After I read this I put 44 in my 888 rear. But then contacted Metzler and they replied with the following.

Please note one should always inflate tires to the correct tire pressure as indicated in the owner’s manual. However Metzeler has found the air pressure suggestions listed below or in our brochure will improve mileage and customer satisfaction. Check cold inflation pressure frequently. Correct tire pressure is crucial for safe handling. Over inflation may impair ride comfort and reduce the contact patch between the tire and the driving surface of the tires. Insufficient air pressure will result in poor handling and cause a tendency for the motorcycle to "wander". In addition, improper and insufficient tire pressure will cause accelerated tire wear, increased fuel consumption, less control and the possibilities for tire failure due to an overloaded/under inflated operating situation.

RECOMMENDED MOTORCYCLE TIRE PRESSURES BASED ON LOAD
Front Solo 2 up Riding 2 w/load
36 38-40 40

Rear Solo 2 up Riding 2 w/load
38-40 40 40

We always suggest that running higher pressures (up to the max as stated on the sidewall) will increase the life of the tire with no adverse effects. Thanks for the question and have a great day.

 

I just put these 888s on last month based strictly on my experience with the with the 880s for several years previously. Rode 2000+ miles in the smokeys at 40 and 40 2 up and tires are great.. got caught in a lot of rain and a couple of torrential downpours and tires were awesome.

One thing I did notice though when leaning into a curve (right or left) is the tread pattern on the sides of the tires make a funny noise when contacting the road...

all in all, love the tires and I always go by manufacturer recommended pressures on tires, not HD specs. Even Dunlop tells you to put more air in them than the HD manual states

 

that's some good information straight from the horse's mouth

 

Ironhead3fan, your '03 has weak fork springs from the factory. Race Tech or Progressive will help prevent your bottoming out problem. I went with Race Tech 85 lb springs and their Gold Valves. More than recommended oil or heavier weight oil will give you a rougher or firmer ride.

 

Thanks UltraNutZ! Living here in the great NorthWet (Oregon) knowing how a new tire performs in heavy rain is a crucial piece of information.

Ed

 

I read Mike's post, #21 with great interest. I also read Checker's post (#14) and he has hit the nail on the head. I neglected to state that my bike was a 2011 Ultra Classic Limited, and this has created a potential problem because the load rating and pressure is different for many of our bikes. I WAS CORRECT IN THE STATEMENT FOR MY TIRES, which are 130/80B17TL 65H (Min 36, Max 42)and 180/65B16 ReinfTL 81H Rear (Min 44, Max 50). So to OVERINFLATE WOULD BE PUTTING MORE THAN 42 lbs IN THE FRONT AND MORE THAN 50 LBS IN THE REAR. Interestingly, the 99 to 03 model FLHCU is load rated at 74 H vs 81H on the 10-13 model, and the air pressure recommended in 36 min 40 max front, and 38 min, 40 max rear. The 04 to 08 (flhcu) tires, once again a different size, have a 77H rating, vs the 74H on 99-03, and 81H on 09-13, and the pressures for the 04-08flhcu are 36/40, and 38/40. All of this info is taken directly from the Metzler tire and fitment brochure, which I requested and received from Metzler.com. All Harleys are listed, and as you can see, tire sizes, ratings, and pressures are different depending upon YOUR bike. Now that all this is as clear as muddy water, I don't know how to get the PDF file that Metzler sent me on this forum, but it is available to all from Metzler. Thanks again to Mike and Checker's for arousing my curiosity and apologies for not stating the year and model of my bike when posting the pressures I used.

 

[QUOTE=UltraNutZ;11563652]I just put these 888s on last month




UltraNutz,
Were you able to find the 888s local or did you have to mail order?

Ronnie

 

[quote=houronron;11574389]houronron.. to be quite honest I really didn't look locally because everyone around here seems to want full retail for motorcycle tires. I always get my tires from motorcycle superstore. if you do find their prices are higher than someone else, all you have to do is call them and they'll match. Never pay shipping and every time I've ordered (many times) the tires were sitting on my doorstep within 3 days and my boys over at Mancuso never have a problem putting them on.

 

me to

 

I can do that easily with a front tire but never had a rear tire, whether dunlop, metzler, michelin, or avon make it over 12k or so...