Valkorado
Member
    
Posts: 10504
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« on: September 29, 2012, 09:16:37 AM » |
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Hi Guys, After some lousy weather, it looks like it is shaping up for some good fall color rides. I was bubbling with joy. When looking over my bike this morning, I noticed the rear tire (Dunlop D206) looks like it is wearing in a very strange way. Running my fingers across the tire, I can feel a definite bulge on the either side of the tire (in contact area). It is not an inflation issue -- I have kept the tire properly inflated, etc. After reading on this forum and elsewhere, I am fearing the delamination issue and am not going to ride because I do like being alive. I had considered the Dark Side, but I'm not ready to step over as of yet. I am hoping to find some sort of consensus (I know, good luck) on good rear tire, and maybe a recommendation on where I can find one reasonably and fast. I have a new Avon Cobra on the front and I like it. Since the bike is new to me, I also want to have the splines greased, O rings changed and the rear end looked over. I am not a mechanic, and have no access to a garage or tools. I have heard Bel-Ray waterproof grease is much better for lubing splines than Honda Moly. Should I order some Bel-Ray and have the mechanic use that instead of whatever they have on hand? Indian Summer is slipping away and it looks like I'm grounded. 
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" 
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Valkorado
Member
    
Posts: 10504
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #1 on: September 29, 2012, 09:18:49 AM » |
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Guess I should order rear bearings as well?
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" 
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NITRO
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« Reply #2 on: September 29, 2012, 09:27:06 AM » |
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Guess I should order rear bearings as well?
Why would you need new bearings?
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When in doubt, ride.
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #3 on: September 29, 2012, 09:35:42 AM » |
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Those OEM D-206 tires were not the greatest things. They were good riding tires for a few thousand miles but then went bad fast. Either a Avon Cobra or an E3 will work with that front tire just fine. Dont replace the bearings unless they are bad......if you are just now wearing out the OEM tire then you have roughly 10K on the bike...bearings should be good
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Valkorado
Member
    
Posts: 10504
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #4 on: September 29, 2012, 09:36:59 AM » |
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Guess I should order rear bearings as well?
Why would you need new bearings? Just so I can be sure they are indeed new. I just got the bike recently.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" 
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old2soon
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« Reply #5 on: September 29, 2012, 10:19:38 AM » |
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Not having access to tools and what not MIGHT put you at the mercy-perish the thought-of a ste-er dealer. You might have a fellow Valkyrie rider in your area who not only might have tools but be willing to help. Wish i could help you but i'm in southern Missouri. Having lived in Colorado at one time i know your riding season is quickly drawing to a close. 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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Red Diamond
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« Reply #6 on: September 29, 2012, 10:25:43 AM » |
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The Cobra or E3 would be fine, although my preference would be the E3. The final drive service is a good idea, the Belray is a good choice, the bearing replacement is not needed unless you hear or feel something that causes you to think the change is necessary.
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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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Valkorado
Member
    
Posts: 10504
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #7 on: September 29, 2012, 11:15:19 AM » |
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Thanks for the fast replies. Looks like it's going to be a Cobra or E3 for me. Now to go price shopping.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" 
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Hoser
Member
    
