Divot
Member
Posts: 64
Retired - VRCC #30489
Boise, Idaho
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« on: March 08, 2011, 06:16:39 AM » |
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I need a new rear tire soon and despite searching the board I don't see any clear recommendation on a rear tire replacement. From what I've seen price differences between the possible tire options is not that significant of a factor. Despite seemingly every tire having its detractors, are they all really about the same or are there a couple "best" choices for my situation?
I currently have Dunlop 251s on front and rear. They were on the motorcycle when I bought it so I have nothing to compare to. I'll be keeping the front on for at least another season. I ride 5-6,000 miles a year, mostly short rides but some cross county. I am not an aggresive rider, the speed limit is fine with me. I weigh in at 250 and do some two-up riding. I'd like to stick with the 180/70r16 size. Any advice?
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2000 GL1500C - Black
1980 Honda 185 XL
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X Ring
Member
Posts: 3626
VRCC #27389, VRCCDS #204
The Landmass Between Mobile And New Orleans
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« Reply #1 on: March 08, 2011, 06:29:00 AM » |
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The reason you don't see a consensus on which tires are the best is there isn't one. Some like Metzlers, some like Avons, some like Bridgestones, some like Dunlop Elite 3s and some, like me, run on the DarkSide. One thing pretty much every one agrees on is NOT using the OEM Dunlops.
This is one of those questions that causes a lot of controversy. The other big one is oil.
Marty
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People are more passionately opposed to wearing fur than leather because it's safer to harass rich women than bikers.  |
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BOZ
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« Reply #2 on: March 08, 2011, 07:12:51 AM » |
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Go "dark." Most don't ever come back from the darkside.  I'm very happy with Nexen 205x60x16.  |
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Divot
Member
Posts: 64
Retired - VRCC #30489
Boise, Idaho
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« Reply #3 on: March 08, 2011, 08:25:33 AM » |
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One thing pretty much every one agrees on is NOT using the OEM Dunlops.
Is it correct to presume the Dunlop 521s are the OEM tire? |
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2000 GL1500C - Black
1980 Honda 185 XL
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16788
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2011, 08:30:14 AM » |
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One thing pretty much every one agrees on is NOT using the OEM Dunlops.
Is it correct to presume the Dunlop 521s are the OEM tire? I don't think that the Dunlops that came on our bikes (whatever they were called) are made anymore.. Here's a list of popular Valkyrie tires... I've used Metzlers and Avons, mostly Avons... http://www.hondadirectlineofshadyside.com/stores/byProduct.asp?prd=Tires&str=2&ID=824802101-Mike |
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #5 on: March 08, 2011, 08:37:35 AM » |
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If I wasn't on the darkside, I'd be running an Avon on the Valk.
My answer would be different for another bike...
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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Hoser
Member
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
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« Reply #6 on: March 08, 2011, 08:38:15 AM » |
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I have a tire thread going, I recommend this one if your talking bike tire. Hoser http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,25808.0.html |
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I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/ |
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5_19
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« Reply #7 on: March 08, 2011, 10:41:36 AM » |
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If I wasn't on the darkside, I'd be running an Avon on the Valk.
My answer would be different for another bike...
+1 |
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 Most motorcycle problems are caused by the nut that connects the handlebars to the saddle. IBA # 45723 2001 Honda Valkyrie Standard (Sold after 9 years) 2009 BMW R1200 GSA |
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Ricky-D
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« Reply #8 on: March 09, 2011, 05:42:22 AM » |
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Dunlop Elite was the stock tire that came on the Valkyrie.
It has changed some from the original and that was/is limited to the tread design.
Now it is called the Dunlop Elite III
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2000_Valkyrie_Interstate
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John U.
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« Reply #9 on: March 09, 2011, 08:13:22 AM » |
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The Avons have given me the best miles of service. The Metzler ME880 has better grip IMHO but won't last quite as long. They are all sensitive to the air pressure you run. 45 to 50 in the rear seems to get me the best mileage and eliminates cupping.
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Sigrún
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« Reply #10 on: March 09, 2011, 08:45:59 AM » |
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Dunlop Elite was the stock tire that came on the Valkyrie.
It has changed some from the original and that was/is limited to the tread design.
Now it is called the Dunlop Elite III
***
Interesting? Mine had the originals tires on upon buying, and they were Dunlop 206's and the tread was resembling a whole lot more to D404 than Elite III. More "agricultural" so to say  Or was there such a thing as Dunlop D206 Elite?? Or were the bikes delivered with different tires on different years / models? Cheers! Orvo |
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IBA #54465
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six2go #152
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« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2011, 12:48:24 PM » |
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Dunlop Elite was the stock tire that came on the Valkyrie.
It has changed some from the original and that was/is limited to the tread design.
Now it is called the Dunlop Elite III
***
Interesting? Mine had the originals tires on upon buying, and they were Dunlop 206's and the tread was resembling a whole lot more to D404 than Elite III. More "agricultural" so to say Or was there such a thing as Dunlop D206 Elite?? Or were the bikes delivered with different tires on different years / models? Cheers! Orvo Yes, the original tires were Dunlop 206's. Those were replaced in the lineup by the 206 Elites which I really liked. I ran 2 sets of them & got 20,000 miles from each set. The 206 Elites were replaced by the Elite 3's before I could get another set of the 206 Elites. |
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BF
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« Reply #12 on: March 09, 2011, 04:31:09 PM » |
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I like my Elite 3's. Hated my Metzlers. Wore quick.  Keep about 45 lbs in the rear and about 42 up front. |
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I can't help about the shape I'm in I can't sing, I ain't pretty and my legs are thin But don't ask me what I think of you I might not give the answer that you want me to  |
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Tropic traveler
Member
Posts: 3117
Livin' the Valk, er, F6B life in Central Florida.
Silver Springs, Florida
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« Reply #13 on: March 09, 2011, 05:07:45 PM » |
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IMHO only!! Avon the best. Metz close second. Bridgestone third. Dunlop not so good. Other than a Michelin car tire {mixed thoughts on that} that's what I have used & how I rank them. Can't seem to wear any rear tire out... Damn nails keep me from riding them 'til they are slick!  |
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'13 F6B black-the real new Valkyrie Tourer
'13 F6B red for Kim
'97 Valkyrie Tourer r&w, OLDFRT's ride now!
'98 Valkyrie Tourer burgundy & cream traded for Kim's F6B
'05 SS 750 traded for Kim's F6B
'99 Valkyrie black & silver Tourer, traded in on my F6B
'05 Triumph R3 gone but not forgotten!
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Sigrún
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« Reply #14 on: March 10, 2011, 12:02:58 PM » |
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Yes, the original tires were Dunlop 206's. Those were replaced in the lineup by the 206 Elites which I really liked. I ran 2 sets of them & got 20,000 miles from each set. The 206 Elites were replaced by the Elite 3's before I could get another set of the 206 Elites.
Got ya Thanks for the info, not a day wasted Cheers! Orvo |
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IBA #54465
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