Went Down - Tar Snakes
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 38
Likes: 10
From: louisville tn
One of the first roads I got on with my Harley after I got it was like that. I don't know that they were all that slick because it was a cooler day,but just riding on them as they were uneven made the bike dart from side to side really bad.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 284
Likes: 5
From: Pa
It's seems funny that I noticed these for the 1st time in riding on the street since 76. I just mentioned this to a friend & he too said same thing. I notice that my rear wheel will slide when I hit one these in certain angles. I believe it is because the HD are rear heavy & front light vs the way the sport bikes are set up. I never en-counted this until I bought the HD. My last bike CBR954RR held road like it was on a rail. This is my 1st "Cruiser" so I am aware of the Tar Snakes!:-0
Cruiser
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 177
Likes: 11
From: Shadow of Gillette Stadium
If ya'll want to stop worrying about those tar snakes get rid of those damn Harley branded Dunlop 402's!!!
When I had the 402's I slipped tar snakes and road paint all the time after switching to first Dunlop 491's then American Elite's (they stopped making the 491's) I haven't slipped on any of them.
Hell I don't even notice them anymore!!
When I had the 402's I slipped tar snakes and road paint all the time after switching to first Dunlop 491's then American Elite's (they stopped making the 491's) I haven't slipped on any of them.
Hell I don't even notice them anymore!!
Folks, check what you have for tires, and post up brand - model - and if you have an issue with snakes, or not.
Personally, I have had three bikes in a row, that came with Dunlop's. Kawi 900 Cruiser was awful on snakes and metal bridges. Went to Pirellis, problem solved. Kawi Nomad, same problem, went to Avon Cobra's, problem solved.
15 RG, only noticed issue when it's hot - 75 + Although it came with a higher model # Dunny. Will be replacing in August. What you running that handles snakes and metal well, rain too ?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,357
Likes: 91
From: Michigan
I have put over 40K on stock Dunlop's and have not had an issue with tar snakes, rain or bridges with metal grating.
I really find it hard to believe that a tire would make a difference on a tar snake, given the fact its not the tire slipping on the tar, it's the tar slipping on the original road bed.
As for mileage the last set on my Ultra had 20 K on them when it went into storage last fall, I replaced them before I started riding this spring, are they noisy....yes (I say they are vocal, they like to hum) especially in the sweepers. I have 6K on the new ones and they are starting to warm up their voices now.
I really find it hard to believe that a tire would make a difference on a tar snake, given the fact its not the tire slipping on the tar, it's the tar slipping on the original road bed.
As for mileage the last set on my Ultra had 20 K on them when it went into storage last fall, I replaced them before I started riding this spring, are they noisy....yes (I say they are vocal, they like to hum) especially in the sweepers. I have 6K on the new ones and they are starting to warm up their voices now.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 565
From: Utah
To the OP, hope you and the bike heal up quickly! If you can find an empty parking lot with tar snakes, try practicing turn and stops there. It won't save you from everything out on the road, but can help you get a 'feel' for when things start getting slippery.
Last edited by crazytown; Jun 21, 2016 at 09:45 AM.