DFW Tire Help

[Mitchapalooza]

Fat Lady Riders,

I just came back from a trip to the Three Sisters and I pointed out a defect on my rear Dunlop E3 to my riding buddy.  His suggestion (much like my thought) was to put new rubber on it.  I didn't notice any problems at all as far as handling/cornering/etc.  However, when it comes to tires I don't like to fool around much.  I can upload pictures and pull the date code from the tires when I get home shortly to get your opinions on the "crack". 
I'm fairly handy and changed the timing belts, spark plugs, oil, final drive fluid, coolant, repaired a fork seal, etc. before we left for the weekend.  Tires - I'm clueless.  I haven't been dissatisfied with the Dunlops, however if the former owner really did just change them before he sold the bike, then it looks like a manufacturer's defect to me.  Having only put a few thousand miles on my first Valk, I really have no point of reference either. 
That being said, is there a stealership, small shop or independent that any of you would recommend for mounting and balancing new rubber?  I live in Fort Worth by TCU.  Given that it seems most of the techs out there are at stealerships are my age, they are probably too young to have ever worked on a Valk and I don't trust them to do the o-rings/splines when the tires get changed.  Not to mention they charge an arm and a leg.  I'm leaning toward Metzelers or Avon Cobras/Venoms for front/rear.  I'm leaning away from going DarkSide due to the fact that I do occasionally get out and ride the twisties and I've heard this diminishes the fun factor there.  Recommendations as to which and where to buy?  I typically buy online and just have a small shop install them in my sport bike days, though I would love to learn if there is a wrench party any time in the near future.  Any advice, help, whatever would be strongly appreciated.


Now I have to go home and see what is wrong with my headlight (low/high) that decided to completely die on the way home.  Thank God for light bars or I would have been in Stephenville for a long while!  Switch housing, wiring, fuse?  Who knows.

Thanks!

[HayHauler]

You just missed a wrench party at ValkPilot's house this past weekend.   
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,67487.msg663300.html

Hay
Jimmyt

[BuzzKill]

I use Jake Wilson for front tires (have had good luck with Avons, but just started trying a Metzler), and Discount Tire for rear.  I either mount them myself with the help of some friends at a wrench party, or take the front tire to Cycle Center of Denton after removing the wheel myself and just get the tire mounted for around $20.  If I have to have the rear CT mounted, I take it to a local tire place in town after removing the wheel on that as well for about the same price.  He charged me $10 the first time, then after figuring out how hard it was even with a hydraulic machine, he upped it to $25 next time. 

Removing the front isn't too bad if you have a jack, some tools, some instructions found around the web or in the maintenance manual, and have a bit of mechanical aptitude.  It can be taken off and put back on between 2-3 hours for a first timer. The rear will take a bit more work and knowlege, but can still be done.  Just make sure you follow the proper procedures.  http://valkyrienorway.com/index.html is a good place to start looking around if you haven't already.

Another thing to look at, or probably replace is the valve stems.  If you have the OEM ones with the rubber boot on the bottom that makes it a bit flexible, replace it.  They fail alot.  Most of us use the all metal stems now with the nuts on the top, so you tighten it if needed without having to remove the tire.

Thats my 2 cents, keep the change.

[Mitchapalooza]

Thanks folks.  I'm aware I missed the wrench party on the 17th, but I just couldn't turn down a ride to hill and wine country!

I didn't realize the front/rear removal was such an involved process.  I thought maybe an hour, tops, for the front wheel and under 1.5 hrs for the rear.  Buzzkill, I see that you are on the Dark Side.  I just started researching this today, and it looks like riders are polarized more than Israelites and Palestinians on it.  Obviously you are a fan, so if you could please fill me in more on your experience that would be great.  I'm not opposed to it and have a few guys that would mount it for $20-30 without question.  What make/model tire, pressure, etc?  Is the ride any different/safe?  Pros, cons, mileage?  I'm just looking for your personal opinion rather than some manufacturer, MSF, etc...

Thanks,

[Houdini]

I'm leaning away from going DarkSide due to the fact that I do occasionally get out and ride the twisties and I've heard this diminishes the fun factor there.

LOL!  That funny right there.     I'll ride the twisties with the best of 'em, and I have, and I'll take a DS tire any day over a MC tire.  My .02¢, take it for what it's worth.

[Six Guns]

Cycle Werkz in West Fort Worth works on valkyrie's. He's worked on mine, Cowboy's, Jerry McAdams, and some others. He is a master mechanic. His name is Scott. Give him a try.   

[Mitchapalooza]

Houdini,
I may just be going DS then brother!  What tire and pressure do you run? 

Six Guns,
I know that CycleWorks well and will have them do the rubber swap for me then.  Thanks.

[Houdini]

Houdini,
I may just be going DS then brother!  What tire and pressure do you run?  

Falken ZIEX 512 is what I ride and a popular tire for Darksiders but it has been discontinued, other will chime in on what they are running as a replacement.  I prefer 36 PSI around town and pump it up to 41 - 42 when I'm riding hard on the twisties.  The extra pressure stiffens and rounds the tire a little for improved white-knuckle performance.

You can read my initial Falken report and what others had to say here;
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,35341.0.html

When I compare the price, wear and improved handling of a CT to a MT it is an easy decision for me.

[RainMaker]

I'm leaning away from going DarkSide due to the fact that I do occasionally get out and ride the twisties and I've heard this diminishes the fun factor there.

LOL!  That funny right there.     I'll ride the twisties with the best of 'em, and I have, and I'll take a DS tire any day over a MC tire.  My .02¢, take it for what it's worth.

Be sure to tell Smokin' Joe he's not having any fun with that car tire

[Texas Cajun]

I got a great deal on BikeBandit.com on some Bridgestones.  I good to The Bike Doctors off 121 near Carson.  Jerimah is the master tech, he's young but very good.