Big tire for Super Glide?
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Big tire for Super Glide?
I'm thinking about changing out the 160mm rear tire on my '07 Super glide to the 180mm. Any thoughts? Do you get a bigger contact patch and better handling? Or is it mostly for looks?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 971
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From: Mid USA
RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
I would think that the low profile and greater width would give at least a slightly larger contact patch. I have had the 180 on for all most 5000 miles now and have no complaints. The tire seems to handle well and it does fill out the rear fender better than the 160.
Arcane
Arcane
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From: Republic of Texas
RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
ORIGINAL: labfreak
The contact patch between the 160 and 180 is insignificant, almost no difference, but some think the 180 looks better.
The contact patch between the 160 and 180 is insignificant, almost no difference, but some think the 180 looks better.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
ORIGINAL: ktm_scott
I disagree. The ride is noticeably better on the 180. It could be the softer compound, but there was a significant improvement at all speeds when I installed the SE180. I have a Cobra 180 now and it too feels great.
ORIGINAL: labfreak
The contact patch between the 160 and 180 is insignificant, almost no difference, but some think the 180 looks better.
The contact patch between the 160 and 180 is insignificant, almost no difference, but some think the 180 looks better.
[IMG]local://upfiles/41150/13641907510E4F5EA7B30434F19FA041.jpg[/IMG]
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 353
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From: Seattle Area
RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
Most new tires turn better than old tires since there is no flat. My guess is that there is very little difference in performance, but I plan to change mine out at the first tire change if not sooner, any way. 
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,101
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From: The Left Coast
RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
ORIGINAL: ktm_scott
I disagree. The ride is noticeably better on the 180. It could be the softer compound, but there was a significant improvement at all speeds when I installed the SE180. I have a Cobra 180 now and it too feels great.
ORIGINAL: labfreak
The contact patch between the 160 and 180 is insignificant, almost no difference, but some think the 180 looks better.
The contact patch between the 160 and 180 is insignificant, almost no difference, but some think the 180 looks better.
but the patch is not much bigger, I saw a measurement onceand there is almost no difference on the road to tire contact patch. Anyone care to measure their 180 patch? Get the tire a bit damp and roll it, I'll measure my 160,
that way we will know for sure.[sm=smokin.gif]
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,101
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From: The Left Coast
RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
OK, I measured my 160contact patch by rolling the bike over some cardboard and measured the width of the tire track across and it is 4 inches ( inflated to 40 psi).
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
ORIGINAL: labfreak
OK, I measured my 160contact patch by rolling the bike over some cardboard and measured the width of the tire track across and it is 4 inches ( inflated to 40 psi).
OK, I measured my 160contact patch by rolling the bike over some cardboard and measured the width of the tire track across and it is 4 inches ( inflated to 40 psi).
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 2
From: The Left Coast
RE: Big tire for Super Glide?
ORIGINAL: 2007fxdc
Not trying to argue with you freak because I got mine more for looks anyway. But is the straight up contact patch really the true test of the difference or is it the fact that you have more edge to roll over onto when leaning in the corners? Just saying...
ORIGINAL: labfreak
OK, I measured my 160contact patch by rolling the bike over some cardboard and measured the width of the tire track across and it is 4 inches ( inflated to 40 psi).
OK, I measured my 160contact patch by rolling the bike over some cardboard and measured the width of the tire track across and it is 4 inches ( inflated to 40 psi).
Anyway, you could be right about that, but the original post by papajohn asked about contact patch..and handling, which goes to more edge..
I would have to say that, in my experience, I have already maxed out how far I can lean just by the motorcycle itself, I have scraped my pegs on both sides in a tight lean-over, and my 160 never gave up ground, so a 180 would not allow me to lean past my pegs anyway..just a technical issue, I would like to know, outside of looks, if a 180 is a performance bonus..I don't think so. (I like the way they look, I guess)
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