I went to change out the rear tire on my 06 Ultra and discovered I have a new MT90-16 Dunlop tire and my scoot has an MU85-16 on it. What is the difference other than numbers and will the MT90 fit and if so what difference will it make? My friends 02 has the MT90's on it. When did they change and why?

 

is the MT a front tire or rear tire? u can't put a front tire on the rear... otherwise, an MT is a 130 size, while the MU is a 140, so a bit narrower...

 

Also the MT90 has an aspect ratio (height/width) of 0.90 instead of 0.85.

So basically it is a skinnier taller tire than what you have now.

 

I went to Dunlop's web site and found out that the MT90-16 is for Harley's prior to 2004 and the MU-85 is for the later models. I guess I will see how the MT90 is with a little salt and find me a MU-85 to put on my scoot.

 

Hi Bob
I could use that MT90 tire you have. I'm putting together a 76 Ironhead. I just got the Super B carb to run right and now I have a flat rear tire. And guess what size it is? MT90-16. So how much do you want for the tire? Or would you be interested in donating it to my very worthy project bike?
Thanks, Rich in NJ

 

MT is equivilent to a 130/90 and MU is equivilent to 140/85. As an alternative you can consider a 150/80 which is a little wider and also MU rated. A further alternative is 140/90, which is available as an MU.

An MU tyre is preferable, especially if you do a lot of 2-up riding, as the extra load rating is worth having on the rear tyre. If you have a narrow belt on your bike you should have room to fit a 150/80, which is almost identical in rolling diameter to the 140/85 MU.

I am a fan of Avon Venoms and am proposing to replace my current 150/80H16 with a 150/80V16, which is a little wider.

 

I would get the MU85 back on your bike, it has a 1/2 wider tire patch and like some others have said, you can carry more weight on the bike.
I had an 02' Ultra and put the MU85 on it and liked it better.
Then i went to the E3 and i feel that tire is better than the MU85 (lasts longer,better in the wet, and better cornering), these are just my opinions.
Hope this helps.

 

So I have a question about this. I have an '06 Road King and am in need of new tires. I was looking at the Dunlop E3's, and I see that I have 2 options for size on the rear. I can get an MT90HB16 or an MU90HB16. Stock was an MU85B16, so what would be better, going with the taller, same width tire or going with the narrower MT? I am looking at a little better tire than the stock Dunlops. I am also checking into the Avon Venoms, but I see the rear is only offered in the MT90HB16. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

You mention Avon, which are my preferred tyre for my Harleys. I emailed them about rear tyres for my bike and they recommended using their MU rather than the MT, because if riding 2-up a lot the rear MT tyres are close to their limit. So I would suggest you stay with an MU. I have used a Venom MU which is also 90 profile, in other words 140/90, compared with a stock MT which is 130/90. Avon also make a 150/80 Venom with MU load rating which is almost identical in diameter to an MT. I have one at present and if you have the later narrow belt it should fit your bike fine.

 

Thanks for the info, it was helpful. I am curious if the 90 profile vs. 85 makes much difference in things. I would assume it would be negligible, but thought I would ask before I spend the cash.