.  As for the Valk Wheels, I haven't a clue, but they were fine folks at the time I was dealing with them...JTL

Glad to hear someone thats gotten a set from them.  I dont doubt getting them for the Valk will be any different.  Im just waiting on saving up for them.  Hopefully some of the doubters will go away.

[f6john]

     This picture was taken either 04 or 05 at the Sunshine mall during Bikeweek. The wheels on the VTX were made by the same people as Biker Image. The quality was outstanding and the the VTX was superfast. At that time the VTX was at it's peak and the guy said he had about 10 sets of hubs for Valkyries that were just sitting and he offered to sell both my buddy and myself a set of wheels, front and rear for $1,000.00. I carried his card around with me for a couple of years but of course I never made the call. Yea, I new it was a killer deal even back then but I didn't have that extra cash laying around. My Valkyrie is sitting just behind the VTX headlight, the Goldwing came down with one of my buddies and the black t-shirt and jeans are covering a friend for life Big Chaff.

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Beautiful, those look like the Deuce 5 from Bikers Image.  More documentation for the doubters.  Thanks.

[dago mooserider]

Am saving for these as well, couldn't just flex on the c.c. The wife was gonna freak. Am halfway there. Early feb. Hopefully. I'll post many picts.