School me on steel belted tires.
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 85
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From: Oakdale, CA
School me on steel belted tires.
When I changed from bias belted tires to steel oh so MANY! years ago it made a real difference on my van. I'm starting to get the impression that may NOT be the case with my 2001 88ci twin cam Duece. The Metzlers I just put on it feel great, so I'm thinking the thing to do with my next tires is to stick with the tried and true. If a switch to steel belted tires would make an improvement somebody please fill me in.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
I doubt if many members will know which tyres come with steel belts, if any, and frankly it really doesn't matter! Many modern tyres come with kevlar or other hi-tech materials in their construction, which supersedes the use of steel, especially in lighter vehicles like bikes. If you like your Metzelers stay with them. They are a premium tyre that is very popular with HDF members.
Leave your past behind you - enjoy the present and look forward to your future on the latest generation rubber! Steel is just so last year.....
Leave your past behind you - enjoy the present and look forward to your future on the latest generation rubber! Steel is just so last year.....
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
My pleasure! One of the reasons we have less punctures these days (I've been riding since the 60s) is the use of kevlar, carbon-fibre, etc. They stop sharp stuff getting through our tyres so easily. Carbon-fibre is the new steel, as far as tyres are concerned! 
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 26
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From: Bessemer City NC
I mixed my tires by putting a radial tire with my bias tire on rear of my 2011 RG. It wondered in the front end at 70-80 mph. I have a stock bias Dunlop I will be putting on this week. Well I put the front tire on and still had very bad stability problems. After more investigation I realized the rear tire was a radial tire. Replaced rear tire with OEM bias tire and Ohhh what a difference. Bike handles on highway 200% better. I compared radial and bias tire side by side unmounted to see if I could tell a difference. The bias tire was so much more rigid than the radial. I showed it to several guys in shop and they all could not believe the difference they were seeing. Note: radial does not necessarily mean steel belted radial. Radial and bias tires are constructed differently. I ride a heavy touring bike and after this ordeal and also from the feedback from others I don't believe a radial tire should ever be put on a touring bike.
Last edited by spasour; Aug 27, 2013 at 06:15 AM.
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