Heartbroken, but maybe good ending?
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
I have heard good things about Metzler 880's and Avon's but to tell you the truth I am so happy with the 491's I see no reason to try anything else.
The 491's are long lasting with excellent grip.
The 491's are long lasting with excellent grip.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 36
From: Round Rock, TX
I just changed out my 880s for Dunlops. 402 rear and 404 front. So far they seem fine. We'll see how long they seem fine. Thought I'd experiment since I never have a tire for that long anyway...
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,747
Likes: 419
From: Vermont
I love it. PT BArnum was right.
As for tires, as outlaw said, replace if at all suspect. Nothing makes your bike handle better than good tires. Good chance for me to hate on Dunlops. These ride the way your metal wheeled skateboard did and then when you changed out to some modern sealed bearing Sims you were on cloud 9 (yea, I'm that old). Get some Avons (my personal favorite) or Metzlers and don't look back. FRiends say how long Dunlops last. To which I say, "so does a Volvo." lol.
As for tires, as outlaw said, replace if at all suspect. Nothing makes your bike handle better than good tires. Good chance for me to hate on Dunlops. These ride the way your metal wheeled skateboard did and then when you changed out to some modern sealed bearing Sims you were on cloud 9 (yea, I'm that old). Get some Avons (my personal favorite) or Metzlers and don't look back. FRiends say how long Dunlops last. To which I say, "so does a Volvo." lol.
Dunlops do last but there hard as hockey pucks in 2 years plus how long they were laying around before you installed. New tires are always good(ex race car driver)
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
I heard every 5 years regardless. Anyhow, how much should I figure for tires? I was going to take it to HD after I buy and have them check everything out, so they would probably do tires for me also ( that line is probably good for another 10 "slamming" posts). They've always treated me good, plus I really don't know where else to take it. Never tried Avalons, but I think I heard good things about then from someone else. I feel like a kid before Christmas. Been 2 years without a bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 515
Likes: 3
From: Tipp City Ohio
You're looking at a Softail.You won't be throwing it around like a VRod or Dyna so Dunlops will be fine if they aren't too old.
That said I bought mine with Dunlops on it and rode for 3 years without issue.New Dunlops went back on 2 years ago.
Check out the "Wheels,Tires and Brakes" section of the forum.
That said I bought mine with Dunlops on it and rode for 3 years without issue.New Dunlops went back on 2 years ago.
Check out the "Wheels,Tires and Brakes" section of the forum.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 737
Likes: 4
From: Scotland,UK
Lot of good advice youve had from guys who know a lot more than me.
Its sometimes said that "if a bargain seems too good to be true then it probably is".
Theat can be wrong of course! Have to say though...Ive bought a number of cars & bikes via. eBay and have been happy with most of them.
Thing is.. Ive always used my sixth sense/intuition even when making a call for info. on the car or bike for sale. Its amazing what you can " pick up " just talking on the phone.
I know that once we have set your sight on a particular bike there comes a point when we have almost talked ourselves into buying it. I think you have got to the point where you can decide and you have not rushed it.
Good luck & happy riding should you decide to buy it. Bungo
Its sometimes said that "if a bargain seems too good to be true then it probably is".
Theat can be wrong of course! Have to say though...Ive bought a number of cars & bikes via. eBay and have been happy with most of them.
Thing is.. Ive always used my sixth sense/intuition even when making a call for info. on the car or bike for sale. Its amazing what you can " pick up " just talking on the phone.
I know that once we have set your sight on a particular bike there comes a point when we have almost talked ourselves into buying it. I think you have got to the point where you can decide and you have not rushed it.
Good luck & happy riding should you decide to buy it. Bungo
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: Squamish, B.C. Canada
One more thing check bolt heads too "bubba" uses pliers not proper sockets for repairs rounded bolts, screws etc. indicate inexperienced mechanic doing hack work. Why not bring the bike where the they had the work done and have it checked out. Not shifting right can be major work for you!! I'd have it checked if I wasn't sure.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 6
From: Ottawa, ON
Speaking on tires.
Had my share on Dunlops (stock and Elite), Metzelers 880, but now totally sold to Michelin Commander II. Tried one on my Heritage, was happier than with 880's!
Had my share on Dunlops (stock and Elite), Metzelers 880, but now totally sold to Michelin Commander II. Tried one on my Heritage, was happier than with 880's!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
Call me crazy but we are in the midst of adding a new Evo to the stable and this thread got hijacked into a tire debate?? Let's get back to the important stuff like making sure MJ gets himself a solid FLSTN. Do a couple burnouts in the guys driveway and tell him that you needed to check to see if you needed to replace the tires or not.
I hope everything works out Saturday. I'll be checking for updates...and by updates, I mean photos of your new bike.
I hope everything works out Saturday. I'll be checking for updates...and by updates, I mean photos of your new bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,471
Likes: 9
From: Toledo, Ohio
Not gonna be able to do anything on this tii next week, dang. But I found out some other info. on the bike. The owner forwarded receipts that showed 5k and 10k performed by HD. The 10k was done end of "1999". Bike now has only 11k on it. Original owner suffered some health issues around that time, and a friend would take the bike out for a short ride periodically since then, once or twice a year. Tires are over 10 years old. Bike always in heated garage. Still sounds like a "go-ahead" to me. Sucks having to wait another week.