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harrisiv
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« on: May 29, 2020, 07:22:03 AM » |
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Welcome from Austin, Texas! I recently purchased a 1999 Valkyrie Standard with low miles and was looking for some new rubber. Even considered going dark side but wanted to get to know the bike first. After reading many posts here and elsewhere I decided to go with original equipment but had a terrible time finding a stock sized set. I know there are pros and cons for the Bridgestone Exedra's but they seem to meet my needs. Thought I would share the my result in case anyone else is looking to do the same and not looking to break the bank with Avon's or Metzeler's. Good old Wally World was the ticket for me at a reasonable price of $366.74 at the following link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/BRIDGESTONE-O-E-Blackwall-Front-Rear-Tire-Set-150-80R17-72H-180-70R16-77H-for-HONDA-Valkyrie-1996-2003/751246761Safe travels! |
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1999 Valkyrie Interstate 1500CF
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F6Dave
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« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2020, 07:32:51 AM » |
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Actually the Valkyries originally came with Dunlop tires. I believe they were the Dunlop D206, which are no longer made. These tires had a tendency for the belts to delaminate, causing a large bulge in the tread. They were nicknamed 'Dunflops'.
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h13man
Member
Posts: 1746
To everything there is an exception.
Indiana NW Central Flatlands
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« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2020, 08:06:54 AM » |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2020, 01:45:35 PM » |
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Bridgestone was not the OEM tire. However, I know people that like them. They are not a high miles tire. I spent about $100 more than you did for a front and back set of Avon Cobra Chrome. For $100 more I’ll get twice the mileage. That’s the rest of the story
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9Ball
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« Reply #4 on: May 29, 2020, 04:34:40 PM » |
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Go with the Avon’s and you won’t be disappointed...
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VRCC #6897, Joined May, 2000
1999 Standard
2007 Rocket 3
2005 VTX 1300S
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Bighead
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« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2020, 05:16:38 PM » |
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Sounds like he already bought.
I don’t understand why you said you had a hard time finding OEM size tires. They are readily avail from numerous makers.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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gordonv
Member
Posts: 5760
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2020, 05:58:46 PM » |
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I thought it was the Dunlop D3 that was OEM? They replaced the GW GL1800 with the new D4 and some have tried it with the Valkyrie.
I've a set of the Bridgestone on my IS, waiting for the old car tire Auston to replace it (no longer available).
Oh, get a new replacement metal valve stem, don't use the old one or one like it.
I can't find the link, I had the old one from Jake Wilson. They sold and my mind isn't very sharp right now.
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1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
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Bighead
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« Reply #8 on: May 29, 2020, 08:15:19 PM » |
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I would like to congratulate Mr. Harrisiv for being a new Valkyrie owner and making his first post. Anyway, we all assume you are a Mister.
This month, motorcycle tires are like toilet paper. Often sold out. Can't get your usual. Been buying from Dennis Kirk since the 1980's, and this is the first time they did not have what I wanted. Walmart represents Chaparral, and they air freighted me a tire in 2 days. And it shipped free.
It takes more than a tire to do the job. Online part suppliers are taking longer to process orders. My favorite source took 2 weeks to ship o-rings.
To the new owner: When you take that bike apart, have a parts diagram handy, because the last guy in there may have left something out. (And don't be like that guy.)
Happy riding.
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1997 Bumble Bee
1999 Interstate (sold)
2016 Wing
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Gondul
Member
Posts: 260
VRCC #408
Central Florida
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« Reply #9 on: May 30, 2020, 05:33:45 AM » |
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I just put Avon Cobra Chrome on mine... shopped around for the cheapest price and then had RevZilla price-match. Removed the tires and took them to CycleGear (they are an affiliate) showed them the RevZilla receipt and had both tires mounted for $25 a piece.
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As the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion....
John Adams - 1797
Because Thou lovest the Burning-ground,
I have made a Burning-ground of my heart
That Thou, Dark One, hunter of the Burning-ground,
Mayest dance Thy eternal dance.
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F6Dave
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« Reply #10 on: May 30, 2020, 06:08:32 AM » |
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Actually the Valkyries originally came with Dunlop tires. I believe they were the Dunlop D206, which are no longer made. These tires had a tendency for the belts to delaminate, causing a large bulge in the tread. They were nicknamed 'Dunflops'.
