Which Tire? - Harley Forum

humpbackbob · #1 11-03-2007, 01:54 PM

I am getting resdy to change tires. I have heard that there are several tires available that are "better" than the stock Dunlops, Thuogh more expensive. Goodyear, Metzeler and Avon have all been recommended. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on these? (I looked at previous threads and didn't see anything.)

Frankie42 · #2 11-03-2007, 08:32 PM

I put a set of Metzelers on my 04 Heritiage and notice a much better softer ride, good handleing special when crossing iron bridges and riding in the rain.
I now have Ultra Classic and when the Dunlops need replacing back to Metzeler.

#3 11-04-2007, 09:12 PM

I changed my stock Dulops at about 20,000. Still had some meat on them. I went to Avon Venom with White walls. I like the white walls. I notice a softer ride and they are going to wear out faster. I already notice the wear after a few thousand miles. They do not seem to
handle in the rain as good as my Dunlops did. I broke traction a few times when I would not have with the stock tires.

If I can get Dunlops with White walls the next time around I will. Avon's are Okay. The Dunlops seemed better.

#4 11-04-2007, 10:22 PM

I got only 8000 out of my first two Dunlops on the rear and went to Metzelers on my 04 RKcustom. I got 10,000 and it's time for a new rear tire and it looks like the front will last until my third Metzeler rear tire is due. Good grip on wet roads. I did manage to squeeze a 150 on the back last time but I think I'll play it safe with a 140 this time. It barely clears the fender on the drive side even though there is almost .250 on the right side. I only had to customize the belt guard where it was rubbing. But they recomend .250 on both sides. I'll never run anything but Metzelers.

texan321 · #5 11-05-2007, 06:19 PM

There has been some talk about the Commander from Micheline - tires that Harley is offering might be something to look at. I will when I get ready for tires.

94flhtcu · #6 11-05-2007, 07:08 PM

I changed to metzlers on the 94 ultra and the 03 heritage not too long ago. So far, I really like them, but they don't seem to stop too good. I've skidded the rear on the ultra a few times so far, and wouldn't have on the dunlops, at least I don't think. Maybe it's the roads and no rain that caused this, don't know.

#7 11-08-2007, 03:27 AM

Anyone know the widest Metzler rear tire I can put on an 03 RoadKing with stock spokes? I have been told several sizes but I really worry about rubbing the wire bundle up under the back fender as well as general mechanical issues. Any help would be appreciated.

#8 03-31-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ipmc_focker

Anyone know the widest Metzler rear tire I can put on an 03 RoadKing with stock spokes? I have been told several sizes but I really worry about rubbing the wire bundle up under the back fender as well as general mechanical issues. Any help would be appreciated.

Here you go . . .

http://www.metzelermoto.com/web/fitm...omeMotoFull.do

JB

#9 03-31-2008, 11:38 AM

Neglected to say the parts guy at my dealership told me Saturday he's been running Contis on his Dyna and he really likes them. Believe these are what he's running:

http://www.conti-online.com/generato...estone_en.html

JB

evoKENevo · #10 03-31-2008, 01:05 PM

[QUOTE=John Brown;17503]Neglected to say the parts guy at my dealership told me Saturday he's been running Contis on his Dyna and he really likes them. Believe these are what he's running:

I'd always prefered Conti's "back-in-the-day". So,when I had to change tires on this bike,I went with the exact (?) same tires as shown here ' cept for the "Gangsta-WW"... confident in grip etc...averaged about 11-K miles on 2 rear ones (on my 3'rd now) and,just ordered a new front one (still plenty of thread) because last year I managed to hit a major-pothole (hidden by Van in front of me) and the tire just has'nt been quite right since.