Which tires?

[Daddie O]

While out riding with a friend he was taking a look at my tires and said and noticed that my tires look new, but the dates on them suggest my front tire was made in 2006 and my rear tire in 2002!  Should I replace them now or wait till they are warn?  Do they have an expiration date?  I bought the bike in San Diego and rode home no problem.  I've put over 1000 miles on the bike so far. 

If it is recommended to replace the tires, which tires do you guys suggest, the stock Dunlops?  I do not plan on going "darkside".  Since I don't know when the last time the rear splines were lubed I imagine I should have that done while having tires changed.  Any other maintenance that should be done at the same time?

Thanks for any help/suggestions.

[olddog1946]

Personally, I'd change the tires (unless they were stored in a dark room, they've got some sun damage and I wouldn't trust them). Avons, bridgestones, etc. are all good tires.

AS far as having the final drive looked at......take the wheels off yourself and have the tires put on then do the final drive service yourself. My next door neighbor had his done at a local shop (all service needed for the mileage) to the tune of $2800 bucks and then when I did his rear splines at 9K miles we had to find another rear end which cost him another $500 bucks.. Do it yourself and be sure it's done right, or find someone local from the VRCC that can help you out. Don't trust a dealer to do the job right.

[Daddie O]

Did that $2800 bill include vaseline and a kiss at least?  My local dealer charges like $300 for a tuneup and $800 for the major tuneup.  I don't have a motorcycle lift, nor the time to work on the bike.  I'm still looking for someone local that has experience installing velocity stacks.

[Red Diamond]

Did that $2800 bill include vaseline and a kiss at least?  My local dealer charges like $300 for a tuneup and $800 for the major tuneup.  I don't have a motorcycle lift, nor the time to work on the bike.  I'm still looking for someone local that has experience installing velocity stacks.

How do you tune up a Valkyrie, put new plugs in it?

[Daddie O]

I would say change fluids (oil, clutch, brake, final drive), plugs, adjust valves, sync carbs, clean crankcase breather, and generally inspect everything like fasteners and cables.

[Daddie O]

I just got quoted $750 out the door for a set of Dunlop Elite 3's installed and rear splines lubed.  Does that sound right?

[Daddie O]

Well I ordered some new tires.  There may be no expiration date on tires but I don't like the idea of riding on 11 year old tires anyway.  I'm not gonna cheap out when it comes to safety.  I did a little searching and was able to find a set of tires for $296 sold and shipped (free 2 day) by Amazon.  They are Bridgestone Excedras, I hope they are good tires.  The guy at the Honda dealership had Dunlops in stock but he said he prefers the Bridgestones because they seem to have a longer life and they wear well.  He suggested I order the Bridgestones online and said he will install them for $200 including lubing the rear splines.

[R J]

Damn I wish you lived around here.

I'd like to get some of that free $$$$ you are tossing around.

When you take the bike in for these services, be sure and take your own Vaseline, that way it won't hurt as much.

Yes, I know California over prices everything they have for sale, I lived there for 32 years and the only reason I didn't get shafted too much as I went in in Uniform and you'd ought to of seen the South of the border workers kind of disappear till I left.    I laughed all the way home as we had no jurisdiction over illegal workers unless we pulled a stop for auto check, then they were ours to handle.

[Daddie O]

Damn I wish you lived around here.

I'd like to get some of that free $$$$ you are tossing around.

When you take the bike in for these services, be sure and take your own Vaseline, that way it won't hurt as much.

Yes, I know California over prices everything they have for sale, I lived there for 32 years and the only reason I didn't get shafted too much as I went in in Uniform and you'd ought to of seen the South of the border workers kind of disappear till I left.    I laughed all the way home as we had no jurisdiction over illegal workers unless we pulled a stop for auto check, then they were ours to handle.

You think $296 is too much to spend for a set of tires?  Or do you think $200 to replace the tires is what's too much?  What do you pay for tires, and what do you pay for installation and lube of the splines?

[BF]

The price for the tires isn't bad and sounds like a good deal to me, especially if that's the mounted, out the door price, but to replace three o-rings and lube the rear for an extra 200 bucks seems pretty sporty to me. 

[Daddie O]

I ordered the Bridgestone tires on Amazon for $296 delivered.  The local Honda dealership wanted $532 for Elite 3 Dunlops and an additional $200 for installation, bringing the total to about $750 which seems high to me.  What would you expect to pay removing the wheels, taking off the tires, putting on new tires, balancing the tires, lubing the splines, and mounting the wheels with the new tires on them?

