New tires made me crash Saturday

[Gryphon Rider]

I wanted to carve a corner a little tighter and the front tire let go.  Down I went in front of a crowd of people.  Hold on, I'm going to take a picture of my injury and post it in a few minutes.  Don't look if you just ate.

[Tundra]

Glad your OK, well, hope your OK didn't see the extent of your injuries yet. Was this the brand of tire?  or the fact the tire was new and not "scuffed" in yet? That contributed to going down? 

[Bagger John - #3785]

I recently watched someone clean and Armor-All their entire rear tire...tread, sidewalls and everything. If that doesn't scare ya...

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Dunflop E-3 ???? Other than the Rivco center stand I don't think you could put anything more dangerous on a Valk.

[rmrc51]

Thank God you're okay and here to talk about it!!! Maybe you should re-think that front tire.

[Tundra]

I had a similiar scare last week, after changing oil in the rear end
(dripped oil on my tire) I did manage to keep it up, barely and needed to change my pants ???

[gregc]

    I hope you are joking about the E-3.  I just mounted one on the rear last weekend,
only about 100 miles on it so far. Didn't notice any real difference over the old style elite.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

    I hope you are joking about the E-3.  I just mounted one on the rear last weekend,
only about 100 miles on it so far. Didn't notice any real difference over the old style elite.

Yep no difference...It's just as dangerous as that POS tire was if not more so.

[Madmike]

Dunflop E-3 ???? Other than the Rivco center stand I don't think you could put anything more dangerous on a Valk.

I agree on the center stand, if you have one and ever have to lay the bike over hard on the left side it will lift the rear wheel off the ground.  Tried, Proven - still have the injuries.

[Gryphon Rider]

Well, here it is, folks:



I had set up a slalom course for the new rider class I was teaching (first class of the season) and was testing the layout on a Yamaha XT 200.  I came around the turnaround corner and pushed it a little harder into the first gate (pair of cones) when the front tire let go at about 10 or 15 MPH, leaving the bike on its side and me on my stomach.  That was an excellent way to remind me that several bikes had been fitted with new rubber over the winter.  Sorry, guys, I didn't look at the brand name on the tire, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't an E3 or Cobra. 

I wonder why none of the students were going especially fast when it was their turn to ride? 

[Gilligan]

the Icefields Chalet on 6/30; and Jasper 7/01 - 7/03. After that we go to Edmonton for a few days, Saskatoon for a few days, Regina, Brandon, Winnipeg, Kenora and back to Indiana. We hope to meet you along the way.  (We already have reservations in Banff, the Icefields and Jasper.)

[Oss]

we save her for people who are really hurt



Glad you managed to break your fall and nothing was hurt

[hubcapsc]

* Down I went in front of a crowd of people.

OK now that we know you're not hurt, here's my story...

I flipped my next door neighbor's tm125 while doing a wheelie standing on the seat
in fourth gear in front of everyone at my high school. At least you weren't being a dork when
you fell in front of everyone!

-Mike

[NiteRiderF6]

That injury would be impressive if it were on your eyeball...

Inquiring minds want to know what brand of tire you had on there???

[Big IV]

new tires are slick.
my dad reminds me everytime I mount one to make sure I don't forget.

[Gilligan]

new tires are slick.
my dad reminds me everytime I mount one to make sure I don't forget.

Here's Highlander to show the correct procedure to scuff up the tires. 

Fun with Highlander

[VALKTERY]

Glad to see no serious injury, talk about going down in front of a crowd. was a small group of harleys in our annual 4th of july parade. one guy on a sportster decided he was going to do a burnout on the center yellow line. reved it up, odd thing was the tire never broke loose ,but the bike jumper forward and fell over on him, in front of (estimated) 500  parade watchers. nothing seemed hurt ,besides his pride that is 

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Well, here it is, folks:



I had set up a slalom course for the new rider class I was teaching (first class of the season) and was testing the layout on a Yamaha XT 200.  I came around the turnaround corner and pushed it a little harder into the first gate (pair of cones) when the front tire let go at about 10 or 15 MPH, leaving the bike on its side and me on my stomach.  That was an excellent way to remind me that several bikes had been fitted with new rubber over the winter.  Sorry, guys, I didn't look at the brand name on the tire, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't an E3 or Cobra. 

I wonder why none of the students were going especially fast when it was their turn to ride? 

WAAAAAAAAAAA WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WAAAAAAAAAAAA

Ouch that must have hurt for a few seconds!! Have mommy kiss it and put a SpongeBob bandaid over it.

Raymond

[Gryphon Rider]

the Icefields Chalet on 6/30; and Jasper 7/01 - 7/03. After that we go to Edmonton for a few days, Saskatoon for a few days, Regina, Brandon, Winnipeg, Kenora and back to Indiana. We hope to meet you along the way.  (We already have reservations in Banff, the Icefields and Jasper.)

