clarke

Well after alot of research. this is what I found for the rear (available in the UK): 170/70/16 = stock size Bridgestone Exedera G722 (stock) £134 Dunlop K555 £142 180/70/16 = 1 size up Metzeler ME 880 Marathon £140.34 Avon Cobra AV2 £134.34 Dunlop D206 £159 I'm running the stock front tyre until replacement. I've been told that the front Exedera is compatible with the Metzeler, however the tyre rep "couldn't recommend" putting a bigger size tyre on the stock rim due to changing the tyre profile... I know many have done this without issue so I'm not that worried about this. To be honest, I'm starting to think that I'm better off sticking to the stock size tyres. Whilst I have every confidence that the 180 will work fine, I'm convinced if I ever have an accident (regardless of fault) if the insurance company sees the 'wrong' size tyre on the bike they'll use it to worm out of paying up... I'm tempted to try out the Dunlop (assuming its compatible with the Exedera) to see if the extra £8 is worth it. I am also desperate to get it done as I haven't used the bike in about 2-3 weeks now Graham Oh, I managed to get the dealer to agree to fit the tyre at £30 which is the same as another garage rather than the £48 (£54 - 10%) they wanted to charge [1hr labour - that's right 1 hour labour to mount a tyre apparantly they need to remove the muffler which takes 1hr!?!?!] Phil, any news from Yamaha?

My Peugeot Ludix Blaster Scooter - apparantly the "fastest accelerating scooter" + boy could it shift off the mark - just a shame it wasn't a 125... First proper bike

Not according to the 1300 sites/links I posted. I believe when the US guys put a car tyre on they use a 205 size tyre... I'll be swapping the tyre in a few weeks time and let you know for sure

What made you decide to down size?

spoke to a tyre shop today - told me only bridgestones in the 'correct' size @ £140.34 with a £17-£25 fitting fee. However when asked about 180 size they said there's Dunlop D251 and D427 available however 427 out of stock and the 251 = £159.54. Asked about the Metzler & she said she had to Pirelli & get back to me. Left a message on my phone to say production is starting in 2 weeks (but didn't leave a price).

I would prefer to replace it, but any half decent shop will tell you if it is plug-able... If it isn't they will refuse to do it + if the shop refuses to do it then I guess you need new one.

Let us know what Yammy says... In my search for tyres that fit I came across this: http://vstar1300.pbworks.com/w/page/5760723/Tires#Tires Lists some compatible tyres including an Avon tyre...

My tyre 6780 miiles now at wear bar in centre tread. Will let you know which tyre I go for

Am sure no-one from the 1300 site will mind me posting this: Apparently car tyres go round corners well, you just need a bit more effort to turn it in!?!? As for the numbers of 1300s in the UK, I've seen a few at Squires (including Phils) but never out on the road. There's a few guys from the 'Yorkies' (Virago Star Owners Club centre 5) who have them (probably theirs at Squires), though I believe most are riding imported models as we don't get the tourer version as standard. I don't know if Yammy have picked awkward sizes for the 1300 on purpose or whether it is more standard with the wider 'Star' range in the US? Graham

Having looked at all the tyre sizes for the Venoms on Avons website they're all the wrong size Perhaps one day they'll see sense and make some correct size tyres??? Phil - do still have your number will text/email if I hear anything. Take it easy

Good to hear. Hope she enjoys the new bike

I know what you mean about car tyres on the bike, but there's a thread on a 1300 forum with over 1400 posts discussing this just on the 1300 and everyone who has gone 'darkside' seems happy... I guess if I was doing 12,000+ miles a year like some of these guys I might consider it, but given I only do around 3K on the 1300 a year its not much of an issue. I sure wish Avon would do the vemon for the 1300 with a tyre life like that! Phil, hope all is well. I've seen a picture recently of a 1300 with that horn - looked good. I put the Stebel Nautilus on mine which seems to get me noticed! I tend to ride 2 up on the 1300 about 90% of the time and am hoping the tyres will last me the rest of this season, though I may be optimistic about that. Am currently looking to have my front forks replaced under warranty as they've developed 'white webbing' under the lacquer - dealer says it shouldn't be a problem (once I convinced him the bike was still in warranty!) Will probably have the new ones powdercoated as he reckons stone chips will cause it to happen in the future anyway [not that I ride on gravel!] & none of my other bikes have ever developed it before. Will have to meet up sometime for a run out. You may wish to see THIS for a proposed 1300 meet in June - yet to be confirmed.

