prepping bike for Inzane, have a couple of questions

[Alien]

Hi All,

I'm prepping the Mothership for the trip from Los Angeles to Inzane, then to Baton Rouge and back home this June.  All of the general maintenance is done, with the exception of an oil change and final drive service which I will do when I get new tires in May.

Questions:

1.  Grips - I had a minor accident a couple years ago and snapped off the chrome end cap on the throttle grip (snapped the female threads on the throttle sleeve.  Do Kury ISo grips use the female threads in the throttle sleeve?  Also, most places that I've looked have multiple part numbers for Kury ISO grips for the Valk.  (The Mothership is a 1998 Standard)  What gives?  Does anyone have the correct part number?

2.  Tires - I plan on replacing my tires before the trip.  I've been running Avon cobras for the past 5 years and I've been very happy with them, however, I've been thinking of going with a car tire this time around and a fresh Cobra up front.  What seems to be the CT of choice these days?  I've searched and there are a LOT of CT threads with contradicting information.  Also, I'm tired of paying to have tires mounted only to have to properly seat the front axle and torque down the caps myself anyway.  What apparatus do you recommend for mounting my own tires?  Lastly, are balancing beads effective in a car tire?

3.  Fender - Lastly does ANYONE have a line on a front fender in my paint color? (Blue/cream pic below)  I've been posting in the classifieds here and searching ebay daily for almost two years with zero luck.

Many thanks for your assistance,

Ride Safe,

Alien

[big poppa pump]

1.  Grips - I had a minor accident a couple years ago and snapped off the chrome end cap on the throttle grip (snapped the female threads on the throttle sleeve.  Do Kury ISo grips use the female threads in the throttle sleeve?  Also, most places that I've looked have multiple part numbers for Kury ISO grips for the Valk.  (The Mothership is a 1998 Standard)  What gives?  Does anyone have the correct part number?

Kuryakyn 6190

2.  Tires - I plan on replacing my tires before the trip.  I've been running Avon cobras for the past 5 years and I've been very happy with them, however, I've been thinking of going with a car tire this time around and a fresh Cobra up front.  What seems to be the CT of choice these days?  I've searched and there are a LOT of CT threads with contradicting information.  Also, I'm tired of paying to have tires mounted only to have to properly seat the front axle and torque down the caps myself anyway.  What apparatus do you recommend for mounting my own tires?  Lastly, are balancing beads effective in a car tire?

I am running a Vrederstein Sportrac 3 205/55 CT on the rear with a Avon Cobra up front on my yellow tourer. The Yokohama Avid Envigor 205/60 is a good CT that a lot of Valk riders are using and are very happy with it. 3 Oz beads in the rear tire.

[Rams]

Will only address the darkside issue.

If you want a CT that handles like a motorcycle tires and get slightly reduced rpm and highway speeds, consider the Austone Taxi Tire.    I did a lot of asking questions and research before I went darkside and I'm very happy with the decision.    Took me all of 5 minutes to adjust and that's probably because it was the first time I ever went darkside.

[Willow]

Throttle side Kury grips come with a sleeve.  That's my memory and I've put Kury grips on at least five bikes.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Tires ? You are going to get bunches of recommendations. I'm running a Yokohama 195/60 and a Michelin Activ rear up front. If I remember your bike is purple, I think you are going to have to find another fender and have it painted. I've only seen one purple in person.

[old2soon]

Austone Taxi Tire. My 4th D/S choice if I'm rekemebering correctly AND the best to this point in time. I've had Shinko's on the front for a few years now-ZERO problems. Quite a few posts in tech on tire changing techniques. And I'm on an I/S. otta look t my records but I know I'm over 12-13000 miles on the A T T and the Shinko and I'm running the same tires I did last year as they both have a LOT of meat left on them.  RIDE SAFE.

[Alien]

1.  Grips - I had a minor accident a couple years ago and snapped off the chrome end cap on the throttle grip (snapped the female threads on the throttle sleeve.  Do Kury ISo grips use the female threads in the throttle sleeve?  Also, most places that I've looked have multiple part numbers for Kury ISO grips for the Valk.  (The Mothership is a 1998 Standard)  What gives?  Does anyone have the correct part number?

Kuryakyn 6190

2.  Tires - I plan on replacing my tires before the trip.  I've been running Avon cobras for the past 5 years and I've been very happy with them, however, I've been thinking of going with a car tire this time around and a fresh Cobra up front.  What seems to be the CT of choice these days?  I've searched and there are a LOT of CT threads with contradicting information.  Also, I'm tired of paying to have tires mounted only to have to properly seat the front axle and torque down the caps myself anyway.  What apparatus do you recommend for mounting my own tires?  Lastly, are balancing beads effective in a car tire?

I am running a Vrederstein Sportrac 3 205/55 CT on the rear with a Avon Cobra up front on my yellow tourer. The Yokohama Avid Envigor 205/60 is a good CT that a lot of Valk riders are using and are very happy with it. 3 Oz beads in the rear tire.

Thanks for the info, grips and beads ordered!

[Alien]

Throttle side Kury grips come with a sleeve.  That's my memory and I've put Kury grips on at least five bikes.

Cool, thanks!

[Alien]

Tires ? You are going to get bunches of recommendations. I'm running a Yokohama 195/60 and a Michelin Activ rear up front. If I remember your bike is purple, I think you are going to have to find another fender and have it painted. I've only seen one purple in person.

It's blue/beige.  I added a pic to my original post.

[Alien]

Austone Taxi Tire. My 4th D/S choice if I'm rekemebering correctly AND the best to this point in time. I've had Shinko's on the front for a few years now-ZERO problems. Quite a few posts in tech on tire changing techniques. And I'm on an I/S. otta look t my records but I know I'm over 12-13000 miles on the A T T and the Shinko and I'm running the same tires I did last year as they both have a LOT of meat left on them.  RIDE SAFE.

