Replace Original tires on 2013 RKC
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 84
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From: Boston
Replace Original tires on 2013 RKC
I have a 2013 RKC with original tires with 6,500 miles. Being 7 years old I was thinking (trying to use common sense) that as a safety measure it would make sense to replace them before I have an issue. Any feedback on this?
I am going to put Dunlop American Elites with wide whitewalls. Better than D492s and I want the whitewalls on the bike.
one dealer quoted $700 installed and balanced. Plus $250 to true up both spoke wheels.
Seems expensive. Any thoughts.
I am going to put Dunlop American Elites with wide whitewalls. Better than D492s and I want the whitewalls on the bike.
one dealer quoted $700 installed and balanced. Plus $250 to true up both spoke wheels.
Seems expensive. Any thoughts.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 10,833
Likes: 6,485
From: Canada Flats
Making the decision to get rid of 7 year old tires is a good one . I put AE's on mine last spring , road through all kinds of weather , and I gotta say that those tires stand up to there design . I have close to 10, 000 miles on mine and they still look new . Can't tell you about price , but I think you could do better at an INDY .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,086
Likes: 1,128
From:
Take a look at date code on actual tire itself as tires may not be original if you are not the original owner.
The rear tire might be about 80% done at 6,500 miles if it is original.
The front tire might be about 60% of the way done.
I have noticed that tires get harder as they age and provide less grip but how bike is stored makes a difference.
If your bike is a Road King classic then it has spoke wheels.
It will require a new tube and rim strip for each wheel.
Ideally it would be best to use an independent for tires and mounting.
No real reason to play with spokes unless there is a spoke loose or bike hit something fierce.
If you are in a high salt use area then a careful review of wheel condition might be suggested.
A review of wheel and maybe touch spokes by hand to feel if they are loose and mount tire.
I would review how spokes enter rear hub.. There are some pictures online showing how spokes wallowed the holes on hub.
Your dealer offer $700 + $250 + rag fee(sometimes 10% to $25 and listed as shop supplies) plus tax is way over $1,000.
Dealers have a nice waiting area and somebody has to pay for that comfort.
If you want to compare cost then look at motorcycle news papers found in waiting area of dealer or online...local indy can most times beat that price by a few hundred.
The rear tire might be about 80% done at 6,500 miles if it is original.
The front tire might be about 60% of the way done.
I have noticed that tires get harder as they age and provide less grip but how bike is stored makes a difference.
If your bike is a Road King classic then it has spoke wheels.
It will require a new tube and rim strip for each wheel.
Ideally it would be best to use an independent for tires and mounting.
No real reason to play with spokes unless there is a spoke loose or bike hit something fierce.
If you are in a high salt use area then a careful review of wheel condition might be suggested.
A review of wheel and maybe touch spokes by hand to feel if they are loose and mount tire.
I would review how spokes enter rear hub.. There are some pictures online showing how spokes wallowed the holes on hub.
Your dealer offer $700 + $250 + rag fee(sometimes 10% to $25 and listed as shop supplies) plus tax is way over $1,000.
Dealers have a nice waiting area and somebody has to pay for that comfort.
If you want to compare cost then look at motorcycle news papers found in waiting area of dealer or online...local indy can most times beat that price by a few hundred.
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,553
Likes: 5,895
From: Syracuse NY
FWIW- For a set of AE's I paid $583, plus $46 NYS tax, plus $10 tire disposal fee for $639. Front was $249.99 installed. Back was $333.99 installed. This at an indy shop in 2018.
Then jumped through hoops to get the $50 rebate from Dunlop. I didn't need them that August, but because the price included installation, along with the advertised rebate, I brought them. Put them on back in May of 2019.
Then jumped through hoops to get the $50 rebate from Dunlop. I didn't need them that August, but because the price included installation, along with the advertised rebate, I brought them. Put them on back in May of 2019.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 288
Likes: 141
From: Dental city
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Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,136
Likes: 51,475
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
17 RK going in for a minor warranty thing at about 1K on the clock, picked up a big lag bolt in the rear tire within a block of the dealer. Found it during the walk around inspection. $485 for that damned tire to ride away 5 hours later.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 374
Likes: 84
From: FL East Coast /Western NC
me too.... especially if bike has been stored inside and away from sun... no cracks in them anywhere ? ride on...check air before each trip...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,841
Likes: 7,474
From: OH
Spokes
At under 7 k miles Ill agree with caulk &
im. These are factory wheels and most likely do not require attention
Im assuming you dont have vibration
At this point you can move on.
BUT if it makes you worry, you can continue
Also assuming cant measure runout with an indicator.
Put bike on jack, spin wheels and visually inspect RIMS ( not tires) for lateral and radial runout
Spin wheel with fingernail against spokes listening for dull sound. Crude but its a good place to start
Buy a spoke wrench ( theyre cheap) and GENTLY check each spoke for tension
Probably have 6 (there are 40)that require a quarter or half turn
No worries JMO
FAR from an expert but I have built/ laced and trued 3 sets from the hub up ( lengthy learning curve for me)
36 VL
40 ULH
99 FL
Summary
itll be fine
ride it
At under 7 k miles Ill agree with caulk &
im. These are factory wheels and most likely do not require attention
Im assuming you dont have vibration
At this point you can move on.
BUT if it makes you worry, you can continue
Also assuming cant measure runout with an indicator.
Put bike on jack, spin wheels and visually inspect RIMS ( not tires) for lateral and radial runout
Spin wheel with fingernail against spokes listening for dull sound. Crude but its a good place to start
Buy a spoke wrench ( theyre cheap) and GENTLY check each spoke for tension
Probably have 6 (there are 40)that require a quarter or half turn
No worries JMO
FAR from an expert but I have built/ laced and trued 3 sets from the hub up ( lengthy learning curve for me)
36 VL
40 ULH
99 FL
Summary
itll be fine
ride it
Last edited by eighteight; Mar 20, 2020 at 05:27 PM.