GL1800C Valkyrie Front Tire - we need to pressure the manufacturers

[havoc]

brotha's and sista's - if we want more options for front tires for our 2014 Valkyrie's then we need to show the manufacturers that there is a demand for that tire size. The more of us that take the 5 minutes or so to contact the tire manufacturers and state the need, the more likely they will see a market out there to increase their $$$

front tire size:
130/60R19 M/C 61H

i'm starting with Michelin http://www.michelinman.com/US/en/help/contact.html
feel free to join the movement!

[spud]

Opened the link shown for Michelin shown and can't seem to get a link to them
for motorcycles. I would like to see options for the front 19inch Valkrie .
I will try to contact them through their 1 880#. I'm not sure they are concerned
with opinions from Canada. Keep the pressure on! So far no problems with
original tires supplied with the 2014 Valkyrie. Down the road who knows?
  spud.

[Robert]

I have already done the Michelin thing in fact if you call that number all you get are mindless drones. I had to ask a tech question and explained very nicely that they did not know what they were talking about and asked a couple of more questions and they said we will have someone contact you. They did it was the head office and I told them please make the front tire also.

[havoc]

got a response from Michelin - used the online form in the contact us link. Let's put the pressure on.

I also did the same for this company (owned by Pirelli)
http://www.metzeler.com/site/uk/about-us/contact-us.html

going to submit to Pirelli as well

[mrtappan]

     I think the only way a manufacturer will start designing a front tire is if another bike comes into production using the same one.  I doubt the "average" numbers for a first run of a tire are more than the total amount of Valkyries sold.......

[goldstar903]

Sadly, I agree.

[havoc]

     I think the only way a manufacturer will start designing a front tire is if another bike comes into production using the same one.  I doubt the "average" numbers for a first run of a tire are more than the total amount of Valkyries sold.......

or if the same manufacturer where to actually think about collaboration between design teams of their own product...why couldn't they give the Valkyrie, F6B, and Goldwing all the same size front wheel and tire?????

[Earl43P]

There is one other model using that size, CVO street glide is 130/60-19.

http://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/565546-another-tire-question-19-this-time.html 

Circa 2010 for them.  Gotta get better soon with TWO models using that size. /S/ Why do these manufacturers DO THAT ?

[mrtappan]

Well they're obviously not make much money selling the bike..... maybe they can make some profit back on their purpose built front tires.

Oh Valkyrie..... the only bike I've ever owned with almost zero options.  I may as well have bought a Rune.  We all saw how aftermarket product support went for them.  I should have seen this coming but I was blinded by the new model....

[_Sheffjs_]

At $10,998 I can buy a few tires.  I see these new HD,s at 32g and more that is like 3 of this amazing moe-chines      

[ledany]

I repeat : Dunlop 408 F seems OK so far (6' km) far better than the OEM (which was ... I don't remember this grosse merde !  ).

[AdrianR]

There is one other model using that size, CVO street glide is 130/60-19.

http://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models/565546-another-tire-question-19-this-time.html 

Circa 2010 for them.  Gotta get better soon with TWO models using that size. /S/ Why do these manufacturers DO THAT ?

I believe that tire is strictly a bias ply design.

[AdrianR]

     I think the only way a manufacturer will start designing a front tire is if another bike comes into production using the same one.  I doubt the "average" numbers for a first run of a tire are more than the total amount of Valkyries sold.......

Unfortunately I would have to agree with this....especially considering the cost of making a new tire size...I've heard estimates of at least 100Gs...

[AdrianR]

or if the same manufacturer where to actually think about collaboration between design teams of their own product...why couldn't they give the Valkyrie, F6B, and Goldwing all the same size front wheel and tire?????
[/quote]

Because in some ways the bikes are very different....with different design/handling characteristic goals..

[Fla. Jim]

Another route is you might want to see whats out there that's almost the same size. Here's a calculator to plug in different size tires. https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=130-60r19-120-70r19

[bscrive]

Will pitting on a different sized tire on the front send the computer into a tizzy???

