My Ultra Limited has the original OEM Dunlop/HD tires, and 10,500 miles. In early July we値l be leaving on a 4,000 mile trip that will include highway, twisties, mountain roads, and probably some rain.

I知 on the fence as to whether I should put on new tires before the trip. The center of the fronts measure 3/32 to 4/32. Whereas the rears measure 4/32 to 6/32, and have a little cupping.

Would you you spend the $ to put on new tires before the trip?

 

I would get new tires before I left. But that's just me. I will say, tires are the biggest racket in the entire Harley Industrial Complex.

 

I would rather spend money on new tires than spend time on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck.

 

Yes you need tires.

 

taking into account your entire circumstances I would definitely replace before I went;
1. Peace of mind and performance, would be cutting things too close late in the trip with not much room for error
2. while it 'may' be premature and the feeling of not having gotten 'all' you could out of them, you got over 10000 miles so maybe ~75% ish of the best part of them..just not worth feeling like you got shorted $100 bucks worth or so imho..but that's just my opinion, tires are the one thing I have zero problem spending money on for two wheelers..too damn important and not a place to try and squeeze blood from a turnip over

 

Having been in that exact situation, I looked around for stock take offs (rims) with new (or near new tires). You know guys who are moving up to custom rims etc.
I recently found a full set of new Enforcers with rotors/tires for 500. Ran those on the trip and when I got back put the original rims/tires back on for day to day riding until they were done - I used them up is the point.

I'll swap these sets around to always have a set with new tires waiting while getting every mile I can out of the set on the bike. Having done this a few times I have three sets now. Crazy I know, I keep collecting them. ha.

 

Nah, you are good for another 8k. But I would definitely change them when you get back.

Everytime I hear that phrase, "Peace of mind,," to me it means you are just wasting your money for something that isn't really necessary yet.

 

Well, put another 2k miles on between now and July and then change the tires before you leave. Get the american elites.

 

I just put new tires on my RGU. A set of AE to replace the OEM Dunlops with the HD logo. The old tires had 17,500 miles on them, and were not near the wear bars either front or rear. I'm certain I could get another safe 3k out of them. However, they were so ratty, cupped up, unevenly worn, noisy, grainy. I had a couple of warm dry days, felt physically fit for the job, and decided to do it early. I'm glad I did. The new AE are real sweet riding.

I would say, replace them before you leave on the trip. You'll have a much nicer ride, less worry, and it will only cost you what you would have had to pay in any event.

 

An average ball-park new tread depth on a motorcycle tire is 10/32, maybe 11/32.

The wear bar is supposed to be set at about 1/32.

If it were me, based on the circumstances, I'd go along with the general consensus here. Yes, I'd go ahead and buy new tires.

You won't regret it, but you might regret NOT buying new tires.