FXDF Tires
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 41
From: Calgary, AB
I found the same issue when looking for new tires for my Fat Bob this last summer and wanted to get rid of the bias ply tires. Ended up buying ME880's in Sturgis from J&P(great price compared to north of the border prices) I did radial out back and bias up front in stock sizes. It is fine to run a mix of radial and bias as long as it's only radial in the back and bias up front(never the other way around) Bike handles soooooo much better and road snakes are gone along with most of the side wind shimmy. Go for it and you will wonder why Harley tires are so expensive and in my opionion under performing.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee
I found the same issue when looking for new tires for my Fat Bob this last summer and wanted to get rid of the bias ply tires. Ended up buying ME880's in Sturgis from J&P(great price compared to north of the border prices) I did radial out back and bias up front in stock sizes. It is fine to run a mix of radial and bias as long as it's only radial in the back and bias up front(never the other way around) Bike handles soooooo much better and road snakes are gone along with most of the side wind shimmy. Go for it and you will wonder why Harley tires are so expensive and in my opionion under performing.
Last edited by scriv; Nov 16, 2012 at 11:55 AM. Reason: spelling
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 362
Likes: 11
From: Lost in the Ozone
I found the same issue when looking for new tires for my Fat Bob this last summer and wanted to get rid of the bias ply tires. Ended up buying ME880's in Sturgis from J&P(great price compared to north of the border prices) I did radial out back and bias up front in stock sizes. It is fine to run a mix of radial and bias as long as it's only radial in the back and bias up front(never the other way around) Bike handles soooooo much better and road snakes are gone along with most of the side wind shimmy. Go for it and you will wonder why Harley tires are so expensive and in my opionion under performing.
Stock Dunlop rear was gone @ 9190 miles & replaced w/ an Avon Venom from D.K. Then the Avon rear and the stock Dunlop front were both replaced w/ Metzler 880s @ 13593 miles. I was very unhappy with only getting 4403 miles from the Venom, but I was getting ready to go to PA, down the SLP & BRP to the Smokies / Dragon / CS & didn't want to go with the front tire all cupped (happens quite often w/ the stock Dunlop I've observed) & about 1/8" of rear tread on the Avon. That rear 880 was changed out for another one 9630 miles later & I woulld guess that I will get about 8000 to 9000 miles out of this rear. Front Metzler is still there && looks good after 15000 miles.
I like the Metzlers. I do ride hard and I am watching and thinking about trying the Michelin Commander II when I next go for a complete set.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee
Glad to hear a positive report on the Metz mix. Now I can sleep this winter and quit thinking about it. Thanks. d
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 5
From: West Memphis, AR
I just installed the Avon Cobra 100/90-19 in front amd Storm 2 170/60-17 on back. Only have a around 400 miles but like them so far.
Last edited by arkstreetbob; Nov 15, 2012 at 09:12 PM.
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