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
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« Reply #8 on: September 29, 2012, 12:19:09 PM » |
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Might as well match it up with front, get the cobra. 99% chance your bearings are fine. I have replaced one rear bearing at 70,000 miles. I have 108000 miles on it now. Please don't let the dealer or whoever rip you off. You should not have to pay over 300 to 400 bux to do the job, that's including the tire. Make sure they know to lube the rear splines and everything should be fine. I would say probly half or more of us do our own maintenance. It's hard to find a good Valkyrie mechanic. I hope someone close pipes up to help. Hoser 
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I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/
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Momz
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« Reply #9 on: September 29, 2012, 12:25:27 PM » |
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I have a set of OEM Honda Dunlop D206 tires with less than 200 miles on them that I would sell for $50.00. That is if you wanted to retain the originality of your bike.
Just PM if your interested.
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 ALWAYS QUESTION AUTHORITY! 97 Valk bobber, 98 Valk Rat Rod, 2K SuperValk, plus several other classic bikes
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JaysGone
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« Reply #11 on: September 29, 2012, 09:16:56 PM » |
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I cant speak for the 206s but with all my other bikes. When forced to I have used 402s <HD marked> or 404s<same tire> because my local wrench carries them and they are inexpensive. None to a one has been on any of my bikes for much more then 6800 miles. Most 404s began to crap out at the 4K mark especially the fronts. These Dunlops are in my opinion pretty crappy tires....... Id assume the 206 is more or less the same tire. The Valk when I bought it had Metzlers on it 880s. Both shot, worn and dry rotted. I put a Kenda rear on the front and a Light Truck tire in 195-65-16 on the rear and have been extremely happy with them.
This doesnt mean much but to me the cheapest CT is better then any bike tire for longevity and stopping power when wet.
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1999 Valk - SOLD 2005 Yamaha RoadStar 2010 GoldWing with Motor Trike Kit
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salty1
Member
    
Posts: 2359
"Flyka"
Spokane, WA or Tucson, AZ
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« Reply #12 on: September 30, 2012, 04:39:54 AM » |
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Since you have a cobra on the front match it with one on the rear. They are good tires. Is that D 206 original rubber? I agree with the comments they were not the best.
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« Last Edit: September 30, 2012, 03:39:56 PM by salty1 »
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My rides: 1998 GL1500C, 2000 GL 1500CF,2006 GL 1800 3A  
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Whooray
Member
    
Posts: 653
Idaho State Rep
Kuna, Idaho
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« Reply #13 on: September 30, 2012, 06:00:10 AM » |
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Valkorado, Gunnison is about 175 miles from me (and Misfit) it is possible that we could hook up and get your Valk here to Colorado Springs and do the rear spline service at either Misfits or my house. I have a trailer and would be willing to come and get your Valk and trailer it here and get the job done and even put your new rear tire on. If the weather is bad we could trailer it back to Gunnison. It would take some coordinating as we both have jobs, but we could make it happen. If your interested, lets talk. Raymond
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Vietnam Vet 6/68 - 1/70 919th Combat Engineers 11th ACR (Blackhorse) 
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Valkorado
Member
    
Posts: 10504
VRCC DS 0242
Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.
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« Reply #14 on: September 30, 2012, 09:04:09 AM » |
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Thanks for the replies, sorry I didn't get back yesterday. I was out riding!  Yes, apparently I was paranoid about the rear tire. I took the bike by the local shop and had the mechanic take a look at it, he said I am good to go. Apparently the wear patterns are normal for a big bike, and he saw no signs of delamination. This is the greatest forum ever. Whooray, thank you very much for the offer. I did communicate with Misfit a while back and am looking forward to getting your way soon, meeting you guys and looking over the beast. I am not agile with tools, but am capable of doing basic stuff. I am still thinking about coming that way this Indian Summer, if not I will be there after the thaw. I would like to find some Bel-Ray waterproof grease and the 3 necessary O-rings before coming down.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good, there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood? - John Prine 97 Tourer "Silver Bullet" 01 Interstate "Ruby" 
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R J
Member
    
Posts: 13380
DS-0009 ...... # 173
Des Moines, IA
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« Reply #15 on: September 30, 2012, 09:21:32 AM » |
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I use Bel-Ray water proof wheel bearing grease, that can be gotten at a Auto Parts store. We use this same stuff at the shop, auto, motorcycle, lawn mower, snow blower, and almost anything with an engine on it.
'O' rings, there is someone on this site who sells them in a package of 3, can't for the life of me, think of who it is.
Maybe someone else will see this and post who it is.
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44 Harley ServiCar 
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