Gilligan, what's bringing you to Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, etc.?  And what's your route and schedule in the days before Banff?  I'm glad to see you're finally making the trip you planned a few years ago!

[Willow]

I hope you are joking about the E-3.  I just mounted one on the rear last weekend,
only about 100 miles on it so far. Didn't notice any real difference over the old style elite.

I don't want to be overly argumentative, but I'm quite fond of the E3's.  I would put them just a bit behind the Avons and I can comfortably scrape the footpegs on E3's.

We had some discussion on the board in the past and it appeared to me that almost everyone who complained about the performance of the E3 was running a car tire on the back.  It occurs to me that could be a bad combination, but then it occurs to me that could be half a bad combination without the Dunlop.

Put 42 pounds in it and ride it like you stole it.  You'll be fine.

[Bagger John - #3785]

I don't want to be overly argumentative, but I'm quite fond of the E3's.  I would put them just a bit behind the Avons and I can comfortably scrape the footpegs on E3's.

We had some discussion on the board in the past and it appeared to me that almost everyone who complained about the performance of the E3 was running a car tire on the back.  It occurs to me that could be a bad combination, but then it occurs to me that could be half a bad combination without the Dunlop.

Put 42 pounds in it and ride it like you stole it.  You'll be fine.

I have E3s (front and rear) on 3 of our Valkyries. I don't notice a problem with traction or handling unless I'm deliberately trying to induce one...

[Gilligan]

Gilligan, what's bringing you to Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, etc.?  And what's your route and schedule in the days before Banff?  I'm glad to see you're finally making the trip you planned a few years ago!
[/quote]

We have always wanted to go across Canada. Both of my grandmothers and one of my grandfathers were born in Canada. Our honeymoon in 1967 was in Alma, NB. We returned there on the Valk in 2005. Many from my family are buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetary in London, ON.

I'll e-mail our itinerary later. We'll try to meet you.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I hope you are joking about the E-3.  I just mounted one on the rear last weekend,
only about 100 miles on it so far. Didn't notice any real difference over the old style elite.

I don't want to be overly argumentative, but I'm quite fond of the E3's.  I would put them just a bit behind the Avons and I can comfortably scrape the footpegs on E3's.

We had some discussion on the board in the past and it appeared to me that almost everyone who complained about the performance of the E3 was running a car tire on the back.  It occurs to me that could be a bad combination, but then it occurs to me that could be half a bad combination without the Dunlop.

Put 42 pounds in it and ride it like you stole it.  You'll be fine.

I'll give you that I was running a car tire but still to have a tire slide out from under you in a curve not one but three times before I took it off sure will make you talk down the Dunflop brand.

[gregc]

  Wasn't real happy with the wear of the factory Dunlop, 4000 miles and both were shot. Replaced them with the elite, and loved them for the last 7000 miles. Punctured the rear and replaced it with the E-3.  But I by no means ride as hard as Smokin Joe.

[Bonzo]

New tires have some sort of fungacide or something on them. My mechanic always warns me to "Scuff them up first" when ever I change them.

[fudgie]

I was so excited to try out my car tire a few weeks ago that I forgot to take the sticker off the tread!  Not on there now after a few miles....

[sugerbear]

i've worn out an e3 with a car tire on back, twice, two different bikes. i like them too. that said, i'm trying an avon, just to say i did.
i guess it depends on how ya drive.

[fudgie]

Well, here it is, folks:



I had set up a slalom course for the new rider class I was teaching (first class of the season) and was testing the layout on a Yamaha XT 200.  I came around the turnaround corner and pushed it a little harder into the first gate (pair of cones) when the front tire let go at about 10 or 15 MPH, leaving the bike on its side and me on my stomach.  That was an excellent way to remind me that several bikes had been fitted with new rubber over the winter.  Sorry, guys, I didn't look at the brand name on the tire, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't an E3 or Cobra. 

I wonder why none of the students were going especially fast when it was their turn to ride? 

WAAAAAAAAAAA WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA WAAAAAAAAAAAA

Ouch that must have hurt for a few seconds!! Have mommy kiss it and put a SpongeBob bandaid over it.

Raymond

Hey whats wrong with Spongebob?!

[Strider]

Don't want to get into a tire argument - each his own, but I have run the original Dunlops (worst), the Avons, E-3's and Bridgestones.  I got the best mileage out of the E3's and never had a problem in twisties with them.  I like the Bridgestones, but get less mileage because they are really sticky.  Right now, I had a Bridgestone go out on me in Colorado, so I have a E3 on the front and a Bridgestone Battleaxe on the back (that I am changing out to another Battleaxe when I go to Hard 6' s next week).  All of the combinations I have run have been sweet and I have no complaints on any (since they are tires made for the Valkyrie).

