PSI and Rough Ride confusion

[Big G]

I posted last week about my rough riding Valk. Got everything from  tire pressure springs to front tire not being mounted correctly. Before I buy NEW springs etc I checked tire pressure . BRAND NEW Avon VENOM tires State 783 lbs max with 42 PSI Cold on tire. I have front at 40 rear at 42 rode about 80 miles yesterday and felt like I was BEAT HALF TO DEATH!!! There is NO legitamate reason for a bike to have only 15k miles on it and ride that bad. I had a 88 goldwing with leaking front shocks that rode 5 times better, put 30k miles on a 04 Roadstar road better, recently had a Yamaha 2000 venture with 17k miles on it and was outstanding ride . Now the owners manual states when adding about 200 pounds (that would be me) PSI should be 33 cold front and rear that's on the original dunlops Is there that much difference in tire pressure from one brand to the other we're talking 9 LBS!!

[Dubsvalk]

Why so much air pressure in the tires?
Dubs

[Big G]

That's what I don't understand owners manual says 33 PSI and these venoms call for 42 that's a major difference even for different tires

[Cruzen]

OK, first off you say it is an AVON II  I do not see a listing for that on the Avon Web site.  Secondly the only listings I found were for a Avon Mark II.  Those listings seem to indicate that it is a bias ply tire.  Your Valk should have Radial Tires. 

If it is an Avon II and since that tire is not longer listed by Avon, it might be quite old.  If it is a Avon Mark II tire they have that listed as a tube tire.  Sounds like you might have the wrong tires on there. Have you checked for the correct tire size and type etc?  If the tires are actually Avon Venom or Cobra's then you have the correct pressure of 42 plus or minus.

Also  before checking all the other options that could coast money, as I asked in my reply to your first post, what is the date on the tire?? 

http://www.spokes-women.org/Technical_Cornor/motorcycle_tires.htm

Don't say it is brand new because while it might look new, or have only a few miles it might not be. Start with that.  It does not matter if it only has 100 miles on it.  What is the manufacture date?  The age of the tire can mean it is dead. From your initial post if sounded like the tire was over 5 years old.  Can you easily push your thumb nail into the rubber or does it feel hard? Yea I know some guy is going to post that his tires are a bigilion years old and they still work but if the tire is over 5 year old it can be dead.

[Big G]

My MISTAKE it's AVON VENOM

[Cruzen]

My MISTAKE it's AVON VENOM

So what is the build date on the side of the tire??  Check that link I had in my last post.  That tire can be over 10 years old. The Cobra is the current tire offered for Valks.

[donaldcc]

My MISTAKE it's AVON VENOM

So what is the build date on the side of the tire??  Check that link I had in my last post.  That tire can be over 10 years old. The Cobra is the current tire offered for Valks.

  After following this post I am really curious about date of manufacture also.

[Big G]

thumbnail test Hard on tread area on side soft where worn, DOT ATB34001 so according to chart tires is 40th week 2001 a old as bike so if that's the case your saying tires are "Dead" so now I gotta spend $400 on tires to see if MAYBE that's the problem

[donaldcc]

thumbnail test Hard on tread area on side soft where worn, DOT ATB34001 so according to chart tires is 40th week 2001 a old as bike so if that's the case your saying tires are "Dead" so now I gotta spend $400 on tires to see if MAYBE that's the problem

   Seems to me if it is not the problem, they should be changed out anyway if they are over 10 years old.

[..]

https://www.google.com/search?q=when+do+tires+go+bad&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7ADBR_en

[Big IV]

I've recently heard many people discussing old tires being sold, retailers saying that they have no shelf life and don't expire, and industry watch dogs saying old tires are dangerous. I don't know much about it myself, but seems curious it is cropping up again and again recently. I have had tires that weren't as good as others from the same brand. Shelf life could have played a role. It is hard to tell now that they are wore out and disposed.

[sandy]

Big G: Have you asked the prev owner if the forks were ever rebuilt? If so, who did the job? Is it possible the forks have too much oil in them?

[Big G]

Well thanks guys, know anyone who want's to buy a nice used Valk 2000 cheap it's up for sale I'm going back to Yamaha ..........

