Time for the rear tire to be replaced and pulled the rear wheel off and low and behold the bearings felt like crap, again.
Stretching out the life of the rear tire two seasons left it smoothened out a bit much for the oncoming rain expected this week so it's time.
I have the tire tube and rim srtip ready and figued a day off riding to swap it out but no the bearing that I installed 8 thousand miles ago felt dry and rough so out the bearing come and instead of going with the alballs again I went with Timken 205PP. They cost twice as much but the reputation they have is worth it as I am getting tired of swapping bearings every tire change it seems.
now I have to wait till friday for them.
I ride in all weather and lots of wet rainy days.
Hope the Timkens hold up.
Too bad HD didn't use the good stuff to begin with.

 

Might be worth taking a look at the swinging arm bushes and see if there's any play there too. Mine lasted 8K from new.

Just spotted...East Hartford, uh? I knew a gal in East Hartford

 

What's 2 seasons? Spring & Summer? That's all I can get out of the rear, about 10K rear, 15K front.

 

I ride when I can and the roads are not ice. Coldest yet was 10 degrees.
Last winter sucked but the one before was OK. I dress warm use a windshield, electric gloves, waterproof boots, FF helmet. Mostly I am the only bike on the road in the cold season. I ride in the rain and sometimes flooded roads.
Yes a four season rider.

 

http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/ti...n-pilot-road-3

I finally installed my new michelin pilot road 3 sport touring rear tire.
Installed the new Timken rear bearings 205PP, and did the rear breaks as well.
Checked the swing arm while it was apart and it had just a bit of play but nothing unusual.
also checked the belt tension. Spot on.
I don't loosen the adjustments just slide the axle out and put it right back the same spot. I used a lift. I also need to use some wood under the rear wheel for installing the axle.
I used the special spreader tool and long chisel the knock out the bearing but modified the center tube a couple 5/16" notches about 3/4" long 180 degrees apart and filing for the knock out angle. Only need to do this on one side the other side is an easy knock out.
Plenty of never- seeze in the center spacer.
All went well.
I was worried if the 170/60ZR/17 tire would fit and it fits perfect.
it was the same size as the Metz I replaced but being a sport tire I though it may fit different. The Metz and the michelin were both radials and used radial tubes.
I was looking for an alternative less expensive tire and at $160.00 versus $210.00.
I took the chance,
the Michelin is dual compound and hoping for longer tire life while not compromising the ride or handling.
Well the test ride today went very well, I road on dry roads at highway speeds ,no problem, in the twisties, no problem. very smooth ride.
These are an all weather and supposed to be great in the rain and we get enough of that. They will be tested in all weather.
They are a keeper and I feel confident riding on them.
I ride solo, never a passenger have aluminum rims and minimal luggage, just a solo bag.
I wouldn't run this tire on a heavier bike with a passenger but for a solo Dyna it is a great low cost alternative.

 

Hi,

Thanks for the review on the tire, will be interested on seeing how it goes

I just put the night dragon on 180/60-17 so see how it goes
Thanks
Mirrmu