[mrtappan]

No because the front tire doesn't do anything.  Even if you have ABS it reads of a sensor ring independent from the tire size. 

All changing tire size will do is:
Taller will change your rake and trail slightly
Wider may make the bike feel "heavier" when turning

[AdrianR]

I did receive this message from Michelin:

*********************************************************************

Your information has been forwarded to the correct marketing group so they can document the demand for a tire in the 130/60R19. Someone in that group may be in contact with you in the near future.

We appreciate your feedback and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused..

It is our goal to ensure that your issue has been resolved or your question answered to your satisfaction. If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 1-800-642-4354 (toll free) between 8:00AM and 8:00PM Eastern Time Monday through Friday or between 8:30AM and 4:30PM Eastern Time on Saturday.

Sincerely,

Jon
Consumer Care Department
Certified Michelin Product Expert

[havoc]

i think the only solution for those who do not want DUNLOP is to go with Tire size 120/70R19

Metzler makes the ME 880 Marathon in that size
Michelin makes the MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 Trail in that size

[AdrianR]

i think the only solution for those who do not want DUNLOP is to go with Tire size 120/70R19

Metzler makes the ME 880 Marathon in that size
Michelin makes the MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 Trail in that size

NOPE..no way in hell would it be smart to put a THINNER front tire on this bike!

[bscrive]

Does anyone know if a 200 tire on the back will fit?  I am looking at Avon Cobras for the front and back.

front: 120/70ZR19
back: 200/55VR17

The tire calculator says that there is a 2mph difference at 60mph, but that is ok.  My speedo seems to be off by that much anyways.

[Fla. Jim]

i think the only solution for those who do not want DUNLOP is to go with Tire size 120/70R19

Metzler makes the ME 880 Marathon in that size
Michelin makes the MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 Trail in that size

NOPE..no way in hell would it be smart to put a THINNER front tire on this bike!

You do know it would only be slightly less than a half inch difference in width don't you.?  5.12-4.72=.4"

No Irons in this fire as I am old school Valk. Runing front dark bias for the past 15 yrs, and double dark, rear radial and front bias for the past 11yrs. So I am  obviously foolish/unafraid to try something different.
                          And no flaming death ......."Yet"  

[havoc]

i think the only solution for those who do not want DUNLOP is to go with Tire size 120/70R19

Metzler makes the ME 880 Marathon in that size
Michelin makes the MICHELIN Pilot Road 4 Trail in that size

NOPE..no way in hell would it be smart to put a THINNER front tire on this bike!

- you bring up a VERY important point. Safety. I felt the same way as you but then saw a few people suggesting to go with a size down. If the load/weight specs are the same as the 130 size what are the other concerns? i know that the smaller width will make it feel lighter in steering...could that lead to a rider accidentally over steering? this is a very good conversation to have.

[AdrianR]

You do know it would only be slightly less than a half inch difference in width don't you.?  5.12-4.72=.4"

No Irons in this fire as I am old school Valk. Runing front dark bias for the past 15 yrs, and double dark, rear radial and front bias for the past 11yrs. So I am  obviously foolish/unafraid to try something different.
                          And no flaming death ......."Yet"  


[/quote]

Jim,
         Yes, 25.4mm = 1"  I know...  I honestly think that Honda really engineered this bike to tight handling characteristics optimizing for maximum turning capability within the load, weight and chassis parameters..Unfortunately they didn't take into account the tire availability and quality... IMO they sort of dropped the ball on this one!

My last bike had a wider front tire with respect to it's weight and as such, handled wet surfaces and road obstructions far easier then the Valkyrie...  I NEVER really thought to much about it...a bit of gravel never scared me...on this bike a small bit gravel causes the tires to slip...and I think it's due to it's narrow tire on the front of the bike...

A better quality tire would cure 90% of these problems...again imo...

A thinner tire on the front end would only compound the issue...even if it's only .5" more narrow.


           

[mrtappan]

Well you could always go the opposite way and see if a factory Goldwing front wheel fits.  I think the brake discs are different diameter and unsure of spacing but that may be fixable too by using Goldwing calipers.

