It’s time to change out the original tire on my 2011 Harley Fatboy FLSTF. It is a Dunlop D407 200/55 R17. It has the Harley Davidson logo on the sidewall. It looks like this is a $500 tire here in Canada. I am wondering if there is a better option? I am not concerned about the Harley logo but want to install a good performing tire. Thanks for any comments & recommendations.

Alan

 

Dunlop American Elite is a great all around tire. Avon Cobra Chrome is a little stickier tire in my opinion, but not as long lasting as the Dunlop.

And please tell me you have not been riding on a 13 year old tire?

 

I agree on both points…

 

The Metzler ME888 is pretty good. If both wheels have the original tires on them, I would consider getting fresh rubber fore and aft.

 

 

I bought the bike 3 years ago with 3,000 miles on it. It had been stored inside and looked like brand new. I now have 8000 miles on it and it needs new rubber

 

This is from Dunlop's Consumer Affairs Group. They sent this to me in my asking them for their official stance on length of motorcycle tire life. They state up to five years no problem, just ride. Then they state that after five years to ten years they need to be inspected at least annually by someone that knows what to look for. After tens years, no riding.

Me personably, I won't run a tire after it's five years old. I've seen several that just disintegrate at highway speeds. My life is worth the price of fresh tires.

 

Like Ohio, I go by the five year rule. It helps that the bike was stored inside, and people look for cracks and do the thumbnail test to judge the tire’s condition. But it’s only two little patches of rubber keeping the shiny side up. It sounds like you’re enjoying the bike and riding it, and I bet you will love the way the bike feels with fresh rubber. Tires have improved over the years. The statement from Dunlop, with their corporate liability concerns, giving a 5-10 year window for tire life, speaks to that.

 

I can concur on the American Elites. I could not believe the difference in the way the bike feels and handles in the long sweepers. They have a better profile that doesn't seem to "suck" you down in the curves. Very stable. My son-in-law asked my opinion when it came time for his new rubber, and he was also amazed at the difference they made on his Heritage. Good luck and safe riding!

 

5 year rule for me too on all vehicles. It may hurt the pocket, but nit as much as a crash.

And…I just bought a new to me 2015 Jaguar XKR, with 38,000 miles. The tires have at least 2/3 tread left but are 5 years old. I can actually feel that they are slightly hard by sticking my finger nail in them. With 510 Hp, just a bit of a pressing on the throttle coming out of a turn, and it gets squirrely. So, I’m getting new tires this week. It hurts at nearly $2K. But, it’s worth it.