First tire change on my 2014 Street Glide. Changed from original Dunlops (18500 miles) to Avon Cobra Chromes. The bike has a noticeably more...nimble feel. The feel could also be described as a little wobbly, more easily "flicked" left/right. Not sure if the tires need to wear-in a few miles to get scuffed up a bit, or if maybe the old tires were at a point that affected feel in the opposite manner, or if I need to adjust. Of note, I bought the bike used at 3800 miles. Maybe the bike is simply more responsive with the new shoes....

Normal for new tires? Not concerned, just curious.

 

New tires always make the bike feel like it rides better/different.

 

My experience is new tires feel a little slick for the first miles I usually go 50-100 miles before I really start pushing the bike in turns. New tires will release oils etc in the rubber when they are first run and heated up. Also with 18,500 miles on your old tire they likely had worn a bit flat across the area that contacts the road, making your new tires feel like you can flick it easier because you are now riding on a smaller surface area.

 

Well you are riding on rounded tires now as opposed to flat tires! Less effort and more responsive. Luv those chromes!

 

New tires need a break in. Pretend you're riding around in the rains for about 100 miles. Far as the feel? Well I do a lot of highway, straight line, not too much on the twisties. Riding like that will flatten out the center line so you've got a somewhat I_I vs. U shape going on. Easier to dive it and lean it when you don't have a ridge to overcome. Least, that's what I was told by my mechanic first time I changed my tires and noticed a similar situation as you.

 

Not the best pic, but old tires were looking a bit square...

 

New tires ALWAYS feel better, even if it's the same kind you had.

 

My first Avons were Venoms, replacing Dunlop 400 series with less than 500 miles on them I couldn't stand. In the first 5 minutes I took corners easily the Dunlops would have broke loose on. Put Avons on the next 3 Harleys, too, doubt any tire would have noticeably better handling. Only downside to them, my 1200 sportster got grind marks on the lower muffler, never happened with the previous ones, Dunlops again.

Romeo, if you're running Harley's recommended tire pressure, check Avon's website, their recommended pressure is higher. Avon isn't the only one, for anyone reading this that got another brand than OEM.

 

Good gouge! Just checked for 2014-16 SG/SGS = 38/44. Headed out to the garage now!