|
Hover
|
 |
« on: July 15, 2013, 04:51:55 PM » |
|
I have read a few of the posts on tires but I thought I would tap the vast knowledge of this clubs tech board and collect the opinions in one location. I have a 1999 Valk that I bought in 2001 and put new OEM Dunlop tires on front and rear. I am pretty easy on my cycle and have now got 23000 miles on them and the shop is telling me that I should change them cause they are beginning to get little ridges running around the circumference on the surface.
What are the recommendations out there on the best replacement tires to choose. One note...I am not a fan of putting a car tire on the back. Not that it doesn't work...I have seen many do it ... its just not for me. I value your opinions. Lets see what everyone says. Thanks in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
Hoser
Member
Posts: 5844
child of the sixties VRCC 17899
Auburn, Kansas
|
|
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2013, 05:02:41 PM » |
|
Harley tires, 180/65B/16, 150/80B17. Dunlop American Elite rear, Dunlop 404F front Hoser  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I don't want a pickle, just wanna ride my motor sickle  [img width=300 height=233]http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/ |
|
|
|
BF
|
|
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2013, 05:07:03 PM » |
|
Asking about tires is like asking what oil to use. You'll get as many answers as there are members. However, I have zero complaints with my Dunlop Elite 3's. I run 42 psi front and 45 psi rear. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/fitment-guide/search?type=fitment&make=12&model=453&year=522&submit= |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
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  |
|
|
|
Bone
|
|
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2013, 05:07:54 PM » |
|
Been using the Dunlop D404 F front and GYTT rear. I know your not interested in the CT but it was in the picture  .jpg) |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Hover
|
|
« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2013, 05:23:40 PM » |
|
I love this forum....such quick responses and willingness to help. Hey BF....good to see you on here. I really appreciate your earlier info on the saddle bags and trunk you use. I have obtained the saddle bag mounts and am in the process of modifying them as you did. Can't wait to get everything and installed. Will post picture for you when done.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Len
|
|
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2013, 06:23:39 PM » |
|
I have run Avon Venoms, now Avon Cobras with a 200/60/16 rear 42psi 150/80/17 front 40psi.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
mmurffy03
Member
Posts: 791
03 standard
toms river new jersey
|
|
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2013, 06:30:23 PM » |
|
happy with my avons
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
cookiedough
|
|
« Reply #7 on: July 15, 2013, 06:55:50 PM » |
|
I have avon cobras and probably will get 15K out of them but hear the dunlop's like hoser uses last longer if not too hard on tires. I never had them but I think the dunlop elite III's will last just as long as the Cobra's but some do not like them they make either too much noise or don't stick to the pavement very well but then again, you drive very easy so that doesn't matter as much. No experience on Metzlers, but most like them but don't last as long as dunlop or avons.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Hover
|
|
« Reply #8 on: July 15, 2013, 07:14:16 PM » |
|
I have been considering the Avons however...I live in western Washington and we have a little rain. How are the Avons on wet roads?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Len
|
|
« Reply #9 on: July 15, 2013, 09:24:30 PM » |
|
They are great in the rain, experience with the Storm Ultra led me to stick with Avon. I have ridden in heavy rains with standing water here in SC and have experienced no loss of traction. These tires cut a clean path through water, and my speed does not drop below posted limits, and I maintain control and road feel. Interstate riding included.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
sandy
|
|
« Reply #10 on: July 15, 2013, 10:03:13 PM » |
|
On my 2nd set of Cobras and love them. Run 42 F and 46 R all the time. The current rear has 23K on it. Still riding on it.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
whitestroke
|
|
« Reply #11 on: July 16, 2013, 12:25:38 PM » |
|
Avon Venoms bubbled after 9 years. Have Avon Cobras now and they like the twisties.  Hope I wear them out before they bubble. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Minibike
Honda S90
Yamaha YL100
Bultaco 250 Matador
Bultaco 250 Pursang
Yamaha 250 YZ
Triumph 650 Bonni
Honda ATC 200
2 Kids 25 year break.
Suzuki GS 500
2003 VTX 1300S,
1998 Valk standard
2008 Goldwing
|
|
|
|
Maldog
|
|
« Reply #12 on: July 16, 2013, 03:30:05 PM » |
|
I cant remember what crap was on My IS I think Dunlaps and they wore out quicklly and i wasnt that hard on them in 2010 I purchaced a set of Avon Cobras from jake Wilson.com got a great price I lucked out both Avon and Jake Wilson Had Tire Promos when I got mine ,Bottom line My Valk IS Was Like A Whole new machine with the Cobras on,handles like a sport bike now lol loves the twisties always feels sure footed I do Luv Da Cobras.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
salty1
Member
Posts: 2359
"Flyka"
Spokane, WA or Tucson, AZ
|
|
« Reply #13 on: July 16, 2013, 04:39:58 PM » |
|
I cant remember what crap was on My IS I think Dunlaps and they wore out quicklly and i wasnt that hard on them in 2010 I purchaced a set of Avon Cobras from jake Wilson.com got a great price I lucked out both Avon and Jake Wilson Had Tire Promos when I got mine ,Bottom line My Valk IS Was Like A Whole new machine with the Cobras on,handles like a sport bike now lol loves the twisties always feels sure footed I do Luv Da Cobras.
