Tire Life
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
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Tire Life
I know there's a tire forum but..... I'm wondering if anyone is doing any better on rear tire life than I am. I'm just about to roll 22K miles and I'm ready for two tires. The front is the original so no complaint there. But I'm about to put my 4th rear tire on. I tried running them at the low end of the spec and the last two I've run at the high end (40 psi). If it's weight you guys with Ultras aught to be changing them even more often.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: My house
RE: Tire Life
Lars
There can be many factors in tire wear, for the most part riding style, air pressure, tire temperature, road surface, hp of the bike vs tire size , fast starts and stops, and tire compound ie hard, medium, soft. I really like the Mezzler ME 880 and have gotten average 8500-10,000 miles on rear.
One factor I think that I have seen over the years is, if someone is really easy on the tires and still is not getting good wear, then there is usually a tire out of balance issue or the most common a rear wheel that is not straight in-line with the swingarm or a combination of both, in essence even in a small miss-alignment the tire is running sideways down the road. The other possibility would be a wheel that is not true.
Just a few thoughts to ponder on hope this helps.
John TN
There can be many factors in tire wear, for the most part riding style, air pressure, tire temperature, road surface, hp of the bike vs tire size , fast starts and stops, and tire compound ie hard, medium, soft. I really like the Mezzler ME 880 and have gotten average 8500-10,000 miles on rear.
One factor I think that I have seen over the years is, if someone is really easy on the tires and still is not getting good wear, then there is usually a tire out of balance issue or the most common a rear wheel that is not straight in-line with the swingarm or a combination of both, in essence even in a small miss-alignment the tire is running sideways down the road. The other possibility would be a wheel that is not true.
Just a few thoughts to ponder on hope this helps.
John TN
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
RE: Tire Life
2001 Roadking
Rear tires-8000 miles, 40psi, best mileage ive seen 10000
Front tires-20000 miles, 40psi
Soft compound tires dont have the treadwear that automobiles have. This is the reason for such short tire life, but be thankful, sportbike tires are even more soft, and with more power Ive changed rear tires for customers @ 1000miles, plus they cost more.
Rear tires-8000 miles, 40psi, best mileage ive seen 10000
Front tires-20000 miles, 40psi
Soft compound tires dont have the treadwear that automobiles have. This is the reason for such short tire life, but be thankful, sportbike tires are even more soft, and with more power Ive changed rear tires for customers @ 1000miles, plus they cost more.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,949
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From: My house
RE: Tire Life
Sincecrazy
What bike shop do you work at? Thought I might ride down that way before too long when the weathers good . Been wanting to go to the Barber Motorsports motorcycle museum.
What bike shop do you work at? Thought I might ride down that way before too long when the weathers good . Been wanting to go to the Barber Motorsports motorcycle museum.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
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From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Tire Life
My average has been 10,000 + or - on the rear, and 20,000 on the front. This is with a RK with a mix of touring and short runs. Wife's Lowrider got about the same, maybe a little better, and her Heritage is getting about the same.
regards,
Bill
regards,
Bill
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: Tire Life
I live in Hollister, CA and I've been running Dunlops. This central California and the weather is mild but I do end up in Nevada and the central valley where the temperatures break 100 routinely. I'm sure those trips take there toll on tire life. I typically do a mix of riding as well. Every spring or summer I take a two week trip and usually put on 4500 to 6000 miles depending on the plan. Then a couple shorter 4 or 5 day trips in the 1500 to 3000 mile range. Then 2000 ro 3000 miles a year just running around locally (locally meaning no further than say Reno which is about 400 miles). My last bike was a Vulcan 1500 Classic. Same riding patterns. Not quite as heavy as the RK by about 150 lbs. I ran Metzelers as I have on all my bikes for more years than I like to remember. Very close in compounds to teh Dunlop. Typically I got 10,000 miles or better out of rear tire.
From the replys I see here I guess my mileage isn't really out of line. I guess the RK is just a different bike thats a little harder on tires.
From the replys I see here I guess my mileage isn't really out of line. I guess the RK is just a different bike thats a little harder on tires.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
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RE: Tire Life
ORIGINAL: John TN
Sincecrazy
What bike shop do you work at? Thought I might ride down that way before too long when the weathers good . Been wanting to go to the Barber Motorsports motorcycle museum.
Sincecrazy
What bike shop do you work at? Thought I might ride down that way before too long when the weathers good . Been wanting to go to the Barber Motorsports motorcycle museum.
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From: Clinton,Illinois-100,000-mile-picture
RE: Tire Life
I'm on my 8 or 9th rear tire
The most I have got out of a rear is 17,??? miles. I have never gotton less than 13??? out of my rears. I run Dunlop 402s. My first front tire was replaced at 43,??? miles. I am only on my 3rd front tire.
The most I have got out of a rear is 17,??? miles. I have never gotton less than 13??? out of my rears. I run Dunlop 402s. My first front tire was replaced at 43,??? miles. I am only on my 3rd front tire.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2005
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RE: Tire Life
We are putting chrome sheels on our new ultra- and expect to swap the dealer our original whitewall tires for blackwalls. Is there a preference of the Dunlop or MEtzler- or are they close enough not to worry either way. Our use will be 2 up touring.
BRUCE
BRUCE