On the fence
On the fence
I don't have many miles left in the original rear tire for my 2014 Limited and have been considering making the move to the dark side. I've been reading a lot of the posts on the subject and am very open-minded to it. I live in the foothills of NC so I have almost as many curvy roads as I do straight roads so handling of this big, heavy bike is a concern. I don't see a lot of the local bikes with car tires so anyone I ask around here is very anti-car tire. Even the guy at the tire store where I would get the tire is very down on the subject.
I'm looking at a Hankook Optima H426 in the 195/60/16 size. It appears to have more rounded corners than a lot of the tires I've seen so I'm thinking it should help when going into corners. I'm also seeing a lot of you talking about run-flat tires and sidewall strength. How much emphasis should I put into those features?? I don't want to move up to the 205 or 55 series. I want to stay with the 195/60.
I'm going to have to do something within the next couple weeks so I need some honest advice. Help educate me guys!!
I'm looking at a Hankook Optima H426 in the 195/60/16 size. It appears to have more rounded corners than a lot of the tires I've seen so I'm thinking it should help when going into corners. I'm also seeing a lot of you talking about run-flat tires and sidewall strength. How much emphasis should I put into those features?? I don't want to move up to the 205 or 55 series. I want to stay with the 195/60.
I'm going to have to do something within the next couple weeks so I need some honest advice. Help educate me guys!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
While I cannot tell you about the Hankook I will give you some thoughts based on 14K miles of dark siding.
I am very pleased with my GMax. I will never ride on a motorcycle rear tire again unless I buy a new bike.
When I need a new rear tire (14K miles and it still looks good) I plan on giving a strong look at the Alpin run flat.
No matter what brand tire you buy, I strongly recommend that you use Ride On Tire sealant to balance the tire. It works great and just might save you from a flat!
I am very pleased with my GMax. I will never ride on a motorcycle rear tire again unless I buy a new bike.
When I need a new rear tire (14K miles and it still looks good) I plan on giving a strong look at the Alpin run flat.
No matter what brand tire you buy, I strongly recommend that you use Ride On Tire sealant to balance the tire. It works great and just might save you from a flat!
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 416
Likes: 14
From: Texas
as long as I can get tires to fit, I'm staying on the darkside. I contemplated run-flat, but in the end got a regular tire and added ride on. Couldn't be happier.
Curves are no issue for me, I drag the center stand long before the tire is an issue.
Curves are no issue for me, I drag the center stand long before the tire is an issue.
Stage II
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Statesville NC
wanting to switch
i have a 2000 road glide i am running a 140/90/16 moved up from a 130 to the 140 as big as i can go i want to know what car tire will fit on my bike and what is the best brand name just starting to research this will need a tire soon
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
I suggest you try a Michelin Alpin run flat.
They are a little higher priced than some of the other tires, but they handle real well.
I've gone through about 4 or 5 of them and they are the best handling I've had.
I went with a Yokohama this last time, just to try something different.
I run Ozark backhills quite a bit. I don't even think about being able to handle the twisties. I know the car tires will give me better overall performance than any MC tire.
They are a little higher priced than some of the other tires, but they handle real well.
I've gone through about 4 or 5 of them and they are the best handling I've had.
I went with a Yokohama this last time, just to try something different.
I run Ozark backhills quite a bit. I don't even think about being able to handle the twisties. I know the car tires will give me better overall performance than any MC tire.
Stage II
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Statesville NC
Tire size
What size tire should i get in the michelin to fit a 2000 road glide i looked at the chart on the web site and they dont list my bike
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,780
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
Not saying there are none, but I have not heard of anyone finding one.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 80
From: currently an Okie
Michelin
In 2009 Harley went to a 5" wide rim. Before that the rims were 3" and there is a very limited number of car tires that work with the Pre2009 bikes.
There are a couple of taxi tires that people have used, but I'm not sure they are available anymore.
Read the threads that have the original posters with pre-2009 bikes and you will see what is available.
2009 and later have a wide variety of options. Pre-09, not so much.
There are a couple of taxi tires that people have used, but I'm not sure they are available anymore.
Read the threads that have the original posters with pre-2009 bikes and you will see what is available.
2009 and later have a wide variety of options. Pre-09, not so much.
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