Tire Wear?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 173
From: Simi Valley, CA
For local riding, I change mine when they look "done". If I'm leaving on a long trip (5,000+) it's nice to start with new or close to new tires.
On my Duece they lasted about 10,000. The rear would be worn out in the middle and the front would be worn on the edges. That was with a good amount of canyon riding as that was my ride to work everyday. For primarily highway miles the front would last a few thousand more.
Not sure about my Limited yet, only have about 5,000 miles on it.
On my Duece they lasted about 10,000. The rear would be worn out in the middle and the front would be worn on the edges. That was with a good amount of canyon riding as that was my ride to work everyday. For primarily highway miles the front would last a few thousand more.
Not sure about my Limited yet, only have about 5,000 miles on it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 608
Likes: 1,745
I have 15263 on my rear Dunlop (09 Street Glide) and still at 4/32. I am replacing next week so I dont have to do it in the middle of riding season. Had them checked at dealer at 13500 and they were 5/32 all around. They are definately lasting for some good mileage. Although the only real protection you have is a helmet and good tires, so dont wait until you see a wear bar.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 882
From: SOON TO BE A SAFE AMERICA
I have the 180/18" Dunlops/H-D tires. I ended up getting about 14,500 miles out of them.
I was pretty happy with that. I could of maybe got another 2,000 miles but it's NOT worth it. I learned a long time ago, "the only thing between your ride and the road is your tires!"
Timing was on my side and was able to get the same tire for $161.00 from my dealership. They had a 30% discount for open house.
Ride Safe!
YELLOWBIRD
I was pretty happy with that. I could of maybe got another 2,000 miles but it's NOT worth it. I learned a long time ago, "the only thing between your ride and the road is your tires!"
Timing was on my side and was able to get the same tire for $161.00 from my dealership. They had a 30% discount for open house.
Ride Safe!
YELLOWBIRD
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
This is an old subject here. We usually get some idiots that brag about wearing their tires down to the cord. The thing is, tires are worn out before the wear bars are reached, especially fronts. A thin tire is more prone to punctures and damage, and its ride and wet performance are compromised. When you think you still have a couple of thousand miles left, it's time. Bikes are different, tires are different, roads are different, and riding styles are different, so you can not depend on anyone else's experience.
You only have two, think about it.
You only have two, think about it.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 494
Likes: 4
I would agree the numbers I've been hearing are much higher. If it looks good and the wear is even then I'll keep running it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
Might be because it is a completely different tire size/design on the new touring bikes. Most people are getting at least 15,000 out of the rear tire.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Appreciate all the comments. I will check the tread with a gauge. The last person I wanted to ask was the guy selling the tires. "Of course they need replaced!" And, I do understand all the comments about safety. Like I said, these tires still "look" great and having no experience with them on prior bikes was just looking for confirmation and opinion. These days one must live frugal but tires is one area where it pays to be extravagant.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
I changed my original tires at 16,000 miles because I bought chrome wheels and Elite 3 tires. The Elite 3s now have 17,000 miles on them with 4/32 tread left. I'll probably change them this spring.
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