tires suggestion

[flagwaver]

Just bought a 2001 Valkyrie Interstate and am bringing in for service for a good "going thru", without driving myself crazy with recommendations I thought this would be the best place for advice. I mainly drive country roads 75% highway 25%, any help/suggestions would be appreciated.  thx Dan

[Hoser]

This is a good tire, 20k plus worn out and a new one beside it.  It is a Dunlop, American Elite. 180/65/16. Hoser

[Gryphon Rider]

OEM tire sizes are 150/80R17 front, 180/70R16 rear.  I wouldn't play with non-stock tire sizes (as suggested by Hoser) or types until I had experience with tires of the factory recommended size and type.  You'll wear them out soon enough, then decide how or if you want to tweak your setup with non-standard tires.

Based on what I've seen and the chatter on this site, the most common tires on Valkyries are the Avon Cobra, the Dunlop Elite 3, and the Metzeler ME 880.  I have tried the Elite 3 and the Cobra, and I prefer the Cobra.

[Hoser]

The American Elite is a bias ply tire, it worked fine for me, I also used a bias in front, a Dunlop, oem size. I have used Shinko radials several times also oem size. I had no problems with them either. Your bike, your choice.  Hoser        

[Farther]

I am no tire expert but I have had the Dunlop Elite 3, Metzeler 880 and now Avons Cobra.  I think next time will be a Metzeler 880 on the front and the Avon Cobra on the back or Metzeler on both ends.

[dago mooserider]

I'm a metzeler fan as well. Very sticky but.... I just used up my rear in 5000 miles. Never gone through one that fast before. I am blaming attic rat for making my bike haul arse.  I may try an avon and see if it holds up a little better to my abuse. 

[Bugslayer]

I've had trouble with two of the last three rear Avon Cobra's I've had. No more Avon's for me.
I recently mounted a Bridgestone Battlax BT-020 on the rear. (200/60-16) I haven't had a chance to get her on the highway yet, but it rides great in town. We'll see how it holds up.

[biguglyman]

My experience: E-3's wear VERY well but are noisy on highway curves. Traction nothing to write home about and seems to get worse as they age. Cobra's are quieter and seem to have better traction. They also corner easier but this may be a function of them being new compared to the old E-3's that came off. Going to have to wait on judging the longevity of the Cobra's as these are my first set.

[quexpress]

This is a good tire, 20k plus worn out and a new one beside it.  It is a Dunlop, American Elite. 180/65/16. Hoser

Excellent tire! Thanks to Hoser's tip, I've had this tire on my Valk for 1 riding season and like it very much. It's a keeper! 

[Oss]

Had the Battleaxe and really liked it  changed at 11000 miles when I hit BF's place as I would not have
a chance again till 4000 more miles of high speed highway riding
The tire was upgraded by the Exedra Max 200-60-16 also Bridgestone motorcycle tire

Very stable tire, should get over 12,000 and no issues or wobble at any speed
Grips better than the Metz and that is saying something.
 I have around 8000 or so
 on  it now and plan to keep it on while riding to SD for Inzane  in June

I may try that austone for next year    

[Lyle Laun]

I've ran Dunlop E3`s and didn't like them at all - never again
Then ran the Avon Cobras - really liked the grip and quietness
My bike mechanic talked me in to trying the Metzeler 880 tires. So far these are my favourite but depending on tire life I could see myself trying the new Battleaxe on the rear next time

[Bighead]

You are going to get as many opinions on this as you would on what brand of oil to use
If you ride much you will probably have to change the tire after a year or year and a half of riding then try another brand til you find what YOU like

[Momz]

Having three Valks, I've tried several brands and I prefer the Avon Cobras overall.
I've had Avon Venoms; rears wouldn't last 10K on my bikes and the fronts about twice that
             Bridgstones; lousy traction front and rear, couldn't wait to replace them
              Metzler 880; great traction, but didn't last as long as the Venoms
             Avon Cobras; best overall OEM size replacement yet
            Rear Car Tire; great for highway use and rain but, it can be somewhat strange to get used to, but it does have good traction and long wear.
Metlzler Sport Touring; mounted but have not yet tried them