What kind of tires are you running?

[tree88]

what kind (and size) of tires are you running on your bike, and what kind do you recommend? I have the factory dunlops 150/80/16 rear and 80/90/21 front- cupped as all hell (both ends) after only 6500 miles.

[pquirk]

It's interesting how variable people's experiences are with the stock tires. I got 15k out of my Dunlops and the wear was even, I was happy them. I'm running Metzler 880 Marathons now, I'm happy with them too. As far as size goes it depends on your bike, but for what it's worth I've got a 160 16" and 90 21"

[LagerDrinker]

Im reporting good wear and performance from my second set of stock tires. I like them but will try something different next time. (stock replacements were more convenient)

[jerseymutt]

Tree,

I am running Continentals and am extremely happy with them. They work like any other tire when it's dry but they hold really well in the rain and I am getting good mileage out of them. Corner well too. Have 14000 on the front and it is no where near needing to be replaced yet. The back tire I had to replace cause I got a big screw in it. I am riding a FLHS and the son has a Heritage, we both use them.

If you are getting that kind of chopping front and rear I would take a look at your alignment. A buddy was showing me the choppy tire wear he had on his Kawasaki tires. That day I was riding behind him and noticed his bike was always leaning slightly to the left when he was going straight. Turned out when he replaced the back tire he didn't align the rear wheel evenly. Hope this helps.

Mutt

[Big D]

Tree, I checked and pulled this from the Dunlop website... "Do not load the tires with more than two centerfolds at a time."

Dude, you're carryin' too many passengers!






I'm running the same tire, except my rear is 130 90. I have over 13K on this set and notice only that I'm flatting my rear. One thing I noticed on my bike is I have to stay on top of tire pressures. I run 'em by the book (36#F and 40#R) and in the summer, they'll need airing up every week or two.

I'm due for new shoes this winter and will probably try something else. I don't like the way these Dunlops pull sideways in rain grooves or road inperfections.

[tree88]

seriously, the rear alignment was off on my bike. Also ordered stiffer fork springs from racetech. Hopefully, between the fork springs and turning up the preload on the rear shock, I'll be able to carry three!!

[LagerDrinker]

Originally Posted by tree88

seriously, the rear alignment was off on my bike. Also ordered stiffer fork springs from racetech. Hopefully, between the fork springs and turning up the preload on the rear shock, I'll be able to carry three!!

Are you installing racetech Gold valves at the same time???

[tree88]

but I am changing to heavier fork oil. I really don't have enough ground clearance to justify the valves, honestly. as for the ride- my rear suspension has only actually moved twice i think since i installed the progressives, so even if they did help with that i probably wouldnt ever notice.

[LagerDrinker]

Originally Posted by tree88

but I am changing to heavier fork oil. I really don't have enough ground clearance to justify the valves, honestly. as for the ride- my rear suspension has only actually moved twice i think since i installed the progressives, so even if they did help with that i probably wouldnt ever notice.

Forget ground clearance, it makes forks adjustable and more consistant and controllable. I have them and love them and dont have too much ground clearance. About 4" travel in front suspension.
Also, are you getting straight rate or progressive wound springs? Racetech offers a choice...dont get straight rate if you are not getting valves. Get progressive wound.

[Goshawk]

The Dunlop stock D401's on my Sportster are the worst tires I have had. They slide on dry pavement in the corners even at slow speed. My bike started wobbling at 2,000 miles. I am almost sure it is the tires. I have a new set of Avon Venom X 110/90-19 and 150/80-16 to put on. From asking around they are the best for performance and on wet pavement that will fit my rims. The people that have used the Metzler and the Avons liked the Avons better.