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Big IV
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« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2009, 10:10:29 AM » |
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and why Michelian? I was in Easy Eddie's buying a front tire (because they used to do a buy one get one free promotion occasionally and I've just kept going back). They are an Easyrider chain store type of place, so yeah, almost all HD. They had a display on Michelains complete with a friendly looking tire man waving at the store. I asked about them, asked if they held up. The guy behind the counter looked at me with a clint eastwood stare to size me up, then said, "you ride your bike don't you?" well, yes I do. He shook his head. He said the Michelians weren't any good for people that actually rode their bikes, but that they stored well. He suggested I go with something that held up better. Sounded like reasonable advice to me.
I never did try them. So let me know if you have great experience with them. They were cheaper. I decided not to take a chance on them.
Good luck. Happy riding.
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"Ride Free Citizen!" VRCCDS0176
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MAragorn
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« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2009, 11:01:42 AM » |
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I don't really have a hard on either way for Michelin. But I want to have the same manufacturer front and back. Hell, I don't know why, maybe if I die a "flaming death" due to going to the Darkside my bike in heaven will have a matched set.
That seid, I have Michelins on my Dodge diesel and got 160,000 miles out of the first set and so far have 90,000 miles on the second set. So at least their truck tires give me good performance.
AND, I have to say, advice from a Harley man on what is go and what is show seems a bit iffy.
BUT, if someone convinces me (quickly) that these are NOT good tires I will change direction.
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OKCRogueRune
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« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2009, 08:07:30 AM » |
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I have a Rune. And if some of you don't know about the tires on those, only one manufacturer makes a "front" tire in the OEM size and that of course would be the ever so great Duncrap. On my VTX 1800, I had started installing the Bridgestone tires, and have fallen in love with the way they handle, rode, and lasted. So I did some shopping around for a front tire for the run, after the factory tire was toast at 5,000 miles. I found a really nice bridgestone bto14 rear to fit my front. Now that tire has held up over 10,000 miles so far and still has boo-koo tread left on it. It is a really nice sticky tire with lots of tread and I nice design for the front wheel to cut thru puddles. He is my issue now days; like most companies, when they have a really good product available, they get rid of it and offer something "new and improved"  The bto14 has been discontinued and replaced by the bto16 and if it is as good as a tire as the prev model that would be fine and dandy except the tread design has left a lot to be desired. I don't think the "new and improved" model would cut through water too well for a front tire application. As one guy earlier had mentioned, I also prefer to have mathing front and rears. When I went to replace my rear at 12,000, that is when I had discovered the fact that the bto14 had been discontinued. So back to the drawing board and internet in search of a Brand and a model that would wear well, look good, stick, and have a good design to fit the front and/or rear. I ended up going with the Shinko (pando???) off the top of my head I think that is the model. Nice tire, seems to wear well so far on the rear, nice and sticky, and nice tread pattern of cutting a path thru the water. I guess it will come down to personal preferences and mind-sets as to who will actually put a rear tire on a front rim and run with it. I have found there to be no difference except this one seems to be lasting a lot longer than the factory "front". I would just suggest that if you do choose a rear tire app for your front that you do keep tread design as a factor in your choice and to choose one that should cut a good path in the water instead of skiing across it. Good luck.
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asfltdncr
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« Reply #4 on: March 19, 2009, 09:50:29 AM » |
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What I don't see in the threads is the advantages of using a rear tire up front other than darksiders who have one laying around. Do they wear better and/or perform better?
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MAragorn
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« Reply #5 on: March 19, 2009, 11:21:08 AM » |
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They have deeper tread so hopefully will shed water better and wear longer.
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Momz
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« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2009, 02:00:06 PM » |
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How about using an old snow tire? If your from the Midwest, then you probably have a pair in the garage. Handling would probably suck, be it sure would be different!
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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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Disco
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Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2009, 02:26:20 PM » |
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One of my Valkyrie buddies has tried all kinds of darkside rears on both his IS and his 'wing. I've heard him discuss the advantagesof a rear tire - mounted backwards - on the front being that the way the lining and tread are laid down to handle the forces of acceleration on the rear translate nicely to handling braking on the front.
I don't believe he has a rear on the front of his IS, but he is currently running a Dunlop Winter Tread Run-Flat in 175 on the rear of the 'wing and and some sort of rear on the front. He loves the combination enough to ride it down to Acapulco where he is now.
