www.CVOHARLEY.com
CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: 08serkrider on July 26, 2011, 07:33:32 PM
-
It's time for a new pair of tires on my '08 SERK, but I'm having a hard finding replacements other than Dunlop. What have you been putting on your 'O8 SERK's? I'd prefer Metzler's or Michellin's
-
I recently put a new set of Dunlops on my 08 SERK. I looked around for something else but was not able to find any other tires in the size we need. They are made by Dunlop for Harley only.
I had over 9000 miles on my tires and my front was cupping. I heard that HD had put out a bulletin about it so I called them not expecting them to do anything due to the mileage. I told the lady that it felt unsafe in corners and she said thats all she needed to hear. She gave me an approval number to give the dealer and a new front tire was put on at no charge to me. :bananarock:
-
Put the new Dunlop American Elite rear tire on my ultra.
I love it!
Just feels better then factory tire, at least to me, that's all that matters.
I will never go back to stock Harley tire, and yes I am aware it's a Dunlop also.
Just sayin, I like, scratch that, love the tire.
Dave
-
It's time for a new pair of tires on my '08 SERK, but I'm having a hard finding replacements other than Dunlop. What have you been putting on your 'O8 SERK's? I'd prefer Metzler's or Michellin's
I'm running Metzler's on my 07 SERK, They made a big difference in handling and the ride over the Dunlop (H-D) tires that came on the bike.
-
I am a fan of Metzler, especality in the rain, always felt more planted on my RK. like the dunlops on dry pavement just not a fan on them in the rain.
-
The only thing that worries me about the Metzler is it has a lower weight rating then is required.
Dunlops are rated to 1019 and the Metzler is around 908.
I have several friends that ride them on the older bikes and love them, just want and need higher rating.
I'm sure it wont be long before they make one, but for now it's got to be Dunlop or Avon.
Dave
-
The only thing that worries me about the Metzler is it has a lower weight rating then is required.
Dunlops are rated to 1019 and the Metzler is around 908.
I have several friends that ride them on the older bikes and love them, just want and need higher rating.
I'm sure it wont be long before they make one, but for now it's got to be Dunlop or Avon.
Dave
As you can see in my avatar my RK is not stock i have added Faring, Hardbags & King Tour Pak, Comparing to a friend oy mines Ultra my bike is 32 pounds than his, I ride two up 99% of the time, Together we weigh appox. 425 lbs. I think the bike rides and handles alot better with the Metz than the H-D (Dunlops) that came on the bike. A Metzler Rep told me that their weight ratings were less than most only to cover their arse. He also told me to run their recommented tire presure's, Hard headed me didn't i ran what i had always ran in the H-D tires, I wasn't happy with the Metzler's at all, So i started running what they recommend and the Metzler's came to life, Making them handle and ride better on dry or wet roads. I hope i don't sound like a Metzler Rep., cause i'm not, just telling you my expirence with Metzler (several sets) on two different bikes. :2vrolijk_21:
-
NO, you do not sound like a rep. ;D
Like I said, all of my friends that use them, love them,.
My point was the load concern.
Dave
P.S
I weigh well over 390 with out my bsr, so load rating is more important to me.
So comparing you and a rider at almost my weight is no comparison.
When I ride 2 up and the tour packs are loaded, we are pushing the Dunlop rating, let alone the Metzler at 100 pounds less.
Just sayin.
-
NO, you do not sound like a rep. ;D
Like I said, all of my friends that use them, love them,.
My point was the load concern.
Dave
P.S
I weigh well over 390 with out my bsr, so load rating is more important to me.
So comparing you and a rider at almost my weight is no comparison.
When I ride 2 up and the tour packs are loaded, we are pushing the Dunlop rating, let alone the Metzler at 100 pounds less.
Just sayin.
I understand, You be one of those home grown corn fed boys. :2vrolijk_21: :2vrolijk_21:
-
Elite IIs?
I am looking ahead for when It's time for a new set.
I like the look of the Raised White Letter Elite IIs for my 03 SERK.
Cheers
DR
Put the new Dunlop American Elite rear tire on my ultra.
I love it!
Just feels better then factory tire, at least to me, that's all that matters.
I will never go back to stock Harley tire, and yes I am aware it's a Dunlop also.
