Just wanted some opinions on:

1. Do I need a new rear tire? If so, how soon?

2. Why good tread in some areas, and not on others?

3. I would like to go wider, but I'm still confused on whether to go to a 170 or 180. And if so, who makes those tires.

This is the original tire with about 10k on it. I realize that's about normal, but just trying to keep it on as long as possible.

I've attached 3 pics from 3 different views of my tire to give an idea of the different tread patches.

 

You needed a new tire a couple thousand miles ago. The tread on the sides is deeper because you're not riding on the sides that much. You can go to a 180 tire. Harley says you'll need their wide tire kit.

 

yes you need new tires. could be a number of reasons why some areas wore out faster then others. bottom line you need new tires. try the SE 180 (tire on the new wide glide) you won't need the wide tire kit, just make sure your turn signal wires are tucked away. If you want a bit more performance/grip go with the metzler 170 (they don't make a 180 for the stock rim)

 

This is a little scary that you're operating a motorcycle and don't know when you should replace your tires.

 

I'm not trying to imply I don't know when to replace tires. I'm simply asking what the thoughts are on if it can go longer. There is NO issue with the tire itself, it's just the tread is worn in the middle. And the only danger that imposes is in the rain - and when it rains, I take the cage. And thankfully I haven't gotten stuck in much rain.

And it's a good thing you know everything about bikes, so that I can ask these questions!

 

Exactly my point. The major issue is your tread is slim to none in the *important* part of the tire. That's grounds for replacement quite a while ago.

If you value your life, you wouldn't need to ask when you should change your tire. You should be able to look at that and say "dang, that's bad. Better order new tires since I only have two of them between me and the road."

And I don't claim to know everything about motorcycles but I do have enough common sense to know when a tire change is necessary without looking for validation on an internet forum.

 

That tire is shot.

Edit to add: I replaced the rear w/ a Metzler ME 880 @ 9,000 miles.

 

Guess you better buy a tire!!!

 

Well, what about a recap?

 

its worn, i usually ride mine till its a racing slick ( a little worse than yours haha)