Sticky Tires
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Philly Suburbs
Sticky Tires
Hi all,
I picked up a 2000 FXDX at the beginning of the summer, with almost new Dunlop K591s mounted front and rear, in stock sizes (150/80/16; 100/90/19).
I ride the bike pretty aggressively (and it currently makes over 100hp at the wheel), and twisty road handling is important to me. I've just picked up a set of freshly powdercoated stock wheels, and would like to take this opportunity to upgrade my tires.
My issue with the 591s is that the profile doesn't seem to support as much of a lean angle as the bike is capable of. I have yet to drag anything on the ground, but my rear tire has less than a half inch of unused sidewall, and my front tire is used all the way to the edge.
I think I'm narrowed down to Pirelli Night Dragons and Avon Cobras, but I would love to hear some input... I'm planning on running a 110/90/19 up front, and the stock 150 in the back. Grip and lean angle are more important to me than tire life.
Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks!
I picked up a 2000 FXDX at the beginning of the summer, with almost new Dunlop K591s mounted front and rear, in stock sizes (150/80/16; 100/90/19).
I ride the bike pretty aggressively (and it currently makes over 100hp at the wheel), and twisty road handling is important to me. I've just picked up a set of freshly powdercoated stock wheels, and would like to take this opportunity to upgrade my tires.
My issue with the 591s is that the profile doesn't seem to support as much of a lean angle as the bike is capable of. I have yet to drag anything on the ground, but my rear tire has less than a half inch of unused sidewall, and my front tire is used all the way to the edge.
I think I'm narrowed down to Pirelli Night Dragons and Avon Cobras, but I would love to hear some input... I'm planning on running a 110/90/19 up front, and the stock 150 in the back. Grip and lean angle are more important to me than tire life.
Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks!
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Big Bear City, CA
I've heard nothing but good reviews of the two tire brands you mentioned. From performance riders anyway. Cruiser will complain about mileage of course. I haven't personally run either of them.
I went with Metzler 888's on my FXR and I get pretty aggressive as well. I absolutely love them compared to the Dunlap's, but I suppose just about any tire would be an improvement.
A close friend that rides a big twin harder than anybody I've ever seen in my live, swears by the Cobras. But he's only getting 4k miles out of a set. Which is why I went with the 888's. I just can't bring myself to spring for a new set of tires every oil change.
I went with Metzler 888's on my FXR and I get pretty aggressive as well. I absolutely love them compared to the Dunlap's, but I suppose just about any tire would be an improvement.
A close friend that rides a big twin harder than anybody I've ever seen in my live, swears by the Cobras. But he's only getting 4k miles out of a set. Which is why I went with the 888's. I just can't bring myself to spring for a new set of tires every oil change.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 301
Likes: 2
From: 46835
See if there is a BTO16 dunlop that fits.. This is a street tire I have run at the track with fantastic results..
Tire life at 185hp is around 3k.. There is no real high milage/great traction tire I have found yet.. I use up 3 to 5 sets of tires a year and would love to find something that got 5K and hooked up well..
I see the "Sportmax Q3" in that size... It is the replacement for the Qualifier (was a great tire too) same kind of lack luster milage but good tires
Tire life at 185hp is around 3k.. There is no real high milage/great traction tire I have found yet.. I use up 3 to 5 sets of tires a year and would love to find something that got 5K and hooked up well..
I see the "Sportmax Q3" in that size... It is the replacement for the Qualifier (was a great tire too) same kind of lack luster milage but good tires
Last edited by RandallJ; Aug 7, 2015 at 01:58 PM.
LOSER
Joined: May 2010
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From: Williamston, NC
Last edited by Robbie13; Aug 7, 2015 at 05:03 PM.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Philly Suburbs
I've heard nothing but good reviews of the two tire brands you mentioned. From performance riders anyway. Cruiser will complain about mileage of course. I haven't personally run either of them.
I went with Metzler 888's on my FXR and I get pretty aggressive as well. I absolutely love them compared to the Dunlap's, but I suppose just about any tire would be an improvement.
A close friend that rides a big twin harder than anybody I've ever seen in my live, swears by the Cobras. But he's only getting 4k miles out of a set. Which is why I went with the 888's. I just can't bring myself to spring for a new set of tires every oil change.
I went with Metzler 888's on my FXR and I get pretty aggressive as well. I absolutely love them compared to the Dunlap's, but I suppose just about any tire would be an improvement.
A close friend that rides a big twin harder than anybody I've ever seen in my live, swears by the Cobras. But he's only getting 4k miles out of a set. Which is why I went with the 888's. I just can't bring myself to spring for a new set of tires every oil change.
I got nervous once I realized just how close I am to really running out of front tire right now...
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
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From: Philly Suburbs
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 33
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From: San Jose, CA
I just put a set of Avon Crobras on my FXDF and they are crazy sticky for what it's worth. It's been a real confidence booster in corners since putting them on, and I drive like a nut.
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Williamston, NC
I know, I know... I have actually searched this topic here pretty thoroughly (including the thread you sent), but I was hoping someone could really compare the two specific tires I mentioned. Many of the tests and comparisons I've found focus more on tread life than on handling...
Last edited by Robbie13; Aug 8, 2015 at 03:17 PM.