You might try the goldwing boards for more specific recommendations.
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783
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Dogg
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« Reply #8 on: March 21, 2009, 08:06:54 PM » |
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I think that you guys experiment too much. putting car tires on bikes and rear tires on fronts. I ride my bike. I ride it like I stole it and I would never miss match tires or ideas just because it lasts longer....cuz I will take any darksider on any twisty and MY avons will hang on 10times better. putting a big rear tire in the front may "seem" like a good idea, but tire compound is different front to rear and so is tread design. The amount of research that goes into these tires is in the million of $$$$ and the way I see it, changing tires on a bike with a car tire and putting a rear tire on the front is asking for trouble.... UNLESS you spend your riding time just tooling around......
...doesnt seem like much fun just tooling around. Ride it, wash it, ride it again...
motorcycle tires are motorcycle tires. keep them where they belong. car tires are just that. car tires. keep them on the toyota
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
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American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #9 on: March 21, 2009, 08:21:37 PM » |
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....cuz I will take any darksider on any twisty and MY avons will hang on 10times better. [/quote] LOL Now thats funny right there  Thanks for the laugh 
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools.
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Valker
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Wahoo!!!!
Texas Panhandle
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« Reply #10 on: March 21, 2009, 08:32:26 PM » |
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....cuz I will take any darksider on any twisty and MY avons will hang on 10times better.
LOL Now thats funny right there  Thanks for the laugh  [/quote] I agree with you, Joe............
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I ride a motorcycle because nothing transports me as quickly from where I am to who I am.
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MP
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Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
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« Reply #11 on: March 22, 2009, 04:18:14 AM » |
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Dogg: Have you ever seen SmokingJoes and others with CT on the back ride? Their pegs need replacing all the time because they wear them out dragging them in the corners. How can you take a corner faster than that? The hard parts would leverage you off the ground first. Theory and real world meet, and real world wins!!!! Good luck taking them boys on, Dogg, you will need it! MP
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Dogg
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« Reply #12 on: March 22, 2009, 07:40:04 AM » |
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absolutely no doubt there are a FEW who ride as stupidly and as adreniline packed as I do. I ride my standard like a sportbike. I have been known to hang off the bike, dragging hips and boots to hang a turn, I myself have replaced many a foot peg, 3 sets of cobra exhaust...lol You see it from my seat...I know, it hard but imagine...There may be a few valks where I live, but none have ever wanted to nor could attempt to hang with me on the twisties.. Most just tool along behind their windshields, contnet that all is right with the world. Being that as ture as it gets cuz they're on the greatest bike ever built, it's a bit lame for me and I need to burn off some steam. I had my wife on the back when we first hit US129. she had never seen the dragon nor heard of it I was dragging hard parts all over and she was crying and i didnt know it. I did take it easy on the way down for her tho. (I am sensitive you know.) But CT's are designed differently. side walls dont have the strength of MT and arent design to flex like that. I just cant and probably never will grasp the idea of a CT on bike. I have never seen one done. nor seen one in action but i will tell ya, IF your game, Ima ready and will run the twisties with ya just to see how that CT performs... just dont feel bad when you are smelling my exhaust at the end 
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #13 on: March 22, 2009, 11:28:50 AM » |
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Just to keep this thread churning a bit (hidden pleasure) you do know that car tires have higher load ratings that motorcycle tires and not just a little higher but hundreds of pounds higher. Don't imagine they do it with mirrors either but with actual materials like threads, carcass's and treads and beads. So any talk about motorcycle tires being a better safer tire is founded in conjecture and not facts.
Now the bit about sidewall is hyperbole. Sidewalls on bias ply tires are ancient history and have no basis in today's tire world. It's the air pressure inside the tire that gives it the characteristics and to think that somehow the sidewall adds stiffness to the tire is only related to the height of the sidewall. The lower the profile of the tire the stiffer the reaction to sideways movement and with motorcycle tires when you pump them up to 40psi and above you are minimizing the characteristics of that particular feature. Why not just fill the tire with a solid material and be done with it?
If you take a motorcycle tire with a 70% height ratio and put it up against a car tire with a 55% height ratio and all other things being the same, the car tire will have a stiffer feeling sidewall. When I look at tires I look at similar tires and look at the weight of the tire and compare that one aspect. In motorcycle tires you will find a large variation in weight (multiple pounds) of identical size tires. What are you going to do? Buy the lighter tire? Compare that weight to a comparable car tire.
