Tire Pressure?

[BIG--T]

I have been running 40 psi in my E-3 both front and rear. While braking for a sudden stop she went into a slide and I didn't brake that hard.  The rear only has about 9k on it and the tire looks great except for the center and really don't know why. I don't think 40 psi is too much for the rear? This is my first set of E-3's.

If I dropped it down to 32-35 where most of the tire is on the ground, would that be safe and make the tire wear better?

Thanks

[Daniel Meyer]

E-3's are less grippy than most others (in my experience). Pressure isn't going to change that much.

That low pressure will cause cupping and other wear very early on in tire life. I run 42 front/46 rear with Avons (generally run Darkside at 34).

[BIG--T]

E-3's are less grippy than most others (in my experience). Pressure isn't going to change that much.

That low pressure will cause cupping and other wear very early on in tire life. I run 42 front/46 rear with Avons (generally run Darkside at 34).

That sounds like I might need to buy a new one but is ashame because except for that slick strip in the center the rest has a lot of meat on it. That will be my last set of Dunlops!  

Thanks man! 

[joefromperry]

I'm on my third set of Dunlop E3's with my Interstate and have nothing but good things to say about them. I am not a super-aggressive rider, but I've ridden on all types of roads and lots of rain and my E3's have held on better than any other tire I've had. My son has them on his Goldwing, too, and he feels the same. And the tires last for quite a while.

[Hoser]

The organic brake pads make it harder to lock up the brakes, that's what I use.  Hoser  

[hubcapsc]

E-3's are less grippy than most others (in my experience). Pressure isn't going to change that much.

That low pressure will cause cupping and other wear very early on in tire life. I run 42 front/46 rear with Avons (generally run Darkside at 34).

That sounds like I might need to buy a new one but is ashame because except for that slick strip in the center the rest has a lot of meat on it. That will be my last set of Dunlops!  

Thanks man! 

Worn out in the middle is worn out. I'm no hotshot, and I wear mine out at 7K or so... it is
the roads around here or something. I think they pave the roads with rose petals in those
places where people run their tires for 20K...

-Mike

[BIG--T]

Joe, I've heard and read nothing but good things about the E3's is the very reason I bought them. Prior to that I've had great luck with Bridgestone and Metz.

I really don't know why it's wearing in the center not being over inflated and I am not a super aggressive rider either.  

Hoser, I don't think it's the brakes...just no traction.  

[wild6]

Have a look at the tire date code.

Older, dryer rubber might have something to do with it.

[Chrisj CMA]

All my E3's developed a "flat spot" in the middle....thats from riding straight and level most of the time.  The more I can ride on some twisties and use what I call the free rubber on the sides the less pronounced the flat spot is.......that being said, its really not a problem (that flat spot) I still get over 20K every time....Im on my 3rd E3 and it was the same on the 206Elite.....20K on the back and 23-24K on the front.  I think the more you lean into turns and use that side rubber the longer the tires last and yes 40psi(F) and 44psi(R) will get you down the road for a long time

This is over 18K miles

[BIG--T]

E-3's are less grippy than most others (in my experience). Pressure isn't going to change that much.

That low pressure will cause cupping and other wear very early on in tire life. I run 42 front/46 rear with Avons (generally run Darkside at 34).

That sounds like I might need to buy a new one but is ashame because except for that slick strip in the center the rest has a lot of meat on it. That will be my last set of Dunlops!  

Thanks man! 

Worn out in the middle is worn out. I'm no hotshot, and I wear mine out at 7K or so... it is
the roads around here or something. I think they pave the roads with rose petals in those
places where people run their tires for 20K...

-Mike

7K? Wow, and I know you buy good brands. What are you running? Yes I read all the reviews and most said they got 12-20k, and remember distinctly one guy said he had 21k and had a lot left!I

Yeah where are those rose pedal roads?  I love SC and hate to move but....

Well I guess there goes the BMDR for me.  If I ordered now, there is no way I would get them in time.  Do you know a good place local to check? I bet it'll have to be the Honda stealer because Valkyrie and VTX are the only bikes to my knowledge that runs this size. I was gonna call to see if you were going and meet up with ya. Oh well, ride safe my friend.  

[vanagon40]

Joe, I've heard and read nothing but good things about the E3's is the very reason I bought them. . . .

Not everyone has good things to say about the Elite 3.

Dunflop E-3 Huh?? Other than the Rivco center stand I don't think you could put anything more dangerous on a Valk.

From one of our regular posters.

[BIG--T]

All my E3's developed a "flat spot" in the middle....thats from riding straight and level most of the time.  The more I can ride on some twisties and use what I call the free rubber on the sides the less pronounced the flat spot is.......that being said, its really not a problem (that flat spot) I still get over 20K every time....Im on my 3rd E3 and it was the same on the 206Elite.....20K on the back and 23-24K on the front.  I think the more you lean into turns and use that side rubber the longer the tires last and yes 40psi(F) and 44psi(R) will get you down the road for a long time

This is over 18K miles

Chris, That can't be it because I live in the twisties and use them too!! Well I've read reviews that said the same you are about the mileage. If I could get even 17k on mine I'd be a happy camper!! I've been running 40 psi on both. I have skidded twice with my wife on back this weekend and she didn't like it! So I've gotta get more tread!

