tires for a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate

[brjanick]

HI,
    I am looking for some input on the right tires for a Valkyrie Interstate.  I bought a 1999 with 3,200 original miles on it . The tires had dry rot so I replaced them with a new set of Dunlop Elite 3s.  What a mistake. You have to steer the bike down the road. I have tried different tire pressures, but it is still not right.  If you let go of the handlebars at 60 mph you have to continually adjust your body weight to keep it on the road.  The bike was fine before I changed the tires. Driving the bike with these tires it seems like the bike will not track straight.  Any comments in regards to resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated..

[Joe Hummer]

If you are not looking to go to the darkside, give the Avon Cobras some consideration.  I have them on my 99 IS and love them.  The bike falls over in the corners and just wants to run hard...just like I like to ride.  I run my tires at 40 up front, 42 in back. 

Joe

[valkyriemc]

Check your steering head bearings for play, and rear shock bushings top and bottom for wear. E3's have had mixed reviews on Interstates over the years, and I know I've read posts exactly about this issue. Some have had no problems. You could prob search old posts maybe back into the old tech board? I'm concerned about it myself as I'm looking for tires for my 2K I/S later this year. Let us know what you find.

[Michvalk]

I used a set of E-3's on my 99 Interstate. They were OK, nothing special. Only got about 11,000 miles from the set. Went Darkside for the rear, but put an Avon Cobra on the front. I really like the Cobra front, the jury is still out on the darkside rear. I have about 5,000 miles on the cobra/darkside combo, and the cobra showes very little wear. I also am going to try Metzlers front and rear. Looking for a combo that gives good miles and ride myself. Not a real curve fanatic, but been known to ride the speed limit a time or two

[Ricky-D]

HI,
    I am looking for some input on the right tires for a Valkyrie Interstate.  I bought a 1999 with 3,200 original miles on it . The tires had dry rot so I replaced them with a new set of Dunlop Elite 3s.  What a mistake. You have to steer the bike down the road. I have tried different tire pressures, but it is still not right.  If you let go of the handlebars at 60 mph you have to continually adjust your body weight to keep it on the road.  The bike was fine before I changed the tires. Driving the bike with these tires it seems like the bike will not track straight.  Any comments in regards to resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated..

If you are trying to compare your past riding experiences with what you have now (Interstate), it is a no win situation.

Especially with an Interstate that has so much weight high up on the wheels and also hanging on the front end.

The tires you replaced were probably not worn enough to feel sloggy in the handling department so the difference the new tires will bring to handling may not be so apparent to you.

The new tires will definitely make the bike feel the lightest it can, and handling also will be the best it can. Turning will definitely feel easy and nimble with the new tires.

The Interstate is a big motorcycle and you are just experiencing the feel of such a big motorcycle.

I normally ride locally with about a half tank full of gasoline rather than a full tank to lessen the weight "topside" and make handling a little more easy!

***

[Red Diamond]

HI,
    I am looking for some input on the right tires for a Valkyrie Interstate.  I bought a 1999 with 3,200 original miles on it . The tires had dry rot so I replaced them with a new set of Dunlop Elite 3s.  What a mistake. You have to steer the bike down the road. I have tried different tire pressures, but it is still not right.  If you let go of the handlebars at 60 mph you have to continually adjust your body weight to keep it on the road.  The bike was fine before I changed the tires. Driving the bike with these tires it seems like the bike will not track straight.  Any comments in regards to resolving this issue would be greatly appreciated..

The advice I would give to you is, if you bought an I/S with 3200 miles on it I wouldn't tear into anything on that bike except carberators and that is only  if it is not running well. You bike is still new, somewhat. There would not be anything wrong with the steering head bearings or any other rotating equipment that would require removal or replacement. True, the Interstate is a heavy bike, but with a little time and practice, it handles as well or better than most other bikes its size. Give youself time to get a good feel of it and don't expect miracles on the no hands on the handle bar thing, it is safer with your hands on them.
Ride Safely and Good luck.

[longrider]

It is a new motorcycle.  Not likely to have any mechanical issues.  I've said this before,  these valks do not work well with the E3 on the front. and I personally wouldn't run on the back either.  Try the Avon Cobra and you will be happy.

warren

[old2soon]

My 99 i/s came with the elite-3 f and r. For lack of a better description-i was never comfortable with them. I'm in the process of d/s rear and a metz 880 front. I'll post later with some impressions and tire pressures. B T W everything they said about it is correct-she be a top heavy lady. Give her time-you'll grow to love her like all of us do. RIDE SAFE.

[sugerbear]

and.................i've had metz, avon, and e3 on.
like the e3 dislike the avon(toooooo noisey), and disliked the metz.

went darkside on both IS's can't wait for the avon to wear out so i can go back to the e3.

you'll get all answers. just gotta try them all your self and see.

don't knock the e3 after only a few miles.  if you haven't try 40 -42 lbs.

changing tires( even with the same brand) the bike will handle differently.