Tire recommendation

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 11, 2017 | 07:27 AM

#11

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,065

Likes: 4,561

From: Haslet Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by grbrown

No they're not. Cooper Tires are American as well - and own Avon Tyres. Made in Britain by a US firm for our Harleys = best combination of the lot! Been using them on my Harleys since the '70s.

Technically you are correct but Cooper doesn't make motorcycle tires.
Granted they own a company that does but it isn't here in the USA.
Dunlop is the only American owned and American made place to get motorcycle tires.

FWIW I have heard great things about Avon for stickiness but their longevity leaves something to be desired (at least according to those I've spoken to that ran Avons).

Aug 11, 2017 | 07:38 AM

#12

WP50

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 6,185

Likes: 2,134

From: W. Texas

Was a die hard Avon fan for years.

A friend got me to try the Michelin Commander II.
Of the people I know personally, most are running the Dunlop Elite or the Michelin Commander II. Either one is great

These people ride heavy cruisers or touring bikes.
Ck the load rating on any tire you decide to choose.

WP

Aug 11, 2017 | 12:49 PM

#13

Dr.Hess

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 8,199

Likes: 3,087

From: NW AR

I went with the Avon Cobra this last tire. Reasonably priced and seems to grip well. I haven't really pushed it yet. It cost me sweat and tools to put on. I did buy some new store-bought tire tools to do the job. Still used my old home-made one, though.

Aug 11, 2017 | 03:57 PM

#14

carlgrover

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 8,852

Likes: 2,493

From: Decatur, Alabama

I used to run Dunlop 402s and liked them. When the American elites came out, I tried a set and am not going back. Those things ride and grip every bit as a 402 ever thought it could and they last forever to boot.

American Elites for the win.

carl

Aug 11, 2017 | 09:36 PM

#15

Uncle G.

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 9,332

Likes: 3,873

From: Upstate New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by carlgrover

But do they come in wide whirewalls?

Aug 12, 2017 | 10:44 AM

#16

Tony_N

Road Master

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,216

Likes: 286

From: Buford, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle G.

But do they come in wide whitewalls?

The American Elite does come in WWW. That's what I'm running.

http://www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com...merican-elite/

MT90B16 Front WWW Part# 33AE91

MT90B16 Rear WWW Part# 33AE92

Aug 12, 2017 | 06:50 PM

#17

=fugitive=

Advanced

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 65

Likes: 10

From: Oz

I was in a similar situation - my '96 Fatboy had the HD tyres on there when I bought it earlier this year. From the stamps, they were around 12 years old.

I changed them out to the Michelin Commander II's and have no complaints, great tyre. I went slightly wider on the rear 130 -> 140 because my Indy said the Michelin rep told him the 140 has a slightly different profile that handled better than the 130's. I don't know if that's true or not because I haven't seen them side by side, but I took his advice because I didn't have any prior experience with the MC II's and have been happy with the handling and look of them.

Aug 12, 2017 | 07:39 PM

#18

checkers

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 5,016

Likes: 277

From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon

I was a Dunlop rider for years, now I am an Avon Cobra customer. Best riding, best handling tire I have ever run on my Road Kings. I have ridden the CII's and the Metz 888, both slick on wet roads and worse as they wear. I bought 2 fresh Cobra's from Dennis Kirk incl rebate for $229.00 to my door.