I have always had my tires replaced at the dealer. Since I have been hanging around here on the forum I am convinced that I should buy the tires elsewhere and have them put on. My question is this. What do I replace my tires with? I have been reading about different brands (Avon, Metz, etc) But as I look around on the web I see a lot of different numbers (sizes).What will fit on my bike? What won't fit?I'm so confused. I am looking forhigh mileage tires that won't break the bank. Gotta keep momma happy.

 

I don't want to speak for all ... but HIGH-MILEGE tires would not necessarily be what I was looking for. The higher the miles for a tire the harder the rubber compound is going to be in order to give you the higher milege.

I guess some depends on how you ride your bike. I'm over 9k on my '07 ultra with the tread still around 60-65% life on the rear and somewhere around 75-80% left on the front.

I think, if my reading is correct here on the forum, the Metzlers have better grip but seem to have read enough they don't have quite the 'life' a stock LOP has. I anticipate getting 16k-17k out of my rear tire (based on how I ride) which is a stock LOP tire. Some like to really crank on the throttle a lot when riding and have gotten < 9k out of the LOPs and the Metzlers. I anticipate trying out the metzlers to see how they run and the miles I can get out of them based on the way I ride. You will see lots of variences in this with what people say. If I can get 15k out of a Metzler I will be happy as it seems to have better grip than the LOPs according to those who have posted.

Some have said mixing tire brands (ie leaving the stock LOP on the front and replacing the rear with a Metzler) can have issues with handling. Others have said they noticed no difference. For me I would err on the side of caution and replace both front and back with the same brand if you are switching the rear. But that is me.

 

Really can't go wrong with Avon's. Harley used them for many, many years and then I think Dunlop came in with a lower bid and got the contract. The Dunlops are good tires but I think they tend to wear a bit fast due to their softness.

 

Can someone tell me what size I have on the rear? And how do I decipher the different numbers on the different tires to know what size they are? This is all greek to me. For example: Which Avon tire should I be looking for?

 

Uh...stock Dunlop tires on Harleys are probably some of the hardest compounds out there!

Didn't realize that HD used Avon though at one time...pretty interesting!

 

If you decide to buy Metzler tires. I havetwo friends that like to buy Metzler tires. Most Rally's and Big events that have a Metzler vendor set up will give you a front tire with a purchase of a back tire. I seen this at the AHDRA 2006 in Rockingham, NC and at Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2007. Same price if tires are installed or carried out. I still have stuck to the Dunlop Stock.

 

i run Avon Roadrunners, i love them

 

After just switching from Duncraps to Metzler, I can say I'll never buy the Duns again unless they make some big changes. That said I can't wait to wear out the Metzs, cause I hear the Avons are even better. It's all about the ride and handling in my book. Mileage means nothing to me when I'm riding around like I'm on rails.

 

Over the last 8 years I have logged over 150,000 miles on three bikes all on dunlop tires. They have served me well. That said, I just installed Avon Venom X tires on my 01 Ultra. HOLY CRAP, what a difference! The bike rides and corners better than new. I tried them based on what I've read on here and the recommendation of a Bro. As far as size, typically Harley baggers run 130/90-16 front and rear. 130mm tread width, sidewall is 90% of the width, 16 is wheel size. Some years can run a 140mm rear tire without spacers, but check first.

 

Each manufacturer has a website that will explain the numbers on the sidewall. I can't wait to use up the stock Dunlops on my 07 UC, hard rubber compound. Metzelerhas beenmy tire of choice and I also have heard Avon's are even better.

Instruction I got was to buy a tire for its grip because it is inevitable I would get caught in the rain. And yes you will experience better preformance if your front and back tires match. But I have always replaced the rear when its worn and waitedto use upthe front because, have you ever tried to sell a used, or "take off" front tire? I average 2 rear tires to one front tire likea lot ofriders.

I have yet to change both at the same time which helps the pocket book. Now that I've found it on this forum, Iintend toget my own static balancer because I do all the rest myself. I figure balancing 3 tires will cover the cost of the balancer based on what I've paid the dealer in the past.

Go for a better "softer compound". You will feel the difference and get home safer if you don't beat the rain. Compare the amounts of money we spend on these rides and it only makes sense to spend a little more on a tire that will grip(perform) better than trying to save a few bucks on the only thing between you and the blacktop.

Arvid