Morning all. I bought my bike new in 2011 and have done all the things one usually does to make some changes but this year I was due to put some money into some things that needed replaced.

Tires. I went with the Michelin Commander II's and only have a few miles on them so I don't know enough to give my review yet. Need to give them some miles and see. So far I like them. I went to a local shop as my go to Harley dealer parts guy looked around and told me to look elsewhere to save money. Do not get that honesty every day that's for sure.

The price I paid was still high but I also do not have a way to do work nor am I good with removing a rear tire.

Front was $177, rear was $191, to have them do it with the bike was $100 in labor, plus $3 for wheel weights, and lastly $3 for valve stems. When I dropped it off they asked if it needed pads did I want it done which I knew the rears were new last fall but the front should have been good and they were however the front wheel bearings in his words were "BAD" and they give you any parts they replace with the old ones so you can see them. The bearings went bad as they were harboring some serious water and they became shot. Fair enough and now riding the bike the front end is quiet and smooth like new.

I picked up the bike the next day. They are overly busy right now but got it done pretty quick when they originally wanted 48 hours to do it. Total out the door was just shy of $600. Ouch but it was needed. However, when I got there to pick it up the battery just did not have enough to get it started. I had no issues before and thought maybe they left the battery on too long or something. We jumped it and it fired right off. On the ride home I could see the amp gauge bouncing around based on the rpm's. It is over 4 years old and always on a tender but probably more safe than not to replace it.

Went to batteries plus and picked up a Duracell battery. Cheaper than HD (meka) battery but not as cheap as battery mart. Oh well it is replaced and the bike starts a lot better now.

So with the season just starting here in Iowa there is $700 something spent but all was needed. I know it was a long read here. Hoping the tires and battery are what I am looking for.

Ride safe!

 

I haven't had quite as dramatic a start to the season, but had to do a few things to get through annual inspection and also bought a new battery. Is your amp gauge happy now, with your new battery? It's worth keeping an eye on it, just to ensure all is well. My bike is a 2007 and the battery I am replacing is original, so I've got a decent innings out of it.

 

Yes it is much better actually and I will keep an eye on it. I was not sure about the Duracell battery so hopefully it turns out okay. Nice to know it has a two year warranty.

 

For those looking to replace their battery; I needed to replace the battery in my '00 Heritage and was going to go to BatteryMart but while doing a Google search found an outfit called Chromebattery. Did a little research and read the reviews. Looked like a good outfit with great customer service and their batteries are considerably cheaper and come with an 60 day, no questions asked, return or replacement money back guarantee. The batteries also have a 18 month warranty. The batteries are made in the USA and they offer free shipping. They are AGM batteries and came fully charged and ready to install.
Ordered the battery from them ($62) and got it in 3 days.

I have no affiliation with them, just thought I'd pass this on.