I have a 2012 Superglide with 5300 miles on it and my rear tire has lots of tread on the sides, but is nearly bald in the center. The center tread is down to approximately 2/32". Is it time to switch tires? The bike currently has a Michelin Scorcher 31 is there a better longer lasting alternative tire?

 

The Commander II does good. The Scorchers I think are about the same rating as the stock HD ones now.

 

go find some curves and use the rest of that tire....

 

8000 miles on the stock scorcher 31 and it was toast, it should have been changed at 7000. I'm running a Dunlop K591 and at 4000 miles its looking pretty thin. My next rear is going to be a commander II. Their a dual compound that supposedly lasts longer. I just put one on the front and loving the way the bike tracks. Plan to finish scrubbing it in before getting to crazy

 

I agree with INKJEKTER. More time in the twisties. Not unusual for the center to wear down first. I just changed my rear tire at 7K miles.

Just like a car, depends on whether you jack rabbit the starts, heavy rear braking, excessive down shifting from higher speeds.

My tires are my life. Upside down penny in the thinner treads. If you can see the top of his head it is time to schedule your change.

 

Most of the wear depends on how much your big *** weighs.
You can't compare same bikes to same bikes unless the rider weighs the same.

Seriously, we've all seen the Big Fat couple on a tour bike. He weighs 300lbs and she weighs in over 200 and barely squeezes into the seat. Would anyone expect them to get the same mileage from brakes or tires as the skinny meth head weighing in at under 150lbs?

Also tire pressure! Your tires will loose a pound of pressure per week. You most likely won't notice it. Do you check your tire pressure and refill before each ride?

 

If you need to refill your tires before each ride something's wrong. Weight is a factor but hard accelerations will eat a tire faster than anything

 

somethings wrong with your bike. mines been 35 ever since the tires were installed 2 months ago.

i got 8k out of the stock on my fatbob. replaced it with another stock. next round is some night dragons to see if they hold up better.

 

Right at 12,000 on the last set of Metzlers.
I just changed to Michelin Commanders for extra mileage.

My bike often carries a load either because it is 2up or is loaded for a trip.
I am pretty easy on tires I rarely accelerate hard and almost all the mileage is interstates.

 

Not true. You have a slow leak. I am guessing the valve stem or bead is leaking somewhere.