Any recommendations on the type of or style of tires for a touring bike. I don't like the look of the stock tires on my FLHT, although they seem to work fine, and I get about 8k out of the rear tire. Where I live I deal with rain and temps. of anything from around 40F up to 75F (Alaska). I think I am a high mileage rider, and my wife rides with me about 1/2 the time. Thanks. Watch for Moose on the road.

 

I thik you will find the majority here like the factory Dunlaps for wear, traction, etc..... They are, after all, designed for the bike!

BRUCE

 

I have to agree, you will probably get the longest treadwear from the factory Dunlops. I have riden Metzlers, and Avon's and the Dunlops had the longest life. If you ride two-up you will see less life. 8000 miles is about right for a rear and you should see twice that for the front.

[IMG]local://upfiles/494/F1D69245A39F448EBE9E5429DD868A3B.jpg[/IMG]

 

Dunlop D402 Touring tires. 8,000 to 10,000 miles on the rear is about normal from what I've seen and heard. You might find some that will wear longer if they have harder rubber, but that might result is less road holding ability.

Regards,

Bill

 

Just put a new tire on two or three days ago. Went with the Dunlop. I like the Dunlop, no complaints. I got 8000 out of it. I dont know how good that is some people seem to be getting more than that, but Im OK with it.

 

Please tell me what this means What look would you be a lookin' for?
I'm on my #10th rear tire, stick with the D402s[8D]

Welcome to the Harley forums[sm=americanasmiley.gif]

 

I will be putting Avon Venoms on soon as I wear out the factory Dunflops, IMHO they have better wet traction, and down here they dont dance in the rain grooves on the frwy.

 

Thanks for the heads up. Guess I'll stick with the stock tire. Monday I am scheduled to have a new rear tire put on the back. Wanted to see if I would be improving my ride if I switched to a better looking pair of ME880 or Avon Venums. Like the look but traction is more important than looks. (function vs fashion) Roads are damp in the mornings and evenings as most of my riding is along the coast. (Kenai Peninsula) Of course the dealer suggested I stick with the stock tire saying what most of you said..."the tire HD selected is the best one for the bike"... I believe sometimes you can improve, at a cost course, what the factory feels is an ok setup. So your collective experience is very important, and thats what makes this forum so important to making intelligent decisions. Thanks again for saving me time and money.

Just one more question, radials vs bias for touring bikes?

 

I don't think you can get a radial tire in a 16 inch. I could be wrong but I don't think Dunlop makes one for us.

 

Can anyone tell me what is acceptable wear for these tires? I have 7500 on my 03 FLHRCI and by the sounds of things I should be looking to get new tires soon.