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[HoustonAgingDad]

Got a good deal on a 180/60-16 (shop closed down, was left over, $50!) and I was wondering if anyone has used this size instead of a 180/65-16.  The 180/65 is the stock size that my 2010 Ultra calls for.  This tire SHOULD be the same but just a slightly lower profile. I understand it also has a slightly lighter load rating but I'm not worried about that. Also it should change my speedo reading ever so slightly but I ride like a turtle anyway so I'm not worried about that either.

Just curious has anyone changed sizes like this?

[HoustonAgingDad]

interesting comparison found via google - https://www.tacomaworld.com/tirecalc?tires=180-65r16-180-60r16

[GregKhougaz]

You did not mention what brand of tire. Most manufacturers, including Dunlop, lists the tires specifications, circumference, height, etc. on their websites. If you check, that will give you an idea of how much of a change you are making before you throw the tire on.

[HoustonAgingDad]

You did not mention what brand of tire. Most manufacturers, including Dunlop, lists the tires specifications, circumference, height, etc. on their websites. If you check, that will give you an idea of how much of a change you are making before you throw the tire on.

Ah!....thought I did.  Its a Metzler ME880

[coloradotom]

This site comes in handy for these kinds of things - https://tiresize.com/comparison/

[HoustonAgingDad]

This site comes in handy for these kinds of things - https://tiresize.com/comparison/

good to bookmark. thanks! The difference is so minor that I don't see why different sites don't list it's a fitting tire. Unless they're worried about liability I guess.

[grc]

The Metzeler 180/60 - 16 was designed for the old GoldWing, and has a load rating of 74.  Your bike's Dunlop has a load rating of 81.  That is not an insignificant difference.

How old is that tire?  The manufacturing date code is molded into the sidewall, and will tell you the week and year the tire was built.  I wouldn't use a tire that's 10 years old or older, and some companies say 6 years or older.

Jerry

[hd-dude]

A 74 load rated tire is 827 lbs vs. an 81 load rating of 1019 lbs. No thanks!

[coloradotom]

A 74 load rated tire is 827 lbs vs. an 81 load rating of 1019 lbs. No thanks!

The 81s I think is so HD can jack up their tire prices or a lawyer made them do it. A 17 Gold Wing is 100lbs heavier than a RG and they run factory 74s. Doesn't really matter cuz running either 74s or 81s loaded up to the max your over the GVWR of the frame.

[Mr D]

A 74 load rated tire is 827 lbs vs. an 81 load rating of 1019 lbs. No thanks!

I'm with Jim, even if it were free

Safety, always first

[HoustonAgingDad]

The 81s I think is so HD can jack up their tire prices or a lawyer made them do it. A 17 Gold Wing is 100lbs heavier than a RG and they run factory 74s. Doesn't really matter cuz running either 74s or 81s loaded up to the max your over the GVWR of the frame.

Don't know about the lawyer thing but like you, I just looked up the goldwing weight. Can't imagine why one would need a heavier rated tire for a lighter bike.

For years hd had been making the rear tire bigger and bigger for no real reason other team style. Maybe people are fatter? Hahaha.  I know the 180 is a heck of a lot more expensive than the 150s used to be!

[grc]

The 81s I think is so HD can jack up their tire prices or a lawyer made them do it. A 17 Gold Wing is 100lbs heavier than a RG and they run factory 74s. Doesn't really matter cuz running either 74s or 81s loaded up to the max your over the GVWR of the frame.

According to the Dunflop website, the 2013 and later GL1800's run a 80H rear tire, not a 74.  The 74 load rated tire was for older Goldwing models that weighed significantly less than the current bikes.  Harley isn't the only manufacturer that allowed their bikes to become obese. ;

Jerry

Btw, a Road Glide Ultra weighs in at 929 lbs wet, and the GL1800 comes in at 933 lbs wet.  Need to compare apples to apples.

[CVODON]

Man this is crazy, you folks are talking about a OLD Goldwing tire from when they were much lighter and comparing it based on a 2017 Bike. This is poor research. If you are going to post at least be correct. The New Goldwings do not use a 74 tire. Look it up. I bet the Metzler he has bought is very old. That's the reason they hadn't sold it. I would not use it on new heavy ass HD touring bike if it were free and someone mounted it for me. $50 was $50 to much for this bargin.

[HoustonAgingDad]

Man this is crazy, you folks are talking about a OLD Goldwing tire from when they were much lighter and comparing it based on a 2017 Bike. This is poor research. If you are going to post at least be correct. The New Goldwings do not use a 74 tire. Look it up. I bet the Metzler he has bought is very old. That's the reason they hadn't sold it. I would not use it on new heavy ass HD touring bike if it were free and someone mounted it for me. $50 was $50 to much for this bargin.

