I get my cookies this weekend - Thanks for the decision help!

Joe Licketto (of Madness Motorcycles in Elgin SC) is going to mount a Yokohama Touring S 205/70-15 on my VTX 1300C! (That's just a blatant plug for him and my bike.)

I REALLY appreciated all the information I've found here (including the links), the support and willingness to answer the questions you've probably answered ad nauseum, the PMs and emails. I had narrowed my decision down between the well-ridden HydroEdge and the Yokohama Touring tires. I went with the Yoko based on the slightly rounder edge and comments about not noticing the "tip point" as much as the HE and the fact that I trust Bassdude's opinion and he's riding one, plus it's the newer kid on the block and I like that as well...call it getting on the band wagon, but I think it'll work out.

Had to take the VTX in to get the front wheel bearing replaced. I finally disentigrated them after my last trip in the mountains. out of 12 bearings on the right side, five had completely disentigrated into dust. Joe said he'd never seen anything like it, but he also says he's never seen anyone ride a cruiser as hard and long as I do (I'm not big on taking breaks if I'm trying to get somewhere.) Figured while I was there I'd get the progressives springs and new steering/neck bearing put in and have the fork fluids totally replaced.

When we took a look at the back tire to check the wear I could see I am about half way into the warning strips so figured this was as good a time as ever to take the plunge. Besides, this way I'll have the "feel" for the tire, stiffer springs and such before our big trip north to the Northeast KY mountains and OH river valley later in August. That should be a REAL test under just about all conditions in a weeks span. LOTs of twisties, two LONG (500 mile) interstate stretches to get there and back, plus the day rides with the wife on the back seeing scenery, covered bridges and the like.

I'm insisting on the Dyna Beads being put in this time. I really hate the look of those weights and I'm not to sure they don't "change" as the tire wears anyway...especially up front.

With the new bearings in the front and top, the new springs, the totally new rear tire, new brake pads and rear bushings (the last two I'm doing myself) I'm not sure WHAT I'll notice first or most or even what I could attribute any different "feel" toward! But all of it together SHOULD make it feel like I'm riding a completely different bike. So I'll probably back off my usual balls to the wall riding. I'm not a quick start/fast stop guy, but I run hard, fast and long in between, especially when I'm by myself.

It's a 35 mile country road home from Joe's shop, so I figure I'll just mosey her along with a few curves here and there to get the initial wear in and then my work commutes the following week. That should give me the 100-200 mile break in you guys all warn about. He said he should be done with everything by Friday night or Saturday befor noon. So I'll make postings here (and on the VTX Cafe forum) in the following week to give my initial impressions. I'll try to keep the new braking feel you guys mentioned in mind as well.

Thanks again to everyone, especially the "old timers" who started all this here and showing you are still willing to explain and help out the FNGs.

Can't wait to have you on the darkside! You are going to love it. Just remember.....air pressure makes all the difference in the world to how it handles. There is also from some people a mental block when they first ride the darkside.



Congrats.....................bobby

Congrats! Can't wait to hear the report.

Congrats, look forward to hearin your review. Your riding experience will be enhanced big time !!! Just take your time and get use to the new feel, and the next thing you know, you'll be helping others out with tricks and valuable info. Best of luck to you, and welcome to the DarkSide !!!!

Congrats!
Play with your pressures, I'd suggest starting at 38psi and dropping 2psi at a time.
You might have to go up and down a few times to find your sweet spot.
I settled on 35psi after about a week of playing with them.

Congrats ! like said above, pressure is the key to happiness.
We love pic's.
Have safe(r) rides.