Tires
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 166
Likes: 10
From: Huntingtin Beach CA
Tires
Still fairly new to having bikes. (11,500 mi new)
My question is when do I need to start thinking about tire replacement.
I have a 2014 SGS with 11,500 mi. Stock tires 407/408.
The rears have 5/32" left and the fronts 6/32"
Not sure how much they had when new.
Have a trip coming up in a month from Southern CA to almost Canada along the 1 and 101 hwy's (twisty)
Will be putting about 3,000 mi on.
Should I be concerned and replace prior
My question is when do I need to start thinking about tire replacement.
I have a 2014 SGS with 11,500 mi. Stock tires 407/408.
The rears have 5/32" left and the fronts 6/32"
Not sure how much they had when new.
Have a trip coming up in a month from Southern CA to almost Canada along the 1 and 101 hwy's (twisty)
Will be putting about 3,000 mi on.
Should I be concerned and replace prior
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 166
Likes: 10
From: Huntingtin Beach CA
Looks like I have another 4/32" till I hit the wear bars. Is that right (wear bars are at about 1/32" of treadwear left?)
I think there is enough wear left?
Just concerned cuz a lot of what I have read and people telling me they only get 12,000 out of a tire.
I think there is enough wear left?
Just concerned cuz a lot of what I have read and people telling me they only get 12,000 out of a tire.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 752
Likes: 23
From: Acton, CA
I've always gotten at least 17K out of my rear tires on my (now my wife's) 2010 Road King, riding mostly solo, and keeping the tire inflated to 38-40 psi. The HD front tires usually go for at least 25K in my experience. That goes for both stock Dunlops and the Commander II's on it now. I have about 12K miles on my 15 RGS, and wouldn't hesitate to leave them on for a 3000 mile trip... they still have plenty of tread left, but that's me.
Having said that, piece of mind goes a long way towards enjoying your trip.
Having said that, piece of mind goes a long way towards enjoying your trip.
Last edited by caberto; May 16, 2016 at 05:48 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Front had 6/32" when new
Rear had 10/32" when new
So you're just over 1/2 life on the rear and like new on the front. You should be a-ok. I just replaced my rear tire and it was at the wear bar. You'll notice a rougher ride and it'll track funky on the rear when it is ready to be changed. I made a joke to the tire guy about my tire being at the wear bar, he stated that he sees it all the time now, people are getting all the life they can out of tires now and not changing out prematurely anymore. Sign of the times he said.
Rear had 10/32" when new
So you're just over 1/2 life on the rear and like new on the front. You should be a-ok. I just replaced my rear tire and it was at the wear bar. You'll notice a rougher ride and it'll track funky on the rear when it is ready to be changed. I made a joke to the tire guy about my tire being at the wear bar, he stated that he sees it all the time now, people are getting all the life they can out of tires now and not changing out prematurely anymore. Sign of the times he said.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,980
Likes: 5,218
From: Michigan
I replaced the rear tire on my Ultra at 3/32nds as it was nearing the start of the riding season (last year) and I didn't want to be bothered by having to get a new tire while on a trip (been there done that).
There's also a better chance that you can get a better price, and a better selection of a tire(s) if you buy them near your home.
There's also a better chance that you can get a better price, and a better selection of a tire(s) if you buy them near your home.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,711
Likes: 9,214
From: Snow Hill, NC
Order you a American Elite online, find yourself an Independent shop that will swap it for you and do it at the last minute before your trip.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 166
Likes: 10
From: Huntingtin Beach CA
Thanks guys that helped put me at ease. knowing the original tread depth and that others have gotten well over 15,000 mi on same tires I think I will be fine.
Thought my tires looked plenty good but then started hearing people saying they had to replace them by 10-12K I got a bit concerned.
Thought my tires looked plenty good but then started hearing people saying they had to replace them by 10-12K I got a bit concerned.