Ok, for what it is worth - which ain't gonna be much:

Avons - Very nice, and I would like to get some reports on the new design.  No problems - still have a used Avon front in the garage that I changed before going west last year.  Rear tire wore uneven, but I had a blown bushing in one of my rear shocks that probably accounted for it.

Dunlop E-3 - Very nice - never had it try and come out from under me.  Only negative I can say about the E3 is it does produce a lot of road noise.  Best mileage I ever got on a tire.  Rear gave me an entire riding season - and that was back when my job allowed me to make most of the events.  Have one on the front right now.

Brisgestone Battleaxe - Hard6 swears by them.  The rear is wider and thinner than stock.  I have had problems with wear on the front ones (those were my first - switched back to the E3 when the tire went bad in Colorado last year).  I love the ride it gives and is cheaper than the E3 or Avon, but the drawback I have found is low mileage before change.  Another thing is that when you can see the wearbars, you better start looking for a new one.  Goes down really fast once you get near the bars.  Nice and sticky, but low mileage.

So, each tire has it's ups and downs I find.....I would not cut out any of the present tires for the Valkyrie.  All are good in their own way.  I have never had a tire come out from under me. Find the one you like - cause I have ridden all of them in wet, hot, cold, dry, & in between and all are good tires.  Find a set you like and, like Willow said, air it up (with a tad over) and ride it like you stole it!!!!

[BOOMR]

Just glad to hear you're alright! 

...BOOMR

[3fan4life]

I hope you are joking about the E-3.  I just mounted one on the rear last weekend,
only about 100 miles on it so far. Didn't notice any real difference over the old style elite.

I don't want to be overly argumentative, but I'm quite fond of the E3's.  I would put them just a bit behind the Avons and I can comfortably scrape the footpegs on E3's.

We had some discussion on the board in the past and it appeared to me that almost everyone who complained about the performance of the E3 was running a car tire on the back.  It occurs to me that could be a bad combination, but then it occurs to me that could be half a bad combination without the Dunlop.

Put 42 pounds in it and ride it like you stole it.  You'll be fine.

I'm glad to see your post Willow.

I just ordered an E3 for the rear of my VALK.

I'm replacing the second AVON that wore out prematurely (4-5k mi).

I love the grip and ride of the Avon's but I can't seem to get any mileage out of the rear tire.

The guy who runs the shop where I buy my tires says that the wear pattern looks like they've been underinflated to him.

That may have been true with the first one.

I was running 36psi.

On this last one I was running 46-48psi and it still wore out quickly.

I'm really hoping that the E3 gives me some serious mileage.   

[Big IV]

New tires are just to clean to run. Dirty them up a bit before getting down to the fun stuff on them.

[3fan4life]

I'll give you that I was running a car tire but still to have a tire slide out from under you in a curve not one but three times before I took it off sure will make you talk down the Dunflop brand.

Joe,

I want you to know that I value your oppinion greatly!

That said,

The E3 has to be a harder compound than most of the other tires.  Otherwise it wouldn't get the mileage that it does.

No-one and I mean NO-ONE rides a VALK harder in the twisties than you do. 

Chances are that you managed to push the E3 beyond its limitations.

I and most of the people that ride with me consider me to be an agressive rider.

Especially on a nice twisty mountain road.

But, I'm not in your league. 

I'll have an E3 on the rear this weekend.

Its replacing my second Avon, and if it turns out that it "sucks", I'll say so.

If it turns out that I don't like it or if I can't get some respectable mileage out of it either.

Then I may have to go Dark Side, but I'm just not ready to do that yet.   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I hope you are joking about the E-3.  I just mounted one on the rear last weekend,
only about 100 miles on it so far. Didn't notice any real difference over the old style elite.

I don't want to be overly argumentative, but I'm quite fond of the E3's.  I would put them just a bit behind the Avons and I can comfortably scrape the footpegs on E3's.

We had some discussion on the board in the past and it appeared to me that almost everyone who complained about the performance of the E3 was running a car tire on the back.  It occurs to me that could be a bad combination, but then it occurs to me that could be half a bad combination without the Dunlop.

Put 42 pounds in it and ride it like you stole it.  You'll be fine.

I'm glad to see your post Willow.

I just ordered an E3 for the rear of my VALK.

I'm replacing the second AVON that wore out prematurely (4-5k mi).

I love the grip and ride of the Avon's but I can't seem to get any mileage out of the rear tire.

The guy who runs the shop where I buy my tires says that the wear pattern looks like they've been underinflated to him.

That may have been true with the first one.

I was running 36psi.

On this last one I was running 46-48psi and it still wore out quickly.

