Double dark; 1st impressions

[Fudd]

I mounted a 150/70-17 KENDA cruiser S/T  rear tire (in reverse rotation) on the front today.

Not sure where I found the info on using this size tire, but it seems to be a little shorter than what I had expected.  In fact, it's inflated diameter new is 1 3/8" smaller than the worn out E-3 that it replaced.

The GPS shows that I've doubled my speedometer error.  That could be a good thing.  Maybe, I'll actually be driving slower and get less tickets.  I'll appear to get better gas milage.  I'll do oil changes sooner, who knows what else.

I plan to run a couple hundred miles before I try any peg scraping, but the handling so far feels great.

[Warlock]

I mounted a 150/70-17 KENDA cruiser S/T  rear tire (in reverse rotation) on the front today.

Not sure where I found the info on using this size tire, but it seems to be a little shorter than what I had expected.  In fact, it's inflated diameter new is 1 3/8" smaller than the worn out E-3 that it replaced.

The GPS shows that I've doubled my speedometer error.  That could be a good thing.  Maybe, I'll actually be driving slower and get less tickets.  I'll appear to get better gas milage.  I'll do oil changes sooner, who knows what else.

I plan to run a couple hundred miles before I try any peg scraping, but the handling so far feels great.

That's why I run the 130/90/17. I didn't lose anything in reading as per mph on speedometer or my gps.
David

[Fudd]

I mounted a 150/70-17 KENDA cruiser S/T  rear tire (in reverse rotation) on the front today.

Not sure where I found the info on using this size tire, but it seems to be a little shorter than what I had expected.  In fact, it's inflated diameter new is 1 3/8" smaller than the worn out E-3 that it replaced.

The GPS shows that I've doubled my speedometer error.  That could be a good thing.  Maybe, I'll actually be driving slower and get less tickets.  I'll appear to get better gas milage.  I'll do oil changes sooner, who knows what else.

I plan to run a couple hundred miles before I try any peg scraping, but the handling so far feels great.

That's why I run the 130/90/17. I didn't lose anything in reading as per mph on speedometer or my gps.
David

I remember you suggesting that size now, but I didn't write it down.  My mistake.  Hope to get it right next time.

[Momz]

Lets see some pictures,...please!

[Ricky-D]

I have experienced the same problem with a similar tire on the front.

Namely, increased speedometer error.

I kinda assume it's five MPH off and I already knew it was around three MPH off with the standard size front tire.

It has some positive influence on me since it tends to make me ride a bit slower.

I may eventually go back to the E-3 to get the speedometer back to a lesser error.

Don't really like the thought going to a smaller, but taller tire and not so sure about all the ramifications of doing so.

***

[SCain]

I tried the Kenda as well, loved the tire but didn't like that it lowered my bike. Scraped pegs in every turn. Took it off and its in the garage collecting dust.

[98valk]

I installed the continental Conti-Go rear tire 130/90-17 V-rated tire on the front.
tread depth is .223".  Tire installed OD @ 42psi is 26" which is less than the advertised 26.85".
Actually this turned out to be OK for my std, as the ODO is spot on now and the speedo is approx 5mph fast, put the needle on 75mph and actually doing 70mph.
This tire handles very nice after putting 500 miles on it. I like it better than the metzler I took off. Always a nice smooth transition thru the curves, holds the line and doesn't all of a sudden fall over more than one was expecting like the metzler did sometimes. Running E-3 on the back already for about 1k miles.
With both tires the handling is much more confidence inspiring than ever before.

see pics here in my post
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,12541.40.html

another thread
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,975.0.html

[Fudd]

Lets see some pictures,...please!

I really didn't want a tire any narrower than this.  I just wish it was taller.  The tread looks like something off one of my old scramblers out of the '70's.

[bigdog99]

same one i put on, i have about 6800 miles on it, go ahead and scrape the pegs. its a great tire

[Warlock]

Lets see some pictures,...please!

I really didn't want a tire any narrower than this.  I just wish it was taller.  The tread looks like something off one of my old scramblers out of the '70's.

Here's the 130/90/17

David

[Warlock]

Lets see some pictures,...please!

I really didn't want a tire any narrower than this.  I just wish it was taller.  The tread looks like something off one of my old scramblers out of the '70's.

Here's the 130/90/17 can't see from this, but mine is a lot closer to the fender. The tire looks good.

David

[Ricky-D]

CA writes:

"I installed the continental Conti-Go rear tire 130/90-17 V-rated tire on the front.
tread depth is .223".  Tire installed OD @ 42psi is 26" which is less than the advertised 26.85".
Actually this turned out to be OK for my std, as the ODO is spot on now and the speedo is approx 5mph fast, put the needle on 75mph and actually doing 70mph."

I like the tire you picked and am surprised the difference in the advertised dimension and what you found. The manufacturers are only interested in selling tires, any way they can!
My interest is in the odometer variation. Did you test it over a good distance or just calculate it in conjunction with your GPS?

And, like you, a five mile per hour error is easily compensated for except when I keep getting slapped on the back to "slow down", "you're going too fast!" I am always being accused of "being in too much of a hurry".

***

[98valk]

CA writes:

"I installed the continental Conti-Go rear tire 130/90-17 V-rated tire on the front.
tread depth is .223".  Tire installed OD @ 42psi is 26" which is less than the advertised 26.85".
Actually this turned out to be OK for my std, as the ODO is spot on now and the speedo is approx 5mph fast, put the needle on 75mph and actually doing 70mph."

I like the tire you picked and am surprised the difference in the advertised dimension and what you found. The manufacturers are only interested in selling tires, any way they can!
My interest is in the odometer variation. Did you test it over a good distance or just calculate it in conjunction with your GPS?

And, like you, a five mile per hour error is easily compensated for except when I keep getting slapped on the back to "slow down", "you're going too fast!" I am always being accused of "being in too much of a hurry".

***

no GPS, checked the ODO the old fashion way, state certified 1/10 mile markers, more then a few times.
I was told and read many yrs ago that the front tire profile can really affect how a bike handles, the bike handles much much better than with the last two tires I had, the OEM and Metzler. Still had the metzler on when I put the E3 on the rear.

[trantony]

Fudd,
Do you plan on bike night at Hooters tonight? I'd like to chat with you about that front tire. This is Leon on the "97 green/cream tourer. Hope to see you there.

[Fudd]

Fudd,
Do you plan on bike night at Hooters tonight? I'd like to chat with you about that front tire. This is Leon on the "97 green/cream tourer. Hope to see you there.

I'll be there at around 7pm.