rant first. bike is a 2011 FXDWG. just rang the dealers for a set of michelins, as i dont like the stock dunlops. £600 a set (not fitted!!!), thats $900usd.
i said i would give it a miss. the guy said go with a rear of 180/55/17, instead of the std 180/60/17. the 55 is a common tyre on jap sports/tourers.

doing the math, the tyre will sit "when new" 4.5mm lower than the std size 60.
i assume that as im not altering the width (staying 180), there wont be any safety issues, as with trying to cram a 200 on there. it will drive slightly differently (possibly), but its the safety thing im more concerned about.
plus the 55 is a 1/3rd of the cost of a 60.

i cant get a matching front, as in tyre style, but can match them to brand (ie michelin,pirelli etc). any ideas on this.

my only other option is to change the rims to a custom set, ie fat spokes.
then i can alter the rim sizes to suit common tyres, not an obscure set that harley want to f*** me over on.

any thoughts on the above?

 

Hi, I'm UK based too and understand why you're irritated. I found a company called moto-tyres.co.uk who list half a dozen 180/60x17 tyres ranging from £120 to £200 including delivery and fitting. Never used them but I think I will next time.

 

many thanks for the link.