[Hoser]

If my tires were in near new shape, and were outdated by the manufacture date, I would go ahead and use them up without a second thought.  All it means to me is they would be out warranty.  And who cares about that,
none of our Valkyries are still in warranty, and we don't discard them to buy a new one.  It's just a government regulation  from big brother.  They think we have to be told what to do like morons.  That's all I got to say about that!  Hoser    

[Hoser]

I ordered the Bridgestone tires on Amazon for $296 delivered.  The local Honda dealership wanted $532 for Elite 3 Dunlops and an additional $200 for installation, bringing the total to about $750 which seems high to me.  What would you expect to pay removing the wheels, taking off the tires, putting on new tires, balancing the tires, lubing the splines, and mounting the wheels with the new tires on them?

A moot question,  I would never trust a dealer to work on my bike unless I stood there and watched them work.  And they won't do that.  Hoser

[Daddie O]

Sorry Hoser, I refuse to believe that just because someone works for a dealership they are not capable of good work.  There are no "government regulations" on the matter, no "big brother" telling me what to do with my motorcycle tire choice, so maybe take your soapbox elsewhere and start a political thread about it in General.  You would feel safe riding on 11 year old tires, good for you.  Maybe you buy a bike and only ride it until the tires are worn out, then you buy another bike, but I am asking what I think is a pretty simple question.  How much would you expect to pay for services if you ride in and they remove your wheels and tires, and mount and balance new ones.  I'm not asking you specifically Hoser, since you would never pay anyone anything to mount tires, but if anyone else on this forum has ever had tires professionally installed I would appreciate your input.  I see an independant shop on craigslist that says they will do it for $75, but I dunno how good they are or how involved it is on our Valks.  Don't you have to remove the shocks, and brake calipers?

[Willow]

What would you expect to pay removing the wheels, taking off the tires, putting on new tires, balancing the tires, lubing the splines, and mounting the wheels with the new tires on them?

I use an independent (1 man) shop for work I don't want to do myself.  I have taken the wheel off an had him remove and mount the tire and I have on occasion taken the bike in and had him remove the wheel, remove and mount the tire and service the final drive.

I pay him $20 if I bring in the wheel and $45 per wheel if I bring it in still on the bike.

I've watched him work.  I know he does work on several Valkyries and Goldwings and comes highly recommended.  I trust him.

I have very limited faith in dealerships at which I may not know the mechanic doing work for me.   

[Brian]

If the side walls were not showing signs of cracking I too would keep running them around town. Now if you had long trip planned then I sure would before leaving along with new stems.

[old2soon]

Wheels taken in to my local friendly chopper shop R & R tires at $20.00 per. Wheels taken in to my local Honda dealer $50.00 per. I do my own service. I know my Honda dealer charges $65.00 an hour for labor parts and taxes extra. Way too many horror stories on this board about dealers that don't have a clue about our Valkyries. While there are dealers that know the Valkyrie I M H O the are in the minority. RIDE SAFE.

[Daddie O]

If the side walls were not showing signs of cracking I too would keep running them around town. Now if you had long trip planned then I sure would before leaving along with new stems.

Sidewalls look fine but I am going on a 1800 mile round trip ride in about a month.

[BF]

If the side walls were not showing signs of cracking I too would keep running them around town. Now if you had long trip planned then I sure would before leaving along with new stems.

Sidewalls look fine but I am going on a 1800 mile round trip ride in about a month.

I'd definitely replace your tires before going on an 1800 mile trip with 10 plus year old tires....AND....I'd replace your dealer too. 

The last time I bought tires, I bought E3's for $286, both front and rear....MOUNTED OUT THE DOOR TOTAL.

Rode the bike to the dealer, left it with them, went next door to do a little shopping at Sam's, came back, bike was done and ready to ride. 

Granted, that price for those E3's was before the huge jump in tire price, but still.....$200 bucks to mount them on top of the price of the tires isn't just absurd, $750 plus for tires is pure highway robbery IMO. 

Were they pointing a gun at you when they gave you that deal?

Keep shopping. 

[Daddie O]

Seems like my local dealer is trying to rape me on tire installs huh.  Well there is a local indy that said they'd do it for $45 for the rear tire and $25 for the front.  They said they would lube the rear splines for me too.  I dunno the Honda dealer, and I dunno the indy either.  I just want it done right.

