Tires
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Elwood, IN
Stupid concern unless you're the one that has the blow out. I've saw this concern on a couple of other forums as well. I've had a couple of flats over the years and have been fortunate to still be here to talk about it. But it's an experience you don't soon forget. For that reason, the possability of the lighter sidewall will keep me on the OEM tires.
I'm an agressive rider but also do the cross country rides on a loaded down bagger so cutting corners on safety for a few more miles just isn't worth the trade off for me. If they made a run flat tire for baggers, I'd be all over them......even if they got less mileage. I think I'm becoming just a bit wiser as I get older.
I'm an agressive rider but also do the cross country rides on a loaded down bagger so cutting corners on safety for a few more miles just isn't worth the trade off for me. If they made a run flat tire for baggers, I'd be all over them......even if they got less mileage. I think I'm becoming just a bit wiser as I get older.
Everyday new materials become available that are lighter and stronger than what was available 6 months; 1 year and even before that. A company like Michelin would not be offering tires for bikes that would be any less safe on the highway than any other brand. Just because something is heavier on the scale don't mean it's any more durable than something that is lighter. Makes you wonder why police officers don't walk around in suits of armor like in medieval days vs. wearing kevlar vests. And gone are the old days of all metal skeleton airplanes/jets too. Kevlar and composites are super light and very strong.
Spend where and with who you want. Ride like you want too. I do. I rode all day on Friday the 13th as well as thru the weekend.
IF your ticket is stamped DONE it makes no difference where you are; what your riding; or what your doing. Your DONE either way...
Spend where and with who you want. Ride like you want too. I do. I rode all day on Friday the 13th as well as thru the weekend.
IF your ticket is stamped DONE it makes no difference where you are; what your riding; or what your doing. Your DONE either way...
Agreed!!!
And I'd like a flat run tire too.
At what point did you get the flats you mention? Per a road hazard or late in the tires life?
I don't waver on safety one bit. Just wondering since you've had the experience of flats while on the bike.
Thanks.
And I'd like a flat run tire too.
At what point did you get the flats you mention? Per a road hazard or late in the tires life?
I don't waver on safety one bit. Just wondering since you've had the experience of flats while on the bike.
Thanks.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
What is troubling about a blog like this is that we get opinions from non experts. Not trying to offend anyone at all but there must be some data on the net that what would provide us with some REAL answers to everyone's concerns about the subject matter. For example; where is the information on sidewall strength of Dunlop, Metzeler, Avon, etc., which tire gives the most mileage, etc. For me, buying a new set of tires every ten or twelve thousand miles is dam expensive. Some say they get 18k miles out of a set of tires is hard to believe unless they are running tires until you can see day light through them. I suppose my point is; where is the real data on ALL motorcycle tires so we can make an informed decision.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Can you explain that more fully? In what way are Michelin lighter than Dunlop and what information are you basing that on?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i know i'm just a 'layperson' and not an expert, but with the new dunlop multi compound tires, you can easily get 18k miles on a set of tires. i had almost 20k when i had mine changed out, and i only did it because i was going on a roadtrip and wanted to start with fresh rubber. i would have thought i would have got more mileage on the front, but even though i had a lot of tread, it was cupped pretty badly.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 129
From: Black River Falls, WI.
Lighter
I have no scientific proof or evidence, but the new C2's I got thru mail order are lighter than the Dunlops i took off, and they were pretty well worn too. Just did the ole one in each hand measurement thing. The tech who changed them over said something too as soon as he picked one up. I take the wheels off and bring them into have the tires swapped cause I have tubes in the spoked wheels. Again no science here, just stating what happened with mine. And I love them!!! Bike came new with the older style Micheleins and I sure missed them while I wore out these 402's. MY 02, hope it helps
Kris
Kris
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,011
Likes: 143
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I got 31K out of my orignal D408 front and 21K out of my second D407 rear (over 15K on the first one), no way I'm switching away from Dunlop. My new rear American Elite is as quiet as can be, don't understand the noisy remark. My buddies on 08 and older frames are getting 8K out of their Metzeler ME880s, that's crazy, Id be changing tires twice a year!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 903
Likes: 8
From: California
I got 31K out of my orignal D408 front and 21K out of my second D407 rear (over 15K on the first one), no way I'm switching away from Dunlop. My new rear American Elite is as quiet as can be, don't understand the noisy remark. My buddies on 08 and older frames are getting 8K out of their Metzeler ME880s, that's crazy, Id be changing tires twice a year!