I have a 2005 Road King Classic (FLHRCI) which I bought in November 2014 w/ 47,000 miles on it. At that time the dealer put new front and rear Dunlop OEM tires on the bike. The bike has MT90B-16 front and MU85B-16 rear tires.

Last August I was due for a new rear tire even though I only had 7500 miles on it. I replaced it with a Dunlop American Elite tire, thinking I should get 10k or more on it. However, at 8500 miles it is now needing to be replaced. The wear on it appears even so I think it's just how I ride that's affecting the mileage. I mostly ride 1-UP and tend to accelerate fairly quickly when riding with BACA.

First, can anyone recommend a rear tire which might last a little longer or is 8500 about the best I can expect?

Second, I read somewhere that you should replace the front tire with every other rear tire. However, even after 16k+ miles my front tire still has 1/4" of tread so do I really need to change it as well?

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. Your front tyre is fine, so don't change it unnecessarily. On the other hand, also don't leave changing it too late - any tyre can start misbehaving as it gets close to the end of it's useful life.

As for your rear, all the major brands make suitable tyres. It seems you ride harder than some other riders, but don't let that you change how you ride. Most advice you see around HDF won't be much help - if someone claims they can get a zillion miles, they plainly ain't riding like you!

I don't get the mileage you mention, but that is partly because I buy softer tyres, for improved grip and comfort. If you like the quality of your current ride, stay with what you have, otherwise you can experiment with other brands.

 

I thought this is a thread about tire wear on Triglides not two wheels?

 

Road King Classic, according to mezlo!