[Len]

I have all my tires changed at an independent shop, they been in business over 19 years.  The owner has owned Valkyries (his experience with them is reassuring) and his prices are $60.00 to install a set of tires.   $75.00 is not a bad price for the installation, if you are not sure about who works on your bike ask questions like your life depends on their work...
I purchased my Second Valkyrie with 3,600 original miles with 11 year old tires with lots of tread left, new tires were my first upgrade; Avon Cobras with the 200 rear.  Since I purchased a warranty I will go to the dealer for my rear end maintenance and some other services.  Enjoy your Valkyrie, by the way my wife's' bike came with the Bridgestone's you referenced and they have performed well in wet and dry riding conditions.

[Daddie O]

I have all my tires changed at an independent shop, they been in business over 19 years.  The owner has owned Valkyries (his experience with them is reassuring) and his prices are $60.00 to install a set of tires.   $75.00 is not a bad price for the installation, if you are not sure about who works on your bike ask questions like your life depends on their work...
I purchased my Second Valkyrie with 3,600 original miles with 11 year old tires with lots of tread left, new tires were my first upgrade; Avon Cobras with the 200 rear.  Since I purchased a warranty I will go to the dealer for my rear end maintenance and some other services.  Enjoy your Valkyrie, by the way my wife's' bike came with the Bridgestone's you referenced and they have performed well in wet and dry riding conditions.

Thanks Len!  Good to hear some positive feedback on Bridgestones.  This is the site I found on craigslist:  http://www.cyclepro-usa.com/services.html  I hope they can do the bike well.  Is there anything special to changing a tire on a Valkyrie that makes it more important to find a shop that has worked on Valks?

[al v]

Seems like I read once that car tires aren't suppose to be sold after 5 years.

[vanagon40]

. . . . Is there anything special to changing a tire on a Valkyrie that makes it more important to find a shop that has worked on Valks?

The short answer is yes.  There is a very specific bolt tightening sequence when installing the rear tire.  There is also much debate on the proper lubricant, although many believe that the tightening sequence is more important than the lubricant.

Most believe that you should inspect the splines where the drive shaft connects to the rear gearbox.  There is much debate as to the proper service of that mechanical joint.

With regard to your original question regarding tire age, I once posted that my front tire was almost 10 years old.  I immediately received responses that I should make sure my insurance was fully paid [as I would surely die a flaming death].

As a piece of general advice, I understand that you have already purchased new tires, to be delivered to you, and you will need to find a shop to mount, balance,and install them.  I would concentrate on getting this service and this service only.  I would not worry about the "tune up" you mentioned earlier.  Unless you are having performance issues, you probably do not need to have your valves adjusted, your carbs tuned or synced, or the other tune-up services you mentioned.

Get your new tires installed and ride it like you stole it.

[vanagon40]

I just reread all your posts.  Sounds like you need to find a friend or mechanic you trust to do routine maintenance to your bike.  Changing the engine oil, rear end oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc., does not require any special expertise.  The spline/rear end maintenance is a little bit of a different story.

Don't be afraid to ask for help in this forum.  There may be other Valkyrie riders who would help you out with these routine tasks for the price of a six pack to go.

[F6MoRider]

One issue with dealers working on the Valk and getting high quality, knowledgeable work is the mechanics are mostly young and fresh out of school.  As the Valk is out of production and has been for some time, the training they receive along with the experience they have is lacking in terms of Valk specific content and these babies can be very peculiar and require extensive knowledge (you can find that knowledge here, just ask).

The experiences many original owners here on the VRCC have is more often than not the result of a good shop not having the depth of training or experience needed by the techs working on bikes and a general lack of concern, quick to promise, slow to deliver.  Some have trusted the dealers to "do it right" only to find they didn't and that error now costs them dearly in time and money and the dealer disclaims any responsibility. Remember, parts are getting harder and harder to come by so replacing the splines becomes even more costly than they are for a current production machine.

~300 bucks for a set of tires is okay.  You need to decide how you want them balanced...beads, stick on weights, or the liquid that turns into small balls and seals small punctures are all options.  If you leave it to others, you need to ask so you know when you come back to the board with a performance problem, wobble, funny sound, etc.  Air pressure is another concern.  This bike is heavy and can chew up an under inflated tire in less than a 100 miles.  If you run the factory recommended pressure, expect your tire to end up with a flat spot in the center rather quickly...btwn 4 to 6,000 miles and then replace it at 6000 - 7000 miles - sooner if you carry a lot of weight.  The OEM valve stem offers more special concern as it will cause leaks if not supported correctly and the tab that supports it often falls out.  If you can replace them with the metal 90 degree stem, do so.  Get the ones with the bolt on the outside of the tire so you can tighten it if it loosens and leaks.  If you get the one that bolts inside the tire, it can be time consuming but it's still able to be tightened ... with a couple of c-clamps and a piece of wood but it's still difficult.

