After Months - Finally Went Darkside for the First Time

[twdurdentwd]

Well, I did it. My M/T showed cords yesterday so I had a local guy mount and balance for $15 at 9:30p last night, I gave him $20. Put the rear end back together and voila. Just another tire.

In order to make my decision, I searched for a tire with the following criteria: 205/60/r16 that had symmetrical tread. After looking at my options, I decided on a sumitumo HTR A/S PO1, It's a high-performance, all-season radial with a v-rating which might make the sidewalls a little stiff. I paid about $112 from tire kingdom (bunch of idiots over there). Here's my report so far:

It holds the characteristic of a brand new M/T when you can feel more mass affecting centrifugal force being a new tire with more tread, except it has a tendency to want to be upright (of course). With the M/T, I prided myself in my agility skills and being able to pull a u-turn tightly around the median-curb on a small 4-lane road. Or complete a U-turn on a two lane road lacking lane markers. Easy peazy...

The C/T didn't prove much different, my confidence has increased a little bit; however, I won't let that set me up for failure, as I'm always cautious. I notice a slight tracking with the roads' imperfections, but it's not enough to annoy me as it only takes a slight adjustment every once in a while. I don't hear much from this tire as far is noise goes, so far, I'm satisfied. Updates later.

Has anyone used this tire before? If so, what's your take? If not, what are your thoughts?

[BradValk48237]

Wait til' you ride a while on some grooved pavement ( if you have any near you)... don't freak out and think somethings wrong.... it just feels weird.

We have a lot of Highways with grooved pavement here in MI...

Brad

 

[98valk]

Ah.. the grooved pavement....if grooves are in direction of travel they
increase tire wear, reduces mpg and increases stopping distances..... all of which puts more money into the states coffers (increased taxes..tire and fuel sales) and insurance companies pockets (re-end collisions increase premiums of allowed by state).
if done as runways do it side to side none of the above apply and actually then braking stopping distance is reduced. but it cost the states more in labor to do side to side and then less $$$ as noted above.

[HayHauler]

As long as the parking lot, or pavement for that matter, is smooth and without pot holes, the CT has actually improved my slow speed parking lot handling.  Now if there are ruts or holes, it will throw you all over the place.  But, I know this and look for it when entering a strange parking lot. 

My $.01875

Hay 
Jimmyt

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

As long as the parking lot, or pavement for that matter, is smooth and without pot holes, the CT has actually improved my slow speed parking lot handling.  Now if there are ruts or holes, it will throw you all over the place.  But, I know this and look for it when entering a strange parking lot. 

My $.01875

Hay 
Jimmyt

  I had no idea you could ride as good as you do Jimmy however after watching at InZane and taking a ride with you I give you         

[twdurdentwd]

Okay. So far having trouble with rubbing on the inside on 'something' when my hunny  goes with me. I've adjusted the shocks to their highest potential.. So now Thinking of going with stiffer or taller shocks. Help!

[MP]

Did you do the nut cage mod?

I am sure it is hitting there.

I did the nut cage mod, but still hit two up.  I removed the bolt, got a carriage bolt that fit, and put that in the hole, with the smooth bolt head on the inside of the fender.   That fixed the hitting two up. That was on my 97 std.  When I put the CT on the I/S, I just went ahead and did the carriage bolt from the get go.

MP

[Pappy!]

Maybe this will help??

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65849.0.html

[twdurdentwd]

Did you do the nut cage mod?

I am sure it is hitting there.

I did the nut cage mod, but still hit two up.  I removed the bolt, got a carriage bolt that fit, and put that in the hole, with the smooth bolt head on the inside of the fender.   That fixed the hitting two up. That was on my 97 std.  When I put the CT on the I/S, I just went ahead and did the carriage bolt from the get go.

MP

Maybe this will help??

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,65849.0.html

Nut cages are gone, I'm rubbing on the rear light wire nest guard on inside of fender near center...I think it's timen to go with heavier shocks and just dont know who, where, what, and how. I don't really understand differences in shocks  I just have to get some HD ones to support 550lbs two up...and then some (bumps.)

[Bone]

When hitting bumps with a full weight load the tires sidewalls probably bulge when the impact occurs.
With little clearance stationary a slight bulge could scuff the sidewall.

[Ricky-D]

Nut cages are gone, I'm rubbing on the rear light wire nest guard on inside of fender near center...I think it's timen to go with heavier shocks and just dont know who, where, what, and how. I don't really understand differences in shocks  uglystupid2 I just have to get some HD ones to support 550lbs two up...and then some (bumps.)

Well, the first thing is that you are extremely overloaded.

What you need is "air shocks" that are pump-able to allow for greater loads.

Not the kind of air shocks that raise the rear, but merely increase the load carrying ability

of the bike.  I know some Harley have these kind as standard equipment on

their baggers.

***

[okweaver]

When my wife and I mount up, with luggage, we tip the scales at 475. I have Progressive 412 HD shocks on the third of five preload settings and the ride is great.  My OE shocks were shot. My son's Valk has Progressive 440 HDs on it.  They are as stiff as my 412s on the lowest setting.  I believe the 440 HDs might be a good fit for your Valk. No disrespect but I haven't had good luck with air shocks having much longevity.

[twdurdentwd]

Thanks for the advice guys

[twdurdentwd]

Any idea where I might find shocks more cost effectively?

[Valkorado]

Any idea where I might find shocks more cost effectively?

Really like my 13" Progressive 444s with heavy duty springs.  Best price I could find was here

http://cycleplicity.com/products/71955-progressive_suspension_444_4221c_444_series_shocks_for_metric_cruisers.aspx

If those are out of your range you might consider 13" HD 412s, or look for some used Interstate shocks on eBay.