Just one more note here. A Valkyrie is a cruiser. A Valkyrie is not a sport bike nor a dirt bike and any person that would compare a Valkyrie to same or insinuate they ride their Valkyrie like same is either suffering from delusional projection or unjustifiable ego. I'm sure there are many who will take exception to my statement but then, bring it around, my 19 year old neighbor will take much pleasure in showing you just exactly how decrepit you have become in you abilities to ride your scoot. Ps. bring no riders!
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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Dogg
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« Reply #14 on: March 22, 2009, 12:25:05 PM » |
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my wife has ridden with me thru almost anything, and she trusts me with her life. I, have never taken and chances where i would put her life in danger. That said, she knew we were riding in the smokies and the roads were gonna get twisty. I, being of sound mind and judgement, didnt tell her about the dragon as I would have had to ride ALL THE WAY AROUND to avoid it. Im not stupid nor did I do anything to put her in harms way. I ride my bike, know my limits and cherish the lil girl i married who sits behind me.
Not in poor judgement. She laughs now. and she got a t-shirt saying she survived the dragon. she wears it proudly tho, she will never venture that road again.lol
My wife is a great sport, and with that she trusts me with her life. SINCE, I value that life above mine, NEVER would I do anything to harm her....Please do me a favor, I posted here just to pick on the CT guys. just in fun. Yes, none of you know me, but ride with me, drink with me and you will see I am an honest, hard working guy who loves my family.
And I do ride my bike like a sport bike. I also have a sport bike I ride like a cruiser. The reason I have a big fattire stupid valk now is because of attitudes just like that. I have no ego to polish or pet, I have nothing to compensate for. I ride like I have ridden all my life.
somewhere, someone has a lil thing under their sig about the dash between birth and death....I am making mine most memorable. how about you??? Done anything stupid today? lol
I am not picking, starting anything, harrassing or pooping on anyones parade. I, love to ride and have fun. btw. I drink very little alcohol, preferred bevarage is coffee. just to clarify.....so, dont judge me harsh pls. I only have 1 shirt on my back to give
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Dogg
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« Reply #15 on: March 22, 2009, 03:12:21 PM » |
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no worries. I have had my share of accidents from the dang thing sliding out from under me to high end rolls that beat me up good. i have learned from experieince what "the edge" is and how dangerous it can be.lol doesnt stop me from trying tho...lol
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stormrider
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« Reply #16 on: March 22, 2009, 05:27:11 PM » |
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consider this, bike tire, 930 lb load limit. Bridgestone Protenze I'm running, 1340 lb load limit. 900 lb bike, two up + gear, hum, car tire wins out. simple as that, and corners great. will never go back. 
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Freedom will ultimately cost more than we care to pay but will be worth every drop of blood to those who follow and cherrish it.
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stormrider
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« Reply #17 on: March 22, 2009, 05:32:48 PM » |
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Actual tire I'm running is a Bridgestone Potenza G109 Grid 205 60 16 at 38 psi.
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Freedom will ultimately cost more than we care to pay but will be worth every drop of blood to those who follow and cherrish it.
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MAragorn
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« Reply #18 on: March 22, 2009, 07:13:34 PM » |
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Wow
Is there some driving need for the anti CT guys to try to convince people to use the tires THEY like? tsk tsk.
This thread was NOT about Car tires!
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MAragorn
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« Reply #19 on: March 22, 2009, 08:27:30 PM » |
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Bostonrats
I have to admit, I was just jerking their chains. They always say that the CT guys are trying to convert folks over to their side. I think it is the other way.
Personally, I enjoy the banter, don't take it seriously and make up my own mind.
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Airetime
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U Never See a Valk Parked @ a Psychiatrist Office
Anacortes, WA
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« Reply #20 on: March 23, 2009, 08:51:00 AM » |
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 Wow, you really know how to stir up things don't you? I know that you can't be serious, but for anyone who is new here and new to the Valkyrie, Repeat after me, "I do not own a trike, I own a motorcycle.. " Newbies, repeat after me, "I do not own a trike, I own a motorcycle.. " 
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Dogg
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« Reply #21 on: March 23, 2009, 10:02:07 AM » |
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LOL....You CT guys run what you want, no conversion. just choice.lol but putting a CT on the front??? I hope I read that wrong. anyway, more power to you guys. If you THINK its better, go for it. Putting a rear tire on the front is just as much a gamble. Tires are made specifically to perform a certain function, when they are used outside of thier design, then, well, it's on the guy that wanted it put on there.