Generally speaking, R/Bal/R tires costs ~ $35 each, more with bags.  Shops like to charge for piece-meal work but do it all simultaneously.  They charge as though they will do one thing, finish it, then start the next.  That's possibly why the price you were given is so unbelieveably (to some) high.  As you can only grease the splines when the tires off (and do it everytime) all that it should cost is the cost of the paste  and maybe a few bucks to change the THREE o-rings... Dealers  charge ~25 for them but you can buy them by mail from a vendor in NC and get MULTIPLE SETS of three for less than the cost of one set at a dealer.  Read up on molybdenum grease, molybdenum paste and gear oil.  You'll need to know what you are supposed to have where, and what was actually used where, especially when troubles occur.  

There are tightening sequences on the rear end that are very IMPORTANT.  Failure to follow them and other Valk specific lessons learned may not always immediately cause problems...but they will show up, eventually.  Peace of mind is priceless, like the starter switch short out problem and how to upgrade the headlight circuit to run a stronger bulb... I might let a dealer who knows this kind of Valk detail work on my bike, I'll still dissemble it and check their work 'cause I'm anal like and because my life depends on it as does the longevity of this wonderful machine.

Lastly, there have been quite a few who trusted an otherwise "good shop" only to learn later that they took cheap short cuts.  Worse, they often suspect the dealer's mechanic missed something or did something wrong but they lack the knowledge of what was actually performed as the dealers won't let you watch.  I had a dealer install the rear tire in the wrong direction once when I was on a long haul trip...go figure!  When I called them, they denied it...yeah right, I had the proof.  As such, most of us do the work ourselves or use a small shop where we can watch.  There is always another Valk rider who will gladly assist you in most common maintenace tasks and even host a wrench party ... if you bring the beer. . You can find one here with a post asking for help.  Everyone will speak up if you simply ask.

Enjoy the pending trip, it's a wonderful ride!


 

[Daddie O]

Thank you for the informative post F6MoRider.  Your post actually has me leaning away from the indy shop as they are even less likely to have Valkyrie experience.  I will make a post asking for local help or suggestions of a local reliable mechanic.  Where should I get the metal 90 degree valve stems with the bolt on the outside?

[F6MoRider]

Jsut so you know, if you up to the top of the page, there is a SEARCH button.  Select it and type in your item of concern and you'll get lots of results.  There is a ton of info here on the board, all of it at your disposal.  Don't neglect your regional board either, especially for local information.

Thanks to a previous poster, here's one place to get the 90 degree elbows that tighten up externally.  Buy a bunch, give them out to friends and have some for each change.  I have a few of these myself.


http://www.jakewilson.com/p/52/-/343/753/-/19082/Myers-90%25C2%25B0-Tubeless-Chrome-Valve-Stem?term=valve+stems

[PharmBoy]

I would definitely agree with F6MoRider on his choice of valve stems.  I have used them on the last 5 Valkyries that I have worked on, including my own.  Since the freight is going to be a major part of your purchase, buy a few extra pair and give them to your friends when they need new tires.  You will be pleasantly surprised how much they appreciate such an inexpensive gift...Jim 

http://www.jakewilson.com/p/52/-/343/753/-/19082/Myers-90%25C2%25B0-Tubeless-Chrome-Valve-Stem

[R J]

Damn I wish you lived around here.

I'd like to get some of that free $$$$ you are tossing around.

When you take the bike in for these services, be sure and take your own Vaseline, that way it won't hurt as much.

Yes, I know California over prices everything they have for sale, I lived there for 32 years and the only reason I didn't get shafted too much as I went in in Uniform and you'd ought to of seen the South of the border workers kind of disappear till I left.    I laughed all the way home as we had no jurisdiction over illegal workers unless we pulled a stop for auto check, then they were ours to handle.

You think $296 is too much to spend for a set of tires?  Or do you think $200 to replace the tires is what's too much?  What do you pay for tires, and what do you pay for installation and lube of the splines?

Toooooo damn much to grease the splines, for 1 thing, tire price is about right on the tire only, for some reason or another the wholesale price has gone up on them, and that brings up the resale value.

If you do go the tire route with the dealer, ask to see the build date on the tires before they are mounted.     Tires are noted to lay around on the shelf for long periods of time.   At the shop we bought 6 tires for our stock, I returned everyone of them as they were already 5 years old.   I'm assuming they are taking the wheels off.   If you are carrying them in, that price is toooooo high also.

