Any one know where I can get hold of rear tyre for VTX 1300S

[Daveuk]

Been off the road for over 3 weeks having found a split in tyre at the base of tread offside of centre, between points where pattern deviates. Tried numerous sources throughout uk without success. Have been running the tyres at 36/40 due to 2 up riding and laden. Don't know whether this has contributed to tyre failure. No response to e-mail to Dunlop and Honda UK. Also Dunlop site previously gave a recommended alternative of the D404 with higher tyre pressures. I see from their web site that has disappeared and the K555J is the only tyre specified and the 33/36 pressures. The reason I,ve been told by a mechanic is that the K555J has a higher speed rating. Presumably no's of VTX 1300S retro's in uk is only small and with the lack of support in this country seriously considering trading it in.

[rhodesian rebel]

Hi dave

If all fails I would have one shipped from USA - as long as your willing to pay a small import fee. Only a suggestion. Hope you can find one.

[rhodesian rebel]

Hi dave

Me again, if you decide to go with the same rear tyre again - no problems with mine so far -try this page

www.tyresalesuk.co.uk/category.asp?catcode=162 (http://www.tyresalesuk.co.uk/category.asp?catcode=162)

Hope this may be helpful.

[Daveuk]

I did try them last week and they were very helpful but they were able to confirm no more available. They did say that some people were orering the Metzeler tyre which is meant for the alloy wheel and required a high quality heavy duty inner tube, but I did not like the idea of a mismatch with the Dunlop front. I have e-mailed Metzeler about the suitability of tyres but still have received no response. I have also tried taking it up with Dunlop USA, but they are always out of the office.
I did manage to get through to Dunlop UK tech support yesterday and apparently no more are expected for another month from Monaco !!!!!!!!. I managed to get a direct dial number to their motorsports road department and they promised they would get their motorcycle expert to ring back, but nothing happened. I am still awaiting response from an e-mail that I sent to them and Honda UK. I also spoke to Honda reps. at Beaulieu Motorcycle World Show last week end and gave them my details so they could enquire further, but no information forthcoming as yet. I did speak to Honda UK customer service about applying corporate pressure on Dunlop but they say it is down to the individual.
I rang Honda Directline in Florida last night and confirmed they had them in stock and I have placed an order for a tyre and inner tube. I'm still keeping the other tyre on back order so that if and when it turns up there should be a tyre available in case anything happens.
For information, the USA Dunlop website previously showed the K555J as original equipment and recommended a D404 tyre for the rear with slightly different tyre pressures 36/40 for two up riding. I notice that their site has withdrawn it and only shows the K555J with the 33/36 tyre pressures. as reccomended by Honda.
Apparently the only D404 rear tyre for the UK market is rated for 112 mph and not the 130 mph 'H' rated K555J tyre.
I have been running the higher pressures, 36/40, as discussed frequently on the main VTXOA 1300 page as I mostly ride 2 up and not exactly lightweights. For information, it was only a case of sticking my fingers in the tread pattern that I discovered a split in the base of one line of tread, offside of centre along one length of tread between the points it deviates at either end. It was wide enough for my fingertips to go into. I am concerned that it may be a tyre failure possibly due to over-inflation on some of our bumpy/poorly maintained roads, and in particular during the 'gally baggers rally' on the Isle of Wight last month. The only disadvantage of a sidestand and heavily shrouded rear tyre is being able to spot such defects. I'm only glad I found it before anything happened. To say I'm disappointed at the lack of support in the UK for this model is an understatement. When ever I enquire about parts, the usual response seems to be, 'It's an import isn't it ?'. I don't know what your experience has been like but I know a lot of people have been put off it by such experiences. Best regards.