New Guy has '01 Softail 88.
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 85
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From: Oakdale, CA
New Guy has '01 Softail 88.
Hi guys, I'm the new kid on the block. At 69 years of age I bought my first Harley, a 2001 Softail 88 and yes I already know I'm crazy! Right now its sitting in my garage awaiting two new tires, insurance and registration. I'm open to suggestions as to what tires to put on it, I prefer better quality rubber. I did ride the bike around the neighborhood a bit and I'm here to tell you it's really a different experience than what I've had with any other bike I've owned. There's definitely a whole different feel to a Harley. I'm open to opinions and recommendations about this new adventure if anybody feels they want to offer them.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 249
Here's a recommendation don't fall off, seriously though well done I'm 65 and just wondering at what age I should give up riding although probably like you I feel about 20 years younger, as far as tyres are concerned nothing wrong with what Harleys use Dunlops, although in the past I've also used Avons which are generally a bit cheaper to buy and are a softer compound, main thing with 88 engined bikes is the Camm tensioners if the bike has done more than 20,000 miles I would check them if they haven't already checked, plenty of posts on here about that problem.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
I prefer a better tire like Mezeler, Avon or Michelin. I have never been a fan of stock Dunlops. That being said the Dunlops usually get better mileage but I prefer the stickiness and round on the tire of the other brands far better. I am willing to pay a premium for tires as they are vital safety equipment on the bike and who knows when that might come in to play.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,294
Likes: 149
From: FL
Welcome to the softail forum Rusty. What model softail do you have? Post pics of it as soon as you can.
I'm coming up on a tire change and I've heard good things about the Michelin Commander II's. I'm think I'm going to give them a try.
I'm coming up on a tire change and I've heard good things about the Michelin Commander II's. I'm think I'm going to give them a try.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: boston
I had a Lowrider (moved up to a 2012 Fatboy last week). The lowrider came with stock Dunlops. I had to get new tires and put Metzlers on it, what a difference in handling. I noticed how much better it handled in the first mile of driving it. Rode them all summer and have not changed my mind. If you need new tires, you won't go wrong with the Metzlers.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Welcome to Softails from Colorado!
Just put a Michelin Commander II on the about 2000 miles ago and love it.
Get pics up soon so we can tell ya how to spend your $$$$!
Just put a Michelin Commander II on the about 2000 miles ago and love it.
Get pics up soon so we can tell ya how to spend your $$$$!
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 705
Likes: 8
From: southern IL
Welcome to the family!!
I like the Harley Dunlops myself. Never had any issues... they wear good and I get lotso miles out of them. Don't change what ain't broke.
I like the Harley Dunlops myself. Never had any issues... they wear good and I get lotso miles out of them. Don't change what ain't broke.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,232
Likes: 9,322
From: Georgia
Welcome to the forums Rusty. You're not crazy,ride and enjoy it. I run Metzlers the last 7 years with good luck. They just don't last. Recently switched to Dunlop Elite 3's. What a difference. Much smoother ride and mileage claims from others far outlast the Metzlers. The ride alone was enough to be happy with them I hated the stock Dunlop,horrible in the rain and rock hard, Enjoy
88's were great motors, have the cam bearings checked. Simple cheap fix for peace of mind then ride the hell out of it.
88's were great motors, have the cam bearings checked. Simple cheap fix for peace of mind then ride the hell out of it.
Last edited by back again; Nov 2, 2012 at 10:16 PM.
