First new set of Tires

This is for general posts and questions concerning only the Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager 1700 V-Twin.

Moderators: the2knights, Highway Rider

Post Reply
User avatar
Steverides5
Traveler
Traveler
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue Aug 15, 2017 10:39 pm
7
Current bike(s): 2017 Voyager 1700
1993 FLHTC Electra Glide Classic
1967 R69S BMW
1982 Honda CB900C
1995 KTM 400 LC4
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 6 times

First new set of Tires

Post by Steverides5 »

Hey everyone, My 2017 1700 has 6300 miles now and the original Bridgestone tires are both showing serious flat spots. I’m not too disappointed in the rear tire but the front to be ready to be changed already surprises me. They handle well but longevity is pretty poor in my opinion. Granted they may have been a soft compound and I ride almost all the time with my wife on the back and extra supplies in the luggage. I have seen Don’s article regarding the Dunlop Touring Elite tires. I have also owned a 93 HD Electra Glide Classic since it was new and always returned to Original Dunlop tires because they were good performers.

All that said my local dealer is recommending Shinko tires for the price point and good wear.Ive never heard of them.

Looking for expierienced suggestions. This bike is heavier than my HD but would love to know what you guys have used.

Thanks to all. Steve Gallagher

Hope everyone going to Kerrville has a great time and fair weather!
Having fun whenever possible is never overrated!
cushman eagle
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 1982
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:08 pm
13
Current bike(s): '99 Kawasaki Voyager 1200
1958 Cushman Eagle restoration has been finished,and have put 3030 miles on her!
Location: Orrville,Ohio
Has liked: 852 times
Been liked: 290 times

Re: First new set of Tires

Post by cushman eagle »

Back in my GS1100GK Suzuki days I ran Shinko tires and rarely got over 8500 miles on them.I get at least 15,000 on my Dunlops on my VXII,as high as 25,000. :thmup:
The handling of the Shinkos was fine but the millage was not good compared to the Dunlops,however I did not know any better back then. :thk:
Of coarse I did not know that replacing the stator and regulator/rectifier every 15,000 miles was not a normal part of motorcycling either. :gig:
'99 Voyager VXII,'58 Cushman Eagle
User avatar
HMB Don
Past Board Member
Past Board Member
Posts: 757
Joined: Thu Apr 10, 2008 1:44 am
16
Current bike(s): 2012 Voyager 1700
Location: Wilmington, NC
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 82 times

Re: First new set of Tires

Post by HMB Don »

Dunlop American Elite both front and rear. The rear you'll have to use a 180 size, that its not a problem I've been using that size for almost 100,000 miles.

With the weight of the motorcycle, the Dunlop American Elite will make your 1700 run down the road straight and true. Yes without a lot of steering input. The next best tire for the 1700 is the Michelin Commander II, only thing I noticed when I had them mounted on my Voyager 1700 was the sideways were a little softer, which made the 1700 wonder just a bit.

If price is something you're thinking about go with the Michelin Commander II.
Don Medina
NorCal Voyagers Club


2012 Voyager 1700
User avatar
Steverides5
Traveler
Traveler
Posts: 142
Joined: Tue Aug 15, 2017 10:39 pm
7
Current bike(s): 2017 Voyager 1700
1993 FLHTC Electra Glide Classic
1967 R69S BMW
1982 Honda CB900C
1995 KTM 400 LC4
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 6 times

Re: First new set of Tires

Post by Steverides5 »

Thanks Don, price not a problem after all your life is much more important.
Having fun whenever possible is never overrated!
User avatar
Mr Jensee
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 1987
Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 5:55 pm
15
Current bike(s): Phone 337-781-8158
Home Phone disconnected.
Previous bikes. Yamaha 180, Honda CM200T, Suzuki 1000LNKawasaki ZRX1100.
Location: Lafayette, La
Has liked: 0
Been liked: 9 times

Re: First new set of Tires

Post by Mr Jensee »

cushman eagle wrote:Back in my GS1100GK Suzuki days I ran Shinko tires and rarely got over 8500 miles on them.I get at least 15,000 on my Dunlops on my VXII,as high as 25,000. :thmup:
The handling of the Shinkos was fine but the millage was not good compared to the Dunlops,however I did not know any better back then. :thk:
Of coarse I did not know that replacing the stator and regulator/rectifier every 15,000 miles was not a normal part of motorcycling either. :gig:

Curious. I ran Shinko's too on my 79 GS 1000LN back in the day. I was pretty broke back then so money was more important than quality.
For Voyager XII Manuals click the link below.
https://1drv.ms/f/s!Ao3K0Ai2gvglgS3l7J4pBJrjfBhc
cushman eagle
King of the Road
King of the Road
Posts: 1982
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2011 10:08 pm
13
Current bike(s): '99 Kawasaki Voyager 1200
1958 Cushman Eagle restoration has been finished,and have put 3030 miles on her!
Location: Orrville,Ohio
Has liked: 852 times
Been liked: 290 times

Re: First new set of Tires

Post by cushman eagle »

Mr Jensee wrote:
cushman eagle wrote:Back in my GS1100GK Suzuki days I ran Shinko tires and rarely got over 8500 miles on them.I get at least 15,000 on my Dunlops on my VXII,as high as 25,000. :thmup:
The handling of the Shinkos was fine but the millage was not good compared to the Dunlops,however I did not know any better back then. :thk:
Of coarse I did not know that replacing the stator and regulator/rectifier every 15,000 miles was not a normal part of motorcycling either. :gig:

Curious. I ran Shinko's too on my 79 GS 1000LN back in the day. I was pretty broke back then so money was more important than quality.
Mr,Jensee,I hear you on the broke part,back in the day :corn:
'99 Voyager VXII,'58 Cushman Eagle
Post Reply

Return to “General - Voyager 1700 V-Twin”