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idaida98
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« on: February 10, 2021, 10:13:51 AM » |
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Anyone riding on Michlens?Opinions?
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sandy
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« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2021, 11:42:23 AM » |
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Having had 6 bikes since 2001, I have found that each one had a “best” tire for the bike. I use Avons on the valk. My wing likes Bridgestones. The Concours liked Michelin’s 4 GTs best.
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Gondul
Member
Posts: 260
VRCC #408
Central Florida
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« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2021, 03:03:30 PM » |
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I've tired Dunlop, Bridgestone, Metzlers, and Avons...
I'll take the Avons every time (aside from that one car tire).
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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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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16770
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2021, 04:08:43 PM » |
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Anyone riding on Michlens?Opinions?
I've run Michelin PR4s on my 1800 Valkyrie, and they were really good I thought. What Michelins fit a 1500? -Mike |
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idaida98
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« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2021, 04:11:29 AM » |
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Should have checked first, not available for our bikes. I was inquireing about the commander 3,should have stated that.
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16770
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #5 on: February 11, 2021, 05:49:57 AM » |
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Should have checked first, not available for our bikes. I was inquireing about the commander 3,should have stated that.
I like Avon Cobra Chromes and Metzeler 888s on the 1500... -Mike "I haven't actually run Metzelers since they were 880s..." |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #6 on: February 11, 2021, 05:54:46 AM » |
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I’m really liking my Cobra chromes. I even ventured out on wet roads yesterday. No slippage leaning into corners at all. Yes, I Had a major cleaning operation when I got home. But a fierce thunderstorm passed through right as I finished my work for the day and the air felt so good I just had to take the old gal out  |
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msb
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« Reply #7 on: February 11, 2021, 06:48:57 AM » |
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I’m really liking my Cobra chromes. I even ventured out on wet roads yesterday. No slippage leaning into corners at all. Yes, I Had a major cleaning operation when I got home. But a fierce thunderstorm passed through right as I finished my work for the day and the air felt so good I just had to take the old gal out That's good to hear, your experience on the wet roads. Haven't had my Valk out yet other than around the neighbourhood to make sure everything was working properly after all the maintenance I did and installing my new Chromes. Everything I read on them has been positive, that they were even better than the regular Cobras I've been running for years, but I've sure been curious how they'd handle in wet conditions with that new tread design  |
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« Last Edit: February 11, 2021, 11:49:45 AM by msb »
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Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
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Challenger
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« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2021, 07:08:24 AM » |
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I'm on my second 180-65-16 Michelin Commander II on the rear of the Standard and really like it. I went with it because I was done with radials . it is bias ply and designed for heavy bikes. Handles great. I might go back to Avon some time in the future.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2021, 07:43:48 AM » |
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I tried a Michelin Commander II on my Valk front.
Did not have the correct size so I got as close as possible 140 something (and a bit shorter, 65?).
It was a great tire, no release agent I could discover, very good grip.
But I barely got to 7K and it was done. Unacceptable. And the last time I'm trying to find alternate front tires different from OE size radials.
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idaida98
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« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2021, 09:12:25 AM » |
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Wow Avon cobra chrome for the Valk are quite pricey and some vendors are on backorder.Any recomendations?
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2021, 09:28:26 AM » |
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Anyone riding on Michlens?Opinions?
yes, some are. I think Bruce (DDT) runs a Michelin Commander II (on back, I think). I run a Michelin Pilot Activ (rear tire) on the front. Opinions ? Oh, baby ! Aren't those like assholes ? I like my Pilot. I've run Avons, Metzlers, Dunlops, Bridgestones, Shinkos, along with a bunch of different car tires. Only a few of them were shitty. Some of them got pretty expensive. |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #12 on: February 11, 2021, 09:35:19 AM » |
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I think Bridgestone had two different model tires for valk; and Shinkos.
If you can learn to live with a rear car tire, they are around $80-130 and give double-quadruple mileage of MC rears. (leaving more money for pricey fronts)
There can be difficulties getting them mounted (if not doing it yourself), so you tell the shop they are for a MC trailer or a sidecar. My car tires go 37K, and are better than any bike tire ever made (on a Valk, not a 150 Dream).
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #13 on: February 11, 2021, 12:21:17 PM » |
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Wow Avon cobra chrome for the Valk are quite pricey and some vendors are on backorder.Any recomendations?
Yes they are pricey. But all good M/C specific tires are overpriced. The extra you have to lay out to get chromes is worth it in my opinion. I think my pair cost me right about $500. Now what mitigates the cost a little bit for me is living in FL where apparently our roads are made of marshmallows or something. I get over 20 thousand miles on a set of Avon tires |
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Gondul
Member
Posts: 260
VRCC #408
Central Florida
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« Reply #14 on: February 11, 2021, 12:33:42 PM » |
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I just find the 'lowest' price online and then order through Revzilla as they price match (and free shipping). Then I take them to the local Cycle Gear, show them the Revzilla receipt, and have them mounted for $25 each.