Who knows..... theres always another way if you don't mind a little R&D

[AdrianR]

Well you could always go the opposite way and see if a factory Goldwing front wheel fits. 

Nope, I believe a different diameter...scary thing is the dealer told me the same thing!

[mrtappan]

Correct. The wheel is one inch smaller in diameter but that's irrelevant if they make a tire that makes the overall diameter of the wheel the the same the overall diameter of the factory Valkyrie tire. 

So then you rake and trail would remain the same and you could have more tire options in the

[maddoggie501]

I've been looking at the Michelin Pilot Road 4's.  I had good luck with them on a BMW K1200GT.  Michelin does make the rear in the standard Valkyrie size.  However, I would have to go to the 120/70-19 on the front.  Any opinions on going to a slightly smaller tire.

[havoc]

I've been looking at the Michelin Pilot Road 4's.  I had good luck with them on a BMW K1200GT.  Michelin does make the rear in the standard Valkyrie size.  However, I would have to go to the 120/70-19 on the front.  Any opinions on going to a slightly smaller tire.

it's exactly what i was thinking of doing - it's the closest size...I'm reaching out to honda to ask them to send to engineers to get their input.

[hubcapsc]

This is exactly what I plan to do too...

-Mike

[maddoggie501]

Thanks guys,  personally I don't see a problem.  The side wall is a bit taller and the width is a bitter narrower.  I would suspect Honda will recommend you stay with the original design for liability reasons.  However, I'm going to change it and see for myself if I notice any issues.   I have changed all kinds of different sizes on my Yamaha WR250R dual sport and haven't noticed anything to worry about.  It will be interesting to see what Honda says!

[dinosnake]

There is more to motorcycle tires than just size - there is profile.  Your dual-sport didn't seem sensitive to tire change because most DS tires are rather "round" in profile.  The new Valk has a pointed, "triangular" profile tire and changing it out will change your handling.  Not saying it will be bad, but it could be very different.

[mrtappan]

There is more to motorcycle tires than just size - there is profile.  Your dual-sport didn't seem sensitive to tire change because most DS tires are rather "round" in profile.  The new Valk has a pointed, "triangular" profile tire and changing it out will change your handling.  Not saying it will be bad, but it could be very different.

Ha, damn triangular tires........ wait, what? 

It's not an odd shape, it's just an odd size.

[havoc]

i'm considering the Metzeler ME 880 Marathon
http://www.metzeler.com/site/com/products/tyres-catalogue/Me880-marathon-ME880-marathon-alphanumerische-dimensionen.html

- available in the recommended rear tire size and the front is available in 120/70R19


it's specifically designed for heavier cruiser.

[dinosnake]

There is more to motorcycle tires than just size - there is profile.  Your dual-sport didn't seem sensitive to tire change because most DS tires are rather "round" in profile.  The new Valk has a pointed, "triangular" profile tire and changing it out will change your handling.  Not saying it will be bad, but it could be very different.

Ha, damn triangular tires........ wait, what?  

It's not an odd shape, it's just an odd size.

No, motorcycle tires come in different profiles - different, actual tread shapes

http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/10/23/how-to-pick-the-best-tires-for-your-bike/

The center can be more crowned than the edges - a "triangular" profile.  Some tires come "round" for a linear feel and turn response whilst others are "compound curve", with a crowned 'peaked' center for rapid rollover into the initial turn then a more rounded radius to the edges to be stable once at the set angle.  For example



I do not have the specs of the Dunlops on the Valk but, from feel, I would say they are one of those "compound" profiles.  We'll find out more as Honda, Dunlop and other companies spread more info on the current tires and other companies come into the fold of selling our necessary size and then mention handling characteristics.

[AdrianR]

i'm considering the Metzeler ME 880 Marathon
http://www.metzeler.com/site/com/products/tyres-catalogue/Me880-marathon-ME880-marathon-alphanumerische-dimensionen.html

- available in the recommended rear tire size and the front is available in 120/70R19


it's specifically designed for heavier cruiser.

