Wide White Walls

[WDAN]

Does any tire manufacturer make WWW's for the Valk?

Thanks,

WDAN

[Disco]

I found this thread by searching the Tech Board.  It might have what you're looking for.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,23075.0.html

[PhredValk]

Around Christmas I was looking at discount tire sites and saw a D404 WW rear tire in 150/90-17. Now its gone. Keep looking...
Fred.

[PhredValk]

http://www.jakewilson.com/typeDetail.do?navType=type&navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webTypeId=446&webCatId=57

third row down on the right.

Fred.

[RainMaker]

http://www.jakewilson.com/typeDetail.do?navType=type&navTitle=Motorcycle+Tires&webTypeId=446&webCatId=57

third row down on the right.

Fred.

Don't see the 150/80-17 option in the sizes.

[WDAN]

No, I have checked the Metzler site before and they don't make the WWW to fit our bikes.

WDAN

[JimC]

Dan,

I think you are correct about Metzler not making WWW's for our bikes, but I have to correct you a little bit.

no one makes the WWW in the exact size our bikes came with,
 
BUT, Dunlop does make WWW's  that fit our bikes, the difference in size is minimal,
(I know, I know I'm splitting hairs now)

Jim

[WDAN]

Jim,

Who would know what size is available in  Dunlaps that would work well?

WDAN

[JimC]

Dan,
I am running Dunlap
D404 in the front, 140-80-17
D407 in the rear,   180-65-16

Original sizes are 150-80-17 front
                            180-70-16 rear

The difference is:
0.31" less sidewall height,    0.4" less width, on the front
0.35" less sidewall height,    0.0" same width, on the rear.

The main difference is that these are bias ply tires. I have found no difference in the handling, in 4,500 miles, I see no wear at all. The rear is only available at Harley and is a dual or triple compound rubber, supposedly harder center, softer outside for cornering.


Rear http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=107
Front http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tirecatalog_tire.asp?id=37

Jim



  


 

[WDAN]

Jim,

Thanks for the info! That's the way I'll go.
So I have to go to a Harley dealer for rear and get ?tire dealer who handles Dunlap for front
So, as far as you can tell, these run as good and wear as well as the OE's?

WDAN

[JimC]

Dan,
I make no guarantees, but I did not notice a difference in the way the bike rode or handled. I only have 4,500 miles on them but I see no signs of wear.  

But I will have to admit, I do not ride like Smokin Joe and some of the others, I ride hard and fast on two lanes, I love dropping down a gear to pass cars and ending up north of triple digits, (with relatively straight roadways)  but I do not scrape pegs in the twisties like other do.

The Harley only tire has to be bought from a Harley dealer, check around on prices, one place I called wanted $238 for the rear only, I ended up getting it for about $ 170-$180.  I actually had one parts guy at a Harley shop tell me he could not sell it to me because it was for Harleys ONLY. (?)

You could buy the front from them also, but I bought off the internet and got it cheaper and then had my local shop mount both.

If you have any questions give me a call @2six2.441.0333
Good luck, Jim

  

[PhredValk]

Look for what will work, not what Honda put on the Valk. Lots of us using car tires, and you won't find 205/65RH-16 in the manual anywhere...
Dunlop D40x tires come in whitewall in a number of configurations, most smaller diameter than stock.
Fred.

[Sourdough]

I saw these in the April edition of Roadbike.. don't know anything about them
except what was in the article. Might be something to consider for you guys
wanting whitewalls......

http://www.mooneyesusa.com/shop/product.php?cPath=188_238&products_id=1872

[WDAN]

Interesting. Might consider.

WDAN

[JimC]

Hey!
If someone tries them, please post back here so we know how they worked. They are cheap enough to try for sure. A lot cheaper than the paint I tried that turned dark in 50 miles.
jim

[Hoser]

Dan,
I make no guarantees, but I did not notice a difference in the way the bike rode or handled. I only have 4,500 miles on them but I see no signs of wear.  

But I will have to admit, I do not ride like Smokin Joe and some of the others, I ride hard and fast on two lanes, I love dropping down a gear to pass cars and ending up north of triple digits, (with relatively straight roadways)  but I do not scrape pegs in the twisties like other do.

The Harley only tire has to be bought from a Harley dealer, check around on prices, one place I called wanted $238 for the rear only, I ended up getting it for about $ 170-$180.  I actually had one parts guy at a Harley shop tell me he could not sell it to me because it was for Harleys ONLY. (?)

You could buy the front from them also, but I bought off the internet and got it cheaper and then had my local shop mount both.

If you have any questions give me a call @2six2.441.0333
Good luck, Jim

  

I have the same combo as you except in black,  got them from Jake Wilson, The front is a d404 Dunny 150/80/17 bias for 98 Bux and an American Eagle  180/65/16 bias for 150 bux, with 10% off and free shipping,  I too like them much, and I got 16k from the pair when I installed them last year.  I recently put the same combo on new, and kept the old ones for spares, they were not down to the wear bars yet.  Hoser