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hmt81
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« on: May 14, 2011, 10:56:31 AM » |
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I know this has been discussed before but would appreciatte advice. I bought my Valk in April last year. The bike had sat idle in a garage attached to the previous owners house. The tires only had about 8-10lbs. of air when I checked them once trailered home. It was not test ridden as the gas was fouled, dead battery etc. I wasn't overly concerned as my brother knew the guy and the bike only has 11,131 miles on it. The Dunlop E3's were installed in 2007 and have a 2005 date code on them. The bike sat since 2008 until I bought it, the tires appear almost new. I am experiencing a hopping in the front as others have mentioned. I put it in the air and do not feel anything loose in the steering neck, no notchy turning, wheel swings from side to side very easily. I tried lifting up on the forks to feel any loosness and do not. I am assuming it is the tire. My question is most shops nearby stock the E3. I read many post regarding the Avon Cobra. Do I change both front & rear tires? Do I worry about a matched brand or do I just replace the front with another E3. Most tire shops do not recommend the Dyna beads. All I know is I only put on about 1,700 miles, have inflated the front to 40-41 and it still has the annoying hop. The bike just doesn't feel right. Also, what is deal with a bolt on steel valve stem, do you have to modify the rim, do you no longer use the holder? Thanks in advance for the advice.  |
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MP
Member
Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
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« Reply #1 on: May 14, 2011, 11:00:23 AM » |
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Put on new tires. Both of them. I like Avons. Have them balanced.
Put in the steel stem. No mods necessary. Do not need to use the clip.
MP
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 "Ridin' with Cycho" |
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Red Diamond
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« Reply #2 on: May 14, 2011, 11:10:43 AM » |
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Put on new tires. Both of them. I like Avons. Have them balanced.
Put in the steel stem. No mods necessary. Do not need to use the clip.
MP
I agree with MP, although you will find that the bike will occasionally hop in the front end on certain roads at low speeds, (30 to maybe 45 MPH). I have an Avon Cobra on the front of my I/S and E3's on the Tourer and they both tend to hop, depending on where I' m riding. Some roads are smooth and level and others the bike tends to feel the surface defects at low speeds. Ride Safely. |
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 If you are riding and it is a must that you keep your eyes on the road, you are riding too fast. |
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #3 on: May 14, 2011, 01:55:06 PM » |
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Hell, if the tires look good I would not even consider replacing them.
It would be good to get them balanced however.
And you can try lower (or higher) pressures to find the sweet spot.
Getting the old gas out and replaced with new is the thing to do!
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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John U.
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« Reply #4 on: May 14, 2011, 02:33:08 PM » |
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I have to agree with Ricky. Check the balance, if it's good, you need tires, if it's bad balance and run them.
The old gas needs to go for sure; put a hefty dose of Techron fuel system cleaner in the new gas. You'll need to use the choke to get it to run initially. Give the Techron some time to work, running the bike and letting it rest.
You should also check the condition of the vacume hoses, pull the rear wheel to lube the final drive splines.
You should get an inspection mirror and check the tank for rust. You can avoid a lot of carb misery in advance by cleaning the tank if it needs it.
There are write-ups on some of these items in the Sop Talk section. The search function will help with things Sop Talk doesn't cover.
Good luck, let us know how you make out.
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old2soon
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« Reply #5 on: May 14, 2011, 03:46:09 PM » |
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If ya needed to have the tires to match-a lot of us that run dark side(car tire on back) wouldn't be able to get that particular combination to work as well as it does. I have dyna beads in my tires on my valk. You can research ANYTHING you need to know about these dragons on this board. The answers to your questions are here. Enjoy your fat lady-treat her right and she will take you anywhere you wanna go. RIDE SAFE.
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Today is the tommorow you worried about yesterday. If at first you don't succeed screw it-save it for nite check. 1964 1968 U S Navy. Two cruises off Nam.
VRCCDS0240 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing Motor Trike conversion
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DFragn
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« Reply #6 on: May 14, 2011, 11:54:58 PM » |
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I may be a bit anal, but I'm not alone. 5 years is the max MC tire age I'll ride on, regardless of remaining tread life. Especially if the tread is checking. We've only got 2 of 'em keeping us safe.
Edit: I forgot to add that tire rubber hardens as it ages. This could cause either tire to slip out.
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« Last Edit: May 15, 2011, 06:06:26 PM by DFragn »
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MP
Member
Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
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« Reply #7 on: May 15, 2011, 05:03:31 AM » |
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Those tires are about 6 years old, depending on month of mfg. I would replace. Also, OP said it sat for a number of years. My guess is on the tires, on one spot. They may well be permenetaly flat spotted from that.
You want to risk your life on that? For a few hundred $'s?
Your $, your life, your choice.
MP
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"Ridin' with Cycho" |
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hmt81
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« Reply #8 on: May 15, 2011, 04:21:26 PM » |
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Thankyou all for your suggestions. I have ordered new Avon's front & rear as well as metal stems from Jake Wilson. I guess I should have just replaced them when I first got her on the road. Better safe than sorry. Appreciatte all the advice. Henry  |
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DFragn
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« Reply #9 on: May 15, 2011, 06:07:58 PM » |
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She Looks Brand New. Very Nice!  |
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