[BIG--T]

Have a look at the tire date code.

Older, dryer rubber might have something to do with it.

Thanks I haven't thought about that!

[BIG--T]

Joe, I've heard and read nothing but good things about the E3's is the very reason I bought them. . . .

Not everyone has good things to say about the Elite 3.

Dunflop E-3 Huh?? Other than the Rivco center stand I don't think you could put anything more dangerous on a Valk.

From one of our regular posters.

Wow, what a contrast from Chris and others! We all  share our experiences and like mileage- they all may vary. Maybe I just got a bad one. 

[hubcapsc]

7K? Wow, and I know you buy good brands. What are you running? Yes I read all the reviews and most said they got 12-20k, and remember distinctly one guy said he had 21k and had a lot left!I

Yeah where are those rose pedal roads?  I love SC and hate to move but....

Well I guess there goes the BMDR for me.  If I ordered now, there is no way I would get them in time.  Do you know a good place local to check? I bet it'll have to be the Honda stealer because Valkyrie and VTX are the only bikes to my knowledge that runs this size. I was gonna call to see if you were going and meet up with ya. Oh well, ride safe my friend.  :'(

I usually order them from HDL and get them in a few days. Unless they charge way too much, I'm going to try to
get my next set at the KTM/Victory shop in Seneca, that's where I got my Ride-On... I bet they (or most shops) can
order a set of tires and get them in a day or two... I got two bottles of Ride-On from them for about $32... now that I
want to put it in my front tire too, I priced one bottle delivered from Amazon at $20 (it was around $7 for
delivery)... do you change your own tires?

If this is a Metzler, it is a picture of my first tire at about 7K. I didn't go around too many turns then, I guess  ...
I keep a closer eye on pressure now, too, so they're only worn down to the wear bar when I change them at around
7K now. A few years ago I went to BMDR with a tire that was "only" down to the wear bar, and it rained some,
and I was uncomfortable.



-Mike

[RiderNJ]

I just mounted a new Avon on the front and an Austone on the rear.  Other than a couple of miles just to see that all went back together ok without extra parts,  I haven't had the opportunity to really test them out...  But I expect I will get pretty good mileage out of this new rear tire.  I like the rounded profile and seems like a good choice  when looking at cost, tire life and little difference in handling over a moto tire.
RiderNJ

[BIG--T]

7K? Wow, and I know you buy good brands. What are you running? Yes I read all the reviews and most said they got 12-20k, and remember distinctly one guy said he had 21k and had a lot left!I

Yeah where are those rose pedal roads?  I love SC and hate to move but....

Well I guess there goes the BMDR for me.  If I ordered now, there is no way I would get them in time.  Do you know a good place local to check? I bet it'll have to be the Honda stealer because Valkyrie and VTX are the only bikes to my knowledge that runs this size. I was gonna call to see if you were going and meet up with ya. Oh well, ride safe my friend.  :'(

I usually order them from HDL and get them in a few days. Unless they charge way too much, I'm going to try to
get my next set at the KTM/Victory shop in Seneca, that's where I got my Ride-On... I bet they (or most shops) can
order a set of tires and get them in a day or two... I got two bottles of Ride-On from them for about $32... now that I
want to put it in my front tire too, I priced one bottle delivered from Amazon at $20 (it was around $7 for
delivery)... do you change your own tires?

If this is a Metzler, it is a picture of my first tire at about 7K. I didn't go around too many turns then, I guess  ...
I keep a closer eye on pressure now, too, so they're only worn down to the wear bar when I change them at around
7K now. A few years ago I went to BMDR with a tire that was "only" down to the wear bar, and it rained some,
and I was uncomfortable.



-Mike

Mike, That sounds like a decent price from a dealer compared to Amazon for Ride-on, a little pricey but but worth every cent if it works like ppl claim! I think I'll put some in mine.  I checked with HDL and I can get the same tire for $50 less & free shipping at AMT. Does the Victory dealer in Seneca still go by Performance? I will call them and  3 Honda dealers and compare. I would think Honda would come closer to having them in stock.

No I haven't changed one on the Valkyrie yet but have on my X and others. From what I've seen and read about dropping pipes and shocks , I don't know if I want to!    Yes It is kinda spooky slipping and sliding on wet roads- especially in the mountains!  A lot of ppl brag on the Metz but I bet ur not one of them with just 7k on it! I alway keep a check on air pressure and try to maintain 40psi- especially in the winter.

