The tire thread. Which do you recommend or discourage?
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
I always liked 402's on my baggers.
Ran Avons on the softail I built.
Only issues I ever had with grooves or tar lines was with the softail but that was not an issue with tire brand, it is an issue with the skinny pencil tire size we run on those bikes. Tar lines are the real issue in hot weather with pencil tires.
Regardless, grooves are not something to run in on a bike, steer clear of them and cross them diagonally.
Ran Avons on the softail I built.
Only issues I ever had with grooves or tar lines was with the softail but that was not an issue with tire brand, it is an issue with the skinny pencil tire size we run on those bikes. Tar lines are the real issue in hot weather with pencil tires.
Regardless, grooves are not something to run in on a bike, steer clear of them and cross them diagonally.
Club Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 6
From: Port Charlotte, Florida
I just put a set of ME 888 on my 2011 roadglide ultra and so far they are running nice cornering nice and im really liking how they feel in the corners now we will see if they stand the test of milage.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
I just picked up a set of Metz 888's for my RK. These are supposed to be the next generation of the 880's. I've always run Dunlop 402's but my buddies all love their Metzlers so I figured I will give them a try. Motor Cycle Super Stores is selling the the pair for only $277.00 with free shipping. They are currently running a deal where they give you a $25 gas card if you buy the set which brings the price down to $252.00
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
I never realized how much difference a tire could make. Until I installed a commander II on the front of my bike. It was a horrible mistake. It was so bad, I refused to believe that a tire caused my bike to handle so poorly. I finally exhausted all my efforts, and installed an Avon venom. Wow. No way I would have guessed a tire could give me the most stable ride I've experienced in years. I'm an Avon customer from now on!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I'm a great fan as well. Venoms for our Harleys have been superseded by Cobras now, as shown in post #16. I have just fitted one on the front of my Glide now, having used Venoms for many years.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
Are Avon tires better adapted to slightly cooler or different pavement (less oily surfaces)?
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 17
From: Between Fort Worth and Wichita Falls Texas
I recently installed Michilen Commander II's. Got sick and tired of the Dunnies walking all over the place. I do sorta miss the skinny white wall though. I've heard others complain about them being skidish but I have not seen that. In fact mine are much more stable than the Dunnies ever thought of being. I've also heard that air pressure might cause this. I'm running 36 and 34 and love it. I've also heard to stay away from the radials and go with bias. I have no idea which one I have on that count. I'm sorta assuming there would be an "R" by the tire size but I don't see that. Anybody know if my assumption is correct or is there another way to tell which one?
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
The worst tyres I ever used on my Harley were Metzelers, which are the only tyres in 40 years of riding that I have replaced within a few weeks of fitting them. They were downright dangerous and the following set of Pirelli were not exactly a lot better. Having owned Harleys since '74 I usually end up with Avons, whenever I am attracted away to try another brand.
We have ridden in the USA, Canada, Western Europe and Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, etc, all on Avons, a world wide universal tyre! We're planning to go even further afield later this year. Wouldn't consider any other!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
Haven't heard that one before! Avon like Dunlop are originally British firms and named after the River Avon, where they are made, in the West Country near Bristol.
The worst tyres I ever used on my Harley were Metzelers, which are the only tyres in 40 years of riding that I have replaced within a few weeks of fitting them. They were downright dangerous and the following set of Pirelli were not exactly a lot better. Having owned Harleys since '74 I usually end up with Avons, whenever I am attracted away to try another brand.
We have ridden in the USA, Canada, Western Europe and Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, etc, all on Avons, a world wide universal tyre! We're planning to go even further afield later this year. Wouldn't consider any other!
The worst tyres I ever used on my Harley were Metzelers, which are the only tyres in 40 years of riding that I have replaced within a few weeks of fitting them. They were downright dangerous and the following set of Pirelli were not exactly a lot better. Having owned Harleys since '74 I usually end up with Avons, whenever I am attracted away to try another brand.
We have ridden in the USA, Canada, Western Europe and Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, etc, all on Avons, a world wide universal tyre! We're planning to go even further afield later this year. Wouldn't consider any other!
