Tires.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 1,281
From: Ky
I've always gotten twice the miles out of my front tire than the rear on all of my motorcycles which I thought was normal until my friend has been getting different results with Dunlop and Michelin on his Sportster (about 5000K miles on front and rear). He's trying Pirelli now. However, he has the custom Sportster with the tall, skinny front tire where my standard Sportster has the wider, smaller diameter front tire - very similar to all of my past motorcycle wheel/tire combinations.
but you're getting 2 rear for every front.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
Let me start over.
I have always had my front tires last twice as long as my front tires regardless of brand of tire and model of motorcycle. I always attributed the shorter life of my rear tires to be from torque at starting as well as upshifting and downshifting in the mountain twisties. I rarely ride the interstate. So far, my worst tires have been Kenda and my best have been Metzeler for handling and durability.
My friend has been getting the opposite of that (2 fronts to each rear) with his Sportster XL1200C Custom with the tall, skinny front tire. I don't know if the front tire's size has anything to do with it but he always checks the air and condition of his tires. His previous tires were the stock Dunlop and replacement Michelin -- same results for both brands. Now he is trying his third brand in hopes of his front tire lasting longer. He always matches the brand on front and rear. Most of his riding is the interstate at 70+ mph.
I have always had my front tires last twice as long as my front tires regardless of brand of tire and model of motorcycle. I always attributed the shorter life of my rear tires to be from torque at starting as well as upshifting and downshifting in the mountain twisties. I rarely ride the interstate. So far, my worst tires have been Kenda and my best have been Metzeler for handling and durability.
My friend has been getting the opposite of that (2 fronts to each rear) with his Sportster XL1200C Custom with the tall, skinny front tire. I don't know if the front tire's size has anything to do with it but he always checks the air and condition of his tires. His previous tires were the stock Dunlop and replacement Michelin -- same results for both brands. Now he is trying his third brand in hopes of his front tire lasting longer. He always matches the brand on front and rear. Most of his riding is the interstate at 70+ mph.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 587
From: Michigan
Let me start over.
I have always had my front tires last twice as long as my front tires regardless of brand of tire and model of motorcycle. I always attributed the shorter life of my rear tires to be from torque at starting as well as upshifting and downshifting in the mountain twisties. I rarely ride the interstate. So far, my worst tires have been Kenda and my best have been Metzeler for handling and durability.
My friend has been getting the opposite of that (2 fronts to each rear) with his Sportster XL1200C Custom with the tall, skinny front tire. I don't know if the front tire's size has anything to do with it but he always checks the air and condition of his tires. His previous tires were the stock Dunlop and replacement Michelin -- same results for both brands. Now he is trying his third brand in hopes of his front tire lasting longer. He always matches the brand on front and rear. Most of his riding is the interstate at 70+ mph.
I have always had my front tires last twice as long as my front tires regardless of brand of tire and model of motorcycle. I always attributed the shorter life of my rear tires to be from torque at starting as well as upshifting and downshifting in the mountain twisties. I rarely ride the interstate. So far, my worst tires have been Kenda and my best have been Metzeler for handling and durability.
My friend has been getting the opposite of that (2 fronts to each rear) with his Sportster XL1200C Custom with the tall, skinny front tire. I don't know if the front tire's size has anything to do with it but he always checks the air and condition of his tires. His previous tires were the stock Dunlop and replacement Michelin -- same results for both brands. Now he is trying his third brand in hopes of his front tire lasting longer. He always matches the brand on front and rear. Most of his riding is the interstate at 70+ mph.
Most new front tire tread depth is a few thousandths less than rear tires, which means equal wear on both front & rear tires, front tires will need replacement first. Softer compound tires wear faster but stick better (better traction)
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,815
Likes: 8,714
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Let me start over.
I have always had my front tires last twice as long as my front tires regardless of brand of tire and model of motorcycle. I always attributed the shorter life of my rear tires to be from torque at starting as well as upshifting and downshifting in the mountain twisties. I rarely ride the interstate. So far, my worst tires have been Kenda and my best have been Metzeler for handling and durability.
My friend has been getting the opposite of that (2 fronts to each rear) with his Sportster XL1200C Custom with the tall, skinny front tire. I don't know if the front tire's size has anything to do with it but he always checks the air and condition of his tires. His previous tires were the stock Dunlop and replacement Michelin -- same results for both brands. Now he is trying his third brand in hopes of his front tire lasting longer. He always matches the brand on front and rear. Most of his riding is the interstate at 70+ mph.
I have always had my front tires last twice as long as my front tires regardless of brand of tire and model of motorcycle. I always attributed the shorter life of my rear tires to be from torque at starting as well as upshifting and downshifting in the mountain twisties. I rarely ride the interstate. So far, my worst tires have been Kenda and my best have been Metzeler for handling and durability.
My friend has been getting the opposite of that (2 fronts to each rear) with his Sportster XL1200C Custom with the tall, skinny front tire. I don't know if the front tire's size has anything to do with it but he always checks the air and condition of his tires. His previous tires were the stock Dunlop and replacement Michelin -- same results for both brands. Now he is trying his third brand in hopes of his front tire lasting longer. He always matches the brand on front and rear. Most of his riding is the interstate at 70+ mph.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,432
Likes: 290
From: FL
This is so true!!
I've run OEM Dunlops (not my favorite) Michelin Commanders (not the best under wet conditions) and Dunlop American Elites (my preferred tire). However, I just bought a set of Avon Cobra Chrome. I understand the wear rate is quicker with Avons but I couldn't pass the price of $240 for a complete set (front and rear). So far I like them but going from OEM to Avons will always give great improvements!!! I'll let everyone know how the run after I get back from the mountains in a couple weeks. BTW, our Michelin rep just told us they're releasing a new Commander 3 in January. Was told they improved wet riding behavior, sidewall strength, and wear rate.
I've run OEM Dunlops (not my favorite) Michelin Commanders (not the best under wet conditions) and Dunlop American Elites (my preferred tire). However, I just bought a set of Avon Cobra Chrome. I understand the wear rate is quicker with Avons but I couldn't pass the price of $240 for a complete set (front and rear). So far I like them but going from OEM to Avons will always give great improvements!!! I'll let everyone know how the run after I get back from the mountains in a couple weeks. BTW, our Michelin rep just told us they're releasing a new Commander 3 in January. Was told they improved wet riding behavior, sidewall strength, and wear rate.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 627
Likes: 324
From: Covington, VA
I imagine motorcycle tires are like car tires in that the higher the price, the better the tire. I've had stock Michelin and Dunlop on new cars which were horrible. When I replaced them with the same brand upgrades, they were wonderful.
Unfortunately, with my current Metzeler tires, I found out that, like car tires, the actual profile can vary from the nominal profile. Like I said earlier, the next time I shop tires, I will physically place the new tire beside my current tire before buying it. I don't like my bike sitting an inch higher than normal on its "platform shoes". I have the John Travolta (Saturday Night Fever) tires. All I need now is a white polyester leisure suit with a Harley logo. The tires handle great but I feel like I'm on stilts.
Unfortunately, with my current Metzeler tires, I found out that, like car tires, the actual profile can vary from the nominal profile. Like I said earlier, the next time I shop tires, I will physically place the new tire beside my current tire before buying it. I don't like my bike sitting an inch higher than normal on its "platform shoes". I have the John Travolta (Saturday Night Fever) tires. All I need now is a white polyester leisure suit with a Harley logo. The tires handle great but I feel like I'm on stilts.
Last edited by boomerguy; Oct 28, 2019 at 06:21 AM.
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