Winter maintenance and front tire recommendations

[Hyde]

Hey guys, getting ready do some winter maintenance on my big white girl. She's fairly new to me, I put about 4,000 miles on her this season, only 16000 total and its her first winter with me.

I plan on pulling the rear end apart and cleaning and greasing the splines, the previous owner seemed really good with maintenance but I'm going to do it just for peace of mind.

Oil change obviously, what other regular maintenance would you guys recommend while shes down for snow season?

Also due for a new front tire, currently running a Metzler 880 up front, it handled fine but I dont think it had many miles when I got it and its done for now. Ive been recommended an Avon Cobra up front. Running a ATT out back so it should be ok for a while longer

[George B]

I did the same thing. Mine has 64k, but was well maintained. At 16, yours is just broke in. I pulled my final drive and re-greased the drive shaft. I also drained and refilled the final with synthetic. Changed the oil, and checked the new timing belt tension and I am good to go. I have a hack so i take it out in the cold every week or so. I would recommend filling the tank with no-ethanol gas and add Stabil marine fuel additive. Running it up to operating temperature once and a while will get fuel through the carbs and help keep the jets clean. 

[Hyde]

I had it filled and with stabil but I couldnt help taking it out on one of our last nice days, forgot to top it back off thanks for the reminder!

[..]

Brakes, clutch, radiator. Once done you know when to do them again.

Front tire - Shinko Journey. Used Shinko for over 100,000 miles.

[..]

https://www.ridersdomain.com/motorcycle-tires/myers-90%C2%B0-tubeless-chrome-valve-stem-p

[Gideon]

https://www.ridersdomain.com/motorcycle-tires/myers-90%C2%B0-tubeless-chrome-valve-stem-p

This valve stem is the best 

[Hyde]

Thanks for the input guys, bike has had a lot done already. Valve stems, de-smogged, I replaced the fuel tube o-rings this summer, petcock.

Britman what style of rider are you? I've run Shinkos a lot on my old wing and love how soft they are on the lighter bike just havent managed great life from them. I do a lot of all kinds of miles including hard riding in the twisties. I know its hard to get a tire thats good for everything but would like to get a season out of a front. Only had the bike for a month or two of our riding season this year but hoping to ride at least 10k next year.

[..]

Thanks for the input guys, bike has had a lot done already. Valve stems, de-smogged, I replaced the fuel tube o-rings this summer, petcock.

Britman what style of rider are you? I've run Shinkos a lot on my old wing and love how soft they are on the lighter bike just havent managed great life from them. I do a lot of all kinds of miles including hard riding in the twisties. I know its hard to get a tire thats good for everything but would like to get a season out of a front. Only had the bike for a month or two of our riding season this year but hoping to ride at least 10k next year.

r


Zip zap zoom and a bad habit of late braking.

[Hyde]

Zip zap zoom and a bad habit of late braking.

Thats what I like to hear 

[..]

Zip zap zoom and a bad habit of late braking.

Thats what I like to hear 

Mid 8,000 miles on the  Valkyrie front.

[Harryc]

Ive been recommended an Avon Cobra up front.

No argument here. 13k on my Avon Cobra front and it still has some tread left. I have another ready to go on. Handles well under all conditions.  Running a Laufenn G FIT AS SL rear car tire. So far it is great.

[Kunkies]

Agree with Harry.  I've had just about every tire on my Valk' and the Avon Cobra's are hands down the best overall; wear, grip, rain dissipation, & accordingly confidence.  Just keep a watchful eye on tire pressure.  Recommend 42 - 44 psi.