I just installed a Bridgestone Battlax BT016 160/60-17 rear tire on the front of my Valkyrie
I took it easy for the first leg to just before the “Junction” then I got up on top of the bars with my elbows out and started to ride like I had a “set”! I have to say wrinkles and all the mighty Battlax stock like bubble gum after a week on the sidewalk! I was even dragging my fog lights mounts, and the lights themselves!, that I mounted under the engine guards!
Even after the bead was set and the tire aired to 42 lbs the outer edge of the tread retained a series of wrinkles. Neither of us can explain this. We thought it was because the tire was too wide. That couldn’t be since I have seen bikes with rear tires three sizes wider than stock that didn’t wrinkle like this. Any thoughts?
My buddies Aaron and Dennis just using their hands and one knee and a lot of tire goop to finally get an air seal.
We tried the old ratchet strap trick
Now between myself and my two friends Aaron and Dennis we had never experienced a tire bead wrinkle up like this one and we've been around. Of coarse we had never attempted to mount a rear tire on a front wheel either.
Installed Champion hardbags I scored off craigslist for $200 shipped to my door! Also installed car tire on the back. SICK!
Just bought this 03/28/09. This is gonna be fun!
I owned this beast for a while. It ripped but only went bout 60 miles per tank so I had to let it go.
July 1, 2003 an idiot in a mini-van tried to kill me!
-both bones in my lower leg were shattered beyond repair = 5-1/2 months in a cast
Aug. 7, 2003 - One of the most moving experiences of my life occurred when I found out that Marine Tactical Air Squadron 38 in Kuwait had flown an American flag over their base and wanted to send it to me! I now have that flag and a certificate signed by the Commanding Officer. I've placed the flag in a shadow box and will cherish it the rest of my life.