Front tire is wear out, need new tire, Help

[oldman]

I have gone to the DS with a HydroEdge tire for the rear.   I like it so far.  But now my front tire, E-3, is nearing its end.   I would like to hear what you other DS's are running for a front tire.  I will be getting 12-13 K miles out of the E-3 so would like to get at least that kind of mileage out of a new tire.  I know some are using Non-radial rear tires.  Which ones?   How are they wearing. 

[timmer]

Have been running a Goodyear TA CT on the rear & a E3 on the front - should get 15K out of this E3. Ran E3s front and rear before the CT and got 16K out of that set - overall very happy with the E3s...........

TL

[Valker]

I run a Dunlop rear. I will check it to see what size and type after I get home. I like it better than any of the fronts I have run.

[MP]

Valker:
What size are you running?  Also, does it change the speedo much, and how does it look?  All I can seem to find are tires a little smaller than OEM in a bias rear to put on the front.

MP

[Valker]

I think this is the one and size I have: http://www.swmototires.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=121&category_id=80&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53
It has not noticeably affected the speedo reading.
According to the math (not actual measurements) the rear dunlop I showed above is 3mm shorter than the stock size. There are a little over 25 mm in an inch. So this translates to a little less than 1/8th inch shorter.

[Bob E.]

I think this is the one and size I have: http://www.swmototires.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=121&category_id=80&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53
It has not noticeably affected the speedo reading.
According to the math (not actual measurements) the rear dunlop I showed above is 3mm shorter than the stock size. There are a little over 25 mm in an inch. So this translates to a little less than 1/8th inch shorter.

Do you run it in the reverse direction??  $81 is a pretty nice price compared to nearly $200 for an E3 or Cobra.

[oldman]

Valker: How is the tire wearing? what kind of miles will you get out of it?  Any problems in handling?

I am concerned with handling as the HydroEdge likes to follow deep ruts (only bad thing I have found with DS tire) and don't want to increase the problem.

[Valker]

Valker: How is the tire wearing? what kind of miles will you get out of it?  Any problems in handling?

I am concerned with handling as the HydroEdge likes to follow deep ruts (only bad thing I have found with DS tire) and don't want to increase the problem.

Looks like it will never wear out. I have no idea how many miles I have on it now. I will probably replace it for dry rot before it wears out. I'm guessing I'll get over 40K, but that is just a guess. Handling with my HydroEdge got way better with this one. A little lower (26-28psi) on the HydroEdge might help also.

[oldman]

Valker, if I understand the sizes of tires.  The tire you put on is a 130/90-17, as apposed to the 150/80-17 that came with it. 

It is two sizes, 150 to 130, narrower and one size taller, 80-90.  is that correct??   If so then the tire is a bit narrower and a little taller.  If it is taller, even if its a just an 1/8", then it should make the speed-o-meter just a little closer to the correct speed,  RIGHT??

Right now, according to my air pressure gauge, I am running at 32 lbs.  Normally the bike is ridden two up, DW and I come in around 370 lbs plus gear (most of that weight is me).  I need to invest in a good gauge to check to see what pressure I am running (I did check with three local tire folks on how accurate my gauge was, Les Schwab showed it was 1 lbs high, Big O tires said it read 6 lbs high, and the other said 1-2 lbs high-so much for tire folks having accurate gauges).  I am getting use to the tire following ruts, and do pay more attention to the roads.  It moves, but not enough to make me want to go back to MC tire.

[Valker]

Valker, if I understand the sizes of tires.  The tire you put on is a 130/90-17, as apposed to the 150/80-17 that came with it.  

It is two sizes, 150 to 130, narrower and one size taller, 80-90.  is that correct??   If so then the tire is a bit narrower and a little taller.  If it is taller, even if its a just an 1/8", then it should make the speed-o-meter just a little closer to the correct speed,  RIGHT??

Right now, according to my air pressure gauge, I am running at 32 lbs.  Normally the bike is ridden two up, DW and I come in around 370 lbs plus gear (most of that weight is me).  I need to invest in a good gauge to check to see what pressure I am running (I did check with three local tire folks on how accurate my gauge was, Les Schwab showed it was 1 lbs high, Big O tires said it read 6 lbs high, and the other said 1-2 lbs high-so much for tire folks having accurate gauges).  I am getting use to the tire following ruts, and do pay more attention to the roads.  It moves, but not enough to make me want to go back to MC tire.

A couple of things. The 1 size or 2 size thing is inaccurate. The 130 is 20mm narrower than the 150. The 80 and 90 numbers are %. Multiply the first number by this % to get the height of the sidewall. The 130/90 is a touch shorter than the 150/80.(150X.8=120mm and 130X.9=117mm) It has not affected the speedometer error according to my GPS. Tire gauges which are digital TEND to be more accurate. You can ruin a pencil type gauge by pulling the stick out all the way once.

[oldman]

A couple of things. The 1 size or 2 size thing is inaccurate. The 130 is 20mm narrower than the 150. The 80 and 90 numbers are %. Multiply the first number by this % to get the height of the sidewall. The 130/90 is a touch shorter than the 150/80.(150X.8=120mm and 130X.9=117mm) It has not affected the speedometer error according to my GPS. Tire gauges which are digital TEND to be more accurate. You can ruin a pencil type gauge by pulling the stick out all the way once.

Valker, guess I forgot for a minute or two about the first series of numbers.  I always think of that number in sizes.  I knew the second number is the % of the width and height.  If I did the math correctly the 130 series is about 0.8 inches or a little more than 3/4 inch narrower than the 150 series.  Since I went bigger on the rear tire narrower on the front would  balance it our, Right       

I will see if I can pick up a digital tire guage as sort of a check on the pencil types I normally use.

[j2x]

I run a Kenda 150/70-17 Cruiser ST rear moto tire on the front of my Valkyrie.  Fits the stock wheel no prob.  Handles fantastic in the wet, or loose surfaces.  I've had it for over a year and a couple thousand miles so far and it doesn't seem to be wearing at all.  Should last forever (just like the Goodyear Assurance 205/60-16 CT on the back).

[Alpha Dragon]

I just ordered the tire Valker is using, from SW Mototires.  Will report back on my feelings.  Thanks Valker for the valuable info, it is nice not having to reinvent the wheel, (so to speak).

[Valker]

Welcome. Still like mine.

[Alpha Dragon]

I just ordered the tire Valker is using, from SW Mototires.  Will report back on my feelings.  Thanks Valker for the valuable info, it is nice not having to reinvent the wheel, (so to speak).

Well, just got it installed and took her for a spin.  Everything looks great, rides great, didn't bother to balance and no issues at 80 mph.  SW Mototires was great to deal with, fast shipping and decent price, $87.00.

I was a little surprised/concerned because this tire is slimmer than what was on my Valk, but after mounting it up and putting it on the bike, it looks like it was made for it. 

Of course, I mounted it backwards, so I now have a new rear CT, and a new front tire. Am good for the summer.

Even changed the braked pads on the front, and they really needed it.  Feels good to have the bike at 100%.  Thanks Valker for the suggestion.