Another has gone to the darkside

[Crazyhorse]

Jimmy G came over yesterday and we mounting this on his new to him Valk. Checked out the drive train and Tom even polished his shocks for him. We had a great time and Tom and I rode back part of the way home with him. Getting all pumped up for the GOTF's we have 5 riding down together.

[JimmyG]

  A big thank you to Mac and Tom for helping me out on this. I learned a thing or two and we had a good time in the process. thanks again Mac for the help, and a place to work on the fat girl.

[BigAl]

Good Lookin Paint Job.

What color is it?

[Gear Jammer]

Congrats to JimmyG,,, you'll love it      We'll be lookin' fer you guys at GOTF Mac  

[HayHauler]

Cookies man, where's the cookies!!??

Like GJ said, we'll be looking for y'all at the GOTF.



Hay 
Jimmyt

[98valkryder]

I really could use some help!
I've got 300mi on my General Exclaim UHP 205/55R16.  My problem is I didnt do the research I should have BEFORE I bought and installed the Exclaim. The width is 8.4" and I'm getting a slight rubbing/polishing against the driveshaft riding solo.  Tolerable but annoying.  I tried 2-up yesterday and had to abort the ride smelling hot rubber! and it was warm to the touch!  Since then I scanned the boards and see that most Valk riders are using a 205/60 16: some the Goodyear TripleTred, some the General Altimax.  These tires are identical in width [8.2"] and diameter [25.7]. Other than the sting of having wasted $$ and installed the wrong size tire, I still cant see how the 60 series will work any better.  On my '98 Tourer, there is a seam rib on the inside of the swingarm that protrudes out from rough;y 2:00 o'clock to 10:00 o'clock and I cannot see how a larger diameter tire [25.7"] will not interfere with this seam.  My Exclaim is 24" in diameter and is a about an inch away from making contact on the rightmost side of the tire tread.
But obviously there MUST be enough clearance as you all are using a 60 series tire.
Can someone put my fears to rest before I go buying another CT only to find it won't fit either.  BTW, I'm looking to go to the General Altimax.
TIA,
Jack

[old2soon]

Some use a 60 series and some use a 65 series. Myself-the General Altimax 205-60-16 and no clearence issues. There is a cure for the clearence issue and it's here on the tech board somewhere. Research clearence issues darkside. What pressure is the tire set at?? I keep mine at 36 P S I. Hope some/all of this helps you. RIDE SAFE.

[98valkryder]

I'm running the Exclaim at 40psi but at that inflation the bike has a mind of its own.  decreasing the PSI isnt an option as it will rub worse. I bought the wrong tire: 8.4" width.  Who would think that 2/10" would make the difference, but that's the width of the Altimax and the GYTT.

[houstone]

'98,
Are you sure it's rubbing on the swingarm and not the cage nut?  Did you do the mod? 
Also, it sure seems to me that a lower inflation press would not affect the part that's rubbing up above as much as the part on the bottom, but I haven't run any tests on that...
Jeff

[sugerbear]

never saw that tire. does it have a "rim protector" bead on it?

[PharmBoy]

Mac, I'm looking forward to seeing you and the rest of the crew in Houston.  I know that there are some of that bunch that I have not met and will be glad to see you all there...Jim 

[cajundood]

welcome to the darkside.....65 works better for me, even with 2 up running 40 psi. 

[Jess from VA]

I really could use some help!
I've got 300mi on my General Exclaim UHP 205/55R16.  My problem is I didnt do the research I should have BEFORE I bought and installed the Exclaim. The width is 8.4" and I'm getting a slight rubbing/polishing against the driveshaft riding solo.  Tolerable but annoying.  I tried 2-up yesterday and had to abort the ride smelling hot rubber! and it was warm to the touch!  Since then I scanned the boards and see that most Valk riders are using a 205/60 16: some the Goodyear TripleTred, some the General Altimax.  These tires are identical in width [8.2"] and diameter [25.7]. Other than the sting of having wasted $$ and installed the wrong size tire, I still cant see how the 60 series will work any better.  On my '98 Tourer, there is a seam rib on the inside of the swingarm that protrudes out from rough;y 2:00 o'clock to 10:00 o'clock and I cannot see how a larger diameter tire [25.7"] will not interfere with this seam.  My Exclaim is 24" in diameter and is a about an inch away from making contact on the rightmost side of the tire tread.
 
