run flat tires?

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Mar 15, 2009 | 12:23 PM

fatbob

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 478

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From: Nor Cal

run flat tires?

Does anyone know why the moco doesn't offer run flat tires on their touring models? I know they have them available for the police models. Wouldn't this be a no brainer for public safety.

Mar 15, 2009 | 01:22 PM

Petesnot

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 194

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From: oregon

If you mean why aren't they offered as "standard" equipment the answer is simple - they can't make more money that way. I'm sure Dunlop gives HD a sweet deal on all the bikes that roll out of the factory.
I have a road king and looked at run flats. There is a trade off a bit in how well they stick to the road because side walls are so hard. Speaking with somebody I trust - they also are more difficult to mount since they are so stiff. If you have custom wheels this might become an issue. In the end, I went with Metzlers because they wear better than Dunlops and are stickier IMO.
Also, if the run flats were REALLY a super-duper deal, the Harley community would be spouting their virtues. I've yet to hear/read anybody tell how wonderful they are and they've been around a while.

Maybe there are a couple officers on the forum who could pony up an opinion?

Mar 15, 2009 | 01:24 PM

Harleypingman

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2006

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From: Roswell, GA

If you want an authoritative answer, ask HD and/or Dunlop, the supplier of the police tire.

As for a speculative answer, the current tire supplied by Dunlop for the police model touring bikes is not rated for two-up riding. Folks use them for two-up riding, but I haven't read of any experiences with the tire losing air pressure while running two-up. Stability with a single rider is one thing; while stability with two-up and the tire losing air may be another thing entirely.

Last edited by Harleypingman; Mar 15, 2009 at 04:15 PM.

Mar 15, 2009 | 02:57 PM

Skivvy9r

Tourer

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 334

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From: Maryland

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harleypingman

As for a speculative answer, the current tire supplied by Dunlop is not rated for two-up riding.

So, you're speculating the tires on HD tourers as delivered aren't rated for two-up riding. How did you come to that conclusion?

The D402 front tire is rated for 783 lbs and the rear is rated at 827 (MT90) or 908 lbs (MU85). Seems like that ought to be enough for the bike, rider and one passenger. If you're right it would seem the moco has opened itself up for legal problems.

Mar 15, 2009 | 03:40 PM

monkyman

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2005

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From:

The run flat tire is not designed for 2-up is what he means, and that is true.

Mar 15, 2009 | 03:45 PM

carpetride

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 4,128

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From: florida swamp

I think it has more to do with the fact that the run flat is not designed to be ridden 2 up when it's flat. People would try to do it and when they lost control, HD and/or dunlop would get the shizit sued out of them. Cops on the other hand are for the most part better riders and know the limitations.

Last edited by carpetride; Mar 15, 2009 at 03:48 PM.