You'll need to do (& pay for?) the theory test seperately... my instructor told me to book the theory test myself whereas my mate's instructor made out they had to book it and charged him £20 extra. My instructor's prices included the practical test(s) but make sure you check as different instructors will break down their prices differently. You should also check insurance prices for the Vulcan 500 vs the 125s as it could add a lot of extra £££s Good luck with whatever you go for

Just re-read your 1st post, if I were doing a 40 mile commute on an A road, (as much as it pains me to say it) I would definitely pick the Shadow over the Dragstar.

I had the Yamaha XVS125 Dragstar and my brother had the Honda VT125 Shadow (which I used for over a year when he was abroad alternating between the two daily). If you're talking performance, the VT125 has more power than the XVS125 - my bike would never keep up with the Shadow and the engine on the Shadow handles the hills much better too. I'd also say the Shadow is much easier to manouver at low speeds. That said, I much preferred the looks of the Dragstar to the Shadow and couldn't fault my 125 Dragstar. Shadow Dragstar I did my test on a 125 and after a while got a bigger bike retricted to 33bhp until my license restriction was up. One good thing about going the 125 route is you get good experience of riding before the test and the experience before gaining the power of a bigger engine. Graham

Have a read of this: http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/Guides/motorcycleSuspensionSetup.htm appears informative. Maybe someone else can be more precise? If you live up north you can always check out alpha suspension for a personalised setup Graham

yep - that's the one good thing about it. The legend that is Frostbite has now done over 100,000 miles on his 1300, changed the drive belt at 87k. I think I'll follow his service schedule http://forums.delphiforums.com/n/main.asp?qu=100%2C000&find=Search&webtag=vstar1300&ctx=search&cl=729353&af=31&o=relevance&be=0

My brother recently bought a Kawasaki VN900 and its a nice bike, runs well and is very comfortable. I almost bought the Yammy XVS950 (but went for the 1300) - the 950 looks great and is also comfortable. This may be of interest to you: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/features/1008_crup_900cc_middleweight_cruiser_comparison/index.html ? There's also this video on youtube Also have a look here: http://forums.delphiforums.com/vstar950/start and here: http://www.yamahamotorcycleforum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33

Provided you remember to fill it up I've got a Scottoiler and it is great, but I also 'paint' their oil onto the chain after I've washed the bike for extra protection...

I'm certainly going up a size at next tyre change - can't help but think Yammy put an odd size tyre on the bike on purpose just like the belt size seems unique to the 1300; bet that'll cost a fortune to change and only be available direct from Yammy...

Maybe the Dunlop E3 may fare better in the reviews?? I heard some complain of cupping on the ME880, but I figured this was under inflated tyres...? Never heard of anyone complain of cracking side walls on the 1300Site

http://www.rsbikepaint.com/en/

That'll do me - getting them fitted tomorrow so should be back on the road soon [my 1300 is no good filtering through rush hour traffic]

I got this today, lucky me...!!! It is actually quite lucky as I was going to get new tyres yesterday but got delayed at work so missed the shop. Thinking of Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmarts, anyone had experience of those tyres?? = £190 for front and rear... Graham

Hi + welcome to the forum. I've scraped my floorboards twice since I've had it, both times on a roundabout. I'd probably scrape them more if I rode the bike more like my Fazer but I tend to take it easy in the bends (normally have the other half on the back of the 1300). I wouldn't worry about the floorboards as they've got a plate on them at the rear that you can replace when they wear down. Graham