My bike is a 2010 Ultra (as stated in the original post). Apologies for not posting the date of the tire earlier. I thought I had. It has the stamp of July 2013.

dry weight on a 2010 Goldwing is roughly 900lbs. (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/30001/buyers-guide-specs/2010-honda-gold-wing-1800-audiocomfort/)
dry weight on my bike is 852lbs. (http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/30045/buyers-guide-specs/2010-harley-davidson-electra-glide-ultra-classic-flhtcu/)
my bike is about 50lbs lighter yet "requires" a heavier tire?

a 74 load rating on the 180/60 is 827 lbs vs. an 81 load rating of 1019 lbs on the 180/65

Unless I'm doing wheelies, I think the weight of the bike will be distributed across two tires.

 

[iski]

It's your decision.  I would pass, we only have 2 wheels and tires, both are critical.  Load rating is not a minor issue, as others have noted.  Age of that tire is also a big factor.  Regular riding around town - still would pass here.  Loaded bike, 2 up - not for me. 

[HoustonAgingDad]

It's your decision.  I would pass, we only have 2 wheels and tires, both are critical.  Load rating is not a minor issue, as others have noted.  Age of that tire is also a big factor.  Regular riding around town - still would pass here.  Loaded bike, 2 up - not for me.

true enough that both are critical. The tire is 4 years old right now and will last about a year (with my normal mileage). I'm just confused about how Honda believes this tire is ok for a heavier bike but HD doesn't believe it is ok for a lighter bike.  Maybe Honda is taking into account the weight of two average Japanese citizens vs the weight of two average Americans! (just kidding!!!!....sort of unfortunately true though nowadays.     )

[coloradotom]

Man this is crazy, you folks are talking about a OLD Goldwing tire from when they were much lighter and comparing it based on a 2017 Bike. This is poor research. If you are going to post at least be correct. The New Goldwings do not use a 74 tire. Look it up. I bet the Metzler he has bought is very old. That's the reason they hadn't sold it. I would not use it on new heavy ass HD touring bike if it were free and someone mounted it for me. $50 was $50 to much for this bargin.

Well, I was not - 2017s. Read it here.

http://www.honda.co.uk/motorcycles/range/touring/gl1800-gold-wing/specifications.html

Tyre Size Front    130/70 R18 (63H)
Tyre Size Rear    180/60 R16 (74H)

Click on wheels section.

[iski]

true enough that both are critical. The tire is 4 years old right now and will last about a year (with my normal mileage). I'm just confused about how Honda believes this tire is ok for a heavier bike but HD doesn't believe it is ok for a lighter bike.  Maybe Honda is taking into account the weight of two average Japanese citizens vs the weight of two average Americans! (just kidding!!!!....sort of unfortunately true though nowadays.     )

It is sort of "inscrutable."     Maybe Honda uses Helium in their tires, to increase tread life and make the tires lighter than air.  Nobody knows probably.  Have never had a Honda but have met some of the nicest people riding one.   

[HoustonAgingDad]

It is sort of "inscrutable."     Maybe Honda uses Helium in their tires, to increase tread life and make the tires lighter than air.  Nobody knows probably.  Have never had a Honda but have met some of the nicest people riding one.   

hahaha!!!!  I've heard that! 

[CVODON]

Does not make sense to me to be over-max before you ever let the clutch out. When you add 6 gallons of gas and oil (Dry vs Wet) you are over weight. I may do some sketchy stuff but using a 4 year old tire that is not rated enough to carry the weight is not gonna happen.

[Hnhcvo]

I WENT TO THE 180/60/16..............  MY SPEEDO IS WAY OFF AND ITS LIKE I LOST A GEAR!!!!  my 2012 fltrxse did come with an 18 rearand its about 3/4'' overall height lower, I did this for show purposes and getting the bike lower but its a pain in the ass and the bike revs way to high at crusing speeds for my liking.... maybe if I had 7 gears it would be ok lol... just my 2 cents but keep the overall diameter as close to stock as possible

[HoustonAgingDad]

I WENT TO THE 180/60/16..............  MY SPEEDO IS WAY OFF AND ITS LIKE I LOST A GEAR!!!!  my 2012 fltrxse did come with an 18 rearand its about 3/4'' overall height lower, I did this for show purposes and getting the bike lower but its a pain in the ass and the bike revs way to high at crusing speeds for my liking.... maybe if I had 7 gears it would be ok lol... just my 2 cents but keep the overall diameter as close to stock as possible

interesting!  Going from an 18" to a 16" then yeah I can see you losing a lot. I never would have even thought about changing the wheels.  Fortunately I'm keeping the same size wheel as stock (16"), I'm just changing the profile.

[Hnhcvo]

interesting!  Going from an 18" to a 16" then yeah I can see you losing a lot. I never would have even thought about changing the wheels.  Fortunately I'm keeping the same size wheel as stock (16"), I'm just changing the profile.

Ya I went small so my center stand sat better and over all look when aired out was cooler lol... well that 3/4" over all height really affected gearing etc. handling etc isn't bad just the fact I'm probably 500rpm higher at the same speed and 8 or so mph off on my speedo


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[fastfreddy]

i have bought 5 new rear tires and 2 new fronts in the last five years... money is not a reason to risk your health over. think that is the point, not IF you can make it work

[Puzzled]

I run 180/60/16 on my bike. It's a stock Goldwing tire. I get them from the Honda shop. No issues with mamma and I on the bike.