Just sayin, I like, scratch that, love the tire.
Dave
-
Thanks for the input. I'm going with the Metzler ME880's. My '08 FLHRSE4 has the same tire size as the '07 FLHRSE3: front=130/70R18, rear=170/60R17. They are radial tires, so that eliminates the new Elite series from Dunlop. I was hoping that Michellin had a set, but I couldn't find any. As for the load rating, the rear ME800 is rated as a "78V", which translates into 937lb, and 149mph respectively. That's right at the weight we ride at two up, so I don't have any worries there. Had the bike been able to use bias-ply tires, my choice would have been greater, but the radial leaves me with only two that I could find; Metzler and Dunlop. I have't like the stock Dunlops, so I'm going to go with the Metzler. I had them on my old 2002 FLHR, and felt they were a very good tire. Only complaint is that they don't last as long.
-
I got pretty close to same mileage on the Metz as i did on the H-D's (Dunlop), The Metz are a softer compound thats why they handle and ride so much better.
-
I had the Metzler 880 on my SERK. They were extremely slick on wet pavement for the 1st 500 miles or so, then they wore in just fine. Made more noise than the Dunlops. The rear tire was completely worn out in less than 8000 miles. In fact they were throwing chunks of rubber off exposing the core. The front held up fine. I know many have had good luck with the Metzlers FWIW.
Since our options are so limited (Dunlop or Metzler) I went back to the Dunlops. Getting ready for another new set now, will go with the Dunlop again I guess.
JW
-
Agree, They are a little slippery for the first few hundred miles until you get all the oil out of them, I have about 5,000 miles on this set, rear tire has appox. 50% tread left, you say 8,000 miles on your rear tire, Think maybe its because all the HP & TQ you are putting to them???? :2vrolijk_21: They are a soft compound.
-
Agree, They are a little slippery for the first few hundred miles until you get all the oil out of them, I have about 5,000 miles on this set, rear tire has appox. 50% tread left, you say 8,000 miles on your rear tire, Think maybe its because all the HP & TQ you are putting to them???? :2vrolijk_21: They are a soft compound.
I'm sure I am wearing the tires out faster due to romping on her from time to time. :P I get go grip with either tire so I'm sticking with the Dunlop's for the extra mileage. Already had to replace the rear on the 11 SESG. Got 12000 out of the rear. Should have replaced it sooner. Was out on the road (Ill to Florida and back) escorting a friend to his retirement home. Managed to do the Dragon, Hell Bender, Cherohala and other great roads going down and back. With the extreme heat and hot pavement, the rubber seemed to disappear! Had a great time and swapped tires in Paducah, Ky. It's nice to spead the miles out on three great scooters. Retirement is good! :drink:
JW
-
My question on tires is, has anyone been running the Elite 3 's How are they in the rain? Most tires are okay on dry pavement. The true test weather a tire is good is how it handles in the rain. I need tires shortly too and I'm not sure which way to go. I love the ride of the metzlers, but the life of that tire really sucks. Any Metzler factory people, I hope you see this. Tire is fine but won't last. >:(
-
My question on ties is, has anyone been running the Elite 3 's How are they in the rain? Most tires are okay on dry pavement. The true test weather a tire is good is how it handles in the rain. I news tires shortly too and I'm not sure which way to go. I love the ride of the metzlers, but the life of that. Tire really sucks. Any Metzler factory people, I hope you see this. Tire is fine but won't last. >:(
Talked with several riders that use the Elite 3 on other scoots. They gave them good wet weather marks. I'm pretty sure I'll be given these a try for my front tire on the next go around. That 17" rear tire is just a mother to find anything else to try.
JW
-
Better change them both tho :nixweiss:
-
Better change them both tho :nixweiss:
Yep
Elite 3 Radial front / D407 rear.
JW
-
is that ok to use 2 different tires at the same time??
-
is that ok to use 2 different tires at the same time??
It's my understanding as long as they are both radials it's ok. Dunlop list the E 3 as a replacement for the front.
JW
-
I am gonna try the Elite 3's I've tries just about everything else, so why not. Jim at Metal Dragon swears by them, so I'll give those a shot. I ordered up a set last night from Dennis Kirk. Should be here next week sometime.