Wet Weather Tire advice

[JB McG]

I've got a pretty new Bridgestone Battlecruise H50 rear tire (less than 2k miles), and I do NOT trust it on wet surfaces. Not that I ride a lot when it's wet, but in the Pacific Northwest, even on sunny days, you're bound to encounter wet patches in the shade. I've only had the bike for 1k miles, and never had a bike this big, so I'm not sure if it's just a characteristic of a bigger bike to feel less stable in the rear, but would love to hear if anyone has a tire they feel good about its wet weather characteristics (without giving up too much in dry conditions).

Thanks!

[hubcapsc]

I've run a lot of Avons through my bike since 2006... three
different kinds... they seem pretty good to me...



-Mike

[h13man]

Bridgestone Exedra 701/702 OEM has worked fine for me in cool and/or damp conditions. I'm finishing off a set of Avon Cobra's and never experienced any difference between the two brands. The Cobra's were replaced by the Diamond series. Check for spring rebates online. On a note the Exedra's come in a "max" version thus I can input on them in bias variant on a 1600 Vulcan in the summer heat and they worked fine but in any cold/damp condition, can't say.

[Jess from VA]

Rear car tires don't slip.  (unless you're on ice or a gas spill)

[valkmc]

Rear car tires don't slip.  (unless your on ice or a gas spill)

 

[..]

What air pressure?

[JB McG]

What air pressure?

I run 36 on the rear, per manual. I could probably go just a bit lower as I don't run a passenger seat, and I weigh around 215, so I'm right at the cutoff between 33psi and 36psi. The previous owner had it at about 40psi and that's when I first noticed it wasn't feeling stable in the rear.

Another forum member suggested pulling rear shocks and inspecting/replacing bushings, if not both shocks. I just ordered new bushings, and I'm curious if that'll make a difference. If it doesn't, I think I may upgrade to Progressives.

[luftkoph]

https://traxxion.com/

If improvements in your shocks are in your future, give them a call, they sell Bitubo’s quality Italian suspension and they will set them up and with the proper spring for your weight and riding style

[JB McG]

I'm wondering about shipping them for rebuild. Looks like this company can do it, for around $200: https://epmperf.com/services

[JB McG]

I'm wondering about shipping them for rebuild. Looks like this company can do it, for around $200: https://epmperf.com/services

OK, so looks like EPM cannot rebuild the shocks as they are hydraulic. They suggested two options of YSS shocks, but I went ahead and ordered a set of Progressive 412s, since they seem to be the go-to option. Probably owned by the same company anyway.

[Gondul]

You can try Worx Shocks.

http://www.worxshocks.com/

[..]

What air pressure?

I run 36 on the rear, per manual. I could probably go just a bit lower as I don't run a passenger seat, and I weigh around 215, so I'm right at the cutoff between 33psi and 36psi. The previous owner had it at about 40psi and that's when I first noticed it wasn't feeling stable in the rear.

Another forum member suggested pulling rear shocks and inspecting/replacing bushings, if not both shocks. I just ordered new bushings, and I'm curious if that'll make a difference. If it doesn't, I think I may upgrade to Progressives.

Are the shocks on the same setting?

Most owners use 42 in the back tire.

The bushings can make an effect.

[JB McG]

https://traxxion.com/

If improvements in your shocks are in your future, give them a call, they sell Bitubo’s quality Italian suspension and they will set them up and with the proper spring for your weight and riding style

What do they typically run in price?

[JB McG]

You can try Worx Shocks.

http://www.worxshocks.com/

Do you have a set of Worx? What do they typically cost?

[JB McG]

I bought a set of 412s, and I already have buyer's remorse. I got the standard spring rate, and it's just not enough. I ride solo and weigh about 225 with my gear on, so I thought standard duty would cut it, but it just doesn't.

I'm thinking about the Progressive 444 series, and I would call Progressive to get some advice, but it looks like they basically say it doesn't fit a Valkyrie.

I was also thinking about getting a 13.5" set, to get better cornering clearance (but 13" would be fine too). I saw these, but I can't tell the spring rate. Anyone here a Progressive 444 expert?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/403293013303?epid=1828539824&hash=item5de6230537:g:bFsAAOSwOtRhjIdS

[Jess from VA]

Anyone here a Progressive 444 expert?

I'm not, but they do fit the Valk.  There are past threads on here about it.  Some minor mod.

With your 412s, I think you can send them back and get heavier springs swapped in.
 

PS:  I think Progressive Susp. made the 444s to NOT "technically" fit the Valk, so they didn't have to honor the hundreds of lifetime warranty 440s on Valks that eventually leaked down and failed.  And they would no longer rebuild any 440s (despite their warranty).

I think very early on, they shipped a few 444s as 440 warranty replacements, then quit.

I could be wrong, but I don't think so.  

[turtle254]

Heaviest from Progressive is #310/350 and that is is just about right for the Valkyrie. I was surprised at how heavy the springs had to be. I ended up having to buy a second set because I though #270/310 was fine. Bought off ebay so send then back to Progressive for a spring change  ended up with shipping not any savings. Just bought a second set with heaver springs. The eyelets  will be your problem, never know what they will look like till you get them. I had to do massive milling to both ends, both shocks and new bushings.

[Avanti]

Check this link. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,113736.0.html

[turtle254]

I bought a set of 412s, and I already have buyer's remorse. I got the standard spring rate, and it's just not enough. I ride solo and weigh about 225 with my gear on, so I thought standard duty would cut it, but it just doesn't.

I'm thinking about the Progressive 444 series, and I would call Progressive to get some advice, but it looks like they basically say it doesn't fit a Valkyrie.

I was also thinking about getting a 13.5" set, to get better cornering clearance (but 13" would be fine too). I saw these, but I can't tell the spring rate. Anyone here a Progressive 444 expert?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/403293013303?epid=1828539824&hash=item5de6230537:g:bFsAAOSwOtRhjIdS

PM  sent ... PDF file

[JB McG]

Thanks for all the updated advice and specs. I'm currently researching my options. Considering having the springs swapped for HD springs and waiting to hear back from Progressive about that. The other stupid thing I did was order 12.5" shocks vs. the OEM 13" shock length. I could have sworn I read on the forum the stock length was 12.5", but I should have double checked that. In the end, it might not matter that much as my original shocks had compressed some, and were only about 12.5" long, but would like the 13 inchers b/c I'm tall, and I'd prefer riding a little higher to avoid scraping in corners as much.

[JB McG]

Also, I might have access to a set of very low mileage (less than 3k miles) OEM shocks from a forum member. I suppose I could throw some new bushings in there and call it good.

Anyone interested in a set of nearly new 412s? 

[97BLKVALK]

Some information regarding the installation of Progressive 444's

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,78480.0.html

[JB McG]

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,78480.0.html

Thanks, Mike!