Gonna try something a bit different

[Momz]

For the past eight years (post surgery), I've been very weak due to extreme muscle loss and other neuromuscular issues. That has kept me from enjoying my 2K I/S.

I always felt it to be clumsy at very low speeds and especially after "going to the Darkside". The CT has it's merits and I think if I were stronger that I'd stay with the CT for touring purposes (highway riding), but I am not physically able to ride as I have in my younger days.

After long and extensive research I have decided to try using "Sport Touring tires" on my I/S. The front is extremely different from what most Valkyrie owners are currently using, but I'm not typical. I had a set of Continental "Motion" mounted to an extra set of wheels that I had. The tires were purchased through "Iron Pony" for $199.00 a set (cheap!).

I polished the wheels, added 90 degree "patch boy" schrader valves, Dyna beads, and then painted the cut outs in satin black. I'm also replacing all of the axle and fender hardware with SS fasteners.



The weight of the Conti tires is so much less than the Avon tires. That will reduce the unsprung weight, resulting in better suspension compliance and reduced steering effort at low speeds. The narrower tire has far less rolling resistance, and that will aid in parking and moving within my garage.

I know that some may think that these tires (sizes) might look a bit odd, but I believe that the reduction in steering effort and lower rolling resistance will far outweigh any negative aspects. If I'm right then I will be riding my (3) Valkyries a lot longer.
 

[The emperor has no clothes]

What are the sizes ?

[jdp]

That's a good move, I don't know how you handled that bike with a car tire anyway, I think it's really cool that some can but I've tried them all and the slow speed handling wasn't for me, good luck and enjoy

[Momz]

What are the sizes ?

Conti Motion

front 120/60 ZR 17

rear  180/60 ZR 16

[cookiedough]

let us know how the skinnier and not as tall tires go for you in terms of handling.

I'd stick with OEM though for maybe larger carrying capacity for such a heavy bike. 

Car tires are great for better braking and longevity, but not so sure the handling is any better, especially at low speeds.  I'd like to give a car tire a try, but doubt it would be for me. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

No problems getting the front seated ? Looking forward to your evaluation of them.

[PAVALKER]

That's a good move, I don't know how you handled that bike with a car tire anyway, I think it's really cool that some can but I've tried them all and the slow speed handling wasn't for me, good luck and enjoy

Thread theft is not my intention here....but if you have not tried the  Austone Taxi Tire, you should.  I kinda think it has better slow speed handling than a MC tire. 

We return you to your normal post browsing.

Momz ....anxious to hear how those tires work out for ya. Keep us posted.

[Momz]

let us know how the skinnier and not as tall tires go for you in terms of handling.

I'd stick with OEM though for maybe larger carrying capacity for such a heavy bike. 

Car tires are great for better braking and longevity, but not so sure the handling is any better, especially at low speeds.  I'd like to give a car tire a try, but doubt it would be for me. 

The load rating is B, same as most OEM sizes.
As I reported, they are Sport Touring Radials, so I would believe that their handling should be Good-N-Sticky.

Car tires are superior in wet braking and I've done my share of riding in the rain. However any good tire is better in the wet than a worn tire, and I don't ever want a worn tire on my bike. 

[Rams]

....but if you have not tried the  Austone Taxi Tire, you should.  I kinda think it has better slow speed handling than a MC tire. 

What he said.