Tire opinions
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 464
Likes: 42
From: NC
I had C2s front and back and hated them after a ride through the back roads of West Virginia... Almost lost her several times in the wet on twisty roads. She was sliding around like I was on ice. Fortunately, a few months later, I found a nail in my rear tire. I was so glad to get rid of them. Because I had a ride coming up and pressed for time I put OEM back on, but I'm going to try the Metzler 888 next time.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 351
From: Holly Springs, North Carolina
OEM Dunlops are good tires. Too expensive though. I put 18K on the rear. 22K on front. Tried the CII's and really liked them. Smoother, great handling & great mileage. HATED them in the rain. OEM Dunlop far superior in the rain. I ride in the Blue Ridge a lot. I'm going to stick with Dunlop. Just my experience & opinion.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 8
From: virginia
I haven't tried Michelins, except the stock Scorchers on my Sporty, for no better reason than when I try other brands on my bikes I go by personal recommendations. I prefer Avons on my Harleys and will fit them soon on my Sporty.
IMHO Avons are sublime! Great grip all in weather conditions and compliant and comfy. What more could we possibly want?!
IMHO Avons are sublime! Great grip all in weather conditions and compliant and comfy. What more could we possibly want?!
I will more than likely go with them when these need replacing
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
The OEM Dunlops on the newer FL's will run around 20K for miles, the replacement American Elites will get about the same. They grip on corners well. The Metz 888 and the CII's won't come close to those miles and they are both slippery on wet pavement. All 3 ride harsh/rough. Avons ride great and stick, but 1/2 the miles before used up.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 8
From: virginia
The OEM Dunlops on the newer FL's will run around 20K for miles, the replacement American Elites will get about the same. They grip on corners well. The Metz 888 and the CII's won't come close to those miles and they are both slippery on wet pavement. All 3 ride harsh/rough. Avons ride great and stick, but 1/2 the miles before used up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,851
Likes: 29,826
From: PNW
Just replaced my oem Dunlops at 21k miles with American Elites. I expect to get about the same mileage from these.
Had MCIIs on my previous bike (Ultra). Not bad, but no where near 20k treadlife. And I didn't like that they were made in Malaysia. Didn't really like them in the rain either.
Had MCIIs on my previous bike (Ultra). Not bad, but no where near 20k treadlife. And I didn't like that they were made in Malaysia. Didn't really like them in the rain either.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
9.7K is average for OE Dunlops. FWIW I've had good luck with Metzler 888's. If you want serious miles out of a tire fit a car tire on it. 40K+ no problems, but that's a whole 'nuther topic.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 229
From: Saskatchewan
I just wore out my rear Dunlop American Elite. I was very happy with getting almost twice the mileage out of the Elite. Even though they were wore out they got me home with wet snow starting to build up on the road during a freak snow storm. It was squirrelly but I managed to make it home fully loaded with a 40-50 mph side wind and wet snow.
The OEM Dunlop only got me 16,000kms/10,000miles where the Elite got me 27,500kms/17,000miles. Both sets of tires went through the same use with the bulk of life touring on the twisty highways either in the mountains or in canyons. I can probably get a few more miles out of the Elites but they will be replaced with Elites this winter for the next season.
I will say there is a noticeable difference going from a worn out tire to a new one, but I didn't find a drastic overall improvement in handling between the 2 tires. Both the OEM and the Elite were cupping by the time they were approaching the end of life. I will take the cupping now as a warning that it is time to start tire shopping.
The OEM Dunlop only got me 16,000kms/10,000miles where the Elite got me 27,500kms/17,000miles. Both sets of tires went through the same use with the bulk of life touring on the twisty highways either in the mountains or in canyons. I can probably get a few more miles out of the Elites but they will be replaced with Elites this winter for the next season.
I will say there is a noticeable difference going from a worn out tire to a new one, but I didn't find a drastic overall improvement in handling between the 2 tires. Both the OEM and the Elite were cupping by the time they were approaching the end of life. I will take the cupping now as a warning that it is time to start tire shopping.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I find that tyres have two distinct conditions, other than brand new! One is when they get down to the wear limit markers, which I seldom get to because there is a second earlier time when I reckon they have 'gone off' and I have had enough of them. They no longer ride right or feel as well planted as I like, so time to go. The Metzeler Z8s on my Buell have recently got there, probably half worn, but it's time to replace them. A pair of Avon Storms are in prospect, continuing my practice of using mostly Avons on my Harleys!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,851
Likes: 29,826
From: PNW
I will say there is a noticeable difference going from a worn out tire to a new one, but I didn't find a drastic overall improvement in handling between the 2 tires. Both the OEM and the Elite were cupping by the time they were approaching the end of life. I will take the cupping now as a warning that it is time to start tire shopping.
Duh.