Rode in light rain today, and my rear slid twice turning (about 15mph). Tires are new, bike is a 2006 with only 4K miles. Tire pressure 36 psi in rear as stated in owners manual. Are the stock tires that bad? Never had that happen to me on other bikes.

 

Imo if your riding in rain it really pays of to have stickier tires. Try the Metzlers or Avon's. Also take it easy on the throttle.

 

I too have noticed the rear slippage in the rain - and really was not hitting the throttle - really notice it when I go over the white strips that are more like industrial stickers than paint that they use for stop lines or turn lane markers. I have just grown accustom to the situation and adjust accordingly - where in NY are you - blue skies all day up here in Glens Falls.

 

I just had Avon AM41 & 2's installed on my Sporty for this reason, first thing I noticed was how much better they stick to the road, wet or dry, nor did the bike wonder over the uneven road conditions, such as splits, unevens, brick, etc. road surfaces. They may not last as long as they are a softer compound. My unharley stealer talked me into these and I'm very happy. HOWEVER, be sure to change both front and back if you change brands, keeps the dynamics of the tires balanced (some debate about that a well) just to play it safe...

 

Keep in mind a sportster is a sport cruiser. It has a sport bike tire (not much tread patteren). A touring bike tire has a much more agresive tread pattern and will channel water better then a sport tire. My friends crotch rocket has almost no tread and the tires are new. It is designed to get the most rubber on the road in the dry. If you ride on the rain a lot you may want a very agresive tread.

It could be oil coming to the surface if it just started raining. The oil will be on top of the water.

 

I agree, the stock Dunflops I have on my 07 aren't that great - I'll probably go with the Metzlers one these are worn.

 

I've had my back tire slip a few times also on wet streets. I don't remember any of my other bikes ever being that bad on wet streets. I doubt I'll replace the tires with the same Dunlops again.

 

Any one have the Screamin Eagle tires? They are suppose to be more stickier.

I'm in NYC.

 

I haven't had any problems with my dunlops in the rain... even when they were nearly wore out...

But then again... I adjust to the conditions...

Charlie D.

 

Correct!!!