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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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idaida98
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« Reply #15 on: February 12, 2021, 05:30:50 AM » |
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Ok any recommendations on a car tire?
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16770
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #16 on: February 12, 2021, 05:52:28 AM » |
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Ok any recommendations on a car tire?
Carry a fire extinguisher with you  ... There's car tire people on here who know all kinds of good tires for that, I just like to poke fun  ... -Mike |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #17 on: February 12, 2021, 07:27:49 AM » |
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Ok any recommendations on a car tire?
There have been many threads on this subject (maybe 1000's), and guys keep posting up what they've recently tried and found they like. A symmetrical directional tread with rounded edges. Doing a search on here with car tires will provide lots of reading and suggested tires. The 205 60 16 (all season radial) is about the closest size to the Valk's 180 stock size. But this really requires you to do the nut cage mod to avoid rubbing the sidewall (right out next to the tread). https://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2005/08/24/valkyrieRearFenderNutCageMod.html I didn't take the lower fender half off, I just slid up under the fender with the tire off, up on the jack and cut them off, and reused the big square nuts under there for the fender struts. Those cages are meant to make it so you don't need to use a tool on the inside to remove those strut screws, but it's no big deal if you do. Some like to use narrower 185s or 195s (instead of 205s) which may not need the nut cage mod. Some guys use a taller 65 instead of a 60 which will drop RPMs about 200 for a bit better gas mileage, but they might rub the inside of the fender and/or the fender wiring if you (and passenger) are heavier and/or your shocks are shorter than 13", or are old and tired. Some guys like a 205 55 (about a quarter inch shorter than a 60) as this is the only size you can find summer sport tires, which have some very nice tread profiles and softer compounds. But all the mfgrs say these tires are not good in winter cold (but guys say they run them year round with no problem). They mostly don't last as long as regular tires, and maybe no longer than bike tires. Here was one I copied a while back. (but I'd want it in a 60, not a 65) https://www.bestusedtires.com/pirelli-p4-four-seasons-plus-205-65r16-94t-as-a-s-all-season-tire/Here's a couple others (I picked for looks of rounded edges, not because I can recommend them). https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dextero-DTR1-Touring-205-60R16-92H-Tire/50732996https://www.pepboys.com/kumho-solus-ta31/tires/11029292 |
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« Last Edit: February 12, 2021, 07:32:15 AM by Jess from VA »
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dpcarson
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« Reply #18 on: February 12, 2021, 01:41:48 PM » |
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I just find the 'lowest' price online and then order through Revzilla as they price match (and free shipping). Then I take them to the local Cycle Gear, show them the Revzilla receipt, and have them mounted for $25 each.
Whoa, wait what? 25 bucks at cycle gear to mount tires from Revzilla? Will they mount them from other places or is there a connection between Revzilla and Cycle Gear? Do I have to take the wheels in already removed or can I just take the bike in? |
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"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.  |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #19 on: February 12, 2021, 04:22:38 PM » |
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I just find the 'lowest' price online and then order through Revzilla as they price match (and free shipping). Then I take them to the local Cycle Gear, show them the Revzilla receipt, and have them mounted for $25 each.
Whoa, wait what? 25 bucks at cycle gear to mount tires from Revzilla? Will they mount them from other places or is there a connection between Revzilla and Cycle Gear? Do I have to take the wheels in already removed or can I just take the bike in? Even at my Honda dealer when they had a running deal. Two tires on an balanced for $288 then it went up to a bit over $300. They would charge the same for just wheels or whole bike. I still didn’t trust them to R/R my wheels. I always do it myself and just bring in wheels. I found a car repair place here that mounts and balances fir $20 but he won’t R/R the wheels off the bike but obviously that’s ok by me. |
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #20 on: February 12, 2021, 05:15:39 PM » |
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I just find the 'lowest' price online and then order through Revzilla as they price match (and free shipping). Then I take them to the local Cycle Gear, show them the Revzilla receipt, and have them mounted for $25 each.
