2009 tire size bummer
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 929
Likes: 1
From: Blue Springs, MO
Um, plenty of tires available for the 09s. I got AVONS in 2 days from Dennis Kirk, could have had Metz or Dunlops as well. Dunno who is tellin ya they have to come from a HD dealer, not true. Oh an by the way, the 18s that come on the SERG, have not found any in stock at a dealer yet. Stock Dunlops those are.........go figure.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 793
Likes: 112
I would not mix brands of tires but that is my humble opinion. Each has different compounds thus different traction and wear characteristics not to mention tread patterns. Just sayin when the time comes to replace both, you have choices. Just stay as close to the stock fitment as possible. Do yer research, there are options. Check the avon and metzler websites, also michelin, pirelli, what ever ya want.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
ironglass, if you do some searching you'll find alternatives. whoever told you that you could only get tires through harley doesn't have a clue. and if you believed him,,,....well. nevermind, no need to elaborate.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 0
From: Rocky Mtn High CO
I've done the searching with no luck. Besides Dunlop, who makes a 130/80B17 front tire????
Dunlop Europe is even proud of their 100% market share!!!
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.eu/dunlo...e.jsp?id=62596
Last edited by rogerfromco; Jul 17, 2009 at 12:12 AM.
Stage I
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Lewiston. Idaho
14286 miles on 09 SG, 2 sets front and rear 407's severe cupping and wear. Replaced today with 180/70 HR-16 Metzler 880 on rear, traded for 08 16 inch for front and installed stock size Metler 880 on front. Only 25 miles on it tonight but seems to handle great and tires quiet. Plenty of room for taller tire in rear. Only about 3/4 inch taller. Glad to get rid of 407 Dunlops.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 1
From: Tallahassee, Fl
I hate to contradict you but as I stated in the thread previously, I am looking at the J&P Cycle catalog page 103 to be exact and they do have and are selling your Dunlop D 407 tires. If you or your Cycle Gear guy would like to get a copy of the J&P catalog their toll free number is 1-800-397-4844.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: No. Alabama
I hate to contradict you but as I stated in the thread previously, I am looking at the J&P Cycle catalog page 103 to be exact and they do have and are selling your Dunlop D 407 tires. If you or your Cycle Gear guy would like to get a copy of the J&P catalog their toll free number is 1-800-397-4844.
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Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
09 tire aspect ratio
The pratical reason that HD changed the tire size on the 09 is to get a stiffer sidewall and more contact patch. You do that by changing the the tire aspect ratio like they did from 08 to 09. If you put a different size tire on the stock rim, it may fit but may also have more give or flex.
With a 1000 pounds riding on 2 four inch contact patches and your life depending on those tires, I wouldnt mess with anything that could affect handling.
From how stuff works: This is for cars but even more important for bikes because we ride half way up the side wall.
Aspect Ratio
This number tells you the height of the tire, from the bead to the top of the tread. This is described as a percentage of the tire width. The smaller the aspect ratio, the wider the tire in relation to its height.
High performance tires usually have a lower aspect ratio than other tires. This is because tires with a lower aspect ratio provide better lateral stability. When a car (or motorcycle) goes around a turn lateral forces are generated and the tire must resist these forces. Tires with a lower profile have shorter, stiffer sidewalls so they resist cornering forces better.
With a 1000 pounds riding on 2 four inch contact patches and your life depending on those tires, I wouldnt mess with anything that could affect handling.
From how stuff works: This is for cars but even more important for bikes because we ride half way up the side wall.
Aspect Ratio
This number tells you the height of the tire, from the bead to the top of the tread. This is described as a percentage of the tire width. The smaller the aspect ratio, the wider the tire in relation to its height.
High performance tires usually have a lower aspect ratio than other tires. This is because tires with a lower aspect ratio provide better lateral stability. When a car (or motorcycle) goes around a turn lateral forces are generated and the tire must resist these forces. Tires with a lower profile have shorter, stiffer sidewalls so they resist cornering forces better.
Last edited by ironglass; Jul 18, 2009 at 08:33 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 409
Likes: 2
From: Norwalk, Ohio
Has anyone put a 200mm tire on the stock rear touring rim when replacement time comes up? I'd love to use a 200mm as a replacement tire. Then I wouldn't need to buy new rims if the stock rims can run a 200mm tire.
Anybody hear of a 200mm on a stock 09 rear rim?
Anybody hear of a 200mm on a stock 09 rear rim?