Question regarding speed ratings

[John97]

let me start with saying the last 3-4 sets of tires on my bike have been Dunlop Elite 3 and the last rear was an Elite 4. Seems to me the improved 4 got no more mileage than the 3 before it was cupped and worn out. I do not like the straight groove design of the front Elite 4, previous experiences with that design is they’re terrible on tar snakes and follow grooves in the road.

So I’m wanting to try a set of Bridgestone Exedras. However all I see is an Exedra radial front and a Excedra Max radial rear in our size. I can’t find a definite answer on what’s the difference. I’ve seen it’s just a new design or the mileage goes up with grip being reduced. Also will I notice anything weird with having the two tires I found that fit being different speed ratings, V and H?

I don’t want Avons. I have about 1500 miles on a set of Shinko 777 on my Magna and am impressed, the grip is great but I know they aren’t a long lasting tire. I assume this will be even shorter life on a Valkyrie ridden with a heavy hand. So that pretty much leaves Bridgestone. What say you?

[mello dude]

Here's a chart... but considering the typical duty range of the Valk, tire speed ratings H or V....
Its nothing to be conserned about....When's the last time you went 130mph on your Valk?

[John97]

Well 125 a couple weeks ago. I know what the ratings are as far as what mph a tire can take. I was wondering if mixing two different ratings matters, I don’t think it does but I might as well ask just in case it would.

[Joe333x]

Have you considered Metzler ME888 Marathon Ultras? I'm running them on two bikes and so far have been a great experience.

[h13man]

Bridgestone 701/702 2x times now with a set of Cobra AV72 in between. No difference but not a extreme rider either. Both whine at 55 mph. beads or no beads.

[Pluggy]

The Exedra rear tire 180/70R16 was discontinued and replaced by the Exedra Max.  When I changed out an Exedra for an Exedra Max, I noticed no difference in handling or mileage.

[Jess from VA]

Have you considered Metzler ME888 Marathon Ultras? I'm running them on two bikes and so far have been a great experience.

At least for the front, the ME888 is no longer made in our 150 size.   (I run a Michelin car tire in back)

I love Metzler tires, and the new (and only) front they have for our Valks is now the CruiseTec.  I have it, and it's perfect like all the Metzlers (880, 888, CruiseTec)

[John97]

Thank you everyone for their input! I have used the Metzler 888 before on my 750 Magna. Great tread life but I felt that other tires had more grip. I knew they weren’t available in the Valk size and I guess either I didn’t look at Cruisetech or I misread but they do come in our size. Both Vrated and a quality tire company I used before. I guess I’ll skip the Bridgestone this go around although I think I’d be fine with mismatched speed ratings. The Cruisetech checks the boxes without any questions or altering tire sizes etc. I will post back next season and offer my thoughts on them. Thanks.

[Jess from VA]

John, the Metzler's grip is as good as you can get (that's why I've only run 880s, 888s, and the new CruiseTec).

I only buy for grip, and don't care about mileage (though that's pretty good too).

Also, I run them at or 1-2lbs under the max PSI printed on the sidewall.  This gives me best mileage (and does not affect grip at all). 

[Joe333x]

Have you considered Metzler ME888 Marathon Ultras? I'm running them on two bikes and so far have been a great experience.

At least for the front, the ME888 is no longer made in our 150 size.   (I run a Michelin car tire in back)

Where did you hear they stopped making them in 150? I purchased these from here and it just shows out of stock, you could reach out to them and see if they have an expected in stock time.
https://www.americanmototire.com/street-cruiser-touring/metzeler-me888-marathon-ultra-150-80r-17-72v-front-2680800-mc.html

[Jess from VA]

Joe, I'm sure they stopped making them (at all, or at least in our size), some time ago.

My bike mechanic told me (the best one in VA), and recommended the CruiseTec. 

[John97]

John, the Metzler's grip is as good as you can get (that's why I've only run 880s, 888s, and the new CruiseTec).

I only buy for grip, and don't care about mileage (though that's pretty good too).

Also, I run them at or 1-2lbs under the max PSI printed on the sidewall.  This gives me best mileage (and does not affect grip at all). 

Great info to know. The grip feeling was simply that, how it felt at the time, nothing solid to back that up.  If grip is your primary concern I’ll take your word for it. I guess I’ll work some O/T to get money saved up. Luckily I still get my discount from a previous job at a bike dealership because they sure are proud of those tires. There’s been such an increase from when COVID hit and the prices for tires across the board have never dropped back down.