First flat front tire
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
From: n
First flat front tire
I had my first front flat today and my point is not to panic if this happens to you. I have had several rear tire flats over the years, but never a front go flat and always wondered what that was like. I am riding a '10 Heritage, the front tire was an OEM Dunlop installed Sat (replaced a MC II) and had less than 100 miles. I was on a 2 lane twisting running 60ish. The steering went sluggish very quickly and I was in a mild corner when I noticed. I never felt any loss of control, nor was it difficult to control, but it did require some additional effort. Found a shady spot and made the call to a friend. I am sure it would have been managable in traffic. I probably could have nursed to safety under most circumstances. While I have a lot years and miles, I do not consider myself to be any more skilled riding than the average Joe. It wasn't the big deal brush with death as I have imagined. Now I might have a different tale had I been on my old Wide Glide.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 884
Likes: 0
From: n
nah, bike's still sitting on the trailer. Got home, said f*(k it and had a beer. I am guessing one of the usual suspects, ie nail, screw, etc. Did pick up a utility knife blade one time just to change it up. If it turns out to be something weird, I'll mention it. Will try and get it fixed tomorrow.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 521
Likes: 3
From: Colorado Springs, Co.
That's what I tell everyone too, I've had them and its not that big of a deal, usually they don't just explode, it's more of a controlled loss of air. Steering does get pretty heavy.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,453
Likes: 249
Yeah agree with that, you expect the bike to go out of control but as said the steering just gets very heavy, different with the back though I've only had one but the bike sort of started weaving around a bit, luckily I was only doing around 40 mph so it wasn't a big problem I should think it would be kinda scarey if you were hammering it down the road doing 80 mph.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Good to know about your experience, and that you made it out safely.
I'm thinking the new tire with it's fresh solid rubber helped a lot. Possibly an aged tire wouldn't have held so well.
I'll bet the shop you take it to for tires regularly will be surprised. Hope it wasn't a defect, or an installation issue.
I'm thinking the new tire with it's fresh solid rubber helped a lot. Possibly an aged tire wouldn't have held so well.
I'll bet the shop you take it to for tires regularly will be surprised. Hope it wasn't a defect, or an installation issue.