Tar Snakes
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
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From: Utah
Tar Snakes
I've been looking for opinions for my next tire purchase for while. I'm especially looking for a tire/tread pattern that will best handle tar snakes. I run across a lot of information on how tires perform under wet conditions, with maybe a passing remark on tar snakes, but I haven't found anything that specifically addresses tar strips. Summers in my neck of the desert are generally hot and dry, with very few rainy days, which is why I'm more interested in a tire for these conditions. I know opinions are going to vary, but any feedback would be appreciated. For reference, I've been running stock Dunlops on my 2006 Heritage. I'm leaning toward American Elites, but I'm still looking for more information. Thanks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
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From: central NC
I live quite a few states away from you. But we have tar snakes, and it gets hot in NC.
The AE’s are better than the stock tires. Period.
There might be better tires for tar snakes, but I haven’t read about them.
The AE’s are better than the stock tires. Period.
There might be better tires for tar snakes, but I haven’t read about them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Granville New York
Another vote for Metzler. I will say that Vermont uses some type of sealant at the beginning and end of some bridges that is pretty greasy when it's really hot but other than that it's gotta be a real thick and wide tar snake to notice it...and hot.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Long Island, New York
I have successfully run Dunlops and Metzlers, different bikes different tires.
But for tar snakes the solution is simple. Dunlop likes to run the tread groove parallel with the tire therefore parallel with the tar snakes, or metal grating etc. That parallel groove is what gets hung up on the snakes and gives you the wiggle. Metzler seems to prefer a diagonal pattern, they float much better over the grooves.
Seems too simple, but that is what I have found, all about the direction of the tread. If tar snakes are the #1 concern, this is what you need to be mindful of, good luck.
But for tar snakes the solution is simple. Dunlop likes to run the tread groove parallel with the tire therefore parallel with the tar snakes, or metal grating etc. That parallel groove is what gets hung up on the snakes and gives you the wiggle. Metzler seems to prefer a diagonal pattern, they float much better over the grooves.
Seems too simple, but that is what I have found, all about the direction of the tread. If tar snakes are the #1 concern, this is what you need to be mindful of, good luck.
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From: Omaha,NE
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Last edited by 86glider; Jan 5, 2023 at 12:32 PM.
