Best Tire?
Best Tire?
Anyone out there done any experimenting with tires lately? I'm looking to "upgrade" the tires on my '06 springer softail , been running the factory Dunlops since new. Looking for longer life, best grip in wet & dry conditions. Any thoughts?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 247
From: Tulsa, OK
Life and grip are almost mutually exclusive, life also depends on your riding style. I run Avon Cobra's on my RGU and the wife's Fatbob. When my FXD is ready it'll get Avon's as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 11,226
Likes: 3,049
From: St.Louis Mo.
don't think you gonna get any more mileage out of any other tire than a dunlop. there are better tires out there, but you won't get the mileage out of them. heard good things about the Elite 3's and the American elite's.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 27,097
Likes: 4,676
From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I share bettingpython's view, get good mileage or good traction and handling, but not both. I'm an Avon fan, too. If you still have the skinny front tire on the Springer, I'd guess you've had some wiggles on tar snakes and road irregularities. The 21" on my 1200C was a wiggling misery with an OEM Dunlop, but that all disappeared with the Cobras. Not so noticeable on wider tires, but they still stick a lot better.
I realize mileage is an issue if you're paying dealer prices to install new tires, especially taking the bike to them with wheels on. I do my own tire changes, buy tires online, and the cost difference between traction and mileage tires isn't much then, but that takes tools, too.
I also get some help occasionally, and he's cheap, too.
I realize mileage is an issue if you're paying dealer prices to install new tires, especially taking the bike to them with wheels on. I do my own tire changes, buy tires online, and the cost difference between traction and mileage tires isn't much then, but that takes tools, too.
I also get some help occasionally, and he's cheap, too.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,462
Likes: 105
From: Kentucky
I've switched from Dunlop to Mich Commander 2, I've had good luck out of the. Getting ready to purchase my 3rd set
Life if your tires is proper air pressure
Life if your tires is proper air pressure
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
Yep, and proper pressure isn't necessarily max load pressure per the manual.
