that is going to be about 3/4" smaller in diameter than stock. Too much IMHO

 

Ok, I'm fixing to pull the trigger. I am leaning Avons. Does anyone have a pic to post with a set of stock sized Avons on their Fatbob? Thanks.

 

So…I went over to my local Harley Davidson Dealer to price a new set of D427s mounted and balanced. Fr. $190, Rr. $280, mount and balance $170. If I take them off the bike and bring them in I save $90. With a total price of $690 or $600 and a consolation lecture about the “quality” of tires built from Harley Davidson, I had all the reasoning needed to continue to evaluate tire options for the Fat Bob. This data came from J&P who seems to better inform buyers with additional tire specs. See below
Width Diameter
Dunlop D427 – Fr. 130/90-16 5.31in 25.02in
Rr. 180/70-16 7.17in 25.90in
Michelin Commander II - Fr. 130/90-16 5.59in 25.83in
Rr. 180/65-16 7.80in 25.90in
Pirelli Night Dragons - Fr. 130/90-16 5.40in 25.10in
Rr. 180/70-16 7.20in 24.80in
Avon Venom - Fr. 130/90-16 5.40in 25.10in
Avon Cobra - Rr. 180/70-16 7.20in 25.80in
Dunlop Elite III - Fr. MT90B-16 5.24in 25.00in
Rr. 180/70-16 7.16in 24.39in
Notice that even though the aspect ratio of the Commander rear is a 65 series, the overall diameter is almost the same as the OEM D427s. Also note that this tire is “wider” than the OEM rear. I measured and it looks like it should fit without issue. I will be the guinea pig and post pics etc of the Michelins, I have a set on the way. During my research, I found that the Dragons, and Commander II rear tires were hard to find. I finally located a set through Dennis Kerk. More to follow.

 

Here are pics after mounting the new Michelin Commander II's. I haven't had time to scrub them in yet though so I can't give any input on their performance. Couple of initial observations:

- Front tire is a little taller than the OEM D427s. No clearance issues.
- Rear tire is a tad shorter than the OEM D427s (even though the data says they are the same diameter) and a tad wider. No clearance issues.
- Note: My bike has V-rod shocks that "raise" the rear 1 inch from stock. I do this to address ground clearance issues and they are more firmly sprung/damped.
- Initial 15 mile ride revealed that the Michelin's are not as compliant as the D427s (a little stiffer). You have slightly more road feel and slightly less smoothness. Bought from Dennis Kerk, $286 for the set shipped.

Cosmetically, I like the look better than the off road looking D427's but that it is personal opinion that has zero value.

 

I've been rollin with Avon Cobra's for a while now and they handle great, 200 rear and the 150 front. The stock knobbies on the Fatbob suck.

 

Performance wise I experienced very good performance from the D427s, especially in the grip department. It was the buy in price of the HD shield that sent me elsewhere.

 

I put the Avons on last year and they definately out perform the stock tires. I didn't have any complaints about the stock tires, but the Avons are superior in every way.

 

I just put the Commander ll's on my 09 CVO Fat Bob and couldn't be happier. Their claim to fame is that they will outlast the stock tire 2 to 1. Maybe. But what has impressed me is appearence. I think they are gorgeous. The sidewall is a knock out. Especially when you put a nice tire dressing on them (Dressing for motorcycle tires of cource).
Gary

 

rudy t where did you fine a small windshield for the fatty? do they come tinted?

 

I'm thinking out blacking out some components and getting white walls my color is the same as rudy t sunglow , any pics of whitewalls?