I just saw that Avon introduced a few new tire sizes in their Cobra lineup. For 2013 they now make an Avon Cobra in 190-60-17. The stock tire with the 10 and 11 Wide Glides was the Dunlop GT502 180-60-17. Up untill this point, Pirelli had the only aftermarket option (other than the 300 and some change Dunlops/Michelins from Harley) with their Night Dragon tires. I've put two Pirellis on my 11 FXDWG and neither has lasted more than 4500 miles. Has anyone put this new Avon on their Wide Glide? Will the extra 10 mm going from a 180 to 190 be too much stress on the sidewall with the narrow 17' rim?

 

I did some research on this when I found out that there was a very limited tire selection for my 2012 WG. I can't remember what the width is on the rear wheel. But even though it has a 180 tire mounted. Only the Harley Specified 180 tires will fit the rear wheel width specification. All other brand 180 tires require a wider wheel width. So going to a 190 is completely out of the question.

 

I know alot of other people on here mounted the Pirelli Night Dragons 180's on their Wide Glides and I don't remember reading of any problems other than their longevity. With that being said I also read threads where people were putting 200's on their stock rims. That sounded a bit scary to me. I know that Avon tires are typically smaller than their listed size so I'm still optomistic that a 190 from Avon would work.

 

Pirelli, Dunlop and Michelin are the only 3 tire manufacturers that make the 180 tire specified for that rear wheel width size. Metzeler, Avon made 180 tires recommend for a fatter wheel.

Edit: The first three manufacturers also make 180 tires that will not fit the wheel specs. So out of all the different makes / models of 180 tires out there, only 3 fit.

 

That is the only 3 tires that fit. I've done my share of searching as well........ As far as I know from my research thats the only 3 180's made for 17 inch wheels and I've looked everywhere for other options. I haven't seen any Metzlers or Avon 180's for a 17 inch wheel before this year. I know Harley only reccomends using their OEM tires but how are you sure this 190 wont fit?

 

Most people who know will tell you that it is OK to go up ( 1 ) size. The problem is that a standard 180 is already up 1 size. So a standard 190 will be up 2 sizes. I wouldn't take the risk. Unless you can find a 190 with specifications that is only 1 size wider than our wheel specs.

 

If I wanted to know, I would go to the Avon Motorcycle Tyre website and ask a question
in their Question box. They will respond quick.
As for Avon tires being smaller than actual stated sizes, it has been my experience that
this is simply not true. The Avons I have had experience with are wider than most; like
a Dunlop K591 is 6.25" while the Avon Road Rider is 6.3, both being 150/80x16.

 

I installed an Avon Cobra (190-60-17) on my bike last weekend. So far I've put 487 miles on it and I'm pleased. Tire also fills out the back fender better than the pirelli's or stock dunflop. I just hope that it has some longevity and I get at least 9K miles or so out of it.

 

Good to know this might be the way I go when I need some new shoes

 

got any pics of this tire mounted?