Rear spline lube

[Shasta]

Hello all

As I research about my new to me 1998 Tourer I see alot about the importance of proper lubrication of the rear splines.  The bike only has 4400 miles and the interval is 10000 miles...but I worry that time also has an effect.  It's probably the factory lube.

You guys think it's okay to wait to till 10000?

Thanks Matt

[BonS]

I'd worry more about the age of the tires if they're original. They should be replaced and the lube refreshed while it's being done. Enjoy your new ride! 

[Shasta]

They are Metzler Marathon's with the date 00/2011 stamped on them. I assume this means production date not expiration date.  Do you know what the OEM tire brand was?

[F6Dave]

They are Metzler Marathon's with the date 00/2011 stamped on them. I assume this means production date not expiration date.  Do you know what the OEM tire brand was?

The original tires on Valkyries were Dunlop.  I think the model was D206.

[Shasta]

Just looked up how to check tire codes for production date and it looks like the bike has tires from 2006...damn!!!  There is a 00 2011 stamped on them but according to the Metzler website the date is the four digit cod consisting of the week and date of production...mine says 4906...so 49th week of 2006?  Well it looks like new tires and a lube while they are at it. 

I bought it from a dealer who told me the tires were 2011's...would you guys address this with them and ask for some sort of compensation?

Thanks, Matt

[..]

Just looked up how to check tire codes for production date and it looks like the bike has tires from 2006...damn!!!  There is a 00 2011 stamped on them but according to the Metzler website the date is the four digit cod consisting of the week and date of production...mine says 4906...so 49th week of 2006?  Well it looks like new tires and a lube while they are at it. 

I bought it from a dealer who told me the tires were 2011's...would you guys address this with them and ask for some sort of compensation?

Thanks, Matt

Sure, why not talk to the dealer. If they treat you right you can trust them. If not never buy anything from them again.

[John Schmidt]

If it says 4906 embossed on the sidewall in an oval circle, then you're right; 49th week of 2006 is the manufacture date. Looks like your tires are almost ten years old, and frankly if they were 2011 I would be taking another look at them. I just changed out a 6 yr. old front tire with over 17k on it and lots of tread left. Cheap insurance.

[Steve K (IA)]

Just looked up how to check tire codes for production date and it looks like the bike has tires from 2006...damn!!!  There is a 00 2011 stamped on them but according to the Metzler website the date is the four digit cod consisting of the week and date of production...mine says 4906...so 49th week of 2006?  Well it looks like new tires and a lube while they are at it. 

I bought it from a dealer who told me the tires were 2011's...would you guys address this with them and ask for some sort of compensation?

Thanks, Matt

If the dealer isn't a Honda dealer, they may not know how to properly lube the splines. 

Are you mechanically inclined?  It is a good thing if you can learn these things yourself.  That way you know it was done right.  How about throwing an invite out to someone near you who could help?

[Shasta]

New tires and a rear lube it is.

I know this is a can of worms but any suggestions on a cheaper decent set of tires?

[Pappy!]

Sure.....invest in a good front tire and go dark side on the rear. Cheaper!

[DenverDave]

I would go back to the dealer and talk to them about the age of the current tires and ask for their best price on a replacement set of tires and try to get them to mount them for free.

I would also shop around for tires to get an idea of prices, before negotiating with the dealer.

The most important thing to remember is ....

Replace the valve stems

Just looked up how to check tire codes for production date and it looks like the bike has tires from 2006...damn!!!  There is a 00 2011 stamped on them but according to the Metzler website the date is the four digit cod consisting of the week and date of production...mine says 4906...so 49th week of 2006?  Well it looks like new tires and a lube while they are at it. 

I bought it from a dealer who told me the tires were 2011's...would you guys address this with them and ask for some sort of compensation?

Thanks, Matt

[hubcapsc]

New tires and a rear lube it is.

I know this is a can of worms but any suggestions on a cheaper decent set of tires?

$150 to $180 per tire for Metzlers or Avons... There's some cheaper Shinkos that
people like OK...

-Mike "metal valve stems..."

[98valk]

Conti-Go 130/90-17 on the front installed in reverse.
usually can be picked up for $99-110.
I have 17k on mine, should see 20k.

[da prez]

NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER  use oem valve stems. G E T the metal after market 90 degree with the nut on the outside. PM me and I will send you a pair if you do not have them.

       N E V E R ose O E M .

                                                 da prez

[98valk]

NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER  use oem valve stems. G E T the metal after market 90 degree with the nut on the outside. PM me and I will send you a pair if you do not have them.

       N E V E R ose O E M .

                                                 da prez

as long as polishes and waxes which contain petroleum distillates (PDs) do not come into contact with the OEM valve stems, they will last close to 100k miles. The material required to be used by DOT is EPDM, same as commercial trucks use for their valve stems, which have tires that last 100k. PDs dissolve EPDM, this is why OEMs fail. There is no other reason.
I had both of my OEMs fail, upon inspection only the side which was exposed to polishes failed. It could be clearly seen. front one 28k, rear one last wk at 46k miles.
And yes I currently use metal stems, cause I do polish my wheels. However, the little EPDM washer on the outside is still vulnerable the PDs.

[Daniel Meyer]

Order of assembly/torque is as important as the lube to the rear splines. Make sure you get someone who knows how to do it.

[Bighead]

NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER  use oem valve stems. G E T the metal after market 90 degree with the nut on the outside. PM me and I will send you a pair if you do not have them.

       N E V E R ose O E M .

                                                 da prez

as long as polishes and waxes which contain petroleum distillates (PDs) do not come into contact with the OEM valve stems, they will last close to 100k miles. The material required to be used by DOT is EPDM, same as commercial trucks use for their valve stems, which have tires that last 100k. PDs dissolve EPDM, this is why OEMs fail. There is no other reason.
I had both of my OEMs fail, upon inspection only the side which was exposed to polishes failed. It could be clearly seen. front one 28k, rear one last wk at 46k miles.
And yes I currently use metal stems, cause I do polish my wheels. However, the little EPDM washer on the outside is still vulnerable the PDs.

NOT!
Had an OEM fail 300+ miles from home and the rim or valve stem had never seen polish period. Also I put new ones in every tire change,so tell me the last time you have seen a tire on a Valkyrie last 100 k