Radial vs Bias ply tires ???

[pastmast95]

I need to replace my tires this winter. I know the Valkyrie comes with radials but has any one used bias ply tires ? I read alot about "cupping" on the radials and I read an artical that said bias ply tires arn't as prone to "cupping". I've never used radials on a motorcycle before so I don't know. Or must you use radials because the rims are for tubeless tires? I haven't read a discussion about this before. Thanks for your help.

[sandy]

The Valk was designed for radials and I've always used them. On cars, bias tires don't track as well over road undulations. Some on here have used them (including car tires) but I want better handling. I'm willing to pay more and change them more frequently to improve handling and ride. BTW: My rear Avon Cobra has 19K on it now and still handles well and has plenty of tread left. I run 42 F and 46 R PSI. No cupping if you keep the PSIs up.

[Challenger]

Several people I know are running the bias ply tires off the big H.D. cruisers and like them. They last longer and do not cup.  That's what I'm going with on the STD next set. Do a search.  "Hoser" has posted results and pics of his Bias ply tires.

[Hoser]

These are the tires Challenger speaks of.
180/65/16 rear, 150/80/17 front.  I am at 10k miles on this set, got 20k on the last set, expect the same this time.  They ride and drive just fine,  I notice no difference from the many radial tires I have used, other than the longer life.  American Elite rear and D404 front  Hoser

[1500Rider]

I run bias ply on my 1500 Goldwing and yes, then can and do cup. From what I've learned, bias ply is more durable but the radials are better performing. Plan on staying with radials for the Valk.

[Hoser]

Before and after 20k miles, very little cupping I can see, normal wear.  Hoser 

[Bone]

I've been running GYTT's on the rear with the D 404 bias 150/80/17 front tire on the front. Have used 5 fronts in 80k just mounted #6. That's 16k average 80k/5. Couple of those were changed early before cross country trips.
I've been running 38 lbs pressure in the fronts. No cupping noticed maintain the air pressure.

98 Black & Chrome Tourer

[MarkT]

I have worn out many copies of all of the radial tire brands that fit the Valk and the 1800 wing in 200k miles.  The last few years I've gone to different brands of bias ply REAR tires on the fronts of both and note an improvement in the ride quality, grip, wear, and lower price.  Bias ply tires are actually an improvement over radials on cruiser and touring motorcycles, in my experience.  Radials might be better for sport bikes / racing - but that's not what I ride.  I have also standardized on using Ride-On for my balancing method as dynamic balancing in my experience is superior to static balancing with weights.
I am still using Cobras on the rear as I have several of them on hand.  And am experimenting with the Yokohama Advan series tires on the Valk, in back - and like what I've found so far.

[csj]

Well, I've got a 205-65-16 radial car tire on the rear, and a Shinko bias tire on the front.

So far, after about 5k miles with this combination, I've had very good stability at all speeds
and all lean angles, no wobbles. And a very low price for the pair. Liking it.