Whoa, wait what? 25 bucks at cycle gear to mount tires from Revzilla? Will they mount them from other places or is there a connection between Revzilla and Cycle Gear? Do I have to take the wheels in already removed or can I just take the bike in? I think they are now owned by the same company. Just wheels off. |
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msb
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« Reply #21 on: February 12, 2021, 07:46:41 PM » |
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The MC mechanic where I got my GL1000 from last year does tires in his home shop. He's about 30 minutes from me... called him and he said he charges $25 a wheel to change tires and balance. Took my new Avons and my wheels to him, and we wound up bs'ing for a couple hours about all the bikes he was building, my Valkyrie, etc. while he did my tires. When I pulled out the cash to pay him, he told me to put it back in my wallet... said keeping him company and talking bikes was worth more than the 50 bucks to him. |
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Mike
'99 Red & Black IS
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #22 on: February 12, 2021, 08:02:23 PM » |
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The MC mechanic where I got my GL1000 from last year does tires in his home shop. He's about 30 minutes from me... called him and he said he charges $25 a wheel to change tires and balance. Took my new Avons and my wheels to him, and we wound up bs'ing for a couple hours about all the bikes he was building, my Valkyrie, etc. while he did my tires. When I pulled out the cash to pay him, he told me to put it back in my wallet... said keeping him company and talking bikes was worth more than the 50 bucks to him. It’s great meeting new motorcycle buddies |
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h13man
Member
Posts: 1745
To everything there is an exception.
Indiana NW Central Flatlands
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« Reply #23 on: February 14, 2021, 08:51:59 AM » |
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The Bridgestone Exedra 701/702 (OEM) is what I use and Avon Cobra's (now discontinued). The Exedra Max I've used on the 1600 Vulcan but I can't say from the short time I had it and my son also, it seemed to not have any quirk's as some other major brand have with their "new" improved design's due to harder compounds to improve mileage. The Vulcan weighed in the same as the Valk and I've never ridden it in cold or wet conditions where "harder" compound tires seem to rear the heads so to speak. Metzler 888's and Michelin II's are notorious for this on lighter 1100 Shadows. 800lb.+ Valk's, can't say. You're looking @ $300 + regardless. Spring rebates will be coming soon for a lot tire manufactures usually @ $40-$50 a pair. So far using Dynabeads have improved the mileage on the front Cobra significantly. Looking @ 15,000 mi. on it before changing.
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« Last Edit: March 13, 2021, 05:51:36 AM by h13man »
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #24 on: February 14, 2021, 11:03:47 AM » |
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It’s been cold and wet here in northwest Florida. I’m still riding and have no complaints with Cobra Chromes. Smooth quiet grip and wear. I’m sure they will pass the 20,000 mile mark no problem. I’m at 3,000 on them and the mold release marks are barely gone
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Ken aka Oil Burner
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« Reply #25 on: February 14, 2021, 04:12:55 PM » |
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The MC mechanic where I got my GL1000 from last year does tires in his home shop. He's about 30 minutes from me... called him and he said he charges $25 a wheel to change tires and balance. Took my new Avons and my wheels to him, and we wound up bs'ing for a couple hours about all the bikes he was building, my Valkyrie, etc. while he did my tires. When I pulled out the cash to pay him, he told me to put it back in my wallet... said keeping him company and talking bikes was worth more than the 50 bucks to him. It’s great meeting new motorcycle buddies One of my now best buds is a guy who did my first MC inspection sticker when we moved to our current location. I brought my 2006 Triumph Scrambler in for the state-mandated yearly inspection to a small shop behind a gas station and the guy that owned it turned out to be a Triumph nut / lifelong rider / past Iron Butt Association distance rider. It was stupid-cold out that day, and he said something like "only a nut like me would be out in this". We do almost weekly Sunday morning rides as long as there isn't salty crap on the roads. We had planned to do a Blue Ridge ride this past May, but Covid took care of that one. Hoped for a Nova Scotia ride this coming spring, but that isn't looking good either. The longer Covid is an issue, the worse our finances look, and MC trips will have to wait (including Inzane, sadly). To keep this post somewhat on track, I have only had Michelins on one bike that I can recall, and I found them to be stable in pretty much all conditions, including rain. I have a set of Michelin Anakee Wilds waiting in the wings for my V-Strom, but none of the bikes in between have had Michelins available in the sizes I've needed. The Avon Cobra Chromes are pricey, but well regarded by those that have them. |
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Tundra
Member
Posts: 3882
2014 Valkyrie 1800
Seminole, Florida
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« Reply #26 on: February 14, 2021, 04:28:12 PM » |
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I’m really liking my Cobra chromes. I even ventured out on wet roads yesterday. No slippage leaning into corners at all. Yes, I Had a major cleaning operation when I got home. But a fierce thunderstorm passed through right as I finished my work for the day and the air felt so good I just had to take the old gal out Avon Chrome
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If you can't be a good example: be a WARNING!!
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idaida98
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« Reply #27 on: February 15, 2021, 09:04:32 AM » |
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So I guess avon chrome it will be anyone using bias ply or radials.I have been running avons for my last 3 sets always radials.Another question will running a new chrome on the back and avon cobra on the front be fine I`m thinking ok.
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16770
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #28 on: February 15, 2021, 11:43:41 AM » |
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So I guess avon chrome it will be anyone using bias ply or radials.I have been running avons for my last 3 sets always radials.Another question will running a new chrome on the back and avon cobra on the front be fine I`m thinking ok.
