Tire Replacement ?? - Harley Forum

twitch54 · #1 06-17-2009, 05:31 PM

When the time comes I have heard good things about Continental tires as oppossed to the stock HD Dunlops for my FLHX.

Any feelings out there good or bad ??

Hammerhead Pat · #2 06-17-2009, 05:41 PM

I don't have anything pro or con about Continnental tires. Are you unhappy with the Dunlops? Did you get good mileage out of your current tires or is there something you don't like about them. I don't consider myself an aggressive rider so I don't feel I need a tire for that type of riding. Personally I'm comfortable with the Dunlops. Just my 2 cents worth!

twitch54 · #3 06-17-2009, 05:56 PM

They appear to be wearing fine (only got 3k on the bike) I'm just preparing myself knowing the big financial outlay for new rubber. just trying to do my homework ahead of time.

FWIW, my dealer says i should expect no more than 10k out of them......rears maybe but i was hoping for more than that from the fronts

JCourneyaP · #4 06-17-2009, 11:01 PM

Twitch- Tires wear different for a number of riders. It all depends on what surfaces you ride on, Weight on the bike and the way ride it. Hole shots agressive cornerng ect...

I believe (I would have to look back a few years and threads) that I was close to 20,000 on my stock tires. I still had meat on them when I swapped em out and put on the Avon Venoms. I like the dunlops more than the Avons.

A dealer may give you a ruff idea on how long they will last. Use it as a guideline. I would not even worry about tires for a while. Who knows. Continental could be out of business by the time you need em.

frisco-rigid · #5 06-18-2009, 03:01 AM

Hi Twitch

Tires seem to be a very subjective item in that everybody has their fav..

I am aggressive,, lotsa hole-shots and I drop into corners as best I can on an HD..

My favs are Avon Venom H-rate,, NOT the Super Venom which is also very good..

This link was provided by Our ShoveMike and it's the best prices I've seen this year..
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Now, since the rear will prob run down sooner than the front leaving lotsa good life on it, here's something to consider..

In waaay well over 300,000 miles in 33 years of building my own sickles, I've never had a prob mixing Old tires with new and also diff brand tires together..
I have run as many NON-matched sets as Matched sets and never felt un-safe handling or performance or well, anything negative..

My point is this,,,,, you should Not feel forced into changing both if you don't want to.. That is totally your decision..
I have always suspected the Manuf.'s and dealers use that idea that we Must change both to be safe.. I say BS..
That's just my experience,, but totally Your decision..

Have a ball

evoKENevo · #6 06-18-2009, 10:21 AM

There may be "better tires" out there (depending on your wants/needs) but for what it's worth and in answer to the orig. question here, I've been very content/confident running Continental tires on most of my bikes for decades. The Harley I've got now has Continental Milestones on it. I've gotten between 9 and 11-K miles out of the rears and had around 28-K miles on the front one (still decent tread) when I hit a large pot hole that caused it to start cupping etc...changed it when 3'rd rear Conti wore out.

As for running matched sets goes...yeah, I tend to do that just because (uhhh) I do...but IMO like Frisco says,changing both tires just because one of them needs it is silly.

Tbone · #7 06-18-2009, 12:08 PM

I still run the OEM Dunlops. They do what I need to do. I change them as they wear out. I've run a new rear with an old front and vice versa. No difference. Asking a tire salesman if you should change both when one is worn is kinda like asking a barber if you need a haircut. Of course you do.

twitch54 · #8 06-18-2009, 04:24 PM

Gents,

Thanks for the eplys ! "Frisco-Rigid", thanks for the link. I think I just might give the 'Contis' a try when the time comes !

I can't believe the dealer wants $450 (two tires, installed) for the OEM Dunlops........ bunch of thieves , IMO.

frisco-rigid · #9 06-18-2009, 07:53 PM

Hey Twitch

I didn't mention that in the 70's and a few times over the years I also used Conti's,,,,, very good tires..

225 a piece,, freakin robbbery..

I buy mine, change them myself, then take to one a my buds shops and get em balanced.. Most shops will charge 10 - 15 a piece to balance,, still save a group a dough..

If they have to dis-mount old and re-mount new tires, of course it'll be more labor cost..

Do as much of the work yourself, you know, at least remove the Wheels from the sickle at your compound,,, then bring home and re-install,, other-wise the labor cost will get close to the robbers shop..

Have a ball

nukeguy · #10 06-19-2009, 11:09 AM

$450 from your dealer for tires and labor? Wow, my dealer wanted $550! I decided to stay with the OEM Dunlop 402's since I didn't change out the back until 12,000 miles and it still had some life. Front was in excellent shape. I chose blackwalls over OEM SWW and ordered them myself on line ($220 shipping included), $50+ tax from indy for mounting/balancing. My labor.

I won't get into which brand is better since I think they all are good. I am pretty anal about tire pressure (40psi rear, 36psi front) which I also think contributes to longer tire life. Plus responsible riding habits.