Tire Handling
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Tire Handling
I'v noticed with my Dyna that when I am traveling at speeds over 75MPH that "comfort" level on the highway is lowered. I have stock tires on the bike and I'm wondering if a wider tire would give it more stability. I especially notice it when my front tire is caught in a groove or crack in the road. I'v read other threads on here to see what the maximum size I can go to on my model. 180mm seems to be the max for the rear, but I dont think there is much wiggle room for the front without changing or taking off front fender. Would wider tires help it's stability or should I leave it along, ie performance, gas mileage, handling, etc.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,945
Likes: 85
From: Florida
I can ride for miles on the interstate at 80 mph with no hands on the handlebars of the Super Glide.
Is it your tires or your comfort level that needs some change?
How long have you ridden? How long have you been riding that bike?
To answer your question directly. Wider tires are not impacted as much by grooves on the roadway. But, like my bike, I don't think you can put a wider front tire on it without modifications.
Is it your tires or your comfort level that needs some change?
How long have you ridden? How long have you been riding that bike?
To answer your question directly. Wider tires are not impacted as much by grooves on the roadway. But, like my bike, I don't think you can put a wider front tire on it without modifications.
Last edited by Jonesee; May 8, 2013 at 06:23 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Front Tire
When I put a new tire on the front of my bike, it quit following tar snakes and grooves. I put a radial (110/80/19) on the front with stock rim and fender along with the back but I think it is the Dunlops that are prone to follow the road grooves. Try the search function and try to find threads about tires following road snakes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
I just changed from a Dunlop front to a Michelin Commander II and the difference in handling is amazing. No more tracking grooves and irregularities. I am shocked-SHOCKED! at the difference.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,922
Likes: 589
From: Running with the gators
Well let's see, my sportster would wobble on concrete highways. My Heritage is much more stable and hardly wobbles.
Trending Topics
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
I just today ordered a pair of Michlein commader 2's
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
Your problem is the stock tires. Replace them with better tires and you'll be fine. Lots of good tires out there.
Another thing you might want to do is go with a little wider front tire. On your Wide Glide you must be running 80/90 21. You'll feel a little more of those grooves and crack with that skinny front tire. I have the same size tire on my softail.
You can run a slightly wider front tire and go with a 90/90 21, and may even be able to go with a 100/90 21 (make sure you check to see if your front fender will allow a wider tire, pretty sure the 90 will, but not sure about the 100). This may or may not help. I just bought new tires for my softail and went with the 90/90 21. I haven't mounted them yet to see if there's a difference in the ride.
As far as the rear tire goes. I don't think going wider will make any positive difference, and by going too wide you may sacrifice some handling. Going one size up to a 160 shouldn't hurt.
Another thing you might want to do is go with a little wider front tire. On your Wide Glide you must be running 80/90 21. You'll feel a little more of those grooves and crack with that skinny front tire. I have the same size tire on my softail.
You can run a slightly wider front tire and go with a 90/90 21, and may even be able to go with a 100/90 21 (make sure you check to see if your front fender will allow a wider tire, pretty sure the 90 will, but not sure about the 100). This may or may not help. I just bought new tires for my softail and went with the 90/90 21. I haven't mounted them yet to see if there's a difference in the ride.
As far as the rear tire goes. I don't think going wider will make any positive difference, and by going too wide you may sacrifice some handling. Going one size up to a 160 shouldn't hurt.
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Sorry everyone,
2002 Dyna Wide Glide.
First Harley, have been riding about 10 years/ race bikes.
Tire size rear (130/90/16 Front 80/90/21
And they are the stock DUNLOPS
Thank you everyone for the responses, this blog is very helpfull!
I think I have my answers but i just wanted to respond to your requests
2002 Dyna Wide Glide.
First Harley, have been riding about 10 years/ race bikes.
Tire size rear (130/90/16 Front 80/90/21
And they are the stock DUNLOPS
Thank you everyone for the responses, this blog is very helpfull!
I think I have my answers but i just wanted to respond to your requests