As long as your cobra isn't old it shouldn't matter any... There's people on here running motorcycle rear tires backwards on the front and truck car tires on the back... -Mike |
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« Last Edit: February 15, 2021, 01:32:15 PM by hubcapsc »
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RNFWP
Member
Posts: 423
"What color blue is that?"
Greenville, SC
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« Reply #29 on: February 15, 2021, 01:27:21 PM » |
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There's people on here running motorcycle rear tires backwards on the front and truck car tires on the back... -Mike Sometimes a tractor tire IS the best MC tire... LOL   |
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"My dog is one of my favorite people"
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BIG Bopper
Member
Posts: 66
Rolling Thunder 2017
Palm Springs, CA
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« Reply #30 on: February 17, 2021, 09:18:42 PM » |
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Am running a Run Flat Darkside on my 93 GL 1500 and love it. Best Darkside I have ever run and was able to put it to the test. Missed Willows Valve Stem Raffle and lost an OEM at 95mph. Still brought it to the off ramp safely, and then slowly (30mph) 5 miles to the house. Great mileage, great handling in the twistys, and very smooth ride. Trying to find a run flat for the Phat Girl. If you know of one, let me know!
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Tim "Big Bopper" Bannister
Owner
Celebrity Tours
Palm Springs, CA
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idaida98
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« Reply #31 on: February 22, 2021, 12:22:43 PM » |
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Just ordered 2 tires for my 99 Valkyrie stock size.$411 for the pair.Avon also has a $60 rebate on 2. This was the best price I could find. Mosaic Racing in Ohio is the place I got them from |
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idaida98
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« Reply #32 on: February 22, 2021, 12:27:07 PM » |
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Theses are the avon cobra chrome .They may also by the name M+M cycles |
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mbramley
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« Reply #33 on: March 01, 2021, 10:12:13 AM » |
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I'm using Avon cobra chrome. I have about 10k on the set(2 years). The front tire will make it another season, the back is used up. Ohio roads are definitely not marshmallows. I ran into a good storm in Kansas on the way to Taos Inzane, they held the road nice. Also ran into rain heading to last years Inzane and no problem. Also have gotten caught in rain locally a few times. I am not a really aggressive rider.
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RustyValkry
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« Reply #34 on: March 11, 2021, 07:25:30 AM » |
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I just find the 'lowest' price online and then order through Revzilla as they price match (and free shipping). Then I take them to the local Cycle Gear, show them the Revzilla receipt, and have them mounted for $25 each.
I need tires now for the RustyValkyrie so I decided to use your approach. I found the lowest price and price matched on Revzilla. They went for it and the tires are ordered. I'll have to see if there's a Cycle Gear near me to do the install but if all else fails I'll change them myself, I am after all a masochist. I decided to go with Shinko because of the price. The RustyValkyrie still has to prove herself before I'm going to spend a lot on tires for her. |
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Gondul
Member
Posts: 260
VRCC #408
Central Florida
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« Reply #35 on: March 12, 2021, 04:14:50 AM » |
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Great.. hope it works out for you.
I end up using the 'points' discounting other stuff I pick up...there's always some other piece of gear to buy!
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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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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #36 on: March 13, 2021, 02:50:58 PM » |
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I'm using Avon cobra chrome. I have about 10k on the set(2 years). The front tire will make it another season, the back is used up. Ohio roads are definitely not marshmallows. I ran into a good storm in Kansas on the way to Taos Inzane, they held the road nice. Also ran into rain heading to last years Inzane and no problem. Also have gotten caught in rain locally a few times. I am not a really aggressive rider.
Leaning uses up that free rubber on the sides and saves the middle. The more hard leaning you do the more mikes you get on a set of tires. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! |
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RustyValkry
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« Reply #37 on: March 16, 2021, 08:58:29 AM » |
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For anyone wondering, I can confirm what Gondul said about Cycle Gear installing tires bought from revzilla for $25 a tire. I called my local Cycle Gear store and I'll be taking mine in as soon as I get the rear tire, valve stems and Dyna Beads. I'm hoping I'll get everything by this evening so I can have them mounted tomorrow.
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RustyValkry
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« Reply #38 on: March 23, 2021, 07:46:43 PM » |
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As I mentioned in my last post I took my tires to Cycle Gear for installation. It went pretty uneventfully with the exception that the guy pointed the new valve stems to the wrong side of the tire. I'll have to fill them from the kickstand side which is a PITA.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #39 on: March 23, 2021, 07:56:16 PM » |
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the guy pointed the new valve stems to the wrong side of the tireThat happened to me too some years ago. On the front it's no big deal, but on a tourer/interstate bagger (interstate for me), it meant crawling under on your belly (unless you roll the bike just right to reach in from the rear). Next tires it got fixed. 
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