+1 Cobras for me! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
My rides: 1998 GL1500C, 2000 GL 1500CF,2006 GL 1800 3A   |
|
|
|
Steve K (IA)
|
|
« Reply #14 on: July 16, 2013, 10:06:33 PM » |
|
Agree. Dunlop E3's. I have gotten right at 20,000 miles, front and rear.  P.S. I'm easy on my cycles too.  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
 States I Have Ridden In |
|
|
Bocephus
Member
Posts: 67
97 Valkyrie
Elizabethton, TN.
|
|
« Reply #15 on: July 17, 2013, 10:45:07 AM » |
|
Dunlop E3 radials. Love em. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
N0tac0p
|
|
« Reply #16 on: July 17, 2013, 11:01:51 AM » |
|
austone taxi tire?
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
miscott
Member
Posts: 350
Keep the rubber side down and hang on tight!
So. Central Kansas
|
|
« Reply #17 on: August 18, 2013, 01:49:28 PM » |
|
I have run Avon Venoms, now Avon Cobras with a 200/60/16 rear 42psi 150/80/17 front 40psi.
Hey Len... I'm needing a new set of tires and am really thinking about a new set of Cobra's. Your 200/60/16 has me wondering about a couple things. Did you have to do the Nut Cage Mod to get it to fit? How much Taller/Wider than stock is it? Did it effect your speedo reading? How much? After running this tire for awhile now, would you still get the 200? Would a 200/55/16 be approximately the height of the stock tire? Just wondering as I'm not really wanting to raise the rear of my Valk by running a slightly taller tire, but the 200 width sounds like it would fill out the rear-end rather nicely! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Len
|
|
« Reply #18 on: August 18, 2013, 04:12:51 PM » |
|
I have not noticed much difference in the RPM.. The nut cage mod was not required, and I am running 11 inch shocks...plan to change to 11.5 with next tire change. Send me a PM with an email address and I will send you a couple of pictures.
I compared the tire specifications on the Avon website...
AV72 200/60VR16 has a listed OD of 25.6"
AV72 180/60R16 24.8"
Yes, I will continue to use this tire & size as long as it is available. In my opinion it fills out the rearend very nice. My cousin has a Valk with the Fat Freddie in the same size and it rubs the swing arm on the right side. The Cobra AV72 in the 200 is a great fit for this bike (my opinion & experience only).
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Regis
|
|
« Reply #19 on: August 18, 2013, 04:28:39 PM » |
|
I like Flintstones myself . Unless they have stolen diamonds in the front wheel , then they tend to make you hit trees if the police are pursuing you . The brakes are hell on the feet too . I would double darkside being the tightwad I am but youll have to make your own observations on that .
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
miscott
Member
Posts: 350
Keep the rubber side down and hang on tight!
So. Central Kansas
|
|
« Reply #20 on: August 19, 2013, 11:43:08 AM » |
|
Thanks Len. Sending PM now.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
Big Bear
|
|
« Reply #21 on: August 19, 2013, 04:49:32 PM » |
|
I replaced the Dunlop E3s with Avon Cobras (stock sizes) 800 miles ago after a flat rear. The improvement in handling is incredible. The main improvement I noticed was the front wheel does not get pulled left and right by lines, cracks and tar snakes much at all. You can still feel them, but it never feels like you will start to wobble. I rode 135 miles in varying rain a few weeks ago and the only reason I slowed below posted was I could not see well due to how had the rain was coming down.
I can't imagine I will ever buy a different tire as long as these area available. Maybe the 200 width or a car tire since the more I read about them and the more Harley stock tires I see that are basically running the car tire shapes it just makes sense to have more tread on the ground, especially with this much power and weight.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
1999 Interstate Black (Absolutely love it)
1981 Kawasaki KDX 175 (oh what fun for a little bike)
1985 V65 Magna (retired but boy was she fun. Too fast for her own good)
1981 Kawasaki 750 Ltd (long retired - was a dog but good to learn on)
|
|
|
miscott
Member
Posts: 350
Keep the rubber side down and hang on tight!
So. Central Kansas
|
|
« Reply #22 on: August 21, 2013, 08:48:11 AM » |
|
I have not noticed much difference in the RPM.. The nut cage mod was not required, and I am running 11 inch shocks...plan to change to 11.5 with next tire change. Send me a PM with an email address and I will send you a couple of pictures.
I compared the tire specifications on the Avon website...
AV72 200/60VR16 has a listed OD of 25.6"
AV72 180/60R16 24.8"
Yes, I will continue to use this tire & size as long as it is available. In my opinion it fills out the rearend very nice. My cousin has a Valk with the Fat Freddie in the same size and it rubs the swing arm on the right side. The Cobra AV72 in the 200 is a great fit for this bike (my opinion & experience only).
Hey Len... I figured out why the 200/60 didn't effect your speedo or tach. The stock size tire for the Valk is 180/ 70/16. Went out and checked my rear tire, just to make sure what I had on there!   Took your advise and went to Avon's site to check out that tire sizing chart, and the 200/60 is actually 2/10's of an inch shorter than the 180/70! but still a half inch wider. I've got 13" shocks so the 200 will drop my rear end less than a 1/4". I think that will be a barely noticeable improvement in the stance of the bike as well.  Ordered the 200/60 this morning along with a new Cobra for the front! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
miscott
Member
Posts: 350
Keep the rubber side down and hang on tight!
So. Central Kansas
|
|
« Reply #23 on: August 21, 2013, 09:10:00 AM » |
|
Hey Hover I want to apologize to ya man!  I just dawned on me what I did.  I didn't mean to hijack your thread!  But it was tire related!  Sorry about that! |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
