Tires (I know, everyone has a preferance)

[Mike in AR]

Hypothetically,  , if you could only choose from the following brands, how would you rate them, as in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd? These would be for a '97 Valkyrie Standard, hypothetically,  .
 
Bridgestone Exedra

Metzler ME 880 Marathon

Shinko SE 890 Journey Touring

[scooperhsd]

I've used nothing but the Metzlers since I got my Valk. Same gripe I have with all motorcycle tires - don't last long enough (~10K miles , more or less).

[The emperor has no clothes]

1st) Exedra
2nd) Marathon
3rd) Journey

I've used all 3. (I've moved on to others, but you didn't ask about that) 

[sandy]

I wouldn't put any of them on a Valk. Nothing but Avon Cobra radials for me. Running 42 PSI front and 46 PSI rear makes mine last about 15K rear and 22K front. I have almost 200K on 3 Valks and ridden coast to coast 5 times on my old '98 tourer.

[..]

I'm  partial to the Shinko price for a front tire and have no experience of the others.

Used for over 120,000 miles on a combination of Honda ST1300 and Valkyries

[Bighead]

2nd 3rd &4th

[Alberta Patriot]

I'm  partial to the Shinko price for a front tire and have no experience of the others.

Used for over 120,000 miles on a combination of Honda ST1300 and Valkyries

Just installed my second set of Shinko Journey 890's stock sizes.
The previous set lasted: Front=17,150 miles,  Rear=15,550 miles  42PSI F&R
These are very straight tracking tires even on truck lane furrows and knarly patched roads.
I am not into dragging the boards anymore, but these tires handle pretty well. The only complaint...tar snakes.
The linear tread pattern helps delay front tire cupping. The front tire started making noise in turns at about 15,000 miles, but was still not bad at the time of replacement.
I could've got another 3-5 K miles on the front tire. The rear tire was pretty much done.
 

[G-Man]

After the stock tires, I've only used the Metzeler m/c tires (now run darkside in rear).  I never has a problem with the metzelers.  Held the road well and lasted about the average length that most riders find.

[Pappy!]

Had a Shinko 890 separate on the front of my Valk. Very scary experience. Had I been on an interstate or hauling the mail I may not be here right now.
They replaced it and I reluctantly put the replacement on. So far so good with it.

[scooperhsd]

Tire wars are kind of like oil wars - but at least so far - We've kept it civil !

[cookiedough]

best bang for  your buck is the Shinko,  metzeler most expensive but will not last any longer more than likely.  Bridgestone in the middle of the pack.

I also think as far as quality wise where the least issues with mfg. issues would be metzeler though if you think Shinko probably the worst out there in terms of mfg. issues at the factory can be an issue.  I am just cheap and get the best bang for my buck and did have 1 issue with a shinko tire and emailed shinko and they sent anohter to me for free after sending him pics of a fairly new SE890 journey rear tire so they do stand behind their tires, doubt metzeler or others would do so.

Avon cobras are middle of the road as well not had any issues with the rear/front tires I had but they do not last any longer than shinko or other cycle tires usually 10K rear TOPS and 15K or so in front.  If I had money to burn,  I would consider Michelin tires since pretty sure they last longer and really good quality.  Dunlops are out for sure.

[msb]

Have never tried Shinko, but did run the 880's for a few years after many years on  Dunlops after the OEM'S and no matter what the tire pressure they were horrible...the rear especially would start cupping within several months and they would both wear unevenly. The rear Dunlops would always develop a premature flat spot.  Finally (what took me so long?) went to Avons about 7-8 years ago and they're the perfect tire for handing, wear,  traction...riding a lot of 2 up on my Interstate. I think it has a lot to do with the roads and terrain one rides most of the time. The Avons beat the other MC tires hands down here in the mountains and twisties.

[ValkStrom]

I will be running the Michelin Commander II next time, very surprised not on the list.

[Alberta Patriot]

I will be running the Michelin Commander II next time, very surprised not on the list.

I wore out one Rear Commander II(200/55 R17) and bought another to replace it on my Yamaha Stratoliner. I sold the Strat with that tire on it. Nice handling tire. I got good wear compared to other tires as well. There was no Commander II Radial that fit the front.

BTW...I used balancing beads with my new tires this time. Today I spun the engine to 4000 RPM in Fifth Gear on the bike jack...Very Smooth     3 oz rear, 2 oz front.

[Mike in AR]

The reason for this post is that I am gifting my youngest son (age 38) with my '97 Bumble bee, and I wanted to get some opinions on something other than Dunlop's E-3's and Avon Cobra's. The E-3's are the only thing I have used since I got the bike in 2005. I like them, but then again, I mostly ride two up, and no longer feel the urge to drag the pegs. I wanted to see what the board thought about, what I considered were, mid range tires. Seems like more of you have used, or do use, the three brands of tires I mentioned, than I would have thought. I am pleased with the range of the responses I have received. The wife and I bought a 2000 Interstate trike about three years ago, and that has become our main ride. Rather than let the Bee sit in the garage, I want to get it road worthy to take to my son in Maryland. The tires on it now were bought in 2011, and look like new now. They have about 7000 miles on them. (Needless to say we have not done a lot of riding in the recent years.) I have about twice that on the trike, and that includes about 4-6 months down time due to a knee replacement. Anyway, I thank you for your responses.

Mike in Ar

[3fan4life]

The reason for this post is that I am gifting my youngest son (age 38) with my '97 Bumble bee, and I wanted to get some opinions on something other than Dunlop's E-3's and Avon Cobra's. The E-3's are the only thing I have used since I got the bike in 2005. I like them, but then again, I mostly ride two up, and no longer feel the urge to drag the pegs. I wanted to see what the board thought about, what I considered were, mid range tires. Seems like more of you have used, or do use, the three brands of tires I mentioned, than I would have thought. I am pleased with the range of the responses I have received. The wife and I bought a 2000 Interstate trike about three years ago, and that has become our main ride. Rather than let the Bee sit in the garage, I want to get it road worthy to take to my son in Maryland. The tires on it now were bought in 2011, and look like new now. They have about 7000 miles on them. (Needless to say we have not done a lot of riding in the recent years.) I have about twice that on the trike, and that includes about 4-6 months down time due to a knee replacement. Anyway, I thank you for your responses.

Mike in Ar

I think that I have tried about ever rear tire possible.

For "Peg Dragging", a set of Avons are hands down the best.

I never could get more that 9k mi out of a rear though.

The fronts gave a respectable 16-19k miles.

Until now my best mileage rear tire has been the Dunlop E3 (10-12k mi).

The Michelin Commander II looks to best that by a good bit.

I don't really like the increased RPM's from using the 180/65-16 instead of the 180/70-16 though.

My next rear maybe a Metzler 888, since it's supposed to last longer than the 880.


I have settled on a front tire for all of my Valks.

I'm running the Shiinko 230 Tourmaster.

It doesn't feel as sticky as the Avon, but I haven't had one slip on me yet.

At around $100 it's a bargain, And it is a great rain tire!

 

[msb]

The reason for this post is that I am gifting my youngest son (age 38) with my '97 Bumble bee

Mike in Ar

That's Awesome