Time for new Tires ??

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Aug 6, 2014 | 12:42 PM

#21

Krutch

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 313

Likes: 2

From: somewhere in "The Peoples' Republic of Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2011RoadKing

I'm ready to replace the oem dunlops on my ultra classic, I got about 13k out of them but you can tell by the handling they need replaced. I'm considering three different tires to replace my worn dunlops....the Dunlop American elite 2, the metzler 888, and the Michelin commander 2....

I'm sure all 3 will get decent wear and last atleast 10k with the mich comm 2 supposedly doubling that...either way...as long as I get 10k or so I'd be happy.... My biggest concern is traction on wet roads.... Of the 3 tires I'm considering is one of them substantially better at cornering on wet twisties yet still great on highways wet and dry?

See post #20 for wet handling. Metzler gave a funny feeling in rain heavy or light. Mileage was not as claimed. Tar snakes got both Dunlop's and Metzlers.

Aug 6, 2014 | 04:42 PM

#22

slapshot12

Road Warrior

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 1,552

Likes: 81

From: Largo, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam D.

Interesting,,, I did a search earlier today for tire noise on curves,,, only found post about Bearing failure... My '13 Ultra started making a hum or when I hit about 6500 miles on the bike, riding 2 up going straight it does not do it,,, lean a little to the right and it hums a little,,, lean it to the left and it's the loudest... it still has the stock Dunlops on it... Doesn't seem to do it right away,,, but after riding it for several miles.. I run 36 in the front & 40 in the rear... and I check them weekly.
Any ideas?

Cupped tires. My bike was doing the exact same thing. Just had the stock tires replaced with MCII's 2 days ago. I only have 20 miles on them, so I can't give a fair evaluation yet.

Last edited by slapshot12; Aug 6, 2014 at 04:45 PM.

Aug 6, 2014 | 08:11 PM

#23

Teachinator

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 116

Likes: 5

From: San Antonio, Texas

Just a thought, The post that stated that his bike makes a humming sound when he or she makes a right or left sweeping turn may be caused by the drive belt rubbing on the tire side wall. Compare the belt side to the brake side for wear. An incorrect rear wheel alignment will sometimes cause the humming that you have described.
PH

Aug 6, 2014 | 09:36 PM

#24

TI06

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 778

Likes: 10

From: Windsor Ontario

I love my stock Dunlops unlike most of you. My 09 SG and my current 12 RKC both got 30,000 km's which is about 18,000 miles on the rear tire and not totally worn out. I don't do burn outs but I ride fairly hard at times, and check tire pressure weekly. I love these dual compound tires. I just hit an all year special at Motor City HD in Farmington Hills Michigan, $197.00 installed. This is the Dunlop 407/408. I had to pay an extra $27.00 for the rim strip since I'm tubeless, so $225.00 for a 20,000 mile tire. I'm happy.

Aug 6, 2014 | 11:39 PM

#25

Wayniac

Stage I

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 1

Likes: 0

From: Spokane, WA

I have 19,450 on my original Dunlops. Getting a new set this weekend. I'll pay a little extra for that kind of mileage. The guys I ride with are amazed that I got that much mileage out of them.

Aug 7, 2014 | 03:49 AM

#26

122c

Thread Starter

Advanced

Joined: Jul 2012

Posts: 97

Likes: 0

From: St Pete / Crystal River FL

Ok I installed a set of the new American Elites and as some stated new tires do feel sweet. Didnt realize how noisey they had gotten. The front end noise that I had from day 1 is gone and based on the 800 miles so far I am very satisfied. I want to thank all of you for your input as the world we now live in "what was good yesterday may be obsolete tomorrow". Technology is a wonderful thing !

Aug 7, 2014 | 07:55 AM

#27

Krutch

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 313

Likes: 2

From: somewhere in "The Peoples' Republic of Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by slapshot12

Cupped tires. My bike was doing the exact same thing. Just had the stock tires replaced with MCII's 2 days ago. I only have 20 miles on them, so I can't give a fair evaluation yet.

I had gotten so used to the noise of the metzlers in turns that I forgot to mention that. I had that noise from day one. Both a friend from Iowa and locally also commented on the noise. And that's when the tires were new.
I had Metzler on the front until June this year and it was cupped last year, but the cup was not bad at the start of this season. It progressed quickly and made my shoulder blade and collar bone muscles sore on 100 mile runs. When I finally installed the front Michelin the noise is gone and so too the sore body from long rides. And I thought I was just gettin' old.
From comments on other brands & experiences, I wonder if a brand works well for some and not so well for some others. Or if ridding styles make one brand great for one and a piece of junk for others
I am sold on the Michelins'!

Last edited by Krutch; Aug 7, 2014 at 07:58 AM.

Aug 7, 2014 | 08:23 AM

#28

R_Einan

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 1,196

Likes: 110

From: Pacific NW

Metzlers are a high pressure tire, I got the front mh90 to stop cupping on my fx once I started keeping the tire pressure at 42-44 lbs. Anything less and they cupped dramatically. The last one I had to replace due to tread separation

RE