No worries from me. I would love to debate the pros and cons but, just don't have the energy, plus, I know ppl are probably tired of hearing the debate. I own a motorcycle, not a trike;)
So, I use motorcycle tires on it. Personally, I have never seen a motorcycle with a car tire on it so, I will not judge. Just the idea.lol
Dont mind me really, I just like stickin my nose in places sometimes...LOL
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Disco
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Armed Man=Citizen; Unarmed Man=Subject
Republic of Texas
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« Reply #23 on: March 23, 2009, 01:40:56 PM » |
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Just wondering, but, has anyone ever put a motorcycle tire on a car? 
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2000 Bumblebee "Tourer", 98 Yellow & Cream Tourer, 97 Rescue blower bike 22 CRF450RL, 19 BMW R1250RT 78 CB550K 71 Suzuki MT50 Trailhopper .jpg) VRCC 27,916 IBA 44,783
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MP
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Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
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« Reply #24 on: March 23, 2009, 02:04:50 PM » |
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 "Ridin' with Cycho"
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petevenne
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« Reply #25 on: March 23, 2009, 05:48:30 PM » |
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No Valkyrie tire listing in Michelin catalog??? Lost but not forgotten...... Pete
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MAragorn
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« Reply #26 on: March 23, 2009, 06:05:36 PM » |
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 Wow, you really know how to stir up things don't you? I know that you can't be serious, but for anyone who is new here and new to the Valkyrie, Repeat after me, "I do not own a trike, I own a motorcycle.. " Newbies, repeat after me, "I do not own a trike, I own a motorcycle.. "  I absolutely AM serious.
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MAragorn
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« Reply #27 on: March 23, 2009, 06:07:52 PM » |
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So, I use motorcycle tires on it. Personally, I have never seen a motorcycle with a car tire on it so, I will not judge. Just the idea.lol
Dont mind me really, I just like stickin my nose in places sometimes...LOL
You mean there is gambling here at Ricks? I am shocked. SHOCKED, I say.
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Fla. Jim
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« Reply #28 on: March 23, 2009, 06:57:38 PM » |
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
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American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #29 on: March 23, 2009, 07:28:28 PM » |
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Do you have a picture with this set-up Jim ?
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools.
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f6john
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Christ first and always
Richmond, Kentucky
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« Reply #30 on: March 23, 2009, 07:35:23 PM » |
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Just wondering, but, has anyone ever put a motorcycle tire on a car?  Buddy of mine had a T-bucket back in the 70's. Motorcycle tires on the front.
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Fla. Jim
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« Reply #31 on: March 23, 2009, 07:42:17 PM » |
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Current setup Mich Hydroedge 205/65/16 and K491 EliteII front  Original @ 30k  current front 
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« Last Edit: March 23, 2009, 07:47:24 PM by Fla. Jim »
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
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Posts: 13830
American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #32 on: March 23, 2009, 08:01:36 PM » |
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Thanks for the picture ...What about height ? What about someone who pushes the envelope from time to time do you think its safe for that riding style ? 
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools.
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MP
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Posts: 5532
1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar
North Dakota
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« Reply #33 on: March 24, 2009, 04:04:15 AM » |
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What size is that K491 EliteII front? Is it a rear tire? Thanks
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 "Ridin' with Cycho"
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vanagon40
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« Reply #34 on: March 24, 2009, 07:38:02 AM » |
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I have the same tire as Fla. Jim. The size is MT90HB17. I believe this is the same as 130/90-17. It is a bias ply tire. It is a rear tire that both Fla. Jim and I have mounted backwards (reverse rotation). When I installed this tire, I had (and still have) a 205/60HR-16 General Altimax HP on the rear (I was removing the OEM Dunlop from the front). The first thing I noticed was that the counter-steer I had since installing the rear tire was eliminated. BUT, the other side effect was that I have lost stability at speeds over 85 MPH. I now have about 7,000 miles on the rear tire and 5,700 miles on the front tire, so I expect that any break in or wear in period is over. This really does not bother me as I do not ride at speeds over 85 MPH. (I believe Fla. Jim experienced the same effect.) As far as performance, the tire is touted as a high-mileage touring tire, so I would expect that this is not a soft or sticky tire. I have no problems in the rain or curves, but I hardly ever have my pegs tough the pavement. The tires were only about 1000-2000 miles "old" in the photo. Due to the high speed stability problems, I do NOT recommend this tire combination. 
