Calling tire gurus
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 219
Likes: 2
From: Dallas
Calling tire gurus
looking to replace the the Dunlop 180/55ZR18 on my 2013 Ultra Limited. It is a 107 stage 4 and I do exercise the extra ponies on a regular basis. The last tire seemed to only last about 4k miles and I was easier on it than the tire before. I don't seem to have a lot of options on this tire due to size. Kinda have ruled out the Metzler 888. looking at the Night Dragon and the Commander II. I also see tires offered in radial and bias ply. I do like cornering hard and from what i read, the bias might fit my needs better. Can someone in the know enlighten me? I'm looking to get more miles per $$$$ too.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
With that size of tyre you are going to find a limited range of options IMHO. As for tyre types, for decades they were mostly cross-ply, until the bias-ply type became more popular. Radials were originally only suitable for cars not bikes, but technology design and materials have all moved on. I use radials on front and rear of my Buell and Sportster, bias front and radial rear on my Glide. It is conventional when mixing both types to use bias front with radial rear, not the other way around.
Looking at tyres of your size, the radial versions seem to have a low load rating, whereas the bias type have a much more suitable load rating. In the case of the Avon Cobra, the bias version has a LR of 80 and is reinforced, so in your circumstances that would be my choice. Their radial tyre only has a LR of 74 and is also Z speed rated, so will have less tread and have softer rubber, so is unlikely IMHO to last very long!
Hope that helps!
Looking at tyres of your size, the radial versions seem to have a low load rating, whereas the bias type have a much more suitable load rating. In the case of the Avon Cobra, the bias version has a LR of 80 and is reinforced, so in your circumstances that would be my choice. Their radial tyre only has a LR of 74 and is also Z speed rated, so will have less tread and have softer rubber, so is unlikely IMHO to last very long!
Hope that helps!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
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From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
I with Mr Brown. Load rating for the 18 is the issue. Dunlop, AE, commander II or Pirelli.
my 12 CVO with a 120R is riding stock Dunlop and is averaging approx 10k per rear. I'm putting an AE on next to see if I can get above 10.
I have pirelli on my 10 fltrx the 16 for the rear has a great load rating and is sticker than the Dunlop. I expect to get 10 or better.
if all else fails, you could consider the dark side.....
my 12 CVO with a 120R is riding stock Dunlop and is averaging approx 10k per rear. I'm putting an AE on next to see if I can get above 10.
I have pirelli on my 10 fltrx the 16 for the rear has a great load rating and is sticker than the Dunlop. I expect to get 10 or better.
if all else fails, you could consider the dark side.....
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 1,429
From: pensacola fl
Ive had the Avon Cobras on for 2 weeks, they are outstanding tires. How long they last wasn't a big concern for me. Safety in wet and dry was the most important factor in my choice
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