I went to a reliable source for verification. The OEM Valkyrie tire was a Dunlop D206. The one that was on my new Valkyrie delaminated, and is sitting in a corner of my garage. |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #11 on: May 30, 2020, 06:40:12 AM » |
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I thought it was the Dunlop D3 that was OEM? They replaced the GW GL1800 with the new D4 and some have tried it with the Valkyrie.
I've a set of the Bridgestone on my IS, waiting for the old car tire Auston to replace it (no longer available).
Oh, get a new replacement metal valve stem, don't use the old one or one like it.
I can't find the link, I had the old one from Jake Wilson. They sold and my mind isn't very sharp right now.
The OEM original tire was Dunlop D-206. No such tire as D3 or D4 The next generation beyond OEM was The Elite series. These tires are greatly improved over the D206 but some still didn’t like them. First was (if memory serves) was the Elite version of the 206. Then for years the next version was the E3. Now there is an E4 |
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h13man
Member
Posts: 1746
To everything there is an exception.
Indiana NW Central Flatlands
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« Reply #12 on: May 30, 2020, 09:21:26 AM » |
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gordonv
Member
Posts: 5760
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #13 on: May 31, 2020, 07:52:28 AM » |
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I thought it was the Dunlop D3 that was OEM? They replaced the GW GL1800 with the new D4 and some have tried it with the Valkyrie.
The OEM original tire was Dunlop D-206. No such tire as D3 or D4 The next generation beyond OEM was The Elite series. These tires are greatly improved over the D206 but some still didn’t like them. First was (if memory serves) was the Elite version of the 206. Then for years the next version was the E3. Now there is an E4 Yes, that's it, the E3 was on my bike. [I should just stay off here, I'm running a fever (high sometimes), Dr's trying to find out what the infection is. (I'm hoping its not the same I had 30 yrs ago. Hospital for 4 weeks)] Linked saved this time. I looked, and didn't notice a shipping offer, but every 3-4 months or seasonal event (Easter?) there is free shipping. Stems are only $2, but with free shipping, it's a good time to buy about 5> pairs of them. Keep on hand or they make a nice give away to your fellow riders. |
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1999 Black with custom paint IS |
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Oompa Loompa
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« Reply #14 on: May 31, 2020, 03:28:51 PM » |
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Avon currently has $60.00 rebate if you buy a set. A set from American Moto tire with rebate cost me $345 shipped after rebate,
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RWhitehouse
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« Reply #15 on: June 01, 2020, 01:37:10 PM » |
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I'm just outside of Austin (Jonestown), hit me up if you need help with anything. I've had a few valks (beside my own) come through my shop for various stuff. Carbs, tires, brakes, fork seals, ect, ect. Not a pro but always willing to help.
Shinko's get a bad rap, but I'm quite happy with the SE890 front I'm running. Handle great and very grippy, also radial where the OE's and other cheaper options are bias. I haven't been able to do a mileage check as I hit something with my first one around 7500 miles and it put a nasty cut in the tire and had to replace it, and the second one is only at about 2k now. Prior to those I ran a D404F (meh, didn't last long, handled awful toward the end), and a ME880 (good, a bit pricey, decent life). The latest/greatest is the Avon cobra chrome. So far reports are good but they're quite pricey. Gotta pay for that fancy snake-skin pattern on the sidewall apparently.
I have an Austone on the back, which is currently at about 27k miles and still showing 3mm tread, I expect 35-40k out of it. Unfortunately the Austone is now unobtanium (at least in the US). The closest replacement that's been found is the Zeetex CT-1000, which you can get in 185/75-16 (Austone was a 175/80-16). When my Austone is finally shot that's probably what I'll replace it with.
Rocky Mountain generally has the best prices on tires. They bought out the old JakeWilson.com a couple years ago, which was the go-to tire site. Revzilla is pretty good too, but a couple times I tried to have them price-match RMATV, and said they couldn't as it was below their cost. Either one generally will drop-ship the tire from the WPS warehouse outside Dallas, so most of Texas you'll get tires next-day even with regular shipping.
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harrisiv
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« Reply #16 on: June 02, 2020, 05:58:53 AM » |
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Thanks so much for the clarifications, links, and suggestions!
I have been riding since the 90's (primarily sport bikes) and always wanted a Valkyrie...and acquired one when my wife was out of town a few weeks ago (that went surprisingly well).
Now only problem is finding a used black front fender. Apparently, the prior owner put a much lower profile tire and put on a different fender that won't even come close to working.
Just part of the fun of used bike ownership!
This is a wonderful resource and many thanks to all those who contribute!
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1999 Valkyrie Interstate 1500CF
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