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Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005
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American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God.
Beautiful east Tennessee ( GOD'S Country )
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« Reply #35 on: March 24, 2009, 08:12:23 AM » |
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I have the same tire as Fla. Jim. The size is MT90HB17. I believe this is the same as 130/90-17. It is a bias ply tire. It is a rear tire that both Fla. Jim and I have mounted backwards (reverse rotation). When I installed this tire, I had (and still have) a 205/60HR-16 General Altimax HP on the rear (I was removing the OEM Dunlop from the front). The first thing I noticed was that the counter-steer I had since installing the rear tire was eliminated. BUT, the other side effect was that I have lost stability at speeds over 85 MPH. I now have about 7,000 miles on the rear tire and 5,700 miles on the front tire, so I expect that any break in or wear in period is over. This really does not bother me as I do not ride at speeds over 85 MPH. (I believe Fla. Jim experienced the same effect.) As far as performance, the tire is touted as a high-mileage touring tire, so I would expect that this is not a soft or sticky tire. I have no problems in the rain or curves, but I hardly ever have my pegs tough the pavement. The tires were only about 1000-2000 miles "old" in the photo. Due to the high speed stability problems, I do NOT recommend this tire combination.  Nice write-up....Thanks 
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 I've seen alot of people that thought they were cool , but then again Lord I've seen alot of fools.
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Fla. Jim
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« Reply #37 on: March 24, 2009, 08:31:32 PM » |
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What size is that K491 EliteII front? Is it a rear tire? Thanks
Mt/90= 130/90 almost the same size as stock...Had the figures somewhere but you can go to the Dunlop site and look up the original 206 diameter and such and compare. Joe as to pushing the envelope....I live in the vast Flatlands of South coastal Florida.... As to the instability I was experiencing, I have since replaced the Leaking valve stem on the front and all seems well for me now as I was constantly leaking preasure. Had it up to 105 today and was stable. I now run 42 psi constantly in the front. Grand Dude who lives in the Mountains of North GA. uses a similar tire a rear Dunlop 404(1/32 less tread than a 491 but the same tread pattern) I believe, and says it handles much better than the Avon's in the twisties..."I think" he says another 10 mph on the same curves. He also runs a CT on the rear. 
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« Last Edit: March 24, 2009, 08:50:04 PM by Fla. Jim »
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SlowRoad
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Heart of a Legend with a whole lot of Soul
Hartselle AL
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« Reply #38 on: March 24, 2009, 11:56:58 PM » |
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Wish I had seen this post a little earlier. I just installed new tires on my bike. I went with a Falken on the rear again, but went with the D404 on the front. Fla. Jim is correct in saying that the handling at lower speeds is much improved, but I have found it to be very unstable at 65 mph and up. At 70 or 75 getting behind a truck is a little un-nerving. I have tried several air pressures. I have about 500 miles on this combination as of now. I am going to give it to 1000 miles and if it doesn't greatly improve, I am going to have to go back to a regular front tire. I really wanted this to work, especially after I saw the difference in low speed handling. The previous post about the counter steer being eliminated is correct. But, I need to be comfortable at highway speeds too, and I am not sure that is going to happen. I currently have 44 psi front ard rear. This is the best I have found so far. Tried down to 35 psi in rear and the ride was scarey. Guess it may have been a slightly expensive experiment/lesson, but I had to try it.
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cutter
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First Company in... Last Company out! VRCCDS0234
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« Reply #39 on: March 25, 2009, 07:36:23 AM » |
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right... LOL I ride alone most of the time cause the rest can't keep up. I do run a dunlop on the rear and a avon on the front. I am tempted to try a CT every time I need a new back tire. Come to think about it, I need to do that in the next few weeks.... dang it, here I go again with that temptation........ 
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On your tombstone there is a dash between the day you were born and the day you die. Make that dash count. 
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