[olddog1946]

Hey man,
We would all buy a CHEAP valk, but Just wanted to see if maybe there aren't some local Valks you might be able to check out or get help from on the problem..don't get rid of her...you'll like it if you get the ride straigthened out.

[Valkahuna]

Wow, you give up easy!    There are very few Valk riders that won't tell you that their Valk is the smoothest bike they have ever ridden. You must not have been serious about wanting it in the first place. One thing is for sure, of all the bikes you are comparing the valk to that you owned before it, there is not one that can hold a candle to the bike you are about to cast off. 

One question, if you were not going to follow any of the advice given, why did you ask for it in the first place?  Not only are the tires on your bike old, they may not be safe. Hey it's your choice (and loss!)

[thumper]

Well thanks guys, know anyone who want's to buy a nice used Valk 2000 cheap it's up for sale I'm going back to Yamaha ..........

See ya!

[Valkahuna]

I guess he was serious. It's already listed in the classifieds - as super clean and in "excellent condition". I guess being the "hardest riding bike" he has ever been on must be excellent???? ???

[wizard -vrccds#125]

Valks have a way of getting rid of people that don't deserve them !   

[donaldcc]

I guess he was serious. It's already listed in the classifieds - as super clean and in "excellent condition". . . .

  Excellent, but . . .  needs new tires.   

[John Schmidt]

I wish he lived closer, he's in Tampa and I'm in the Orlando area. I'd love to work with him on that bike, I know I could get it right. Frankly, I don't think we know the whole story, I just hope he finds what he's looking for.

[R J]

I'm wondering if the front tire/wheel was mounted correctly.

I had a nut head on my trip to Alaska mount a front tire and some how he got the fork tubes twisted and they were not moving.     Figured it out about 150 miles on North of him, loosened the Axle and re seated it, the forks actually turned a little, rode smooth on up and back to Iowa.

[Steve K (IA)]

I will bet it is the rear shocks, if they are the originals.  When I bought my '97 it rode like the front and rear were rigid.  I would of swore it was the front end.  Put new Progressives on the rear and problem solved. 

[Big G]

I also have issues with the comfort with my short legs get cramps and can't reach hwy pegs the engine is great I was hoping this would be the last bike I ever owned but I'm not going to stick another $1000 just to maybe get it right and 2 local Dealers WILL NOT work on it because it's over 10 years old no matter what the condition, one will only mount and balance tires if you remove the wheels. I don't have the extensive tools and am physically incapable of doing springs I don't have tork wrenches like one person suggested . And as far as taking the advice it's a matter of money I Have none I was HOPING for a cheap way out some of us just aren't as fortunate as others VALKAHUNA!!! I guess some people never  have anything ever good to say . BUT THANKS TO THE REST OF YOU!!!!

[DFragn]

What the heck...
Worn out suspension? Maybe, but neither the front or rear would ride harder.
Even if the front forks were completely void of fluid they'd be extremely soft because air compresses fluid does not. That said the forks could be over filled, but I doubt it.

The tires are 10 years old, virtually bricks and at 40+ psi will ride very hard and have dangerous traction.

Your gonna give up a marvelous machine over a set of unsafe tires, c'mon! you should have checked the tire build date prior to buying and negotiated a better purchase price. Now you know. Lessons can be pricey at times.

Granted these bikes don't ride like a Cadillac. It's a large heavy weight that's setup for handling.

[donaldcc]

I also have issues with the comfort with my short legs get cramps and can't reach hwy pegs the engine is great I was hoping this would be the last bike I ever owned but I'm not going to stick another $1000 just to maybe get it right and 2 local Dealers WILL NOT work on it because it's over 10 years old no matter what the condition, one will only mount and balance tires if you remove the wheels. I don't have the extensive tools and am physically incapable of doing springs I don't have tork wrenches like one person suggested . And as far as taking the advice it's a matter of money I Have none I was HOPING for a cheap way out some of us just aren't as fortunate as others VALKAHUNA!!! I guess some people never  have anything ever good to say . BUT THANKS TO THE REST OF YOU!!!!

 It sounds like you got a very good deal with your purchase.  If you can't do some work on it or spend the $$ for good tires, get rid of it and see if you can make $1000 or so.  Maybe someone else will pick it up and fix it up.