I didn't see either in the link you provided.  I saw a 200 55r 17....for the rear...but not the front....hmmm

Metzler Marathons are outstanding tires....had them on my last bike...completely turned my Shadow Sabre 1100 into a smooth rolling, great handling bike in all conditions, and lasted a long time...

[hubcapsc]

I've run through a couple of sets of 880s on my old bike, I like them
pretty much as well as the Avons I usually run.

The ones sized for the old Valkyrie are definitely not "low profile" tires
like the new Valkyries have...

Are any 880s, particularly the ones we need for the new Valkyrie, low
profile?

-Mike

[havoc]

i'm considering the Metzeler ME 880 Marathon
http://www.metzeler.com/site/com/products/tyres-catalogue/Me880-marathon-ME880-marathon-alphanumerische-dimensionen.html

- available in the recommended rear tire size and the front is available in 120/70R19


it's specifically designed for heavier cruiser.

I didn't see either in the link you provided.  I saw a 200 55r 17....for the rear...but not the front....hmmm

Metzler Marathons are outstanding tires....had them on my last bike...completely turned my Shadow Sabre 1100 into a smooth rolling, great handling bike in all conditions, and lasted a long time...

my apologies thanks for pointing that out. Both the front and rear of that tire are NOT available in the exact size recommended by Honda.

The closest match is:
rear 170/60R17
front 120/70R19

they aren't as low profile as the sh!tty dunlops... so that being said and since they aren't the "recommended" size, we are gonna be guinea pigs.

[AdrianR]

The closest match is:
rear 170/60R17
front 120/70R19

they aren't as low profile as the sh!tty dunlops... so that being said and since they aren't the "recommended" size, we are gonna be guinea pigs.
[/quote]

Unfortunately, both tires as illustrated above are more narrow then the stock tires....  IMO, if anything, the bike needs WIDER tires based on the bike's weight...hence the reason why they become more slippery on pavement that isn't clean and dry...  The bike I think just needs more rubber to pavement contact! This observation for me makes the bike less desirable...I mean what good is a great handling bike that can only be ridden on dry days with clean pavement???

I'd wholeheartedly would be willing to sacrifice *some* of the bike's quick turning characteristics to gain more all around stability...

In hindsight if I knew this I *might* not have bought this bike.... Have you ever ridden a Softail with it's skinny 21" front tire? If you have you know they SUCK...for allot of riding conditions...

Saw a Triumph Rocket while in Wy...I LOVED the looks of that bike...and it had a nice beefy front end to competently address it's weight...

HOPEFULLY, one of the major tire makers will make a *better* tire in the sizes the bike requires to put this impediment to bed...  I'd buy a set YESTERDAY!!

[dinosnake]

The closest match is:
rear 170/60R17
front 120/70R19

they aren't as low profile as the sh!tty dunlops... so that being said and since they aren't the "recommended" size, we are gonna be guinea pigs.

Unfortunately, both tires as illustrated above are more narrow then the stock tires....  IMO, if anything, the bike needs WIDER tires based on the bike's weight...hence the reason why they become more slippery on pavement that isn't clean and dry...  The bike I think just needs more rubber to pavement contact! This observation for me makes the bike less desirable...I mean what good is a great handling bike that can only be ridden on dry days with clean pavement???

I'd wholeheartedly would be willing to sacrifice *some* of the bike's quick turning characteristics to gain more all around stability...

In hindsight if I knew this I *might* not have bought this bike.... Have you ever ridden a Softail with it's skinny 21" front tire? If you have you know they SUCK...for allot of riding conditions...

Saw a Triumph Rocket while in Wy...I LOVED the looks of that bike...and it had a nice beefy front end to competently address it's weight...
HOPEFULLY, one of the major tire makers will make a *better* tire in the sizes the bike requires to put this impediment to bed...  I'd buy a set YESTERDAY!!

It's not width, it is tread material.  Dunlop has a habit in their high use of carbon black in the matrix; a tire with high silicon content is what you are looking for.  The carbon black gives long tread life, desirable for OEM-level fitments, but you want better stiction and that's where silicon comes in.