I'm really hoping that the E3 gives me some serious mileage.   

One thing to keep in mind Fred is that Willow lives in Kansas and does'nt have the mountain twisties in his back door.Be careful with that tire and I'm bettin' you will wish you had never installed it. Just to be clear it was a front Dunflop that slid on me so I really can't comment on a rear E3 since I never had one     But if its the same as a front I'd be very careful layin' it into a good high speed sweeper or tight curve for that matter...Ride Safe 

[Rocketman]

Dunflop E-3 ???? Other than the Rivco center stand I don't think you could put anything more dangerous on a Valk.

Maybe I'm being daft, but:
what's wrong with the center stand?

Mark

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

Dunflop E-3 ???? Other than the Rivco center stand I don't think you could put anything more dangerous on a Valk.

Maybe I'm being daft, but:
what's wrong with the center stand?

Mark

Left turn's are killers with the Rivco center stand. It's hard parts hittin' the pavement with no give and that's a great way to get high-sided into the twight light zone.I had one on my bike about 10 miles and removed it before  it tried to hurt  me or worse     I've talked with other folks that have removed it for the same reason. Flat-landers seem to have no problems 

[RedValk]

i agree with Carl. I have been watching this thread. i WAS an Avon man. But BamaJack talked me into tyring th E3s....and...i have been very pleased. so much so, both Valks now have E3s front and back. i'm getting AMAZING mileage out of the E3s on MY Valk....like...i'm coming up on 22k miles on the REAR TIRE!!!!!!!!!!!  The ONLY thing i've noticed...is the front E3 with 22k...if finally doing some MILD cupping (run 42 rear, 40 front)....and that cupping i do believe...has caused the front end to get a mild wobble at certain speeds. I'm POSITIVE when i change tires (to a NEW SET OF E3s)...that wobble, will be history. it just recently started...and the front tire is on its last leg. But i'm talking 22k of GOOD riding miles. I think i have noticed a bit more road noise with em?

I'd put em' right up there with the Avons. I'm definitely going to run em' again for my next set of tires....

ahhh.......tires.............oil..............politics...............religion................always subjects that conjur up great debate and passion 

[DFragn]

I hope you are joking about the E-3.  I just mounted one on the rear last weekend,
only about 100 miles on it so far. Didn't notice any real difference over the old style elite.

I don't want to be overly argumentative, but I'm quite fond of the E3's.  I would put them just a bit behind the Avons and I can comfortably scrape the footpegs on E3's.

We had some discussion on the board in the past and it appeared to me that almost everyone who complained about the performance of the E3 was running a car tire on the back.  It occurs to me that could be a bad combination, but then it occurs to me that could be half a bad combination without the Dunlop.

Put 42 pounds in it and ride it like you stole it.  You'll be fine.

I have a CT (GoodYear TT Assurance) on the rear and have had no ill effects with the E3 up front. And, I don't, in all sensibility, consider myself a primadonna in the twisties. I do however dislike unloading the rear suspension with the centerstand arm. I won't give it up and pray I don't underestimate a left curve too badly. Da right hand ones - happy happy joy joy.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

i agree with Carl. I have been watching this thread. i WAS an Avon man. But BamaJack talked me into tyring th E3s....and...i have been very pleased. so much so, both Valks now have E3s front and back. i'm getting AMAZING mileage out of the E3s on MY Valk....like...i'm coming up on 22k miles on the REAR TIRE!!!!!!!!!!!  The ONLY thing i've noticed...is the front E3 with 22k...if finally doing some MILD cupping (run 42 rear, 40 front)....and that cupping i do believe...has caused the front end to get a mild wobble at certain speeds. I'm POSITIVE when i change tires (to a NEW SET OF E3s)...that wobble, will be history. it just recently started...and the front tire is on its last leg. But i'm talking 22k of GOOD riding miles. I think i have noticed a bit more road noise with em?

I'd put em' right up there with the Avons. I'm definitely going to run em' again for my next set of tires....

ahhh.......tires.............oil..............politics...............religion................always subjects that conjur up great debate and passion 

22K on any motorcycle tire is amazing I just get around 11,500 on a car tire. I think the best I've ever got with a motorcycle  tire is 9,000 plus on a rear and 10,000 plus on a front...Avon Venom R. I guess thats what makes the world go around as for me I would'nt run Dunflops on my bike if they gave them to me with free mounting.

[Madmike]

Dunflop E-3 ???? Other than the Rivco center stand I don't think you could put anything more dangerous on a Valk.

Maybe I'm being daft, but:
what's wrong with the center stand?

Mark

The rigid footpeg of the center stand touches down and consequently lifts the rear of the bike off the road when you lean the bike hard left.  I haven't looked at it to decide if this could be made "better" by hinging the "footpeg" on the stand or not.