I've done a rear conversion on my 2005 FLHRP King to the 07/08 rear fender and all accompanying parts. I hadn't thought much about the 170/60/17 tire size until afterwards and looked at new prices. Other than OE tire has anyone had luck with another brand in the same size? I don't ride 2-up so load isn't as big of a factor. TIA

 

i feel your pain. my conversion has been complete for about 5 years. during that time frame i have looked for a replacement tire other than the dunlop for a lower price, the sport bike spec tires will not hold up, unless you like changing tires every 4 k.

Dunlop recently came out with an american elite replacement in the 170 size. i would suggest looking there. it or this one are the few options out there. im running a pirelli front tire so this may be an option for the rear. load rating is 78

www.denniskirk.com/pirelli/rear-night-dragon-170-60vr-17-blackwall-tire-2212000.p544179.prd/544179.sku

 

Look for a dealer around you that gives tire discounts. I have a dealer that gives 20% off tires when you buy front and back all year. I got both tires (oem dunlops) mounted for about $626, saved $200 vs the dealer closest to me.

 

I had forgot about all that had done it before me, thank you for chiming in.

I'm sitting on the fence for a trip I leave on next weekend. It should total about 3K miles, on whether to replace before or wait until after. I could suffer at 4K out of a new sport tire for peace of mind, really I wonder if the current one would at least get another 3K. At $169 the Night Dragon might be worth a shot.

I had also wondered about going to a 180/55, that size seems a bit more available.

 

Had you considered going to the dark side ???

 

the 180 is spec ed i believe for a 5.5 rim. the 17 is 4.5, so i would not suggest that route.

the pirelli is a spec ed, touring tire rate up to 782 lbs. with a 78 load rating it is as close to 81 as you will see.

just remember pirelli tires specify a higher inflation to be properly inflated. the sidewall is your friend.

my front tire specs 50 psi. im certain the rear will be similar.

 

170/60/17 rear tire is hard to find. One option is the Metzler ME880 (170/60 R 17 M/C 78V REINFTL). it meets the spec and I installed on my 2008 CVO Road King. Feels much better than the Dunlops

 

Back from the trip, tire made it another 2600 miles before it hit the wear bar. I just got an email from Surdyke with the stocker on sale for $202, any reason to stick with the Dunlop over ME880 at the same price vs the Night Dragon at $170?

 

You know, I hadn't even thought about that, might be the way to save some bucks.

 

glad it made it thru the trip,

im going pirelli, seems to be cost effective and if it wears like my front, it will get similar mileage.

i also dont like how the dunlop wears and how it seems to be prone to cupping when its about half worn.

my .02