[Cruzen]

thumbnail test Hard on tread area on side soft where worn, DOT ATB34001 so according to chart tires is 40th week 2001 a old as bike so if that's the case your saying tires are "Dead" so now I gotta spend $400 on tires to see if MAYBE that's the problem

In a response to your post last week I told you how to test for the hard tire.  Run the tire pressure down to about 28 psi and go for a ride.  Not a 100 miles but a few.  Hit some manhole covers.  If the problem goes away or is minimized then order new tires.  Either way if you're riding on 2001 tires they are not safe.  That link I sent to you explains why.

http://www.spokes-women.org/Technical_Cornor/motorcycle_tires.htm

Either way, as someone else noted you’re going to need new tires as those are over the recommended 5 year period.  That is probably why you got such a good deal on it.  But then if it really has not been ridden much since 2001 it probably needs a lot more work than just tires such as carb cleaning etc.

[Dubsvalk]

Every tire has a max pressure that they can be run with.  But you have to inflate them to the pressure recommended by the bike manufacturer; not the max pressure the tire will handle.  This is one of the problems this bike has and maybe the only problem.  I run 34 front and back on my Valk.  It handles like a dream and has a nice comfortable ride.  I too have short legs but a set of Hwy pegs installed on the side rail of the engine guard made the position very comfortable.  I also installed a set of risers to bring the handlebars closer to my short arms as well.  Now I have a bike that fits me.  I believe that someone will be getting a very nice bike if you sell it. 
But you might want to try lowering the air pressure to the recommended PSI before getting ride of it.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.
Dubs

[rmrc51]

For what it's worth, on my Valk Trike, I have my front tire between 36 - 38 and my rear tires at 20. Seems to be a decent ride.

[Michael K (Az.)]

thumbnail test Hard on tread area on side soft where worn, DOT ATB34001 so according to chart tires is 40th week 2001 a old as bike so if that's the case your saying tires are "Dead" so now I gotta spend $400 on tires to see if MAYBE that's the problem

In a response to your post last week I told you how to test for the hard tire.  Run the tire pressure down to about 28 psi and go for a ride.  Not a 100 miles but a few.  Hit some manhole covers.  If the problem goes away or is minimized then order new tires.  Either way if you're riding on 2001 tires they are not safe.  That link I sent to you explains why.

http://www.spokes-women.org/Technical_Cornor/motorcycle_tires.htm

Either way, as someone else noted you’re going to need new tires as those are over the recommended 5 year period.  That is probably why you got such a good deal on it.  But then if it really has not been ridden much since 2001 it probably needs a lot more work than just tires such as carb cleaning etc.

 

[Ricky-D]

Every tire has a max pressure that they can be run with.  But you have to inflate them to the pressure recommended by the bike manufacturer; not the max pressure the tire will handle.  This is one of the problems this bike has and maybe the only problem.  I run 34 front and back on my Valk.  It handles like a dream and has a nice comfortable ride.  I too have short legs but a set of Hwy pegs installed on the side rail of the engine guard made the position very comfortable.  I also installed a set of risers to bring the handlebars closer to my short arms as well.  Now I have a bike that fits me.  I believe that someone will be getting a very nice bike if you sell it. 
But you might want to try lowering the air pressure to the recommended PSI before getting ride of it.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.
Dubs

Got that correct.   Listen to the manufacturer recommendations.  Pumping the tires to maximum pressure will guarantee a harsh riding bike.

***

[dallastar]

could be the LOOSE NUT between the handlebars and the seat

[Cruzen]

Every tire has a max pressure that they can be run with.  But you have to inflate them to the pressure recommended by the bike manufacturer; not the max pressure the tire will handle.  This is one of the problems this bike has and maybe the only problem.  I run 34 front and back on my Valk.  It handles like a dream and has a nice comfortable ride.  I too have short legs but a set of Hwy pegs installed on the side rail of the engine guard made the position very comfortable.  I also installed a set of risers to bring the handlebars closer to my short arms as well.  Now I have a bike that fits me.  I believe that someone will be getting a very nice bike if you sell it. 
But you might want to try lowering the air pressure to the recommended PSI before getting ride of it.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.
Dubs

Got that correct.   Listen to the manufacturer recommendations.  Pumping the tires to maximum pressure will guarantee a harsh riding bike.