[Hoser]

Sorry Hoser, I refuse to believe that just because someone works for a dealership they are not capable of good work.  There are no "government regulations" on the matter, no "big brother" telling me what to do with my motorcycle tire choice, so maybe take your soapbox elsewhere and start a political thread about it in General.  You would feel safe riding on 11 year old tires, good for you.  Maybe you buy a bike and only ride it until the tires are worn out, then you buy another bike, but I am asking what I think is a pretty simple question.  How much would you expect to pay for services if you ride in and they remove your wheels and tires, and mount and balance new ones.  I'm not asking you specifically Hoser, since you would never pay anyone anything to mount tires, but if anyone else on this forum has ever had tires professionally installed I would appreciate your input.  I see an independant shop on craigslist that says they will do it for $75, but I dunno how good they are or how involved it is on our Valks.  Don't you have to remove the shocks, and brake calipers?

Dude, you asked for opinions, I gave you mine. BTW the dating on tires is a government regulation.I am old enought to remember when they were not dated.  Hope you are sucessful in your quest.  Hoser  ???

[Daddie O]

Jsut so you know, if you up to the top of the page, there is a SEARCH button.  Select it and type in your item of concern and you'll get lots of results.  There is a ton of info here on the board, all of it at your disposal.  Don't neglect your regional board either, especially for local information.

Thanks to a previous poster, here's one place to get the 90 degree elbows that tighten up externally.  Buy a bunch, give them out to friends and have some for each change.  I have a few of these myself.


http://www.jakewilson.com/p/52/-/343/753/-/19082/Myers-90%25C2%25B0-Tubeless-Chrome-Valve-Stem?term=valve+stems

I bought 6 of them, thanks for the tip. 

[Hoser]

What would you expect to pay removing the wheels, taking off the tires, putting on new tires, balancing the tires, lubing the splines, and mounting the wheels with the new tires on them?

I use an independent (1 man) shop for work I don't want to do myself.  I have taken the wheel off an had him remove and mount the tire and I have on occasion taken the bike in and had him remove the wheel, remove and mount the tire and service the final drive.

I pay him $20 if I bring in the wheel and $45 per wheel if I bring it in still on the bike.

I've watched him work.  I know he does work on several Valkyries and Goldwings and comes highly recommended.  I trust him.

I have very limited faith in dealerships at which I may not know the mechanic doing work for me.   

I believe you and I use the same shop, along with a lot of area old timers I know.  Hoser   

[SPOFF]

The price for the tires isn't bad and sounds like a good deal to me, especially if that's the mounted, out the door price, but to replace three o-rings and lube the rear for an extra 200 bucks seems pretty sporty to me. 

Assuming they change the o-rings. And the thrust washer. Of course there may be a 2-year wait for parts these days. The last time I had tires mounted, they charged $70 each. I bought a mounting machine after that.

[The emperor has no clothes]

What would you expect to pay removing the wheels, taking off the tires, putting on new tires, balancing the tires, lubing the splines, and mounting the wheels with the new tires on them?

I use an independent (1 man) shop for work I don't want to do myself.  I have taken the wheel off an had him remove and mount the tire and I have on occasion taken the bike in and had him remove the wheel, remove and mount the tire and service the final drive.

I pay him $20 if I bring in the wheel and $45 per wheel if I bring it in still on the bike.

I've watched him work.  I know he does work on several Valkyries and Goldwings and comes highly recommended.  I trust him.

I have very limited faith in dealerships at which I may not know the mechanic doing work for me.   

I believe you and I use the same shop, along with a lot of area old timers I know.  Hoser   

How far will he travel !

[Daddie O]

I got my tires delivered today from Amazon.  Damn that was fast!  Didn't I order them yesterday (or was it the day before?).  Date code on the front tire is 0113 and the rear is 0413.  Now I'm just waiting for the metal 90 degree valve stems from Jake Wilson (and yes I bought extra).

[F6MoRider]

"The experiences many original owners here on the VRCC have is more often than not the result of a good shop not having the depth of training or experience needed by the techs working on bikes and a general lack of concern, quick to promise, slow to deliver.  Some have trusted the dealers to "do it right" only to find they didn't and that error now costs them dearly in time and money and the dealer disclaims any responsibility."

Check out the information one dealer gave to a Valk owner regarding the pinion and the need for a seal to keep the differential fluid out...  Sad that a dealer would not know about the need for the holes to be open.  Had the owner buy a seal to keep the oil out....

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,54914.0.html