Question about dealerships
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 687
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
On most of the bikes I've owned in 40+ years of riding I've gone through 2 rears for every 1 front. I try to match them as closely as possible (make/model/tread pattern/profile/compound) and have never had a dealer tell me they wouldn't mount a new rear without doing the front. Complete and utter BS. There's absolutely no liability on their part unless they're doing a State inspection and the tire doesn't pass but they put a sticker on it anyway (if GA even has those). Just a money grab...
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 583
Likes: 4
From: australia
there are a lot off people out there that would fall for this bullshit scam, as stated radial vs cross ply in a no. but if your a novice or quiet natured person they will try it on. i would have personally said one rear tyre, or im on the phone too find another repairer and a tow truck too get me there
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 380
Likes: 203
From: Toronto
Did some googling... Original equipment on a 09 Street Glide is Dunlop D407 - these are bias-ply tires? The Dunlop E3s that you had on are Radial tires...
Question: where did you get the E3s put on?
Would most HD dealers only stick to putting D407s on touring line? Or would they offer E3s and it was a matter of sourcing a new E3 to put on the rear?
Here's what Dunlop says:
Bias and radial tires have significantly different dynamic properties. They deflect differently, create different cornering forces, have different damping characteristics, as well as other differences. In order for radial tires to be introduced into the two-wheel market, it was necessary to change certain characteristics of the motorcycle. The introduction of the radial tire led to such things as modified frames, wider wheels, new steering geometries and suspensions. Therefore, it is recommended that a motorcycle be used with the type of tire construction that it came with originally. If a change is to be made, then it should only be done if the motorcycle or tire manufacturer has approved the change. Above all, do not mix bias ply and radial tires on the same motorcycle unless it is with the approval of the motorcycle or tire manufacturer.
Question: where did you get the E3s put on?
Would most HD dealers only stick to putting D407s on touring line? Or would they offer E3s and it was a matter of sourcing a new E3 to put on the rear?
Here's what Dunlop says:
Bias and radial tires have significantly different dynamic properties. They deflect differently, create different cornering forces, have different damping characteristics, as well as other differences. In order for radial tires to be introduced into the two-wheel market, it was necessary to change certain characteristics of the motorcycle. The introduction of the radial tire led to such things as modified frames, wider wheels, new steering geometries and suspensions. Therefore, it is recommended that a motorcycle be used with the type of tire construction that it came with originally. If a change is to be made, then it should only be done if the motorcycle or tire manufacturer has approved the change. Above all, do not mix bias ply and radial tires on the same motorcycle unless it is with the approval of the motorcycle or tire manufacturer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Over the years I've done some experimenting with various tires and on occasion I've had to mismatch them because one tire wore out before the other did and I didn't have any issues what so ever with how my bike rode or handled.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
r1cochet, you are correct.....the e3's that came off were radials and the replacements are bias ply. I find it hard to believe that they didn't have 1 stock size touring tire in a radial in the whole place. Still sounds like a gouge to me. Radials are better on cars so have I taken a step backward by now having bias ply on my motorcycle? Thanks everyone
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 3,427
Likes: 164
From: Home
The reason why you shouldn't run mismatched tires is because different tires have different side profiles and warming rates.
It doesn't matter as much when riding in a straight line on a Harley but when going around curves fast enough to drag a knee on a sport bike, it is a matter of life and death.
It doesn't matter as much when riding in a straight line on a Harley but when going around curves fast enough to drag a knee on a sport bike, it is a matter of life and death.