[BIG--T]

I just mounted a new Avon on the front and an Austone on the rear.  Other than a couple of miles just to see that all went back together ok without extra parts,  I haven't had the opportunity to really test them out...  But I expect I will get pretty good mileage out of this new rear tire.  I like the rounded profile and seems like a good choice  when looking at cost, tire life and little difference in handling over a moto tire.
RiderNJ

I never heard of Austone, have they been out a while and where did you buy yours?

[R J]

You talk about slipping around.

Is this in a curve or straight line stopping?

If it is the later, you need to use the front brake a little harder.

99% of the tires will slip if there isn't any braking help from the front.

Other than that, I use Metz on the front at 45# and a Goodyear Triple Tread at 36
#.

When I run the Dummy Flops, I had to use way more front brake than I thought was required, BUT, it kept that Dummy Flop on the rear from sliding.

[R J]

Do a search on this board for that tire.   By the way it is a Taxi cab tire, but has a shape on the face like a M/T.

There are several posts on that tire.  Too many to try and put here, so best bet is do a SEARCH for Austone.

I'm getting right at 30K on my GoodYear C/T.

[Chrisj CMA]

Like RJ said.....are you too heavy on the back brakes?  Many riders are too shy with the fronts and rely too much on the rear.

I have skidded twice with my wife on back this weekend and she didn't like it!  So I've gotta get more tread!

[hubcapsc]

I checked with HDL and I can get the same tire for $50 less & free shipping at AMT.

I never looked there, those are some good prices. HDL will match price...

Does the Victory dealer in Seneca still go by Performance? I will call them and  3 Honda dealers and compare. I would think Honda would come closer to having them in stock.

I saw a shop that still had an Avon Venom for the Valkyrie on the rack, be careful out there  ... yes, they are called Performance...

No I haven't changed one on the Valkyrie yet but have on my X and others. From what I've seen and read about dropping pipes and shocks , I don't know if I want to!

If you decide to do it yourself, I'd be glad to come over and supervise...    I've done it a bunch of ways, and the shock way is
pretty easy, no need to mess with the pipes... do you have a jack and a Valkyrie adapter?

I think Austone is some kind of tractor tire, I'm not sure 

-Mike

[BIG--T]

You talk about slipping around.

Is this in a curve or straight line stopping?

If it is the later, you need to use the front brake a little harder.

99% of the tires will slip if there isn't any braking help from the front.

Other than that, I use Metz on the front at 45# and a Goodyear Triple Tread at 36
#.

When I run the Dummy Flops, I had to use way more front brake than I thought was required, BUT, it kept that Dummy Flop on the rear from sliding.

No  I was talking about  a straight line. I had 2 people this weekend just hit their brakes for no reason and I had to hit my brakes fast and hard. Yes I most always use my front and rear together when coming to a stop, especially and unexpected stop. I know that about 70% of the stopping power comes from the front brakes. I just fishtailed to a stop but know if I had a little more tread it would've helped!    Thanks for the tip on the Dummy Flops and the front brake! 

[BIG--T]

I checked with HDL and I can get the same tire for $50 less & free shipping at AMT.

I never looked there, those are some good prices. HDL will match price...
Does the Victory dealer in Seneca still go by Performance? I will call them and  3 Honda dealers and compare. I would think Honda would come closer to having them in stock.

I saw a shop that still had an Avon Venom for the Valkyrie on the rack, be careful out there  ... yes, they are called Performance...

No I haven't changed one on the Valkyrie yet but have on my X and others. From what I've seen and read about dropping pipes and shocks , I don't know if I want to!

If you decide to do it yourself, I'd be glad to come over and supervise...    I've done it a bunch of ways, and the shock way is
pretty easy, no need to mess with the pipes... do you have a jack and a Valkyrie adapter?

I think Austone is some kind of tractor tire, I'm not sure 

-Mike

Last time I ordered from DL and they matched the price plus knocked 10% off because I beat their price with AMT and I knew their shipping is fast especially if it comes from Hendersonville. 

I don't know what shop you're refering to but I've read a lot of negative reviews on the Venom- or think it was but it was Avon anyway.

Yes I'll be glad ta have ya come over and supervise...and I'll help! Yeah I have a jack and an an adapter mounted on.

I'll pass on that other tire until I hear more about it. I have thought for years about going to the DS with a Goodyear TT but I'm not convinced even though a lot of people like them...just don't sound natural,, a car tire on a MC!    I believe Joe said he didn't get but about 12k on a car tire.

[hubcapsc]

  I believe Joe said he didn't get but about 12k on a car tire.

Smokin' Joe...    he even wears his car tires out on
the edge, no chicken strips...

I ordered some new rubber tops for my foot pegs, he wears them out from the bottom...

-Mike

[BIG--T]

  I believe Joe said he didn't get but about 12k on a car tire.

Smokin' Joe...    he even wears his car tires out on
the edge, no chicken strips...

I ordered some new rubber tops for my foot pegs, he wears them out from the bottom...

-Mike

Bahahahahaha!!   HOW LOW CAN YOU GO??