Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club

41 PSI front and rear is even better! :D

Super fast turning..yet still sticks really well.... :cooldude:

If you dont mind loosing the front end before the rear thats just fine!  :roll: :roll:

34.8 PSI front and 42 PSI rear, as always  :angel:

YUCK!!!  Isn't the front tire cupping on ya???  I mean really...it has to be steering like a tractor..ugh... :-X

I don't understand what "cupping" means  :( but 34.8 PSI on the front is the regular basis on all my bikes (BMWs most of the time). KTM says 31.2 on the front for the 990 SMT, I tried but it's far too low for me, considering that I never ride on tracks  8)
I use to change for new tires after 12.500/15.500 mls  :angel:

 I was running 42psi front & rear, same tire different bike, a 2009 Kawasaki C14.

I tried that pressure on my Valk, works OK but feel every bump. (roads suck n NEPA..)

Now it's 40psi rear - 39psi front.
It seems turn in is still easy (very easy) and ride much improved.

The sad part is, this bike corners so good if I don't slow down I'll have to replace the foot pegs.
(The feelers are long gone!  :-[)

Just remember running pressure is always 3 to 5 lbs higher after tires warm up. My tire pressure climbs average of 4 lbs on long rides tire pressure climbs to 5 lb above starting pressure on long runs with minimal stops. Have a tire monitor with display monitors pressure and tire temp.

He is northwest of chi-town near cheddar land.  You know where that is. Prolly still cool there. 

Joliet Jerry

Sample of SEVERE cupping (I would have changed this tire LONG ago)...

(http://my-mc-phoenix.com/my_mc/images/1/85804.jpg)

I tend to run my hand along the tire and FEEL for cupping.  You'll feel it before you see it.

If you start to feel it, keep a close eye on tire pressure to make sure it doesn't get worse. 

Thanks for the explanation !  :cooldude:

And BTW, it doesn't happen because of the 34.8 PSI, I never had such a thing on any of my front tires.  8)

I'm running 37 front and 41 rear.
So far ride quality and stickiness are very good.

I have had severe cupping like that on Bridgestones.  Other than howling like mad, they still ran ok.

These tires dont seem to cup like most so tire pressure for cupping is not really a concern. The way they designed the center line of the tire is really good. I run mine at 37/40 and may go to 37/39 especially with the raise in tire pressure when warm. Starting to get the middle flat spot but no cupping and I have maybe 5k on my rear.

Need to get that thing off the highway and in the twisties :) Seriously thought for what they cost they better be pretty impressive or I will be trying a set of Contis which were close to $100 cheaper delivered.

I paid $340 and some change shipped to my door for the Michelins.

Need to get that thing off the highway and in the twisties :) Seriously thought for what they cost they better be pretty impressive or I will be trying a set of Contis which were close to $100 cheaper delivered.

I paid $340 and some change shipped to my door for the Michelins.
[/quote]

Bottom line dude you do...and until you do, all comments are just rhetoric. :coolsmiley:  The bike with those tires handles far more like a sport touring machine...with the Michelins installed...I just cannot stress that enough..HUGE difference.. :cooldude:

Bottom line dude you do...and until you do, all comments are just rhetoric. :coolsmiley:  The bike with those tires handles far more like a sport touring machine...with the Michelins installed...I just cannot stress that enough..HUGE difference.. :cooldude:
[/quote]

I understand  :cooldude: All I am saying is that tires are like oil. It is a personal choice. At the track most guys rode on Michelin because that is what they were told is the best tire. personally I have always felt Michelins had a nervous feel to them. I have a set ready to try but I will try to keep an open mind on this bike since I prefer a tire that is a little stiffer.

Hope I like them though since I do not usually pay that much for tires but figured I would give them a shot based on a lot of you guys reviews.

So, you're trying the Michelan's on hearsay? I thought you were a tire expert! :roll:

Truth be told I probably know more about tires than you. Yes I used to sell tires when working for NoMar Tire Changers and I well over 250,000 street miles on different brands of tires.

Thanks for noticing and clearing that up though.

Sure...  :2funny: :2funny: :2funny: :2funny:

Well, I know nothing about motorcycle tires and frankly am disappointed in the short life span. I am not hard on tires and the Dunlop's have held up fine (8K mile so far) but am looking to buy the best "bang for the $" on the upcoming next set. Adrian and others have been positive on the feel of the Michelins, but if there is a equal or better option than I think most of us would appreciate that.
This forum has been very helpful for those of us that have not spent hours working on our bikes mechanics. I have added many useful or cool options, so please keep up the feedback  :cooldude:

Typical  child  like behavior expected from   goldstar609
Incapable  of having normal flowing  conversation
He's  gotta  rudely comment  on people's comments and I expect one because of this post

I must openly admit as well that I do not know much about motorcycle tires either! :)

I read what I could on here about those who've tried the Michelins...and then learned how to see if they can handle the weight of the bike. They seem to fall within spec...well almost, I will just be curious to see how long they last.  So far I've got about 1800 miles on my Pilots and can see no real wear yet.  I keep them at 40-41psi to minimize tire wear...plus they feel great and inspire confidence..

I wish bike tires could last as long as car tires...or even close.  My new set of General Tires for my car has a 70K warranty! 

Adrian,

    In all my years riding bikes I will say this much for the Michelin Pilot Roads.  When the Pilot Road 2's hit the streets is when Michelin really started making news as far as performance and mileage. Of course back then you had to make sure you ordered the Pilot with the "B" carcass for the highest mileage return. I saw sport touring guys on Connie 14's coming thru the shop with anywhere from 8-12,000 miles on the rear.

I am assuming these days that is what they call the GT. My opinion is that for best mileage you will want 40-42 in the rear and 36-38 in the front for the best feedback as well as the best traction from the front tire. It is one thing to slide the rear and quite another to push or slide the front.

Michelins do not like pressures in the low low 30's and will get a greasy feel when pushed hard at this pressures ( at least the street versions )

Hey Guys - Interested to hear from anybody riding with a GPS (I have a Zumo 390) and the Michelin Trail front.     Does the non-standard 120/70 front in any way cause a mis-match between the bike speedo and the GPS?   I want to go with the Michelin Trail front but don't want the bike speedo to give a bad reading.     Thanks.

I think (haven't traced it) that the speedo works off the rear on our bikes...

-Mike

I'm running a Michelin Trail front (120/70r/19) and PR4 (stock size) rear.

My GPS shows one MPH less than Speedo, same difference as OEM tires...