***

This subject of tire pressure has been discussed to nausea in numerous posts in the past.  There are reasons for running tires at higher pressures than the bike manufacture suggests and those reasons have been well documented.  A search of the past postings will provide insight to the reasoning behind such decisions. Just remember that the bike manufacture does not guarantee your tires, the tire manufacture does and they know best.

[Valkahuna]

I also have issues with the comfort with my short legs get cramps and can't reach hwy pegs the engine is great I was hoping this would be the last bike I ever owned but I'm not going to stick another $1000 just to maybe get it right and 2 local Dealers WILL NOT work on it because it's over 10 years old no matter what the condition, one will only mount and balance tires if you remove the wheels. I don't have the extensive tools and am physically incapable of doing springs I don't have tork wrenches like one person suggested . And as far as taking the advice it's a matter of money I Have none I was HOPING for a cheap way out some of us just aren't as fortunate as others VALKAHUNA!!! I guess some people never  have anything ever good to say . BUT THANKS TO THE REST OF YOU!!!!

Sorry if you were offended.  I was just amazed at how quickly you were given up, without trying to follow the advice, not just physically, but verbally as well, that others were trying to give you. 

But what really got to me is you telling all of us that the bike that we all love (Duh, that's why we are here, it is a Valkyrie forum) was not worth trying to fix or keeping.   ??? Yet you go and list it in the Classified section as though it were a cream puff that was in perfect shape. So that means if the poor guy that reads and believes your listing buys the bike, then he has something not rideable, and that just don't seem fair!  And if it were as good as you advertised, then you wouldn't be asking for advice on how to fix it. 

As for me being fortunate, yes I am, and I thank God every day for that. Though the things that make me fortunate have nothing to do with material possessions, and you certainly could not tell that from my post. Just another misinformed assumption, I guess.

[..]

I hope everyone on this board is aware of the bike you describe in "excellent condition" when you so blunty state it ISN'T.

Caveat emptor.

[valkpete]

On my girl I run 33 frt 36 rear with e3s. I got 18k out of first set and 22k+ on the current set. I go 280lbs, and gf over 150. the bike rides great and handles almost as good as a sport bike. The # on the tire is max lbs when seating the bead. I know I change alot of tires. ( I'm a honda tech)

[czuch]

Valkpete,, Your girl isnt gonna be happy with you for that.
I'll take it if you put new tires on it.
Not really.

[czuch]

BTW,,,,,,,,,,I too, am very fortunate.

[Ricky-D]

There is no tire pressure suggestion/directions on any tire.

Example:

BRAND NEW Avon VENOM tires State 783 lbs max with 42 PSI Cold on tire.

The above should be interpreted as meaning at maximum load (783 lb) the tire pressure should be 42 psi.

That tire will never see 783 pounds load!  Even though there are those that don't understand that!

With the bike at somewhere around 770 pounds and a 200 pound rider making the total about 990 pounds. Dividing that by two since there are two tires you end up with a load of 495 pounds. Way under the maximum rating for the tire.  If you take the weight distribution on a Valkyrie which is decidedly rear heavy the front tire will see even less loading.

So what does the smart motorcycle rider do then. Follow the motorcycle manufacturers directions and inflate the tire to what they (Honda) recommend.

***

[Michael K (Az.)]

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_florida.cgi

Looks like you're in Daytona Beach. Go on the local board and ask Debbi for the number of her shop. I lived there for 10 + yrs and had all my work done there. Don't have the # anymore. Good folks, ask for Steve and tell 'em Mike sent ya!!

[Valkahuna]

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_florida.cgi

Looks like you're in Daytona Beach. Go on the local board and ask Debbi for the number of her shop. I lived there for 10 + yrs and had all my work done there. Don't have the # anymore. Good folks, ask for Steve and tell 'em Mike sent ya!!

Hey Michael, are you talking to me? I'm not looking for a shop, but I am the only one I saw post from the Daytona area, except for John, and he's from Orlando. Sorry if it's not me our addressing. Man, this got to be a confusing thread!