Red Reynard

Hi, All, I'd be up for a potter out. The only drawback I have is being a troglodyte in the tourist industry means that I need plenty of notice to try to get a weekend off, especially during the high season. Apart from that - I'm game... Cheers Red

Yeah, I'm keen to replace both as soon as possible, Cynic. I realise that the Yam is VERY different to the big tourers I've had in the past; but surely not so different in stability. I generally replace tyres as a pair before they are u/s, too, unless one has suffered catastrophic damage early on - to me it just seems like common sense. Hopefully there are others out there who will chip in their tuppence worth, and I'll have a bit of a steer as to what to go with. Cheers, Cynic. Red

Hi, Cynic, thanks for replying. I thought about the spokes and headstock, both appear to be good. The bike is 2000 reg, and only done 8.5k; so the tyres are good - although I must admit I hadn't thought of checking the date stamp. I know the front needs changing in the next thousand or so miles, and the rear has a bit more on it. I'm trying to find out if this is a common issue with the K555s regardless of their age (before I fork out for another set), and whether there is a better alternative. I've spent hours trawling for information, but most of it seems to point to tubeless tyres (Michelin, Metzler, Pirelli, etc) for alloy wheels - although both the 1100 Custom, and Classic models come with spoked wheels. Cheers Red

Greetings all, from sunny Derbyshire, I look forward to chatting to you, and who knows possibly meeting up in the real world. I've just bought a XVS1100 Dragstar Custom after a long long time riding big tourers - blimey what a change 🤨 So, be prepared for me picking all of your brains as to best bits, bobs, and tinkering to carry out. Cheers all Keep it shiny side up Red

Hi, all, I have recently bought a XVS1100 Dragstar custom which has Dunlop K555s front and rear. The machine wriggles like a greased weasel when it encounters a joint or tar-snake on the road. I have upped the pressures to 40psi, resulting in only a mild improvement. I can't believe that this is the natural characteristic of the machine, nor has it ever been dropped of damaged - so it must be the tyres. So, over to you, my fellow XVS pilots - what would be your recommendation, and why. Your input would be gratefully received, and may well save me forking out for a different set of tyres that still don't do the job. Cheers for your time Red