I recently returned from a 3,800 mile trip on my Ultra Classic and needed new tires. I called my local Harley Davidson dealer for a cost estimate, find out if the tires were in stock, and set up an appointment. I took my bike in that afternoon and was told that the tires I wanted were not in stock and had to be ordered. When I asked why I was told the tires were in stock, the answer was that one of the tires was actually a police motorcycle tire and mistaken for a civilian tire. I asked what the difference was and was told that the police tires had a reinforced sidewall which acted similar to a run-flat tire for a car. It was a safety issue for police motorcycles in case one got a flat while on duty. I was further told that if a police motorcycle is traded in for a new one, the police tires must be taken off before the motorcycle can be sold to anyone for civilian use. I don't know if anyone else has any knowledge of this practice, but it was the first I heard of it. If reinforcing the sidewall of a police tire is a safety issue, wouldn't it make sense for all motorcycle tires to have this safety feature? I certanly would like to have this feature built into my tires to be able to bring my motorcycle to a safe stop in case of a flat. If anyone else has any information on this practice, please let me know.
I can find nothing on the web relative to police tires. There are only speed and load ratings for bike tires just like car and truck tires. It would make sense for cops bikes to have high speed rated tires, but you can have the same tires on your bike if you want to pay for them. I think you were issued a tall tale.
Hey thanks shovelmike. I went to the J&P Cycle forum you spoke of and found the thread. I think it answered my questions. And again, with today's technology I would think a civilian version of the same tire could be made, should be made, for the safety of every rider out there.
For those interested in the information, go to www.j&pcycles.com and click on the Rider Forums tab. When that page loads, type Police Tires in the search box and click on Go. A list of topics will display. Click on the topic titled DUNLOP PT402 POLICE TIRES and you will get some interesting information.
This is not a fable. The HD dealer here advised me when I was looking at a 2007 Police Bike that the rear tire and only the rear has to be changed to a civilian tire. The difference is, the Police tire is not rated for two up riding and the tire manufacturer does not want to spend the money to have the tire certified etc. The catch is, they can sell the bike with that tire on but they have to notify you that the tire has to be changed at your cost.
IMHO, if the Police carry all that crap which has to weigh in at least 170 additional, why change the tire. Most passengers don't weight that much. Which brings up another question. Why is the Police bike thought of so differently then a Road King. I've heard people say, "you really don't want to buy one of them" WHY?
Not a tall tale at all. The police grade tires are not approved for two up riding. That was the last I had heard, anyway. And yes, it would be great to have a little safety margin there. I've had a blow out at speed, and was very lucky. What gets me, our safety "deciders" ( using the presidential phrase ) will beat the hell out of not wearing a helmet, but this very real upgrade seems to slip thru the crack. May be time to check it out again...
Goodole1, I think the reason people have said to stay away, may have come from the tourglide type (FLTP ?) Something to do with the triple tree, and being expensive to change to the flh fairing. I was told this when I considered buying one, a few years ago. Hopefully someone will know more...
It's weird that the cop bikes aren't certified to take 2-up pounding. I used to try to get my hands on E.V.O tires for my cars and trucks every chance I got because they handled better, had long tread life, better traction, and took a pounding. Seems like with EVO bike tires they got it it ass-backwards.
Police Tires vs. Civilian Tires 
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