The taxi tire is definitely an option.  To tell the truth, I don't really like how narrow it looks.  Yes, I know that looks are a stupid reason to do or not do anything.  I am seriously considering it though.

[old2soon]

Austone Taxi Tire. My 4th D/S choice if I'm rekemebering correctly AND the best to this point in time. I've had Shinko's on the front for a few years now-ZERO problems. Quite a few posts in tech on tire changing techniques. And I'm on an I/S. otta look t my records but I know I'm over 12-13000 miles on the A T T and the Shinko and I'm running the same tires I did last year as they both have a LOT of meat left on them.  RIDE SAFE.

The taxi tire is definitely an option.  To tell the truth, I don't really like how narrow it looks.  Yes, I know that looks are a stupid reason to do or not do anything.  I am seriously considering it though.

            MORE footprint then a M/C tire and I tested it in a toad drowner frog and cow floater of a rain storm. And s others have stated-handles more like a M/C tire. RIDE SAFE.

[Oss]

  another alternative is the Bridgestone Exedra in 200-60 a motorcycle tire that sticks really well and gives you more contact with the pavement

Think I paid 142 for it on sale, look to get 12000 out of it if you keep pressure at 44

I have run it  well over 80mph in the heavy rain on interstate highways and 2 lanes with no problem with grip  I am a conservative rider in the mountains though (chicken)

That said NOTHING will grip in the rain like a car tire

I have a taxi tire in the garage for when this rear E3 finally wears out and will use it on my next cross country adventure

[The emperor has no clothes]

 another alternative is the Bridgestone Exedra in 200-60 a motorcycle tire that sticks really well and gives you more contact with the pavement

Think I paid 142 for it on sale, look to get 12000 out of it if you keep pressure at 44

I have run it  well over 80mph in the heavy rain on interstate highways and 2 lanes with no problem with grip  I am a conservative rider in the mountains though (chicken)

That said NOTHING will grip in the rain like a car tire

I have a taxi tire in the garage for when this crappy E3 finally wears out and will use it on my next cross country adventure

It's not too good with furry animals though 

[Willow]

 another alternative is the Bridgestone Exedra in 200-60 a motorcycle tire that sticks really well and gives you more contact with the pavement

Think I paid 142 for it on sale, look to get 12000 out of it if you keep pressure at 44

I have run it  well over 80mph in the heavy rain on interstate highways and 2 lanes with no problem with grip  I am a conservative rider in the mountains though (chicken)

That said NOTHING will grip in the rain like a car tire

I have a taxi tire in the garage for when this crappy E3 finally wears out and will use it on my next cross country adventure

It's not too good with furry animals though 

Honestly, mhead, that shouldn't be a problem.  My policy is to never let furry animals ride my bike, at least on the front seat.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

 another alternative is the Bridgestone Exedra in 200-60 a motorcycle tire that sticks really well and gives you more contact with the pavement

Think I paid 142 for it on sale, look to get 12000 out of it if you keep pressure at 44

I have run it  well over 80mph in the heavy rain on interstate highways and 2 lanes with no problem with grip  I am a conservative rider in the mountains though (chicken)

That said NOTHING will grip in the rain like a car tire

I have a taxi tire in the garage for when this crappy E3 finally wears out and will use it on my next cross country adventure

It's not too good with furry animals though 

Honestly, mhead, that shouldn't be a problem.  My policy is to never let furry animals ride my bike, at least on the front seat.   

You are right again Willow, the fur should always be in the back. 

[Wizzard]

you guys like fur???

[The emperor has no clothes]

you guys like fur???

Doesn't everyone ? 

[Hook#3287]

Fur?  Can you say highjacked

The ATT is a great tire that will give you 30K plus, with little learning curve.

I'm lucky to have more than one Valk and have an ATT on my two-up daily rider. 

When I get back on a M/T, there is a difference.

I've found the M/T handles better, but also wanders more.

The ATT definitely handles different, but it's not a "bad" different.

I feel that what little you lose in handling with the ATT, you MORE than gain in stability, longevity, and value.

[DarkSideR]

If you want something on the back that is more meaty let me suggest the tire I am running, the Hankook Optima H426 205/65. It has a rounded profile and handles great.

I was right were you are. I was hearing good things about the Austone but couldn't get past the looks.

FYI - a 205/60 is closest size to stock. I went with a larger 205/65 to bring the RPM's down at highway speeds. Just something for you to consider.

Good luck.

[Hook#3287]

If you want something on the back that is more meaty let me suggest the tire I am running, the Hankook Optima H426 205/65. It has a rounded profile and handles great.

I was right were you are. I was hearing good things about the Austone but couldn't get past the looks.

FYI - a 205/60 is closest size to stock. I went with a larger 205/65 to bring the RPM's down at highway speeds. Just something for you to consider.

Good luck.

That's a good looking tire, might have to give it a closer look see when the time comes. 

[NewValker]

I ran that Hankook on my VTX, loved it!
Craig

[fudgie]

you guys like fur???

Doesn't everyone ? 

No 

[fudgie]

Throttle side Kury grips come with a sleeve.  That's my memory and I've put Kury grips on at least five bikes.

When I put my kurys on I used the oem sleeve. Mine didn't come with one. That was over 10 yrs ago tho.

[Willow]

Throttle side Kury grips come with a sleeve.  That's my memory and I've put Kury grips on at least five bikes.

When I put my kurys on I used the oem sleeve. Mine didn't come with one. That was over 10 yrs ago tho.

You certainly may be right.  My memory doesn't work as well as it could. 

Alien, don't trust my memory.