I'm ready to jump off the fence, and I've got ??????? DARKSIDE related

[Slick]

Long story short, I've been for the last seven years with my VTX dead set against putting a CT on my bike. Well after replacing many tires, and speaking with alot of my friends who have gone over to the other side I've done a 180 and decided to go with a CT now that my new to me 99 I/S is in need of some new sneakers on the rear.

I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, but have never taken the wheels off myself. Any help in what to do, and or look for would be a great help.

I've also have seen alot of mention of a nutcage mod in my searchs, but not what it is or how to do it, so I know what a great group this is and await your advise.

Thanks in advance-


Slick

[Serk]

Here's a link to Daniel Meyer's writeup of the nutcage mod:

http://lifeisaroad.com/stories/2005/08/24/valkyrieRearFenderNutCageMod.html

And here's my recent thread over on the Texas forum where I asked a lot of the same questions (And have now been darkside for 1500 or so happy miles, I might add...)

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,13793.0.html

[cutter]

Made the change this weekend. Just posted some pics. Its wicked sweet! 

[Rowdy]

  made the change this year on my 99 IS - still searching for the right tire pressure 
500 miles so far, still feeling the road surface wagle  at 32 psi going to try a lower psi 

[Slick]

Thank you for the replys, and good information. I really enjoyed Danials article.

How about removing the saddlebags and such, any shortcuts to getting a new tire on?

Also there seem to be ALOT of different opinions about air pressure, and I'm not sure why

[SANDMAN5]

Also there seem to be ALOT of different opinions about air pressure, and I'm not sure w

Lots of variables come into play with air pressure...weight of rider and/or passenger...
how much luggage....how do you ride....type of road....which brand of tire. I run
a Goodyear TT that I usually keep at 36psi. If I were taking a long trip with a
passenger or extra baggage I'd bump it up to 38. Some people run the same tire
with considerably more/less air. It's something you have to figure out for yourself.

[Zev]

Hey Slick,
I am too. Call me I have good info.

Will

[Slick]

Do the bags need to come off if I bring it into a shop with a lift, or will the wheel be accessable with the weight off the tires?

[Rowdy]

Pretty sure the bags will need to come off 

[X Ring]

No ifs, no ands, no buts.  Remove the bags.

Marty

[keythumper]

I am a keen CT user on my Valc interstate.

Only 250 miles or so, but I like them.

I am still a tad nervous with the uphill starts that have sharp turns, but that is part of the charm.

I am looking forward to a run to Nelson BC this summer.  I LOVE the twisty BC highway #3

[Slick]

If I use a 205/60/16, do I need to do the nutcage mod? Any other modifications need to be done?

And thanks again for all the good info-

[Stitch_in_La]

Try this, http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/TireChangeSplineLube.htm, explains it all in one place.

Chuck

[SANDMAN5]

If I use a 205/60/16, do I need to do the nutcage mod? Any other modifications need to be done?

I run that size and I did the nutcage and the fender bolt.....never know when you
might decide to try a 205-65. That will probably be my next size. Better to do it
now than to maybe ruin a new tire!!!

[Slick]

OK fender bolt? That's a new one to me- please explain

[Gear Jammer]

The bolt holding the fender rail to the side of the fender, goes thru the fender and has a nut (in a cage) holding it.  The nutcage mod should tell you what to do.

[Hoser]

Bags and mounts off is a 10 minute job, check Rattlebars site for a bag drop kit. hoser

[sugerbear]

+1 on the bag drop kit.
running a michelin hydroedge 205-65-16 40 lbs pressure, but i load the bike to it's limit.

[big turkey]

 

I have thought about the Car Tire and it is not in the cards for me.

Motorcycles with car tires, no advantage at all if you looking for traction unless it's straight ahead.

Just maybe cheaper, but for my money give me a Cobra or a Metzler.

But Stay away form the E-3's from Dunlop they are cupping city man.

My nut cage will stay Virgin I do believe.

[big turkey]

Now what were we talking about,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[stormrider]

Great shot Al.
humm. What were we talking bout?
Tires
Was unsure till I had a tire seperate, Avon Cobra with @ 4k on it. Immediatly went darkside and love it.

Bridgestone Potenza g109 Grid 205/60/16  460 tread compound. uni-directional. Didn't want to go with the smaller diameter as some use and sure didn't want the hard compound with others. Fits me very well. Twisties, no problem. Runs quiter, smoother, longer. Probably got 20k miles on it. Checked the splines again the other day, look great. Was looking at the tag. Put it on in May 08. Still looks new.