17" front wheel. Why?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
front tire choices for the FL in 17"
For all that wish to know. Please get off the internet and go to a real race bike shop, ones who know tires. You might also look in the Metzler catalog and find a few 880's. For better choices look at the weight range and tire size. Get out of the HD shop and go to someone who is not trying to sell you their own brand of tire.
There are numerous tires that are much better than those stock ones. If you are in SE Fla, give a call to Competition Cycle in Dania and talk to the new partner. He has worked for Custom Chrome for the last 1/4 of a century, so he is somewhat knowledgeable about parts.
The 17" tire choice is the best in all of motorcycling. They (17" rims) offer the absolute best rubber and tires. Of course none of them says HD on the side wall. You must roll up your sleeves and actually do your own research. I put 17" rims on my own bikes for just that same reason.
No I do not sell tires. Yes I do know what I am talking about because I did my own work.
There are numerous tires that are much better than those stock ones. If you are in SE Fla, give a call to Competition Cycle in Dania and talk to the new partner. He has worked for Custom Chrome for the last 1/4 of a century, so he is somewhat knowledgeable about parts.
The 17" tire choice is the best in all of motorcycling. They (17" rims) offer the absolute best rubber and tires. Of course none of them says HD on the side wall. You must roll up your sleeves and actually do your own research. I put 17" rims on my own bikes for just that same reason.
No I do not sell tires. Yes I do know what I am talking about because I did my own work.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Hey now, the shop I went to is a Metzler dealer, however they didn't have a 130/80-17 tire size in stock. I'm having trouble locating a tire in that size on the Metzler website...hmmm...
I didn't have the luxury of searching around to find an acceptable alternative size as I had a couple hundred miles left to ride that day. You do what you can on short notice.
FWIW, I've bought many sportbike tires, and you're right, 17's are the standard and the options are plenty. I was trying to keep things stock and I generally prefer to have front/back tires of matching brand and model.
I didn't have the luxury of searching around to find an acceptable alternative size as I had a couple hundred miles left to ride that day. You do what you can on short notice.
FWIW, I've bought many sportbike tires, and you're right, 17's are the standard and the options are plenty. I was trying to keep things stock and I generally prefer to have front/back tires of matching brand and model.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 760
Likes: 1
From: Mesa, AZ
I'd love to ask a question that didn't get the obligatory "get out of the HD dealer and learn something" response. I learned about bias vs. radial, rim size, aspect ratio, load indices, and speed ratings and, no, I didn't find anything to fit from Metzeler, Avon, etc. I haven't been to or asked the dealership squat about tires. I know their answer will always be Dunlop.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 760
Likes: 1
From: Mesa, AZ
I'm so far from buying new wheels that, really, I could have said I'd put a 57" on the front and it'd be just as valid. When the time comes I'll find the right fit, be it 16/16, 16/17, 16/18, or 18/21.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,161
Likes: 4
I would stay away from the 18" rear because with it you really have only one choice... Avon (right now) and they ware out real fast.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
tires
TN Houndog, you are correct on that account. If you look very closely that is what is on my bike in the photo. A very nice but heavy road tire. Rides & sticks well. Been using that size for about 2 changes. I am going to look more carefully at a 9 pound tire with tri-compound, hard in the center, simi soft on the corners and stickie on the side wall. Every year they come out with better and better tires.
Bluegrasser, I realize my mistake in ttrying to give my opinion and share my experiences with you about the question you asked. I will never make that mistake again.
sandnessmj, look on my site and download your own Metzler catalog. It has all of the weights, load range, and sizes as well as codes to order. Just because HD puts a tire size on a bike does not mean it is the only one that will work. You must have a good understanding about weight loading and pay attention to the diameter & sidewall. Of course you should look further than Metzler as there are also some very good offerings from other companies.
Bluegrasser, I realize my mistake in ttrying to give my opinion and share my experiences with you about the question you asked. I will never make that mistake again.
sandnessmj, look on my site and download your own Metzler catalog. It has all of the weights, load range, and sizes as well as codes to order. Just because HD puts a tire size on a bike does not mean it is the only one that will work. You must have a good understanding about weight loading and pay attention to the diameter & sidewall. Of course you should look further than Metzler as there are also some very good offerings from other companies.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 5,413
Likes: 17
From: eastern oklahoma
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