But obviously there MUST be enough clearance as you all are using a 60 series tire.
Can someone put my fears to rest before I go buying another CT only to find it won't fit either.  BTW, I'm looking to go to the General Altimax.
TIA,Jack

Probably a third or more Darksiders run a 55 with no problem.  The 55 is some 4mm wider than a 60.  Even with the 60s, clearance is tight.

Be sure of where the rub is coming from. 

Did you do the nutcage mod?
http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2005/08/24/valkyrieRearFenderNutCageMod.html

And a (relative) few must do the fender washer mod. (click on each pic)
http://rides.webshots.com/album/558419637qsIyod?vhost=rides

[ptgb]

Sorry you're having issues. I think it is just manufacturing and assembly tolerances that makes a tight fit/rub for some and no problems for others.

I recently went with an Altimax 205/60R/16. Many say that they can barely fit a credit card between the sidewall and the swing arm. Luckily, I can fit 3-4 credit cards stacked with room to spare.

Did the nutcage mod, not the washer mod.

Good Luck  

[olddog1946]

I am running a 205/55/16 though it is a different brand and although tolerance is tight I have had no problems (until sunday when I lost the left wheel bearing). I went with it because it wasn't supposed to require the nutcage mod. Are you sure it is rubbing on the swing arm?

[98valkryder]

welcome to the darkside.....65 works better for me, even with 2 up running 40 psi. 

A picture - in this case two - is worth a thousand words.  Can I ask why the 65 vs the 60 choice?  and no interference with the extra diameter vs the ridge on the swingarm that protrudes into the wheel well...?

[98valkryder]

I really could use some help!
I've got 300mi on my General Exclaim UHP 205/55R16.  My problem is I didnt do the research I should have BEFORE I bought and installed the Exclaim. The width is 8.4" and I'm getting a slight rubbing/polishing against the driveshaft riding solo.  Tolerable but annoying.  I tried 2-up yesterday and had to abort the ride smelling hot rubber! and it was warm to the touch!  Since then I scanned the boards and see that most Valk riders are using a 205/60 16: some the Goodyear TripleTred, some the General Altimax.  These tires are identical in width [8.2"] and diameter [25.7]. Other than the sting of having wasted $$ and installed the wrong size tire, I still cant see how the 60 series will work any better.  On my '98 Tourer, there is a seam rib on the inside of the swingarm that protrudes out from rough;y 2:00 o'clock to 10:00 o'clock and I cannot see how a larger diameter tire [25.7"] will not interfere with this seam.  My Exclaim is 24" in diameter and is a about an inch away from making contact on the rightmost side of the tire tread.
 
But obviously there MUST be enough clearance as you all are using a 60 series tire.
Can someone put my fears to rest before I go buying another CT only to find it won't fit either.  BTW, I'm looking to go to the General Altimax.
TIA,Jack

Probably a third or more Darksiders run a 55 with no problem.  The 55 is some 4mm wider than a 60.  Even with the 60s, clearance is tight.

Be sure of where the rub is coming from. 

Did you do the nutcage mod?
http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2005/08/24/valkyrieRearFenderNutCageMod.html

And a (relative) few must do the fender washer mod. (click on each pic)
http://rides.webshots.com/album/558419637qsIyod?vhost=rides

Thanks, Jess. No I didnt do the nutcage mod, thinking I could avoid it by choosing a 55 series tire... didnt take the time to find out it's wider than a 60 either!  UGH.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

205/55/16 I've never run nothing else I use it cause I like the directional pattern and softer compound. Mounted my first 205/55/16 Cooper Zeon 2XS around 2000 and have since trashed out more than I can remember...I've still got a Cooper on one of my bikes but I'm running a 205/55/16 Fuzion ZRi on the other two.No rubbing NEVER...Its close to the swing arm but does'nt run.I'd bet you're rubbing the nut cage and not the swing arm....Its very easy to do takes about 5 minutes with the wheel off.

[ipmedic]

Just went to the darkside. GYATT 205/60/16. Did the cage mod. Also had to add some spacers to the shock and fender to pull the fender out just a tidge on the right side. Very tight by the swing arm, a curly one larger than a credit card but no rubbing. Running 36psi.
Just a side note....  I am totally glad I made the change to the darkside. I love the feel, I love the ride. I have done about 500 miles since the change and the differences are all second nature now. I don't even notice them.
Thanks to everyone for all of your advice, instruction and comments. You are all the BEST!  I'm a convert here to stay!!
Jeff