Time for tires
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: Birch Bay, WA
Time for tires
I still have plenty of tread but the tires are getting too old. It is time for new ones (the bike sat for three years before I bought it). I know there are plenty of tire threads but want to know your faves. I am running stock at the moment, looking for long life. I don't push the bike too hard. What are your thoughts, stock or time for a change?
spiz
spiz
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
Metzler is my recommendation. Most here will agree that they are a better handling tire than the stock Dunlops. As far as whether or not age plays a factor, the answer is ABSOLUTELY, Yes! The rubber begins to deteriate from day 1. The suggested lifespan for a tire is 6 years.....whether it still has 100% tread or not. Tires do in fact have mfg dates stamped on them, but most don't know how to read them, much less even know theat they are there. There has been a movement to require tire retailers to disclose to buyers the "born on date" of the tire and the remaining lifespan. This could eventually involve Federal legislation on the part of DOT or Hwy Safety Inst.
Last edited by tda69; Mar 7, 2009 at 08:32 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
As a follow-up to the above, here is the recommended tire info copied from the Metzler website for your specific year and model bike:
Model: Marathon ME 880 Marathon
Front:72H MT90B16 M/C TL ME 880 MARATHON - 36 PSI
Rear: 74H MT90B16 M/C TL ME 880 MARATHON - 38 PSI
Incidentally, I also owned a 2003 Ultra Classic and currently a 2008 Ultra Classic. I wouldn't want any other tire for my bike(s).
Model: Marathon ME 880 Marathon
Front:72H MT90B16 M/C TL ME 880 MARATHON - 36 PSI
Rear: 74H MT90B16 M/C TL ME 880 MARATHON - 38 PSI
Incidentally, I also owned a 2003 Ultra Classic and currently a 2008 Ultra Classic. I wouldn't want any other tire for my bike(s).
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: Birch Bay, WA
The front is original and the rear is 5 years old. That code is a wonderful tool. The guys at the dealership say as long as there is no checking and the tread is good, then I am good-to-go. I think they are full of **** and it is not their *** on the line. I ride with the wife and the dog and don't need their lives on my conscience due to a age related blowout.
Thanks for the advice on the brand.
spiz
Thanks for the advice on the brand.
spiz
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,016
Likes: 277
From: East Tn Foot of The Dragon
real simple answer to this one, opinions on tires are like rearends on humans, everbody has one. dunlop, metzler or avon, cant go wrong on any of them. shop the internet and order free shipping no tax. most stores feature package deals on all 3 of these brands
Banned
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 481
Likes: 2
From: Bgosh,WI
I can't tell by your pick but if you have laced wheels your a little safer with the tubes inside. Just running tubeless can blow out when old. I've been sticking with Dunlops on my 01. Our dealer has sales twice a year @20% off, I get things then.
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