Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 32
From: Houston, Texas
Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
Choosing this forum rather than the "tires / suspension" in hopes that answers will be specific to the touring class / Ultra's.
I have a 2005 Ultra Classic with the Dunlop D402 tires, though the rear is the newer MU85B-16 size. With the constant desire to improve the bike when I can, I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with the new Dunlop Elite 3 series. First, does it fit (size is MU90HB-16 -- what's the difference from O.E. -- taller or wider?), and second, does it improve the ride/handling? I've heard from my Goldwing friends that it improved their bike's handling and ride over O.E. (BTW, the front is the exact same size...)
If not the Elite 3, then what suggestions? I'm riding 2-up about 50% of the time, and am a bit more aggressive rider than the usual Ultra owner -- attacking the curves and heavy on the throttle... And yes, we're still riding down here along the Gulf coast of Texas.
Thanks in advance.
Tod
I have a 2005 Ultra Classic with the Dunlop D402 tires, though the rear is the newer MU85B-16 size. With the constant desire to improve the bike when I can, I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with the new Dunlop Elite 3 series. First, does it fit (size is MU90HB-16 -- what's the difference from O.E. -- taller or wider?), and second, does it improve the ride/handling? I've heard from my Goldwing friends that it improved their bike's handling and ride over O.E. (BTW, the front is the exact same size...)
If not the Elite 3, then what suggestions? I'm riding 2-up about 50% of the time, and am a bit more aggressive rider than the usual Ultra owner -- attacking the curves and heavy on the throttle... And yes, we're still riding down here along the Gulf coast of Texas.
Thanks in advance.
Tod
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 5
From: NEW LENOX, IL
RE: Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
I'm guessing the 90 would be a little taller tire. For a more aggressive tire I would check out the Metzler ME880. Metzler makes agreat tire for sportbikes and have heard good things about this tire for cruisers. Little softer compund then Dunlops which I hate.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
RE: Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
The 85 is wider that the 90, but I am sure the 90 would fit your bike okay. The 90 is what used to be on all the touring bikes. Don't know for sure when the change took place, but I think it was 2004 or 2005.
My experience so far has been that the 85 is getting better mileage. On my Roadking with the 90 I could never get more that 10,000 out of a rear tire. Same for the wife's Heritage with the 90. On my 2005 EG Classic with the 85 I have 10,000 now, and the tire looks like it is probably good for a couple thousand more.
Regards,
Bill
My experience so far has been that the 85 is getting better mileage. On my Roadking with the 90 I could never get more that 10,000 out of a rear tire. Same for the wife's Heritage with the 90. On my 2005 EG Classic with the 85 I have 10,000 now, and the tire looks like it is probably good for a couple thousand more.
Regards,
Bill
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Austin,TX
RE: Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
I like the Metzler 880's and have a set with almost 8000 miles on them now, they make a reinforced 140/16 designed for heavy touring bikes and that is what I have on the rear, standard 130/16 front, superior traction to stock dunloops and tire life is good for a sticky tire, last rear was replaced at 10000 miles due to road damage. I am in the Texas Hill Country
Larry
Larry
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 32
From: Houston, Texas
RE: Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
Thanks, all, for the responses... I'm going to do some more research on the new Dunlop Elite 3's -- heard good things about them, but also know they are about 50% more expensive than either the Metzlers or the OE Dunlops. But I really appreciate the input.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,978
Likes: 34
From: Cedar Point, NC
RE: Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
I pulled off my stock 85 today...I had 10500 miles...it was ready, though not bald, it was down to the wear indicator...I replaced it with the same tire.
Hope this helps.
Mac
Hope this helps.
Mac
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 145
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From: Plano, Texas
RE: Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
Just found a good price on the Dunlop Elite 3 tires, front and back (MT90HB16 Front and MT90HB16 Rear) for $177.99 (for the pair) plus shipping....
http://www.tireexpress.com/moreinfo....oduct_ID=12493
http://www.tireexpress.com/moreinfo....oduct_ID=12493
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
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From:
RE: Tire replacement issue -- '05 Ultra
I have Avon now on my classic. I like the tire and have been satisfied with it and have ridden in the rain several times. That said, the one thing that concerns me with the Avon is the lack of gutters to runwater away from the tire in the contact patch area. High speed emergency brakeing on wet surface has me worried. When it comes time, I'll switch to the Elite III, better tread design. Metzler has the same faults as the Avon.
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